Broken.

Compromise.

Nora…

I awoke before Dimitri, I turned to look at him. His chest raising peacefully, his lips opened just a crack, his strong jaw and cheek bones, everything about him was mine. He was finally in my arms.

I couldn’t stay any longer because if he was caught with me in his room, there would be none of this anymore. I climbed out of bed, sneaking away until I decided to leave a note.

I had to return to my bed. Just in case, you think I done another runner. N, X

That would make him smile when he did wake up, I slipped out of his room and ran back to mine. As quiet as a mouse, I heard a lot of staff talking so I thought it would be best if I avoided those roots.

Turning down a corridor, I smashed into someone. I looked up and saw Simon, he smiled while nodding his head at me. I smiled back and walked into my bedroom. Once I shut the door, I slid down with my back against it. This wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought it would be. I jumped in the shower and got ready for the day ahead of me.

After I was ready, I walked into the kitchen to see Dimitri with my father. I pretended I didn’t see them as I got myself a plate and filled it up with food. It wasn’t until I heard a glass smash, I turned to face them fully.

“Is everything okay?” I asked politely, as I looked over to my father’s right Dimitri’s eyes were furious. What had I missed?

“Nothing is okay, not as long as you have that,” My father snarled pointing to my neck, my hair was tied up with my tattoo on show. “That must be removed from you at once.”

“That will hurt like hell.” I mumbled as I sat across from him.

“It is a Therian hunter symbol, how dare you come intoMY house with that.” He stood up staring at me. I frowned and stood up myself.

“Your house? So I can leave at any time? I’m just a guest here.” I said with every bit of confidence I had in me. “It would be my pleasure to leave, or am I a prisoner?”

“I meant to say, ours. Our home, all of us. Including Simon Junior, your younger brother.” He spoke so slowly as if he was afraid I would flip about having a brother.

“I have a brother?” I sat back down, holding my hands.

“Yes, he’s nearly two.” He smiled at that, I couldn’t hold back my own smile. I have a little brother.

Dimitri…

Her smile lit up her whole face, I got a glimpse of the girl she used to be. It didn’t bother me, that my mate had a hunter symbol on her neck, it made me want her even more. King Logan didn’t kick me out of the same room as her, which surprised me.

He did tell me to have some breakfast while he introduced Nora to Simon. I wanted so badly to refuse his offer but I soon realized if he would ever see how much his daughter really meant to me, he would have to see me changing my ways. A lot, no more acting like I’m the toughest guy in this place, no more talking back. Mind you, I’ve only done it once or twice.

But, I could do that, especially for Nora. My beautiful mate, whom I had now kissed. After waiting so long to kiss her, hold her and say her name to know that she is mine, forever. She is the main reason I will change, and I will make sure everyone knows that.

Simon and Mike walked into the kitchen while I sat there eating, I nodded at them, gaining a wink from Simon. I frowned and looked back at my plate.

“Saw Princess Nora sneak out of your room.” Simon whispered so low, only I and Mike could hear it. I snapped my head up, if he even tries to rat me out, there will be trouble.  

“He won’t saw anything, don’t worry.” Mike assured me, I relaxed knowing Mike was one of our good friends, his word meant everything.

“You can’t say a word, because this would be the end of it.” I said to both of them. They nodded while King Logan walked back in.

“Dimitri, can we talk?” He asked slowly, I nodded following him to his study. “This is about Nora. We both care for her, but you must understand my reasons for forbidding you to be her mate.”

“I don’t think I do, Your Majesty. With all respect, I will honor your wishes. But I would like to know why I can’t be with my mate, me or Nora never choose each other. It was destiny.” I spoke calmly, letting him hear my thoughts.

“Because,” He paused for a sigh. “As much as I wish for you to be the right one for her, you aren’t. She needs an Alpha, and we can tell you are not an Alpha.”

“That’s the only reason?”

“No, I don’t want to bring shame to my family. She needs to see that everyone has to sacrifice something in their life, Cora is an Alpha female. I can’t let Nora be with anyone just because it’s destiny.” He laughed at my choice of words.

“You really never had a mate, someone you could look to and your whole day is suddenly better?” I questioned. “Someone who you know will be there for you, no matter what you have done. I can’t stand back and feel like I have done something wrong. I’ll be whatever she needs, or you need. I’ll be her protector, friend or just someone who is lingering in the background. But do not tell me, that I cannot help her when she needs it.” I snarled that warning, he took a step back glaring at me.

“First of all, I never left the kitchen this morning. Be in the same room as long as someone else is around. No mating, no marking and I mean this, no love. I don’t care that I never had a mate, Cora is mine. As she will always be.”

“But, you’re second best to her. Her real mate, Simon. In her eyes, no one can replace him.”

“I know and have accepted that. Now you may talk to Nora if someone else is around, oh… Simon would be great, since  he is going to be her personal bodyguard.” He nodded towards the door, I smiled as I left.

If Simon was allowed to be there, I could see Nora pretty much anytime I want. But no love, now that was going to a lot harder, because if I could see her as much as I want, I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with her any more than I already am.

King Logan has these witches who can tell him, if someone is betraying him. I couldn’t do that, I’ve seen what happens to people who betray him. They go away and never come back.

Truthfully, I think he flings them into vampire territory, vampires are horrible things. Vile, sick and murderous. For Nora, I would have to try and make sure neither of us, fall in love.