Yes, Your Highness (18+)

15

"We can dance, moving rhythmically to the music that fills the air around us. But for how long can we maintain this beautiful motion? As the beats pulse through our feet, I wonder how long it will be before your legs, weary from the effort, struggle to keep up with the vibrant pace we've set together."

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

I jolted awake, breathless and disoriented, my heart racing as I scanned my surroundings, struggling to recall where I was. Questions flooded my mind, each one vying for attention amid the confusion. It wasn't until the memory of last night crept back in that I let out a shuddering breath of relief, allowing myself to sink into the warmth radiating from the strong back beside me. My heartbeat in a unique rhythm, an unfamiliar sound that filled me with a mixture of safety and exhilaration. 

An arm lay draped over my shoulders, a gentle weight that reminded me of my vulnerability, and it was then that the realization hit me—I was completely naked. Slowly, I sat up and slid away from the protective embrace, glancing around the cave to gather my bearings once more. On the other side, I spotted Derek, wrapped in a thick blanket and deep in slumber. My mind reeled with the implications. Chase had chosen this cave as our refuge—his retreat—but why here, so far from the Cabin? 

The question replayed itself in my head, but before I could ruminate too deeply, a low rumble passed through Chase's chest. His wolf was stirring, and as I stretched, I caught a sudden growl rumbling forth, a commanding request for me to return and lie back down. My instincts stirred in response to that growl, an unexpected thrill igniting within me. What was it about this primal connection that drew me in so irresistibly? Why did Chase's wolf seem to crave me in a way that my wolf, Rae, resisted Riley?

But soon enough, Chase shifted, turning away from me, his back now facing my confusion. A sense of melancholy washed over me as I recalled the sorrow that lingered around him like a shadow. I could feel the weight of his loss—the burden of a heart grieving for the only person who had ever truly cared for him. I wanted to ask him how she had passed, but I hesitated. This was his pain to bear, not mine to probe. The thought of approaching such a sensitive topic made the hairs on my arms stand on end; the last thing I wanted was to upset him, especially now that our paths had crossed again.

Reflecting on our first encounter, just a year ago in town, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I was with a group of girlfriends, starstruck by the very presence of Chase with every teasing grin and sultry word he spoke. The playful flutter in my legs at his gaze, the secret thoughts I had entertained about how he looked—particularly that moment I caught myself imagining the curve of his backside—made me mentally face-palm at my silliness. In truth, nothing had changed; I remained stubborn and childish, a little too attached to my whims. Rae was adamant in her rejection of Riley as my partner, as if she believed I deserved someone better. 

Despite my age—eighteen years—and with my birthday creeping closer, doubts settled in my mind. What would that mean for me? 

"Come. Lay into warmth," Chase's deep voice broke through my thoughts, sending an electric jolt through my core. His invitation was simple yet filled with an undercurrent of longing that made my insides twist pleasantly. Did he even know what his voice did to me? It was the same sensation I had felt over a year ago.

I understood perfectly well why he wanted me beside him, especially given the howling snowstorm raging outside. Sasha was surely worried sick about me, though perhaps not as much as she would be if Derek weren't there with us. 

I sighed, hugging myself against the chill that seeped through the cave's stone walls. Chase waited silently, his dark eyes fixed on me as I wrapped my arms around my shivering form, a testament to my vulnerability. Remarkably, throughout this surreal time together, he hadn't once let his gaze linger on my nakedness. A sense of relief washed over me, mixed with a tinge of uncertainty about my small frame. Regardless of how much I consumed, I felt perpetually thin. I had expected questions or judgment, but his silence soothed my insecurities.