Kaelen
"She did what?" I can't believe what I'm hearing right now. I thought I was perfectly clear when I had told Lilienne not to visit her beta, and in the past, she would always listen. But now? This is, perhaps, the first time she disobeyed me like this.
"Her Majesty dismissed the guards in the detention cell and freed Beta Dawn one day earlier than stated in the sentence. At the end of the day, it is hard to say no to the queen."
My beta, Fred Crane, releases a long sigh and shakes his head a little, expressing his slight exasperation. I let out a sigh, too, but I am more frustrated than anything.
Perhaps it is true that I have overreacted and my order was a bit out of line, but anyone else in my position would have done the same.
I still don't know what I am to do about Serina, but no matter what, no one, even my wife, is allowed to disrespect my real mate. Especially when I am there to watch it.
As soon as I think about Serina, something subtle, yet powerful shoots through the spot of Lily's mark on the back of my neck. My hand reaches out there almost involuntarely, my fingertips sliding gently over the broken crescent shape.
The mark is not perfect because Lily is not my fated mate, but it is still a mate mark. Our bond is like a living essence, too, and it is beginning to sense that something is amiss.
"Would you like to do something about it, Alpha?" My beta's voice crushes through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality.
Would I like to do anything, huh? Yeah, I guess I'd like to do a fucking lot, but I don't think I am in the right mind to make any rational decisions right now.
So I simply dismiss the matter for now. "Leave it," I motion for Fred to not just leave the matter, but my room as well. "And call Serina for me, will you?"
"Sure thing, Alpha."
Fred bows his head and leaves the room, and the moment the door shuts behind his back, I feel a strange sense of relief wash over me like a warm ocean wave.
Before I can relax completely, a light, somewhat cheerful knock raps over the other side of my door, and I instantly know who that is.
"Come in, baby."
Serina nearly flies into my room, her steps so light, every movement of her slim, delicate body so elegant. Unlike Lilienne, who always looks so cold, distant, and tense, this young woman is like a breath of fresh air to me.
Is it because she is my true mate that I always feel so light and cozy in her presence?
"Kaelen!" Serina's melodic voice flows into my ear like pure honey, covering my soul with its comforting bliss. "You look so tired and tense! Is everything alright?"
Her child-like innocence is incredible. The more she talks, the more relaxed I feel. It's amazing.
"The queen is getting on my nerves a little, but it's nothing serious, so don't get worried."
"How can I not?" She pouts her rosy lips, and her pretty face turns even more innocent. "You are my mate, so it hurts me when I see you hurting too!"
Mate. I don't think I have used this word as much in the past as I've done so ever since I met Serina back there, in the forest.
With Lilienne, it was always just soulless titles––partner, wife, luna, queen. We were mates in name only, and even when we marked each other during our wedding ceremony, both of us felt absolutely nothing.
I know she didn't. She doesn't feel anything. Unlike during our youth, when Lilienne was still bright and affectionate, once we got married, her warmth seemed to be dissipating with each passing year.
Has she ever felt bad because I was hurting?
I snap out of my thoughts and look back at Serina's doe-like eyes. My heart instantly melts, and I feel soothing warmth spread inside my body. A wide, genuine smile tugs at the corners of my lips, while my hand instinctively reaches out to pat her head.
She smells like burnt sugar and honey. So irresistible and tempting.
"Kaelen," Serina murmurs my name in the sweetest manner, her big eyes firmly locked on mine. "You've been tense ever since we came here, I don't like seeing this side of you."
I want to say something, but immediately stop as her hand slides over my stomach, all the way down to my crotch, her pouty lips stretched into a mysterious smile.
"Let me make you feel better. Let me help you relax. It will all go away once you taste my love once more."
Her words are an intoxicating whisper, her movements slow and deliberate, yet not devoid of elegance and stealth. She is moving like a snake now, sliding down to the floor and positioning herself between my legs.
I lean back and let my body almost sink into the couch, while Serina unzips my pants and softly takes my member out. I love her hands. They are still a little rough from the manual labour she had to do in the past, but she still knows exactly how to use them.
But what I love even more is her mouth. Warm and wet, she takes me all the way in almost instantly, sending a slight electrifying sensation through my entire body.
I try to hold it in, but that quiet groan of pleasure erupts from me anyway, and as if motivated by my reaction, she takes me in even deeper, her hot tongue rolling together with the movements.
My wolf growls inside me, nearly drooling at the received sensations.
Ever since she gave me that first head in the forest, I've become addicted. Her body does incredible things to me, and honestly? I don't mind that.
She is my mate. Truly, our connection is intoxicating.
So whatever happens, I'll make sure she stays with me forever. I'll find a way.