The Temptation of Sin And The Lycan Princess

ROYCE.

My heart is racing as I hear their footsteps approach. I’d recognise Mom’s heartbeat anywhere… and right now it’s racing as she steps inside the office that I’m waiting in.

She doesn’t know that today I haven’t just brought myself to her, but someone else too.

“Royce,” her voice is thick as she fights her emotions.

I turn and give her a smile. She looks beautiful in a white dress that lights up her eyes.

The first woman in my life, the first goddess. who I’ll always respect, the woman who went through so much pain to bring me onto this planet. My mother. 5

She stops in the doorway, her eyes glimmering with tears that she’s so desperately trying to contain, and I close the gap between us, pulling her into my arms.

“Royce,” she whispers as she clutches onto me tightly. “Thank the gods.”

She cups my face, tugging me down and kisses my forehead and cheeks as a few tears trickle down her cheeks.

She’s examining my face as if making sure I’m not hurt… just like she used to do long ago.

“I’m alright Mom,” I reassure her before taking her hands and kissing them gently.

“Great, there goes my makeup.

I glance up to see Charlotte standing there, looking a little emotional too, and I reach over, motioning her to come closer.

She obeys, and I wrap my arm around her tightly. I kiss her forehead before I hug them both.

“Where have you been? What is going on?

Why do we have to hide the truth from your father and brother? I’m terrified to think of the possibilities… and you faked your death, Royce… why?”

Deep down, I know she knows something is wrong.

Tonight, I’m going to give my mother happiness… and at the same time, I’m going to destroy her with my father’s truth.

I kiss the top of her head, inhaling her scent.

“It’s a long story… but I needed to accept my destiny as the Solaris King.

She stiffens before she pulls back, staring at I know the rumours of the trial have spread but rather than have Charlotte tell her, I wanted to tell her my truth, myself.

one hand, letting lightning crackle around

have heard

cupping my face when she freezes, slowly moving my collar back. “You …

a little wild, and maybe a little crazy, but I love her dearly. She’s my everything and there’s no way that I

smiles. “You’re in

different, isn’t it?” she

trust me, it’s really different and so much more… It’s… terrifying yet

nods, smiling softly, “And who is the lucky girl?” she asks me, her eyes sparkling as she

Royce, do share,” Charlotte

tilt my head, “Her name’s

stood up for her father earlier. She’s perfect.” She cups my face, kissing my forehead once more. “Treat

her voice, make me feel emotional

she marked too? I didn’t notice, but then her hair was covering her neck. To think

marked her

smile fades as she looks at me, concerned. “You are her teacher… Didn’t you

sigh. Nothing escapes

at the academy. I know it’s no excuse, but when I learned she’d be my student, I did try to stay away from her. Until she was almost killed, and I realised I couldn’t. I loved her too much for that. Aleric had his own intentions, I assure you… we are not alike. I also talked to her father and told him I’d leave the academy if he wanted me to, but he’s fine with

know you won’t take advantage of someone because you have a good heart… however, I don’t think I know my son well enough. She’s

tilt my head,

is, and I’m guilty. I’m nowhere

“Trust me, Mom, he isn’t innocent. He chose a fiery princess as hist mate, one with tattoos and

me, there’s someone I want you to meet Mom…” I glance at

of course, where is she?” Mom says

to meet someone else…” I say. My heart thuds as Mom looks at me curiously. “They’ll be here

who this person is, but Royce… why are we hiding your being alive from your father and brother?

say shortly, not wanting to break the news of his reality until

What’s happened between you and

of two pairs of footsteps makes me look towards the door. “I’ll

looks up curiously, as do I – hearing the footsteps stop, and then

is, wearing a white floor-length dress. Her eyes find Mom first, her breath hitching before her eyes

and anxiousness in them, and I can see she’s trembling slightly I let go of Mom and walk over to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, her brown eyes are fixed on mine and her breathing is uneven. I

begin, glancing towards Mom, but the words die on my lips when I see her staring at Winona. Her smile is gone but her

in them, yet

her emotions in check, her lips

guiding her towards Mom and with each step, Mom’s eyes are becoming

know she’s recognised her. She may not know it’s her daughter… but she

it’s more fitting to introduce her as Victoria Elizabeth Arden. She’s alive Mom, she was not stillborn, She was left at an orphanage for so many years until Leo Rossi found her and took her to his pack,” I explain softly.

heart is thundering