The Prince and The Rogue

22: Late Night

|Samantha|

Scared, scared of the unknown. I was scared the Prince would find someone better than me. No, he deserves so much better than I. Yet, I am selfish and still want him. I want him to be mine and only mine, but that fear is holding me back. It is holding me back from the joys and pleasures in life. It always has and always will. I was scared of being replaced once it was confirmed my wolf won't return. There is a possibility that she will return. Knowing my luck lately she won't and I'll have to face the truth.

My life is truly unknown as it depends on what my wolf does next. I could remain here and begin a family with Theo. I also can lose my wolf completely which is that very unknown that scares me. What will happen to me when she doesn't return? Where will I go? The rogues will surely kill me and the humans don't want me. I don't want to be banished to the human side of the realm. I don't know how to be a human, I don't even know how to be a pack wolf let alone a Queen.

Alas, I must face the consequences of my actions. If I just accepted him and turned my back to my father for the first time, maybe just maybe I'd have my wolf. I would finally have someone who loved and cared for me and didn't use me as a pawn. Someone who wouldn't put me in harm's way for his own crazy beliefs.

Goddess do I hate the middle of the night. It has me overthinking and reflecting on my past. I am never going to sleep with intrusive thoughts like this. But, that's what we do. Overthink, reflect, and make up random scenarios in the middle of the night. Being alone with my thoughts is never ideal.

I twist and turn all night until I get tired of it and get up. I crack open the door and peak out the crack. The crescent moon radiating a steady stream into the window at the end of the hallway. Softly I pad out into the hallway. Yet as I walk down the hallway I see a light on from under a door down the hall. Theo's door.

I knock softly and hear a soft come in. Theo sits at his desk, his hair disheveled and dress shirt unbuttoned.

"Hey," I mumble.

Theo smiles. "What are you doing up at this hour," he asks looking at the watch on his wrist.

"Couldn't sleep, you?"

He smirks. "Same." The prince walks over to a small sitting area before a grand fireplace and motions for me. "Join me. I can have tea, coffee, whatever you want made. There are also books if you are interested."

I smile at his generosity and sit beside him on the couch, watching the flames dance among the log. "I think I'm okay, but thank you. I was just up and saw your light on."

Theo smiles and bats his lashes. "Were you worried about me," he teases.

"Shut it," I snapped.

He laughs at me. Sitting back he drinks back his beverage, of what I don't know. Damn he looked hot though. With his shirt undone and his hair a mess, arms stretched out on the back of the couch. He knew he was good looking and he knew I was staring.

Side eyeing me, he grins. "You know this can be seen as inappropriate. A young woman like yourself visiting a man at an hour like this."

I throw a pointed look his way which only earns a few more laughs.

"In all seriousness though, I don't mind being visited at an hour like this. Especially if it's a visit from you."

"Are you flirting with me, Your Highness?"

"And if I am?"

"I don't know how to respond to that."

I became well aware of the suddenly closed distance between us. Knee brushing against my knee.

"How would your father feel if he knew his daughter sought out the prince in the middle of the night and shared an intimate moment with him?"

"I don't care what he'd think. He is a monster and never cared for me."

His brow raises in question. "So you wouldn't care about the outcome if I kissed you?"

My eyes widen at the suggestion. He was so blunt and got straight to the point. His desire was clear and he clearly desired me. I admit I have been selfish as I am taking this slow and refusing him my affection and human contact.

"Or when I claim you as my mate? You wouldn't care for his wrath and punishment?"

I shake my head. "He won't be able to contact me once I am under the protection of the royal family."

"That is correct."

Truly though I wasn't afraid of my father's punishment, but my community's wrath. The wrath of the rogues and possibly the denial of pack wolves. Pack wolves denying their new Queen is a rogue. That is what scared me. I hate rejection, ironic since I rejected Theo. Knowing this bit of information the pack wolf community would reject me even if Theo and I made up. They wouldn't like me and I'd have to live with my people hating me for my past. In my opinion the only forgiveness that should matter is his, but it won't. They won't acknowledge his forgiveness as they'll be too blinded for their hate for me.

A gentle hand caresses my face and turns it to them. The flames reflected on the side of Theo's face and his eyes. I couldn't help when I leaned into his touch earning a low and rough purr from the male across from me.

Slowly he leans in and his lips graze mine before kissing me again. Gently coaxing me. I return the kiss after a few short seconds. His lips gently caress mine and his arms wrap my waist. My heart skips a beat when his pace picks up and plants me in his lap. I jump, not from the contact but something else.

"What is wrong," he asks softly, defeated.

"Nothing, Goddess. Nothing is wrong. Something shocked me, like a jolt went through my body at our contact."

Theo smiles and brushes hair out of my face. "It seems this intimate moment we are sharing is stirring your wolf."