WREN
After an agonising six minutes of watching the Alpha King and his Luna
converse with their eyes —probably in their minds through the mate bond—a car
drove to a stop in front of the open door.
I knew nothing about cars but this one looked sleek, and expensive. Its glossy
white exterior contrasted sharply with the darkness of the outer Castle, and with a
loud sound, it released smoke, before a suited man came out of the passenger door,
and moved to the back door.
He opened it, and a man stepped out.
I think we all took a collective breath as he walked forward. A soft purr
escaped my lips at the sight, and I heard the Luna chuckle beside me.
At least she understood.
Kael Blackthorn had long jet black hair and grey eyes that looked like they
bore angry storms. His skin was golden like his father's, but unblemished. Where the
Alpha King had one long scar along his cheek and one on his upper lip, his son had
none.
Not a single visible flaw on his sun-kissed skin.
Muscles rippled under his cream-coloured suit, and every step he took was
overwhelming to watch.
Omegas were naturally drawn to Alphas and a few Betas. Which meant that all
our senses became attuned to them; men or women when they stepped into a room.
And in a room full of them, we would be in agony —some might call it bliss.
But as an Omega who had not yet manifested her wolf, my sense of smell was
weaker, duller. Yet—
Yet.
A strong scent of sandalwood and burnt roses reached me — warm, smoky,
and strangely aching, like something precious that had been lost and carried ever
since.
Oh my fucking goddess. I would sink to my knees for this man. I would let
them bruise, even.
All this poetry just to say that Kael Blackthorn, Crowned Prince of Thornscape
Pack, was so fucking hot.
The Luna ran out the door and into his arms, and I watched him hesitate
before wrapping his arms around her. I watched her tense with the realisation, and
my heart broke for her when his eyes remained open and empty as he held her.
He was angry. Perhaps for sending him off at just 7 years. Perhaps for leaving
him, sending him far away. I would have resented her too.
She broke off the awkward hug, and sniffled. The tears in her eyes were
glittering under the sun. She was red all over, and her eyes were crossed.
"I missed you," she said, looking up at him.
He remained silent for so long we thought he wouldn't reply. "You should get
inside, the sun is harsh."
At least he sounded like he cared. About her skin. Not her feelings. Clearly.
"How was the drive? It's quite the journey."
He looked down at her. "It wasn't too long."
His words were intentional and we all know it. It seemed the King Draven had
had enough, because when the Luna visibly flinched, he stepped outside.
"Kael." His voice was deep and authoritative as he clamped a hand on his son's
shoulders. "You should come inside. We've all had a long day."
The guards moved to open the boot of the car, and carry his boxes, while I
straightened, gaze on the ground as they walked past me. The Prince removed his
suit jacket, folded it in half and placed it on my shoulder.
I held on to it in my arms and turned to follow. But then Caius stepped in my
front. There was a weird look in his eyes.
"We need to talk. My room? To—"
I was already shaking my head. "I have so much to do. I have clean the
Prince's wing again, help him get settled in, I—"
He growled, low and deep. "They assigned you to him? I'll talk to my Aunt,
you shouldn't—"
"Caius. I have to show Kael to his room now. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to
keep my head on. And stay away from the Matron , you'll only make things worse for
me."
I didn't know why I was the object of her bitchery these days, but I intended to
let it pass away quietly.
He hesitated, waves of displeasure rolling off him. I felt the innate urge to
soothe him, but pushed it down.
"Do you still love her?" I asked him, my heart hanging on to a string I didn't
realise I had tied.
His mouth opened, and then closed. And I saw the guilt in his eyes. So I shut
mine for a few seconds, almost hearing my heart shatter.
I sidestepped him, holding tightly to the suit that smelled so fucking good.
Then I rushed to catch up with the Prince, whose Parents were no longer with him.
"Your royal highness," I greeted softly, gaze on the ground. "I am your
Chamber maid. My name is Wren Starling. I'll escort you to your quarters now, but
I'd like to know if—"
"I do not appreciate your chattering. And I know the way to my room."
I bristled at his tone. Chattering? Who the fuck did— I cleared my throat. No
negative thoughts towards the Prince, Wren. None.
I remained silent, falling back to walk between the guards instead. At least
their silence was somewhat comforting, and they weren't fucking rude.
All I'd wanted was to ask if he wanted fucking tea.