Chapter 19 – A kiss

3rd Person

Ella slowly untangled herself from Sinclair’s body as he returned her feet to the ground, feeling terribly unsure of herself. The audience was still making a huge racket, but the imposing Alpha was studying her as if she was some sort of curious anomaly – one he was desperate to figure out. Her cheeks were flushed scarlet, but she followed his lead. Sinclair hadn’t looked away from her to acknowledge their onlookers – so she didn’t either.

Ella couldn’t have known how much more meaningful it was for Sinclair to be watching her this way, rather than smiling. Shifters were creatures of raw passion and intense feeling, there were many lighthearted moments of course, but the look of a successfully mated Alpha and Luna was not the lovesick expressions humans so often displayed in relationships. To those around them, Sinclair’s laser focus on the little human looked like a devoted lover hungry for his mate, and her anxious energy was only further proof – a she-wolf who had just provoked her mate’s lust in public, and was going to have to face the consequences when she got home.

The tableau only made them cheer louder, and this eased Ella’s fears a bit. Sinclair might not be happy with her, but the crowd certainly was. It can’t have been a complete mistake, could it?

“How lovely, but not exactly the point of the game.” The Prince’s drawling criticism finally broke the spell, at last tearing Ella and Sinclair’s attention away from one another.

“Wasn’t it?” Ella asked innocently, feeling less intimidated by the Prince than the wolf still holding her in an iron grip. “He told me to kiss him – was I supposed to refuse?”

The spectators laughed and applauded, and Sinclair turned glowing eyes in their direction. “No doubt you’ll forgive us taking our leave.” He declared rakishly, earning a fresh surge of wolf whistles. “My mate is in need of some attention.”

Ella blinked, wondering if he meant what she suspected. Were wolves really so open about sex? Before she could think about the matter any further, the King stood and offered them a toast, “To the happy couple.”

Sinclair led Ella back through the flood of congratulations and well wishes, past the media frenzy and back into the safety of his limousine.

slid in a moment afterwards, he zeroed in on Ella immediately. The corner of his mouth tilted up when he saw her sitting as far away as possible. “Is

in reply, wrapping her arms protectively around her middle. She was painfully aware that if

of the Alphas on the council will question me now. Even the King

feeling silly now. “You looked so severe after the kiss, I just… I thought I messed

car slowly began to move. “But I am curious what inspired

lap. “It was the first thing that came into my mind. I knew we were going to fail if we actually had to

why a kiss?” He pressed. “You were already feeling ill, you could have easily given

don’t know.” She shrugged, fidgeting

like it?” He pressed, his deep

chirped, her gold eyes going wide. “Of course not, it was just for show. Besides, I’m not a good

“Why the hell do

She admitted, her voice barely louder than

more than enough. He migrated over to where Ella sat, kneeling down onto the floor of the car so he could look her in the eye. Is he going to touch me? Ella wondered anxiously. Why do I want to feel his hands on me so badly? She got her answer a moment later, when he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, and

hadn’t escaped her notice how many people had commented on her beauty that evening, or how proud

shook his head. “You’re gorgeous, Ella, but so are lots of people. He’s an idiot

nature.” Ella protest. “I’m poor

bristled beneath his intimate touch and domineering manner. She wanted to challenge him, to insist that she knew herself better than he did. With great effort, she kept her mouth shut because she knew it wasn’t an argument she could win. Nodding in approval, Sinclair continued. “And I say you are brave, clever, so sweet I can’t stand it, and so much stronger than you know.”

slung an arm over her shoulders, encouraging her to lean into his warmth. “Thank you.” Ella murmured, sinking into

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