God, something cracks in my chest at hearing him admit he’s scared. This alpha prince, this man who always seems so self-assured, like he knows exactly what he wants and how to get it, who always seems so in control, is scared.
I had very little resistance to him to begin with. He’s my fated mate, and a part of my soul resides in him. I’ve wanted to forgive him for almost as long as I’ve known him.
“You’re as much a part of me as my lungs, my brain, my heart. And just as vital. I need you because you’re my fated mate, Florence.” He bends his neck and brushes the sweetest, most tender kiss of my life against my mouth. “But I want you because you’reyou. Beautiful, glorious, sunshiny you.”
Warmth swells in my chest and I can’t stop myself from kissing him. I don’t even try. He hums as he kisses me back, slow and soft and sweet. Not an ounce of urgency in it, like he really meant it when he said he’s not going anywhere. Like he has all the time in the world to do just this, lay in bed with me, kissing.
He pulls away too soon, pressing his forehead to mine.
“I know I messed up with you, Florence. And I know you might not be ready to forgive me, but I’m going to keep working to earn it. To earn you.”
I don’t respond. My throat is too tight for that, but I do wrap my arms around him, hugging him against my body and he melts against me, nuzzling his face into the curve of my neck, taking deep inhales of my scent. “Mine,” he murmurs against my skin.
Yours, I silently agree with him.
It’s three days later when Forsythe leaves me for the first time.
And not only does he leave me, but the rest of the pack does too, slipping out of bed before I’m even remotely awake.
“Where?” I ask not fully cognizant enough to form a complete question, but realizing the prince of Bravonne is standing at the edge of the bed, fully dressed in his customary three piece suit.
Forsythe brushes a tender kiss over my bare shoulder, then drags his lips up to my neck, teeth gently scraping over mypulse point. “We have a few things to take care of today, love. Unfortunately I think it might take all day. Will you be okay on your own?”
Will I? Probably not. Especially if he’s thinking they’ll actually be gone until this evening. I’ve gotten so used to having at least one of the Ashbourne pack near me, that I suspect I’ll be incredibly lonely on my own.
But he’s given me three straight days of his attention, and I know he’s been neglecting his other duties, so I nod into my pillow. “‘Course I’ll be fine.”
A hum sounds from my other side as the bed dips. “Your scent is telling us otherwise, killer.”
I sigh and roll over blinking up at the two alphas flanking me, and the rest of the pack standing at the foot of the ridiculously huge bed. “What good would it do for me to tell you I want all of you to stay with me always?” All of their expressions get soft at my admission. “It’s not like we can spend every second of every day together. We all have things we need to do.” I flick my gaze to Forsythe. “Some of us more than others. And I know you’ve been neglecting your duties, recently.”
“We can stay,” Piers is quick to offer. “If not all of us…”
“No,” I tell him, waving a hand. “At some point in the future I’m going to have to let you go.”
That raises a round of rough growls. “Never, bubbles.”
I push into a sitting position and roll my eyes. “I meant like go out into the world and leave me alone. I know it’s not feasible for us to exist like we have been for the last few days. We all have things we need to do.” I wince internally. I’ve been avoiding making any more decisions on my fashion line. I don’t want to set up a warehouse in Granton if I’m going to end up living in Durvain. Which means I’ve also been avoiding talking to Haven or any of the Calloways.
“I have some work to do, anyway, and as much as I love spending time with you guys, you’re all very distracting.”
Court’s smile turns wolfish. “In what way are we distracting, Pix?”
I snort and shake my head. “You know how.”
“Enlighten me, slowly. With filthy words and maybe a practical demonstration?” I know he’s teasing, but I still get all warm and slick between my legs.
“That right there,” I point at him. “Distracting.”
He chuckles and crawls onto the bed and then right up to me, bracing his hands on either side of my hips as he brings his face close to mine. “I promise we won’t be gone too long, yeah?”
I shrug. “I’ll be okay.”
“‘Course you will, bubbles,” Grieves says, clapping a hand on Court’s shoulder and starting to drag him away. When Court protests, he adds, “We’ll never get out of here and do what we need to if you get started on her, Court. You know that.”
It's probably true.
“You’re sure?” Piers asks one more time, a brow arched.