The Prince and The Rogue

23: Stirring

|Samantha|

I stare down at my mate in shock. "Impossible," I breathe.

My wolf, she is returning. The familiarity of her presence is comforting, soothing. Like seeing an old friend after years of no contact. Even if it is a brief interaction, I missed her. 

He shakes his head. "But it isn't. Your wolf left after you rejected me, but as we bond it is drawing her back. She is returning as you are accepting our bond. She isn't afraid to get hurt anymore if she sees we are progressing in rebuilding our bonding. She left because she was angry you rejected me, but now she sees we are sharing moments like this. Possibly recreating our bond, that she will return to be with her mate. Possibly becoming a mated pair once more."

I sigh. I somewhat understand what he is saying. She left because she was angry and is returning since she sees I have come to terms with this relationship and is accepting of this pairing.

"So our theory is somewhat true?"

He nods. "It seems so."

I felt a bunch of mixed emotions. I was happy my wolf was returning, but scared as I was giving into my feelings. Anxious for the life I will lead with Theo. Yet, relieved as he'll be beside me helping me every step of the way.

Theo purrs softly as nuzzles his nose into my neck, inhaling. I could feel him smirk against my neck. "Now, if I were to mark you," he draws.

"Your father wouldn't be happy," I inform.

He huffs. "Unfair. This is far more important than a marking ceremony."

"He waited for the marking ceremony with your mother."

He pouts like a child and crosses his arms. "Like I said, this is far more important than a stupid ceremony. What if we wait too long and she doesn't return?"

I give him a pointed look. "You just want to mark me."

"True."

I shake my head and go to get off his lap, but his hands hold firm on my hips. He grins, proud of himself and pulls me closer. A simple kiss on the forehead and neck makes me jump.

"Just experimenting," he says, his warm breath fanning my neck.

The smallest contact of his lips makes her stir. Knowing Theo, he is going to use this to his advantage, as an excuse. To kiss me whenever and wherever.

"No," I snap.

He grins like the Cheshire Cat. "Ah, you caught me. Allow me to bestow upon you your reward."

I push my hand towards his puckering lips and push his head back. He laughs and shakes his head with a smile. "Now, now, that was very rude. Denying your reward from a prince."

I roll my eyes when he uses his royal card. "You truly are annoying, you know that?"

He just shrugs. "I do."

"Well, it's getting late. Well later. I should head back to my room."

As much as I was truly enjoying this late night bonding with him. I was growing exhausted. Most likely because Theo was rubbing my back soothingly. The clock read almost three and we had an early start tomorrow. So we had to get to bed and get what sleep we could. Honestly though, it seemed as if Theo didn't want to let me go or didn't care about our duties tomorrow.

Although what happened here tonight would most likely overshadow tomorrow's events. Yet, I think his family would be happy to hear of my wolf stirring. Although, telling them that made me nervous as it would speed up our mating ceremony. Speeding them up would only speed up us being crowned and I wasn't looking forward to that.

"Can you maybe not tell your parents about this," I ask.

"Why? This is great news!"

I look down at where my hands play with the hem of my shirt. "I am nervous to be Queen and announcing my wolf is stirring will only speed that up."

He nods with a sigh. "Completely understandable. I am too, but honestly if that is the way of being crowned king for a little longer, then I'll gladly keep that secret. Not only that but I'll have more alone time with you."

"Oh joy, I didn't think about that downfall," I remark sarcastically.

He grins playfully. "Oh you love me and you know it."

"Sure whatever. I enjoy staying out of the public eye. Out of public eye means out of public opinion and safely out of reach of my old rogue group."

Truly that is what scared me most. Rogues coming for me, especially my father. I don't want to be in his grasp and face his wrath. That is where my fear lies, if he gets a hold of me who knows what he'll do. Even Theo might not be able to stop his anger. He turned against me and I can guarantee the others have and if not he'll turn them against me.

For now, I am safe within this mansion out of harm's way and eventually safe within the palace walls where nobody will be able to access.