Chapter 5 part 2
I informed Alpha Navarro about Alucard's wishes. I could have sworn I had never wanted to hide my face that was flushing when he teased me.
"I did not know you two have gone closer now, huh?" He wriggled his eyebrows, which made me frown.
"Halt it, Alpha. This is nothing but a sort of friendship we established," I lied, gulping this bitterness at the fact Alucard was my mate. "Don't put any meaning into it." This couldn't help me to be defensive, seeing how Alpha Navarro couldn't stop looking at me meaningfully.
Alpha Navarro chuckled. "You are relieved from your duty. I am glad that you are taking a break."
I left his study room with my head shaking as the way he was adamant with me to always take a break from my duties when I was just performing them that would meet the standards of a Beta. Edison, when he was in his prime, performed his duties well more than I did.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and purple across the sky, the pack transformed into a magical wonderland. Soft lights twinkled, casting a warm glow over the roofs of the houses and mansions, and the air was filled with laughter and joy. It was the perfect setting for a pack living well under the good influence of an Alpha.
Bathed in aromatic water and dressed in simple attire, tunic and trousers, which was hugging my curves, I made my way to the hill where only a few people were coming here. I prepared my heart since going to see Alucard at this moment, I wouldn't be able to control sometimes what actions I was going to act, and I would regret it eventually.
"You're here."
Alucard's face brightened with a wide smile as he responded before eyeing me, inhaling sharply as if his breath had been taken away. To my surprise, I noticed a picnic blanket spread out on the grass nearby. There was even a basket on top of it.
"Oh, you seem... prepared," I pointed out before holding out a bottle of wine, which I assumed that we would be enjoying drinking later.
He smiled sheepishly. "I asked Arsenal and your cook's help with the food because I did not know how to cook."
I arched my eyebrow when he was scratching the back of his head. I almost scoffed, not believing that I was seeing this. Why did he look like a teenager who professed his feelings to his crush, that wouldn't be able to reciprocate his feelings?
I paused in front of him, shaking my head. "I don't expect you to cook. You're a lycan prince, it's not your responsibility." With that, I walked past him, leaving him behind.
"I will try to learn when I return to the palace. It's unfair that you can cook while I cannot," he said, his voice tinged with determination.
I looked at him, slightly taken aback. "Why is it such a big deal?" I couldn't understand why he was making it into a competition.
He shrugged nonchalantly as he sat down beside me on the blanket. "It just is, to me," he replied, before lying down and staring up at the sky.
I joined him on the blanket, sitting cross-legged as I observed him lying down, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky. The stars sparkled above us, painting a mesmerizing canvas that mirrored the beauty of our connection.
"Have you ever stargazed before, Faustina?" Alucard asked, his voice soft and contemplative.
I smiled, finding solace in the tranquility of the moment. "Yes, I have. I always look up whenever I am in the watchtower. It's a peaceful and humbling experience, reminding us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things," I said, heaving out.
He nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the stars. "Sometimes, it's easy to get lost in the chaos of our own lives and forget about the beauty that exists beyond our immediate concerns. The stars remind us to look beyond ourselves, to appreciate the wonders of the universe."
His words resonated with me, stirring a sense of introspection within. It brought somewhat comfort to me that I was being able to talk to someone—without any malice.
We remained in comfortable silence, basking in the serenity of the night. The atmosphere between us had shifted from the intensity of our previous encounters, and a gentle camaraderie settled in its place.
As time passed, Alucard broke the silence, his voice filled with curiosity. "Tell me, Faustina, what are your dreams? What do you envision for yourself beyond the role of Beta?"
I pondered his question, surprised by his genuine interest. "I... I've always been focused on my duty, on serving the pack and maintaining stability within our community. I never really allowed myself to dream beyond that."
He tilted his head, his gaze filled with encouragement. "But surely, there must be something you desire, something that ignites a passion within you, right?"
I hesitated, the weight of responsibility still pressing down on me. But a flicker of yearning stirred within, and I found myself daring to voice a long-suppressed dream. "I've always had a love for art, for painting. In my quieter moments, I find solace in creating something beautiful on canvas."
Alucard's eyes brightened with excitement, his genuine enthusiasm contagious. "That's wonderful, Faustina! Art has the power to capture emotions and transcend boundaries. I would love to see your paintings someday."
A blush crept up my cheeks at his words, my dream suddenly feeling more tangible and within reach. "Thank you, Alucard. Perhaps, one day, I will have the courage to share my art with you."
Our conversation drifted from one topic to another, effortlessly flowing between lighthearted banter and profound discussions. It felt as though we were shedding the weight of our titles and allowing ourselves to simply be in each other's presence.
The wine bottle was opened and shared between us, the rich taste of the liquid warming our insides. We laughed, teased, and shared stories late into the night, the hours slipping away in a haze of companionship and connection.
Then, moments later, we were enveloped with silence, enveloped with tranquil waves of the night.
"I am going to miss you, Faustina."
Out of nowhere, Alucard spoke, causing my heart to pound vigorously. I cleared my throat. "You are only saying that because of our mate bond." There was no point in denying now. We both could feel the connection.
"Yes and no." I arched my eyebrow when our eyes met. "Even if I did not learn that you are my mate, I am still going to miss you." The intensity of his gaze brought shudders to my body. "I am going back to this pack. This time, I am going to ask for your hand because I am already in love with you, Faustina."
My eyes widened at his words. "W-What?" My wolf was celebrating the confession I was hearing right now. "Are you... kidding me?"
Alucard turned his body to face my direction. "I am serious, Faustina." His hand crawled to reach for my hand.
"Alucard..." My mind spiraled into chaos as my heart pounded relentlessly, despite the absence of any physical exertion. I couldn't fathom why my heart was racing, leaving me bewildered and unsettled.
I couldn't settle my wolf in one place now that she had learned about what Alucard was thinking. It became visible to me that his wolf was trying to communicate with us, just like the last time we went here.
"I don't know what to say..." I mean... Did my feelings blossom while he was here? It was possible. I would only be lying if I did not get to involve any feelings while he was staying here in our pack.
His hand on mine caused my breath to catch in my throat, and I couldn't help but gulp in response. The gentle graze of his thumb against the back of my palm sent a wave of sensation through me, nearly taking my breath away.
As soon as his lips came in contact with the back of my palm, I knew by then that my feelings for him had poured over while looking at me with a sensual gaze.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, electrifying every inch of my being. Alucard's touch ignited a fire within me, awakening desires and emotions I had long suppressed. It was as if the entire world had faded into the background, leaving only the two of us in this moment of profound connection.
I struggled to find the right words, my mind was having a hard time catching up with my heart as soon as Alucard drew him closer. "May I?" he whispered, his lips a few inches from mine.
My eyes lowered to his plump, moist lips before staring back at his eyes. "Yes," I whispered back, anticipating him.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still as Alucard closed the remaining distance between us, his lips meeting mine in a gentle, hesitant kiss. It was a tender exploration, a delicate dance of longing and uncertainty.
As our lips moved in sync, a surge of emotions coursed through me, overwhelming and exhilarating. It felt as though the entire world had faded away, leaving only the electrifying connection between us. My heart beat in sync with his, echoing the depth of our newfound connection.
The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate and intense. Our bodies gravitated toward each other, craving the closeness that only intensified the flame burning between us. It was a moment of surrender, of allowing ourselves to embrace the undeniable truth of our bond.
The world around us ceased to exist as we lost ourselves in each other, exploring the uncharted territory of love and desire. Time seemed to stretch indefinitely, leaving no room for doubts or fears. All that mattered was the intoxicating connection we shared, the magnetic pull that defied logic and reason.
My back lay on the ground as Alucard took both of my hands to pin both of my sides. I moaned inside his mouth when he already settled himself in between my legs, and I couldn't help wrapping my legs around him.
"Say that you also want it, too..." Alucard left my lips and whispered to my ear, licking my earlobe, causing to heighten the desire I felt for him when I saw his eyes glowing in lust. "Tell me to stop, Faustina. Because if you won't, I might not be able to—"
I shut him up by kissing him, not wanting to think about anything. His eyes widened as I dared to lick his lips before going to reach for his face and whispered, "Just show me how much you love me, and I will do the same."
I did not know what happened to me, and I dared to do that. But things had escalated in this position, leaving me with no choice, and I accepted the passion we had for each other.
Alucard's breathing became heavier as he growled immaculately. "I will do so, my Beta."
The world around us faded into a blur as Alucard's lips claimed mine once again, his movements growing more urgent and passionate. The sound of our mingled breaths filled the air as we lost ourselves in a whirlwind of desire and longing.
His hands roamed my body with a hunger that mirrored my own, igniting every nerve and sending sparks of pleasure coursing through me. The intensity of our connection was overwhelming, each touch fueling the fire that burned between us.
In that moment, we became entangled in a dance of raw emotions and shared ecstasy. The boundaries that had once separated us dissolved, and we embraced the depths of our desires, unleashing a passion that had been suppressed for far too long.
The night sky above witnessed our union, as if the stars themselves were celebrating the bond we had forged. Time seemed to stand still as we explored the depths of our love, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. It was a sacred union, a merging of two souls destined to be together.
As the night wore on, our bodies became one, our connection reaching a crescendo of pleasure and fulfillment.
"I would like to stay here for a couple of days. Is that possible?" Alucard asked softly after nibbling my exposed skin, going down to latch one of my tweaking buds.
I bit my lower lip, nodding before wrapping my legs around his waist to feel his c o c k inside me, which made me moan while he groaned. "Stay as long as possible, Your Royal Highness," I said in my seductive tone, making his smile grow wider from ear to ear.
Chapter 6"Jaromir!" I exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop him in a warm hug the moment he stepped down from the carriage. My delight at his unexpected visit was evident, and I didn't bother hiding my enthusiasm to see my adoptive brother."Oh, Tina! How have you been?" Jaromir inquired with a wide grin, and in response, I giggled as he lifted me off the ground, spinning us around in a playful embrace. After that, he placed his hand on top of my head, blessing me with a gentle wince in my hair. "Father... I am home," he said, looking behind me. I hastily cleared my throat, almost forgetting that Edison wouldn't miss this for this world, as he nodded at Jaromir with a big smile plastered on his lips. "How are you, Romir? Your mother already missed you."Jaromir and I exchanged glances before I nodded at him, indicating that he needed to continue the act. Melancholy served his expression as he tried to fix his composure by having a beaming smile."I shall apologize to Mother for worr
Chapter 7Gasps and murmurs rippled through the banquet hall as all eyes turned toward the royal couple making their entrance. Crown Prince Alucard was as regal as ever, exuding an air of confidence and authority that naturally drew people's attention. His forest-green eyes sparkled with warmth as he exchanged polite nods and smiles with those around him.Beside him... my heart fell to the ground as the professor announced that she was future Crown Princess Charity, who was a vision of elegance, with her flowing midnight black hair cascading down her back and her cerulean eyes exuding both grace and charisma.I felt my heart race as I locked eyes with Alucard. A subtle but unmistakable smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he noticed me amidst the crowd before quickly looking away. I quickly caught my heart when it almost dropped to the ground, not knowing what to do. As the royal couple approached, the room fell into a respectful silence. Alucard was a highly esteemed figure,
Chapter 8When I returned to the party, Jaromir asked me why my eyes were puffy and red, all I could answer was that I wanted to return to the Emerald Dorm. Since then, I could only lock myself to the spare room where I was staying, seeping this heartache from Alucard and I's last encounter. Jaromir was getting worried at how I had been acting for the past days, having no idea that Alucard was my mate that I even let him mark me. All I could think of right now was how I could let myself fall to a man who made me believe that he loved me with all his heart, but now he was politically engaged to a woman for three months already.It was then lately I had been experiencing some sleepless nights, still not deciding to return to the Moon Oriental pack, for I couldn't get myself together, that Jaromir suggested that I should seek the doctor in the infirmary so I could be prescribed some tonic for my insomnia. However, instead of something that could help me to overcome this, I received a p
Chapter 9Days turned into weeks, and the pain of Alucard's rejection remained etched in my heart. Despite the emotional turmoil I endured, I found solace in returning to the Moon Oriental pack, where I received unwavering support from my fellow pack members, including Jaromir, who stood by my side through it all. The best older brother I could ever have.The revelation of my pregnancy did not spread through our pack, and only Jaromir knew about it as soon as I returned to his dormitory on that day. He remained silent, giving me the impression that he already knew since he noticed that my attitude changed when I went to the royal palace in hasty. Yet, he chose not to confront me or discuss the matter further.While dealing with the heartbreak, completely living life as if nothing happened when I was in the capital, I started to show some signs of pregnancy, like having morning sickness and having an upset stomach if there was food that was not to my liking. Edison noticed it and aske
Chapter 10The passing years I had been a whirlwind of change and growth. Six years had elapsed since that fateful day when the revelation of my true identity had shaken the foundation of my life. The pain of Alucard's rejection had eventually dulled, and my heart found solace in the love of my newfound family, the Bellwood.After learning about my past and the Bellwood estate, I embraced my heritage and embarked on a new chapter of my life. With Jaromir's unwavering support, I bid farewell to the Moon Oriental pack, leaving behind the memories of a life that had shaped me into the person I had become.Under the care of Dowager Grand Duchess Leanne Bellwood, my loving mother, I was guided into a world of privilege and nobility. The elegant estate became my new h
Chapter 11As I stood in the garden of the Bellwood estate in the middle of the night, the fragrance of hyacinth flowers filled the air, reminding me of the day my life took a dramatic turn. I smiled, grateful for the unexpected journey fate had laid before me. The scars of the past had faded, replaced by the warmth of love and family surrounding me."Faya."My heart melted upon seeing my mother's arrival. Also, the name, Faya, was her and Father's nickname to me from Faustina. "Mother... Are you not sleepy yet?" I asked softly, seeing how she wrapped herself with a scarf on her chemise."I'm about to, but I saw you here."I offere
Chapter 12"Mommy, why can't we come with you tomorrow?" Luciana inquired, sitting in front of the vanity mirror as I gently combed her wavy brown hair she inherited from mine. Meanwhile, Lumiere and Liutrich were engaged in a playful pillow fight on my bed. Despite Liutrich being a bookworm who preferred reading, Lumiere was always more active and enthusiastic about various activities."Because it is a royal cabinet meeting, sweetie. Only adults are allowed there," I answered softly, as they knew I was going to the royal palace for the meeting. That would be my first debut with the rest of the members of the royal cabinet."Mommy, when can we visit the royal palace?"Lumiere's question sent shivers down my spine. As I glanced at his reflection in the mirror, I noticed Liutrich frowning, still recovering from the playful beating he had received from Lumiere's pillow. Taking a deep breath, I resisted the urge to scold Lumiere and instead decided to answer his question."I am not certai
Chapter 13"To you, His Majesty, Grand Alpha King Apollo," I respectfully greeted the father of the Alpha King and the other princes, meeting his earnest and stoic gaze. "Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alucard..." I noticed him shift slightly in his seat, his breathing reaching my sensitive ears before I looked away. "And Your Highnesses, Prince Alistair, Prince Alejandro..." These two were twins, known as the Twin Garnets for their role as matchmaking cupids, often causing chaotic but amusing attempts at finding potential mates for others. "And Prince Atticus." My eyes then turned to the youngest brother of the current monarch and the youngest son of the previous ruling king."I see." Alpha King Azarius nodded with acknowledgment. "I have heard that you were the long-lost daughter of Dowager Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Bellwood." His voice was deep, and his forest-green eyes were glimmering in amusement."Yes, Your Majesty. I have now become the head of our household after achiev