Mated to the Alpha Queen (Book 12 of the Regal Eclipse Pack Series)

Chapter 22

Kyra opened her eyes, and frowned for a moment, forgetting where she was. She waited for the pang of loss to rush in like it always did. It had lessened some over the last few years, though never completely. But it didn't hit her like it normally did.

Then she remembered. Cole. Her second chance. She glanced down. He was still asleep on her, using her stomach as a pillow. His right arm was between her and the couch, and his left hand was resting on her side. She had one hand on his muscled shoulder, the other in his hair. She could feel his breath on her arm.

Her thoughts drifted back to last night. She'd told him everything. He hadn't said yes, but he hadn't said no either. And they'd both been very drunk. She couldn't believe she'd asked him to have sex with her, and was glad he hadn't agreed to it. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but not like that. Not when she was drunk and bent over a pool table.

At least one of them had some sense. She'd been too drunk and horny to think about anything but how much she wanted him. But the way he'd pleasured her last night? Even now, the thought of his tongue in her clit, accompanied by the tingles was enough to arouse her.

The question now was, would he regret anything today? Would he tell her he didn't want to be with her and reject her? She hoped if that was what he decided, he didn't leave her hanging for long. She didn't want to get attached. She'd prefer he break the bond between them first. Then she might have to seriously consider taking a chosen mate. Which she had no desire to do. That could be a problem for another day.

He stirred then, his hand on her waist tightening for a second as he stretched a bit. He settled back on her for a moment, then looked up at her. "Morning."

"Morning," she responded as he laid his head back down on her. At least he wasn't pulling away like he wanted to put space between them. Instead he was making himself comfortable, like he slept on her frequently.

"Last night really happened?"

"Which part," she asked.

"We played strip poker and you kicked my ass at pool while you were naked, and then I ate you out," he listed.

"Um yeah," she said softly. She'd enjoyed every second of it too. But had he forgotten the main part?

He lifted his head, looking at her. "And you told me I was your second chance."

"Yes." Apparently not.

He laid his head back down, quiet for a while, seemingly lost in thought.

Kyra wanted to run her hands through his silky smooth hair again but she waited. She needed to let him work this all out in his mind now that he was sober. The fact that he hadn't moved gave her a bit of hope, but she'd already had her heart broken once, so she wouldn't let herself hope too much.

"Why don't you want to be Queen?"

"I.. " she sighed. "I don't know. I lost myself when I lost my mate. It's complicated, and if you choose to be my mate, I will explain it more thoroughly to you, but if not, there are things I can't share."

"I see." He grew quiet again. "Is it weird being mated to a Gamma?"

"No. Better than an Alpha."

He lifted his head to look at her. "An Alpha would be closer in rank."

"Rank isn't important. An Alpha has to give up his pack for me. Most of them won't," she explained.

"They'd be stupid not to," he muttered, laying his head back down.

Kyra smiled at his words. It felt weird to smile. She never did anymore.

"Are you going to be the dominant one in our relationship?" he asked.