Lior
"What?! What do you mean you want a blood bound hunter to stay here in our Kingdom with us?" Father shouts as I stand in his study. He's seated in his chair, face carved with disapproval.
"Lior, not one but two blood bound. Did you think about this before doing it? This could cause war."
I sigh. "I do understand that. But for someone who has survived a public justice system in their Kingdom… I nearly died, Father. If it wasn't for those blood bound hunters, you would be heirless by now."
He goes quiet for a while before asking, "What is he to you?"
That question stops me midway. "He's my mate."
"And the girl?"
"She's his cousin."
Father leans back. "This could cause war… but they can stay here as long as they want. After all, one of them is your mate."
"Thank you, Father," I say, bowing slightly. As I turn to leave, his voice calls me back.
"Son…"
"Yes?"
"I'm proud of you."
The words warm me more than I expected. "Thank you," I murmur, before stepping outside.
Riven and Rea wait by the door, both holding uncertain expressions. Father's study is soundproof — they couldn't hear a thing.
"He agreed," I tell them.
Relief washes over their faces. Two maids arrive almost instantly. "Come with me, my lady," one says to Rea, who follows. The other bows, "Sir," gesturing to Riven.
I nod at him. "Go on. Freshen up. Eat." He listens, and I turn away, heading toward the library.
Inside, my sister sits with a book, her usual smirk tugging at her lips.
"Took you long enough to bring him," she says without looking up.
"Of course you knew," I reply, leaning against the window.
"Well, I'm your sister. I know you like the back of my hand."
I chuckle. "You always say that."
"Because it's true," she says.
"You were ready to watch me burn back there, weren't you?" I tease.
She sighs. "I knew you'd survive. I can read your mind, remember?"
I groan. "I thought you were done with that."
"Why would I stop? You'll always be my little brother." She shuts her book, eyeing me knowingly. "So, what do you need?"
"I need your help."
She sighs, already standing. "I'm on it. But stop taking advantage of my history knowledge."
I grin. "I hear you. What were you reading, anyway?"
Her smirk widens. "Sure you wanna know?"
I wave her off. "Forget it." Already walking away, I toss, "Nice dress. Red suits you."
"My husband thinks so too," she replies, smiling.
"Enjoy your day, sis, with your wolf hubby." is say i teases .
I can't help but laugh as I leave.
---
Riven
After freshening up and eating, I'm shown to the West Wing. The room is dark, sleek, lined with black silk and silver detailing. It isn't my style, but it feels… powerful.
A knock comes. I open the door, and there he stands. Dressed in black, leaning on the wall, a smirk on his lips.
"Hello," he says.
"Hi," I reply, standing in the doorway.
"Not going to let me in?" he asks, eyebrow raised.
I murmur, "You can come in," pushing the door open wider. He steps inside, closing it behind him.
"I thought you'd just appear in my room," I say.
"I wanted to," he chuckles, "but thought I'd be formal… for once."
I move back as he comes closer, until my back meets the wall. His presence fills the room, fills me.
"Lior," I whisper, my voice trembling from the mate bond tugging at my chest.
"Yeah?" His lips graze my ear.
"You're too close."
"I know," he whispers, breath hot against my skin.
There's something in his eyes, something burning. "There's something I always wanted to do," he says.
"What is it?" My voice is barely a breath.
"I'm not good with words," he admits, "so let me show you."
His hand grips my neck, pulling me into a kiss that steals every ounce of air from my lungs. His lips are demanding, hungry, and I melt into it. His body pins me against the wall, his mouth devouring mine like he's starved.
When he finally pulls back, my lips are swollen, my chest heaving.
"Be my husband," he says, eyes burning into mine.
"What?!" I gasp.
"Can you?"
"How did we jump from being enemies to this?" I ask, flustered.
"Is it bad?" he asks softly.
"…It's not." I bite my lip. "Will you also be my husband?"
"Yes," he answers without hesitation.
That word destroys me. I grab him back into another kiss, fiercer than before. Our lips crash, refusing to yield, as his hands slide under my shirt. His fingers explore my abs, making my skin burn.
Heat coils in my stomach. I'm hot. Horny. Needy.
And then… he pulls away. "See you later, hubby," he teases, smirking as he walks out the door.
I stand frozen, panting. "What the hell…"
Sleep becomes impossible. After an hour of tossing, I storm to his room. A maid points me the way.
I knock once. The door swings open. Lior stands shirtless, body sculpted, smirk curling his lips.
"Can I come in?" I ask.
He lets me in, shuts the door, and locks it. The air is heavy, electric.
"How can I help you?" he asks, eyes glinting.
"I need you," I admit, unable to stop staring at his chest, his abs, the V-line disappearing under his pants.
He steps closer, tilting my chin so I meet his eyes. "Say it, Riven. What do you want?"
"I want us to try this mate thing. No rules. Just us," I breathe.
"Couples don't sleep together on the first day," he teases.
"I was never good with rules," I growl, grabbing him and pulling him into a desperate kiss.
The kiss is fire. Teeth clash, tongues wrestle. His hands roam my body as mine grip his waist, pulling him closer. I shove him toward the bed until he falls back on it.
"You're mine tonight," I whisper against his lips.
"Then claim me," he growls back, tugging my shirt over my head.
Clothes scatter. Skin burns. Moans fill the room as our mouths trace necks, leaving marks, bites, love-bruises across pale skin. His fingers claw down my back as I grind into him, both of us groaning at the friction.
"Fuck, Riven," he moans, arching into me.
"Say it again," I whisper against his throat, biting down.
"Riven—ahh—fuck—don't stop."
We roll, fighting for dominance, but neither of us really cares who wins. Every groan, every gasp, every mark carved on each other's skin seals what words couldn't.
Tonight, enemies don't exist. Tonight, we burn for each other.