Chapter Title: Between Pleasure and Secrets
Rosa's POV
I didn't knock. I didn't ask.
I walked right into Bryant's chambers like I belonged there — because in many ways, I did.
The door shut behind me with a quiet thud. He was seated by the window, half his shirt unbuttoned, golden light from the fireplace dancing across his chest. He didn't look up when I entered.
So I took a step closer.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," I said softly, the smallest smirk playing on my lips.
Still no response.
I picked up the wine bottle from the nearby shelf and poured into two glasses. I walked over to him, my steps slow and deliberate, hips swaying as if guided by an invisible rhythm. I offered him a glass and watched him take it without a word.
Then I did what my heart had been screaming for days.
I sat on his lap.
His eyes finally met mine — cool and unreadable — but they didn't stop me.
I leaned into him, my fingers tracing the lines on his jaw. "You've been ignoring me," I whispered, letting my breath brush against his cheek.
His lips twitched, forming the smallest smirk. "You've been quiet too."
I let out a soft laugh and twisted a little on his lap, allowing my thigh to brush his in a way I knew would grab his attention. His hand rested on my waist, not pulling me closer — not pushing me away either.
"You didn't complain that night," I teased, my voice dipped in honey.
He leaned in, his nose brushing mine. "You didn't give me reason to."
And then his lips found mine — hard, hungry, full of unspoken frustration. I kissed him back with just as much urgency. His hands slid under my robe, pulling me closer as our bodies melted into each other. Every inch of me responded to him, my heart racing, my mind spinning, lost in the fire we always seemed to spark when alone.
But just when it got deeper — just when he began trailing kisses down my neck — I pulled back.
"I need your help," I said.
He blinked, surprised. "With what?"
I took a breath. "I want to investigate the fall of my pack."
His expression shifted instantly. The heat in his eyes turned to ice.
"No."
I frowned. "What?"
"I said no, Rosa," he repeated calmly, though there was steel under his voice. "Stay away from that."
"I don't understand. Why—?"
"You don't need to understand," he cut in. "Your past is gone. Focus on your future here. With me. As my Luna."
I pushed slightly off his lap, frustration bubbling in my chest. "You can't just erase where I come from. My family. My people. My mother died in that fire—"
"I know," he said quietly, then stood up, forcing me to stand as well. "Which is why you need to let it go."
I shook my head. "You're hiding something."
He stepped closer. "I'm protecting you. There's a difference."
"By silencing me?" I snapped. "By acting like my pain doesn't matter?"
He leaned down, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't know what forces were at play back then, Rosa. Some things are bigger than you, than your grief, than your title. Leave it."
I squared my shoulders, heart pounding. "I won't."
His jaw tightened, and for a second I saw the Alpha in him rise, cold and dominant.
"I forbid you from speaking to the historian again," he said. "Or anyone who dares to dig into the Red Blossom ruins."
My breath hitched. "You… forbid me?"
"Yes," he said simply. "And if I find out otherwise, you won't like the consequences."
For a moment, we stood in silence. His command stung, but worse — it confused me.
Why was he so against this?
What was he afraid I'd find?
His hand rose to brush a strand of hair from my face. "I don't want to fight with you," he said more softly. "I just want to keep you safe."
"You're not doing a good job of showing it," I whispered.
I turned and walked away, my heart full of conflict.
One thing was now certain…
> If Bryant wouldn't help me find the truth,
Then I would do it without him.