Chapter 12. Rejection

Lyra POV

My eyes widen as the Alpha King offers his muscular arm to me, bent at the elbow. It’s a familiar gesture, one I accepted from many of my father’s courtiers. I never felt a sense of hesitation to take a man’s arm offered in escort.

But now, sharp emotions wash over me and cause me to pause, and many of these feelings I simply do not understand. Just a brush of the Alpha King’s hand caused a jolt of electric pleasure to wash through me, back in his mother’s quarters.

What will happen when I actually hold his arm?

Not only that, but I am meant to be this man’s bride. My status as a princess shielded me against any untoward suggestions before, especially since all of the courtiers escorted me in the presence of my father.

But here, the empty hallways echo every unsteady shuffle