She came every dawn to atone for her pack’s sins enduring their hatred just to heal the Alpha they destroyed.
Until the night he finally saw her.
Bianca Winters walked the path of shame each morning rocks and snarls following her steps.
Her pack had nearly destroyed Theo’s people with poison and betrayal.
Now the once powerful Alpha King remained locked in darkness blind and broken refusing to see anyone.
But Bianca kept coming.
She offered her healing skills at his gates day after day accepting their cruelty as penance.
The beta always turned her away.
The Alpha would never accept help from a Winter.
Until one desperate night she slipped past the guards.
In his private chambers she found the broken king.
Something ancient stirred between them a pull neither could deny.
When she healed him with forbidden power her wolf finally broke free revealing a majestic form no one had ever seen lion body crowned with a serpent tail power that made the court scream in terror.
Theo watched the monster rise and did not recoil.
Instead his eyes softened with wonder.
You stayed he whispered voice raw.
Even when I pushed you away you stayed for me.
But their fragile bond faced deadly tests.
Old enemies returned.
Her family’s crimes threatened everything.
And the mating pull grew stronger demanding truth trust and a choice that could either heal their packs or tear them apart forever.
Would the Alpha who lost everything forgive the woman whose bloodline nearly destroyed him?
Or would love prove stronger than the scars of war?
The stone railing was cool under her hands.
She gripped it hard enough to hurt trying to ground herself trying to breathe.
The thing inside her was thrashing wanting out wanting to Velia.
His voice cut through the roaring in her ears.
She heard the door slam behind him.
Heard his footsteps crossing the terrace quick urgent.
Where are you going?
Cailen asked sounding almost amused.
The ball only just started.
We didn’t even dance.
She turned.
The tears were already streaming down her face impossible to stop.
He stopped.
She watched his face change.
Watched the smile drop away confusion giving way to shock.
Velia he said uncertain.
Is this a joke to you?
She asked.
What?
He took a step forward.
No of course not.
Are you mocking me?
She insisted.
Mocking?
He looked like she had struck him.
Velia why would I She stepped back when he tried to come closer.
Then why did you just tell an entire ballroom we were getting married?
Her voice cracked on the last word.
He stared at her.
Because His voice was barely above a whisper.
Because we are.
He said it like a question.
Like he was not sure anymore.
No Velia said.
We’re not.
She watched something break in his expression.
His hands dropped.
We’re not?
He asked sounding loSt. Of course not she cried.
I’m a maid Cailen.
I’m nobody.
But you said you would he argued plaintively.
You said you’d marry me.
When?
She nearly shouted it.
When did I ever say that?
It was last week in that corridor remember?
She did not remember.
Her mind was static.
I told you the princess had found her fated mate he pressed on.
Which was good because I was free to marry whoever I wanted remember?
Yes Velia frowned.
I told you there would be a ball to celebrate our engagement Cailen exclaimed.
You said you’d come.
Our engagement?
She stared at him.
At his desperate pleading expression.
You never said it was going to be our engagement.
Of course I did he was pouting now.
I told you I loved you.
He paused.
You didn’t say it back but you said you were happy.
I thought that was a good start.
Velia grimaced.
Cailen she said carefully slowly.
You never said you loved me.
You said you were in love in general.
I assumed you meant with somebody appropriate.
Who else would be appropriate?
He threw his hands up.
Princess Iona with the weird laugh?
You.
His voice cracked.
You really didn’t understand I was talking about you?
The question hung in the cold air between them.
He stepped closer slowly.
He reached up with shaking hands and brushed the tears from her cheeks.
I’m sorry he said.
I thought But who else would it be Velia?
There could only be you.
I’ve loved you since the minute I found you.
She stared into his blue eyes and found only earnestness there.
I thought it was obvious he continued.
With how I practically forced you onto my horse and carried you back to my castle and made you stay by my side this entire time.
You’re nice to everyone she protested.
You’re just kind and charming.
That’s who you are.
I don’t seek out everybody else like I seek you out he protested.
You really didn’t realize?
His scent was wrapping around her and the thing inside her wanted to press closer to soothe him to Cailen you were a prince she said desperately.
And now you’re king.
I’m nobody.
You’re the woman I love he declared.
You can’t mean that she breathed.
He cupped her face in both hands.
I mean it Velia he said.
I mean it with everything that I am.
Ever since I met you I’ve thought only of you.
Even when I was too foolish to know it was love.
You’re still foolish she managed.
He laughed softly.
Yes you’re right.
I am.
I’m a fool.
He leaned against her.
Which is why I need you Velia.
I’m a mess without you.
You know that.
Then he was dropping to one knee.
The movement was graceful despite the tremor in his hands.
What are you doing?
Velia asked.
Asking you to be mine he said properly.
His eyes never left hers.
Will you do me the honor of being my wife Velia?
He asked.
And my queen?
She was shaking her head.
Not because the answer was no because this could not be real.
I will spend every day of the rest of our lives making you happy he swore.
And being very serious and dignified and not at all a fool.
She laughed a half sob.
His face brightened immediately.
I make you laugh at leaSt. That’s something right?
And I can take care of you and I He paused.
Did I mention how much I love you?
You can’t mean that she whispered.
His expression shifted.
His eyes dropped to her mouth then back up.
When he spoke again his voice was lower.
Let me show you how I mean it he said.
Then he was standing pulling her close and his mouth was on hers.
The kiss was soft at first tentative.
Then she made a small sound and everything changed.
His body pressed against hers solid and warm.
The kiss deepened turned hungry.
The thing inside her chest the thing that was not a wolf surged toward him wanting to be closer wanting to twine around him.
She could feel herself losing the fight to keep it still.
Her hands fisted in his velvet jacket pulling him closer.
Say yes he breathed.
His voice was wrecked.
Say you’ll be mine.
Yes she whispered.
The word had barely left her lips before he was grinning against her mouth laughing pulling her into his arms properly and spinning her.
You’re going to be my wife he said beaming.
You said yes.
You’re going to be my queen.
His hands were on her waist pulling her closer.
And my mate he murmured against her throat his lips trailing along her skin.
All mine.
She froze.
The word cut through the haze of warmth and want.
Mate.
He did not notice.
He buried his face in her neck breathing her in deep his body tight with relief and longing.
I cannot wait until we’re mated he said against her skin.
You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting.
The panic hit.
Of course.
Of course he would expect to mate with his wife.
That was what shifters did.
And when they did he would know.
He would feel what was inside her.
Would know she was not wolfless.
Would know exactly what she was.
She had just agreed to marry the man she loved.
The man she had loved quietly carefully impossibly for years.
And she was going to have to end it.
A week had passed since the engagement ball.
Velia stood in the gardens pacing trying to breathe.
Alpha kings did not just take queens.
They took mates.
The mating bond strengthened the line increased the chances of conceiving an heir.
And even if he wasn’t being pressured Cailen wanted it.
She could tell.
Could smell it on him every time he touched her.
Heat flooded her face at the memory.
The past week had been She did not have words for it.
He kissed her constantly.
In corridors in council chambers when he thought no one was looking in the gardens where anyone could see.
Soft kisses deep kisses kisses that made her forget her own name.
She wanted him wanted this.
But the bond would create a link between them.
He would sense what she felt.
And he would know something was wrong.
Her hands were shaking.
She could not let him see.
Could not let him know what she was.
Her mother had loved her.
Had sung to her.
Had soothed her to sleep.
Had chosen her when she did not have to.
And the second she saw what Velia really was that love had turned to horror.
If her own mother could not survive the truth how could Cailen?
She imagined it.
His face that beautiful unfairly beautiful face going from warm to horrified.
She would not survive it.
Velia.
She jumped.
Lord Ambrose was standing beside her in the garden.
She had not heard him approach.
Lord Ambrose she said pressing a hand to her cheSt. You startled me.
He frowned stepping closer.
Are you all right child?
Yes of course.
She dropped into a curtsy automatically.
Forgive me my lord.
He smiled.
You don’t have to curtsy Velia.
You are the king’s intended now after all.
The words made her feel shamed somehow though she could not say why.
Lord Ambrose she said quickly.
I really did not know.
I No.
No.
He waved a hand cutting her off.
I’m sure you didn’t.
I trust you would have told me.
You would have wouldn’t you?
Of course.
Good.
He gestured to the garden path.
Walk with me?
They walked side by side through the gardens.
The morning sun was warm on her skin.
Velia he said after a long silence.
You know I have the utmost respect for our king.
That I believe in him and the strength of this kingdom.
Yes she said slowly.
You also must know that over the years I’ve grown quite fond of you Velia.
She felt touched and guilty in equal measure.
My lord.
Which is why he continued his voice gentling you cannot and should not be offended by what I’m about to say.
Because I must say it.
It comes from a place of affection and loyalty.
He stopped walking turned to face her fully.
Velia he said quietly.
You cannot marry the king.
She paused stared at him.
He was right.
Of course he was right.
She knew that.
Had known it from the moment Cailen proposed but hearing someone else say it hurt in a whole new way.
You know that already don’t you?
Lord Ambrose asked watching her face.
I she started.
I know me being a mate isn’t ideal.
That Lord Ambrose nodded.
And the fact that you cannot shift.
A queen needs to stand strong beside her alpha.
You wouldn’t be able to.
The words cut even though they were true.
A shame he added and he sounded genuinely sad about it.
You’ve shown political savviness and astute understanding of diplomacy more than once.
Over the years you’ve been a tremendous asset to the king.
He listens to you.
And for good reason.
Velia looked away.
Lord Ambrose squeezed her shoulder.
Velia he said softly.
You do not have to step away from him forever.
Dolores isn’t in love with him.
She’ll be more than understanding about him taking a mistress.
Especially if that mistress is good for the crown.
He paused.
You can have Cailen.
Build a life with him.
Just not a public one.
She nodded.
She did not trust herself to speak.
My dear Lord Ambrose said his voice full of sympathy.
I understand this must be hard.
Lord Ambrose.
The voice cut across the garden like a blade.
Cailen was standing at the other end of the path.
He was smiling but his eyes were not.
Lord Ambrose turned bowing smoothly.
Your majesty.
Velia started to curtsy but Cailen was already there his fingers under her chin tilting her face up to look at him.
How good of you to keep my future queen company when I cannot Lord Ambrose he said.
Truly your dedication to the crown is as ever outstanding.
Just doing my job sire Ambrose said politely.
Yes well.
Cailen’s arm slid around Velia’s waiSt. I’m here now.
You may leave.
Your majesty.
Cailen was already walking away guiding Velia with him.
Good day Ambrose he said dismissively.
The second they were alone tucked behind a hedge Cailen stopped walking and cupped her face in both hands.
What’s wrong?
His eyes searched hers.
What did that snake tell you?
Lord Ambrose isn’t a snake Velia said automatically.
He’s very devoted to His own political ascension Cailen finished.
Which fair I suppose.
Everyone’s devoted to something.
His thumbs brushed her cheeks.
Why are you sad my love?
I she looked at him.
I thought you trusted Ambrose.
I do.
He sounded sincere.
As much as I trust anybody around me which is partially.
She stared at him.
I hadn’t realized you felt that way Cailen.
He smiled.
It was fond.
I don’t feel that way about you.
He leaned down.
I trust you implicitly.
Always have.
Cailen.
I’ve missed you he murmured.
His hands slid into her hair.
The thing inside her surged.
She could feel it pressing against her control wanting out wanting him.
I should tell you she said.
Tell me.
His breathing was uneven.
I want to know.
Everything.
But first He kissed her again.
Go change.
I’m taking you riding.
Riding?
Yes he said boyish and bright.
We’re going for a picnic.
Just you and I.
Some alone time.
He kissed her again.
Groaned against her mouth.
She could smell desire on him want barely restrained.
Yes he murmured to himself between kisses.
Alone time.
It’ll be good.
We need it.
I need He kissed her harder.
One more day she thought.
One more day of pretending this could work.
Then she would end it.
She needed to end this engagement.
She had tried to end it over and over all week.
She had tried.
The first time was in the library.
Cailan was pretending to read a treatise on trade agreements his expression so pained she almost laughed.
When she said his name he looked up at her like she was salvation itself.
Save me he begged pulling her into his arMs. I’m being murdered by bureaucracy.
She felt his lips against her throat and forgot what she was going to say.
The second time she cornered him outside the council chamber.
Cailan I need to speak with you she said.
It’s important.
Of course.
He was already pulling her into an alcove.
What is it?
Our wedding she began.
Oh.
His whole face brightened.
I almost forgot.
He produced a ring from his pocket.
It was my grandmother’s he said suddenly shy.
I know we’ll get you something grander for the official ceremony but I wanted you to have this now.
He slipped it onto her finger.
Do you like it?
He asked hopeful.
She kissed him instead of answering.
By the time she tried again over breakfast in her chambers she was running out of ways to begin.
Cailan I’ve been thinking she said carefully.
Do you think this is a good idea?
Us?
The smile faded.
Then he stood circled the table pulled her to her feet.
Yes he said simply.
I think it’s the best idea I’ve ever had.
He kissed her before she could speak.
I love you he said against her lips.
Stop trying to talk yourself out of this.
I’m not trying to she started.
You are he said.
I can see it.
Every time you get that look on your face like you’re about to run.
Don’t run from me Velia.
So here she was a week later still engaged still terrified still in love.
She had gone to his study after dinner.
Just to talk she told herself.
Now the sun had set.
The candles on his desk burned low.
The palace had gone quiet around them.
He’d kissed her soft at first gentle.
The kiss turned hungry desperate.
She could feel his heart racing could smell the sharp spike of arousal mixing with his scent.
Closer.
Need to be closer the thing inside her claimed.
Velia he breathed against her mouth.
We should We should stop.
Then stop she said.
I’m trying.
He did not sound like he was trying.
He sounded wrecked.
Her hands found the buttons of his shirt.
His hands found the laces at the back of her dress.
They came free.
The fabric slipped from her shoulders.
His mouth was on her neck hot and insistent.
Her fingers tightened in his hair.
Then his lips found the curve where her neck met her shoulder.
He kissed it once twice and began to suck.
The sensation tore through her.
Yes she heard herself say.
Please.
He sucked harder.
She could feel his teeth pressing against her skin.
Light teasing not enough.
She wanted him to bite down wanted him to claim her so badly she could not think.
The thing inside her was roaring.
He bit down light not breaking skin but it was enough.
Instinct took over.
Her hands fisted in his hair.
She tilted his head to the side felt her teeth sharpen and then she was biting down on his shoulder.
A bond flared to life.
For one brief devastating moment she felt him.
His emotions pouring into her in a rush.
Lust hot and desperate.
Love so much love.
Joy wonder.
And then something else.
A strange disconnect.
Like the world had gone soft at the edges.
Wrong.
This was wrong.
She pulled back gasped for air.
Her reflection caught in the darkened window across the room.
Golden eyes slitted pupils fangs where her teeth should be.
Horror crashed through her.
She forced it down shoved the beast back into its cage with every ounce of will she had.
Then looked at Cailen.
He was staring at nothing.
His eyes unfocused glassy.
A slow dreamy smile spreading across his face.
Her heart stopped.
Cailen?
She asked cupping his face.
He did not seem to hear her.
His pupils were too dilated.
His breathing had gone slow and deep like he was half asleep.
She had seen this before.
The villager during her escape.
She had bitten him and he had gone from screaming about monsters to vacant-eyed stumbling.
She had poisoned him.
She had poisoned Cailen.
No she whispered.
No no no.
Two small puncture marks on his shoulder already closing as his body healed.
But he looked wrong.
Cailen look at me.
Look at me.
He blinked slowly.
Velia?
His voice was distant dreamy.
Talk to me she begged.
Please are you I’m fine he mumbled slurring slightly.
He was not fine.
I’m calling for a healer she said panicked.
Healer?
He laughed confused.
Why?
I’m He reached for her hand brought it to his lips kissed her knuckles with that same dreamy wrong smile.
I’m perfect he said.
Everything’s perfect.
It was not perfect.
She could hear his heartbeat steady strong.
He was healing.
She could see the bite marks closing completely.
But his eyes were still wrong.
His scent was wrong.
Venom mixed with something off.
She moved away from him pulled her dress back up with shaking hands.
Velia he said more focused.
What Everything.
We can’t get married she declared.
He went very still.
What?
We can’t she repeated.
He laughed.
It sounded nervous confused.
Velia what are you I’m serious Cailen.
Her voice cracked.
I will not marry you.
I can’t.
Silence fell.
She watched his expression change watched confusion give way to hurt.
Why would you say that?
He asked quietly.
Because I mean it.
You can’t.
He stood reached for her.
You can’t possibly She stepped back.
I’m sorry Cailen but if you love me you’ll stop insisting.
He flinched like she had struck him.
All right he said looking away.
All right.
If that’s If that’s what you want.
It is she lied.
She turned toward the door before she could take it back.
Velia he said again.
More alert now.
What’s wrong?
Everything.
Don’t.
She held up a hand.
Don’t force me into something we’ll both regret.
I don’t want this.
I don’t want to be yours.
The lie burned coming out.
Free me from this she said brokenly.
Give up.
If you love me She met his eyes.
If you love me you’ll spare me the suffering.
He went pale.
I His voice was barely a whisper.
I make you suffer?
Is that what you’re saying?
She meant the fear the lying the constant terror of being discovered.
But she said yes.
Sincerely.
Because he did.
This entire situation had been agony.
He closed his eyes.
His whole body seemed to fold inward.
When he opened them again they were bright with unshed tears.
All right he said looking away.
All right.
If that’s what you want.
It is she lied.
She turned and walked away before he could see her face break.
Three days had passed since she walked out of Cailen’s study and Velia had spent every one of them hiding in her chambers unable to eat unable to sleep replaying his face over and over.
All right.
If that’s what you want.
She had never hated herself more.
Princess Lena came on the second day begging her to take him back saying he was a mess without her not eating not sleeping just sitting in his study staring at nothing.
Please give him another chance she’d said assuming whoever had done wrong it had to be him.
There was no chance to give no world where this ended well.
Velia saw him the next morning purely by accident.
She turned a corner and there he was walking toward the main hall flanked by advisers.
He met her eyes held her gaze for one terrible endless moment then he looked away hurt defeated and kept walking.
Velia stood frozen in the corridor long after he disappeared.
She felt his pain his confusion the awful hollow ache of someone who did not understand what he had done wrong.
It ended her.
She had thought she was protecting him had thought breaking his heart was better than letting him discover what she was but this was worse.
Watching him hurt like this was worse than anything her mother’s face had done to her worse than running worse than hiding.
She preferred his horror to his sadness preferred him looking at her the way her family had with disgust and hatred and fear than this.
Anything was better than his heartbreak.
If she told him the truth if she showed him what she was he would be horrified.
Yes he would recoil.
He would probably never look at her the same way again but he would not be sad.
She had to tell him.
The decision settled over her like a weight.
But during the next days getting an appointment with the king turned out to be impossible.
She went to his study.
The guards told her he was busy.
She tried the next day.
He was in meetings.
On the fourth day she realized he was avoiding her.
She was sitting in her chambers staring at nothing when someone knocked on her door.
Lady Dolores Ambrose stood in the corridor.
Velia Dolores said politely.
Lady Dolores.
Velia’s throat was tight.
What can I do for you?
I heard you’ve been trying to speak with the king Dolores said.
You really broke his heart you know.
Velia’s throat closed.
I know.
Dolores’s expression softened slightly.
Look I’ll help you.
He’s in a council meeting right now in the great hall with visiting dignitaries and neighboring monarchs.
When it ends I can help you slip inside.
You can corner him before he leaves.
Velia hesitated.
I don’t want to make a scene.
He’s planning to leave on a trip right after Dolores interrupted to visit an allied kingdom.
He’ll be gone for weeks.
Leaving?
Velia gasped.
Yes so if you want to talk to him it’s now or never.
Dolores nodded.
Velia stood.
All right thank you.
Dolores made a face.
What is it?
Velia asked.
Your scent Dolores said carefully.
It’s just a bit off.
That’s all.
Velia’s stomach dropped.
Her scent-masking potion.
She had forgotten to take it this morning.
She took one every day a bitter-tasting concoction that dulled her natural scent made her smell nearly human.
Without it her real scent would be noticeable enough to make them wonder.
Oh right.
Yes.
Velia turned toward the back of her chambers.
Give me a minute.
She went to the small cabinet where she kept her potions.
The shelf was empty.
Gone.
All of them.
Every single vial.
Something wrong?
Dolores called from the doorway.
No it’s nothing.
It’s Velia was pulling open drawers now searching frantically.
It’s just I usually take a potion to hide my scent so people don’t notice the the wolf-lessness you know?
It was a lie.
She took the potion so people would think she was wolf-less but in her desperation she did not know what else to say.
Dolores appeared in the doorway.
Oh right.
Well my father might have some.
She smiled.
He takes similar potions sometimes before important meetings to appear less dominant easier for diplomacy he says.
Dolores smiled.
I can get you some if you’d like.
Would you?
Velia felt dizzy with relief.
Lord Ambrose’s chambers were empty.
Dolores let herself in with practiced ease went straight to a cabinet and produced a small vial.
Here she said handing it to Velia.
That should do it.
Velia drank it without hesitation.
It tasted wrong sharper than her usual potion with a bitter aftertaste that made her grimace but she swallowed it down.
They made their way to the great hall.
The doors were closed.
Guards stood at attention.
Through the thick wood Velia could hear the low murmur of voices dozens of them maybe hundreds.
Wait here Dolores whispered.
I’ll signal when it’s safe.
Velia nodded.
Dolores slipped inside.
Velia waited.
Her heart was pounding.
The thing inside her chest was restless shifting like it could sense something was wrong.
The doors opened.
Dolores gestured her inside.
Velia stepped into the great hall and stopped.
The room was exactly as it had been the night of the engagement ball candles everywhere flowers polished marble floors but instead of music and dancing there were rows of chairs filled with nobles and dignitaries and foreign monarchs.
All of them turned to look at her all of them staring.
Why were they staring?
Her eyes found Cailen.
He was sitting on the dais unmoving.
He looked pale exhausted.
When his eyes met hers they were full of hurt.
Then Lord Ambrose stepped forward.
My lords and ladies he said.
His voice carried across the silent hall.
I present to you the king’s intended bride.
Velia’s stomach dropped.
No.
As you know Ambrose continued a future queen must prove herself worthy of the crown.
This includes the traditional shifting ceremony where the court may witness and judge the strength of her wolf.
Velia could not breathe.
She had been set up.
Dolores had not brought her here to talk to Cailen.
She had brought her here to humiliate her to force her in front of the entire court so they could watch her fail to shift.
But why?
They were broken up.
He wouldn’t hear it Dolores said quietly beside her.
He’s still claiming you’ll change your mind.
He won’t hear of anyone else.
Velia’s head snapped toward her.
What?
But then she felt it.
Wrong.
Something was very wrong.
The thing inside her chest was moving rising clawing its way toward the surface with an urgency she had never felt before.
We have administered a shifting potion Lord Ambrose announced.
He was looking at her with a calculating gleam in his eyes.
No shifter alive can resist its pull.
If Lady Velia has a wolf no matter how dormant it will emerge.
Velia’s legs gave out.
She fell to her knees on the marble floor.
The potion.
The one Dolores had given her.
It was not a scent masker.
It was a forced shift potion.
They thought she would stand here trembling while nothing happened.
Thought the court would see her fail and deem her unworthy.
Thought Cailen would have no choice but to agree.
Because they thought she was shift-less.
But they were wrong.
The beast was coming.
She could feel it tearing through her control unstoppable inevitable.
Her worst nightmare.
Everyone would see.
Cailen would see.
She had to run.
They would think she was just wolf-less and ashamed.
They would let her go.
She looked up.
Cailen was staring at her hurt confused.
No she thought.
I can’t run.
Not this time.
She had wanted him to see had decided to tell him the truth.
He would see now would see exactly what she was would understand why she had ended it.
The shift took her.
Her bones cracked and reformed her skin rippled the world tilted and sharpened.
When it was done there was silence.
Then a gasp.
She opened her eyes.
The world looked different from this height sharper colors brighter scents overwhelming.
People were screaming now.
She ignored them.
She found Cailen’s eyes across the hall and waited for the horror to come.
She stood on four paws that were not paws lion paws large and heavy and wrong.
She could feel the serpent tail coiled behind her scaled muscular alien.
The world looked different from this height sharper colors brighter scents overwhelming.
She rose slowly felt every eye in the room locked on her.
Then the screaming started.
She did not look at them did not care about the nobles scrambling backward the foreign dignitaries pale and staring the guards reaching for weapons.
She looked at Cailen.
He was still sitting on the dais still staring.
His face had gone white.
His eyes were wide.
Waiting.
She was waiting for it.
For the moment his expression would shift from shock to horror.
For the recoil.
For the disguSt. But his face just looked wrong.
Pale.
Too pale.
His eyes unfocused.
Then he swayed and fell.
The sound of his body hitting the marble floor cut through the screaming like a blade.
No!
Velia lunged forward.
More screams erupted around her.
Guards moved to block her path weapons drawn.
She could hear Cailen’s heartbeat from across the room.
Too slow irregular wrong.
Could smell his scent changing.
The warmth of cedar and leather going sour chemical poisoned.
Poisoned.
He had been poisoned.
She snarled.
The guards flinched but held their ground.
Your mate needs you something whispered inside her.
The beaSt. Fight them.
Get to him.
She forced the rage down.
These were palace guards.
People she knew.
She could not fight them.
But she had to reach him.
She took a step forward.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Stay back!
One of the guards shouted.
His voice cracked with fear.
Don’t move or we’ll An arrow whistled past her head.
On the dais she saw Princess Lena rush to Cailen’s side dropping to her knees beside him.
Cailen!
Lena’s voice was high.
Someone call a healer!
The king has been injured!
Not injured poisoned.
Velia tried to say it tried to force the words out.
But the potion was still holding her in this shape.
A guard stepped directly into her path shifted a large gray wolf lips pulled back snarling.
She stopped.
Met his eyes.
Tried to show she was not a threat.
He lunged.
Stop!
Lena’s voice cut across the chaos.
The wolf hesitated.
A healer arrived kneeling beside Cailen pressed her fingers to his throat.
I don’t understand she said.
He’s fading so rapidly.
Do something!
Lena shouted.
If I knew what he had I could perhaps be more efficient but He’s been poisoned Dolores said.
Her voice rang clear across the hall.
Velia froze.
Dolores knew?
How did she know?
Lord Ambrose stepped forward his voice booming.
Yes poisoned.
Obviously this creature He pointed at Velia.
This abomination has been manipulating and poisoned the king.
Don’t be ridiculous Lena snapped.
Why now?
They’ve been friends for years.
Velia felt something crack in her cheSt. Dolores looked at her father.
Then at Cailen pale and dying on the floor.
It was us she said quietly.
Me.
I poisoned him.
Velia roared.
The sound tore through the hall.
Rage and betrayal and grief compressed into one inhuman cry.
She lunged forward.
Wait!
Lena raised her hand commanding.
Stay still.
Velia stopped met Lena’s eyes.
The princess looked terrified but steady.
Velia forced herself to obey.
My father wanted me to marry Cailen Dolores said the words tumbling out.
When Velia broke off the engagement he put me forward as a candidate.
But Cailen wouldn’t hear it.
Lena’s head snapped toward her eyes narrowing.
He kept saying he was waiting Dolores continued her voice breaking.
That Velia would change her mind.
He claimed they were mates that he felt a bond with her.
Velia felt something twist in her cheSt. Dolores looked at her father.
Then back at Cailen.
So my father devised a plan.
Her hands were shaking.
I was to drug Cailen with a compliance potion make him suggestible enough to sign a wedding contract.
The healer made a sound of horror.
You didn’t.
Meanwhile Dolores pressed on.
Father would expose Velia as wolfless using a forced shift potion remove her from consideration entirely.
Once Cailen came to his senses the contract would be signed.
Velia would be gone and he would have no choice but to accept me.
You poisoned him Lena said.
Her voice was ice.
For a marriage contract.
But he wouldn’t sign!
Dolores was crying now openly.
Even drugged he wouldn’t sign.
He kept asking for Velia kept saying he loved her.
Velia felt her serpent tail coil tighter.
He had fought it.
Even poisoned even manipulated he had fought for her.
We had to give him more of the potion Dolores sobbed.
More and more until That potion contains traces of nightshade the healer interrupted her voice sharp with horror.
To weaken a shifter’s metabolism prevent them from healing.
In high doses you essentially gave him poison.
I didn’t mean to.
Dolores’s face crumpled.
I love him.
I didn’t mean to kill him.
Love?
Lena’s voice could have cut stone.
You call this love?
Surely there’s an antidote Lena said turning back to the healer.
Her voice was desperate now.
There has to be.
It’s too late the healer said.
Her voice was flat resigned.
His body is shutting down.
Even an alpha’s healing cannot It’s not too late.
The words whispered through Velia’s mind.
Not her thoughts.
The serpent’s.
We can fix this.
Velia moved.
The guards raised their weapons immediately.
But Lena saw her.
Saw the way she moved.
Slow deliberate unthreatening.
Velia stopped a few feet away lowered herself to the ground bowed her head.
Showing submission.
Lena stared at her for a long moment.
Then she nodded.
Let her through.
Your highness one of the guards protested.
Let her through Lena repeated steel in her voice.
The guards parted.
Velia moved forward.
Every step felt like walking through fire.
Every eye in the hall was on her watching judging.
Seeing the monster she had spent 18 years hiding.
She did not care.
She reached Cailen.
He looked so small lying there.
So pale.
His breathing was shallow labored.
She could smell death on him.
Faint but present growing stronger.
No.
She would not let him die.
The serpent tail moved without her conscious thought.
Instinctive.
Like it knew what to do even though she did not.
It curved around.
Positioned itself over his cheSt. Then it lowered the scaled tip pressing against his skin just above his heart.
She felt a drawing sensation.
The tail was extracting something from his blood pulling it through his skin neutralizing it with her own venom system.
A biological antidote.
She had not known she could do this.
The serpent had known.
The process felt like hours.
But when it was done Cailen’s breathing evened out and color began returning to his face.
His eyes opened.
He stared up at her at the creature looming over him lion body and serpent tail and wrongness made flesh.
He opened his mouth closed it.
His hand lifted slightly trembling.
He looked terrible.
Sweaty and pale and held together mostly by the guard at his back.
And his eyes were still not quite right.
She felt the shift pulling at her.
The potion’s effect finally wearing off.
She let it take her.
The transformation back was faster.
When it was done she was human again kneeling beside him.
Cailen’s hand moved from her jaw to the back of her neck.
She finally looked up.
Hi she said uselessly.
The corner of his mouth moved.
Then his eyes closed and his weight went sideways.
Cailen she whispered.
She caught him pulled him against her chest felt his heartbeat strong and steady beneath her palm.
He was alive.
He was unconscious and she had no idea what he had thought when he saw her what he had felt.
But he was alive.
Velia held him and did not let go.
She had been sitting by his bedside for hours.
Lena had allowed it.
She saved his life the princess had said her voice ringing with authority.
She stays.
Lord Ambrose and Dolores had been arrested.
Would be judged for their crimes hopefully by Cailen himself when he recovered.
The healer had said it would be soon.
His body was just recuperating through sleep.
Velia held his hand and waited.
When his eyes opened she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Velia he said.
Just her name but the way he said it made her throat close.
You’re awake she managed.
She reached for the water glass on the bedside table with shaking hands.
The healer says you should hydrate she said.
He raised an eyebrow.
The gesture was so familiar so him that something in her chest twisted.
What happened?
He asked.
She gave him the summary.
The poison.
Lord Ambrose’s plan.
Dolores.
Do you remember?
She asked when she was done.
Cailen frowned slightly.
Vaguely.
I was drunk I think when she first came to me.
He had the grace to look sheepish.
I didn’t think to protest when she kept pouring me more drinks.
A faint blush colored his cheeks as he shrugged.
Not my proudest moment I’ll admit.
Velia gave him a look.
How many times do I have to tell you to be more careful?
She scolded.
You can’t just Yes well he cut her off.
I’m fine now all healed.
He gave her a look then.
Thank you for checking on me he said politely.
The words felt formal careful.
Like she was a visiting dignitary and not his oldest friend.
Of course she said slowly.
You must be tired he said avoiding her gaze.
Her chest tightened.
He wanted her to leave.
He remembered what she was and now he wanted her gone.
Her heart sank.
He wasn’t even looking at her.
This was the moment she had been dreading for 18 years.
But she could not make herself stand.
Could not make herself walk away without knowing for certain.
You saw what I am she murmured.
Do you remember?
He met her eyes then.
Yes.
The word was simple honeSt. It still tore through her.
I wanted to tell you she said quickly desperately.
All these years I did I just So you knew Cailen interrupted.
You knew what you shifted into?
She blinked at him.
Of course I knew.
I’ve known since I was 8 years old.
When I shifted and my entire family turned on me.
They saw what I was and they Cailen’s expression changed.
That’s why they rejected you?
His voice was quiet.
Not because you were shiftless but because of what you shifted into?
They didn’t reject me Cailen she sighed.
They came after me.
They tried to kill me.
She watched him take that in.
Shock giving way to comprehension to something darker.
Something cold and dangerous that she had only seen a handful of times.
You should have told me he said.
His voice was quiet.
Velia’s stomach dropped.
I know she said quickly.
I’m sorry.
But you should have seen the way they looked at me.
I didn’t want you to They need to be brought to justice he snapped.
He was sitting up properly his eyes blazing.
He was not angry at her she realized.
But at them.
They need to pay for their crimes he continued murderous.
Hunting a child trying to kill you.
Velia stared at him.
Cailen she said slowly.
I don’t know if you remember what I look like properly.
Of course I do he said.
He sounded almost offended now.
Big lion body serpent tail.
Yes she said throwing her hands up.
So no wonder they tried to kill me.
So did your guards.
His expression went dark again.
What?
His voice was deadly quiet.
Which ones?
It doesn’t matter Velia nearly shouted.
Look Cailen the point is She paused.
I’m sorry I never told you she said quietly.
I should have.
I just I didn’t want to lose you.
He frowned.
Lose me?
Yes when you saw what I Well you didn’t seem too worried about losing me when you said we couldn’t get married and shattered my heart into a million pieces he accused with a pout.
Velia stared at him.
Will you stop being dramatic?
I’m not being dramatic he replied affronted.
We share a bond now you and I.
You feel it too don’t you?
She could feel it that thin thread connecting them carrying his emotions like echoes.
Yes she admitted.
But Cailen So why Velia?
He sounded desperate now.
Why won’t you marry me?
Her brain stopped working for a moment.
Excuse me?
She managed.
Are you really sincerely asking me why?
He abandoned all pretense of acting proud and looked at her painfully earneSt. What do I need to do to get you to marry me Velia?
He asked.
Is it because I took too long to ask that you don’t believe I can be a good mate?
Or is it because I sometimes very occasionally drink too much at parties?
It’s not occasionally she muttered.
Or is it He looked away.
Do you not trust that I love you because I didn’t break off the engagement sooner?
He reached out then took her hand in both of his.
I tried to he said.
Many times.
Spoke to my father about it.
Tried to find other ways to keep the alliance without offending the princess.
Cailen Velia tried.
He kept going.
He wouldn’t hear it and the princess wouldn’t hear it either.
You know she was quite taken with me before she found her mate?
He said it without arrogance slightly bewildered by the fact.
So I thought perhaps if I could gently discourage her you know show her I wasn’t suitable at all.
Velia’s eyes narrowed.
Wait is that what all of your conquests and philandering and general frivolity was about?
He had the grace to look sheepish.
Yes.
Mostly.
I was hoping she’d be fed up with me he added quietly.
But it turns out you’re the one who was fed up with me.
Something in Velia’s chest cracked.
Well I didn’t much like seeing you flirt with every other girl she admitted.
I didn’t want to flirt with you before I knew I could make you my wife right after Cailen pleaded utterly sincere.
I didn’t want to start something I couldn’t finish properly.
Whatever you need me to be I can be he said softly.
I can Cailen Velia interrupted.
Are you seriously thinking that I broke off our engagement because of you?
He tilted his head slightly.
Well didn’t you?
No she wanted to shake him.
Obviously not.
Why would it be because of you?
You’re perfect.
Everyone adores you and why wouldn’t they?
He looked confused.
Then why?
He asked.
Because she threw her free hand up.
I’m a giant monster obviously.
People recoil at the sight of me.
Or have you forgotten that part?
Cailen frowned.
You thought I would mind?
He looked genuinely baffled.
That’s why you broke it off?
She watched stunned as his whole expression shifted understanding dawning across his features and then then relief.
Pure and overwhelming.
His whole body relaxed.
He settled back against his pillows a smile across his face infuriatingly satisfied.
Oh he said with a chuckle.
Well I’m glad that’s been cleared up.
His smile widened.
Now we can get married again.
Velia gaped at him.
It’s not sorted she finally managed.
I’m still a monster.
The other day I bit you and accidentally poisoned you.
Oh is that what it was?
Cailen said.
His eyes were closed now.
Well it was quite nice he decided peacefully.
I liked it.
Cailen she scolded.
He cracked one eye open.
What?
He asked.
It was.
It felt good.
You can do it again.
His smile turned into a pleased smirk.
Everything else too he added.
She rolled her eyes so hard it hurt.
How can you not mind?
She asked quietly.
He tugged her closer.
I think it’s fantastic news that you’re a giant beast my love he said happily.
Now you can just come with me to all my meetings and people won’t even think to argue with us about anything.
They’ll be too terrified.
She hit him on the shoulder and he laughed.
Say you’ll marry me he murmured pulling her closer nuzzling into her hair.
Cailen she sighed melting.
Say it.
His arms came around her waiSt. I almost died.
I might die still if you shatter my heart again.
She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm.
Steady and strong.
She rolled her eyes but she kissed his forehead anyway.
Soft lingering.
Is that a yes?
He whispered.
Velia sighed.
Fond.
Yes she said.
His grin could have lit the entire palace.
He pulled her down properly then.
Into the bed into his arms
