The days ticked by slowly and my birthday grew closer and closer.
Viktor did what he could to avoid me, and I reluctantly did the same. Yet that didn't change the fact that our entire relationship had shifted. I could feel it in the air and in his lingering gazes.
He had always stared at me before, but no one else noticed the spark hidden in his obsidian eyes. I could feel his gaze on me when my back was turned and it ignited feelings that I had tried to keep hidden.
I couldn't deny how much I wanted him, and he could no longer pretend to be ignorant. It was clear, he wanted me as bad as I wanted him.
I walked up to the gazebo with Viktor following behind me. The hair on the back of my neck seemed to constantly raise under his dark eyes.
Shannon and Caroline sat at the gazebo waiting for me.
These past few days had been quite hectic and busy. My birthday gala was happen
After Dad gave me the necklace, I retreated back to my bedroom.Viktor tried to hide it, but I watched his eyes flicker to the golden jewelry hanging from my neck.Something flashed in his obsidian gaze. Awareness? Caution? Surprise?I wasn't sure what the emotion was, but I was almost positive that Viktor had seen this necklace before. I wondered how familiar he was with this piece of jewelry. Did he know it's full potential?Many of the Royal families began to arrive today, but were required to stay in the nearest hotel.While many were unhappy with this fact, none would dare openly disobey my Dad.Erik and his family would arrive tomorrow, the day of my birthday.My stomach twisted into knots at the thought of Erik arriving.Ever since I was a child, everyone was sure Erik and I would be mates. I used to think the same, now I wasn't so sure.How could I be Erik's mate when my infatuation with Viktor existed? Would it miraculou
The stylists had us strip down to our undergarments to help us in putting on the heavy dresses.While I knew Viktor wouldn't allow his eyes to trail my body in front of all these people, I could still feel his gaze on me.His eyes left goosebumps crawling across my skin."Are you cold, Princess?" One of the stylists frowned.I could feel my face heat up at her question, and my eyes involuntarily met Viktor's . He was standing across the room, leaning against the wall. He looked like a carving of an ancient god, minus the suit."No." I replied, a breathless and somewhat frantic laugh came from my lips.Caroline was in her own world, marveling over the curly up-do her hair had recently become.Shannon on the other hand met my eyes with a small smirk of her own.I should've figured she would catch that."Keep her close during the gala." Aela murmured in my head, "She may be able to figure out what some of these Royal's are
ViktorOne Year AgoI was traveling through the kingdom undetected when I first set eyes on her.My profession, if you would call it that, had me traveling the world many times over.She was my latest mark.I hid in brush of the forest, camouflaged by it's density.Her green eyes were wide with innocence and joy.What kind of monster would put out a hit on a child?I reminded myself, this wasn't any ordinary child.This was the sole child of Damon and Lilliana Adair.The innocent, green eyed beauty with a large bounty on her head would someday rule the largest Lycan Kingdom in existence.Unless I finished the job I was hired to complete."A very rich monster." My wolf Hades, reminded me.Her green eyes sparkled under the bright afternoon sun, her plush lips turning up in a smile as she gazed at a woman nearly identical to herself.The woman w
ArabellaI traveled down to the dining room and I couldn't help but notice how eerily silent the entire house was. All of the staff members were busy attending to the guests at my gala.I knew quite a bit of people were coming, both Royal's and Lycan's.While the Royal's were my number one issue, they weren't the only ones trying to win me over.Royal families were known throughout the world by Lycan's and humans, but there were also other families to think about.In each Kingdom there are those few families that are rich. Typically they own some part of town or a major business. Those families can be human or Lycan.Caroline's family is considered one of the wealthier families. Her Mom own's a party planning company, and most likely tended to the details of my gala.There would be many wealthy families here tonight, all hoping to be my mate.There hasn't been a human on the throne in hundred's of years,
Somehow I managed to get a moment of time to myself.I stayed in the ballroom but traveled closer to one of the arched windows. The red velvet curtains helped in shielding me from some of the guests.I simply needed a moment to breathe and collect my thoughts. Playing a ditsy, carefree princess wasn't my ideal role."You're playing a dangerous game." Viktor's thick accent filled my ears.I turned my head and looked into his dark eyes. Knowledge flashed deep within them, and I reminded myself that I didn't truly know Viktor."The game was started long before I was born, it's about time I joined. Don't you think?" I frowned at him.It was no secret most Royal's did what they could to attain and maintain power. There were loads of scandals throughout my lifetime. Children from affairs, political schemes, even vague death's.Being a Royal was a game of cunning. Knowing who to trust and playing your cards right,
Erik's face dropped as our lingering touch left no impact.I wasn't quite sure how to tell if someone was my mate. Mom always described it as a rush of emotion. She always said you could practically feel the mate-bond spring to life under the touch.I felt nothing but familiarity with Erik's touch. Nothing but a friendly reminder of what could have been."I always thought.." Erik's voice trailed off, and this time I didn't have to pretend.I gave him a sad smile, but I saw this coming."Everyone did, and for awhile I did too." I took his hand in my own, giving it a light squeeze.Erik's crystal eyes lingered on my own, many emotions swirling in their depths."If you're not my mate..who is?" He sounded so lost. "I'm already nineteen. I should've found her by now.""You still have plenty of time, Erik." I smiled, "Sometimes you don't need to go looking."Erik sighed, but didn't take his
After Elena finally walked away, Shannon let out a sharp breath of her own."Definitely worse than her daughter." Shannon huffed, shaking her head. "Their the third largest Kingdom, just so you know.""Great." I sighed. I wondered if I could possibly sleep tonight with all of this new information rolling around in my head."There's something weird about that August guy." Aela commented, feeling just as confused as I."What did you think about August?" I spoke quietly to Shannon as we walked over to one of the service tables.I gulped down some cool water, only wishing it were some strong wine.Shannon hesitated for a minute, her honey eyes clouding over in thought."I saw this cat once. It was living out in the woods and hated anyone that came near it. It wasn't mean or anything, but it was scared and constantly on guard. I brought some food out and it just fell in love with me. It just needed some
Three things happened simultaneously.Every window shattered, spewing glass at Shannon, Viktor and I. Masked figures jumped through each shattered window.I jumped in front of Shannon, shielding her from the spray of glass that flung in our direction.Viktor jumped in front of Shannon and I, taking most of the glass to himself.Everything in the ballroom was happening much too fast.People screamed in every direction. Some ran, while others dropped to the ground.In the midst of the chaos, I could make out some of the masked men holding guns. My eyes widened as explosion of bullets flying through the air pierced my ears. Everything was happening so fast, I hardly noticed my necklace hot against my skin."Stay close to Viktor!" I shouted at Shannon, pulling her closer to him be her trembling arm."Arabella!" I could hear my Dad's voice yelling my name."Bella.. I think you should st