The Prince's Gift

Chapter 41.

*Merry Christmas my lovelies! I hope you're all having an AMAZING holiday, and I wanted to treat you all with my own Christmas gift! I hope you enjoy this update, because it's going to begin to build from here. I'd love to hear your ideas and where you'd like to see this going! Never feel afraid to comment or share. I LOVE to speak with my readers, and I adore hearing what you have to say. So from my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! :) Enjoy!

I suddenly felt so unsure of myself, as if I was completely exposed and he could see my every thought as his piercing gaze stared down at me. "I...just want to become the best I can for everyone. For you too. Your world is in trouble Ehren and if I don't get stronger, I won't be able to help any of you." I said, forcing the words out of my mouth.

"You will. But you have to stop going to Zane. That will bring nothing but pain and sadness and it's time. You have to let it go. If you want to help us, then let's focus on all of us, not just him." He said, his words even as he spoke.

I gulped, trying to hold my focus. "What should I focus on then?" I asked on a breath.

"We need to see who's creating the yearlings, although we all know. Focus on Maddox, or anyone you suspect could harm us. Watching Zane's life unfold won't help you or any of us now." He was so close now that I could feel his body pressing against mine.

I nodded, blinking hard as I tried to break the hold he had on me. "I'll try Ehren. I promise I will. It's just hard. It's not that easy to just stop loving someone. Even if I've known all along I would have to." I said, tears welling in my eyes as I spoke. I knew it was true. I had to stop, but I didn't know how.

Ehren chuckled tightly, his jaw clenching and unclenching as he looked down at me. "Ana, if you'd let me, I'd help you forget him. I'd be everything you needed me to be, but I won't. Not until you ask. Not until you're ready." His voice was low and husky, his face only inches from mine as he spoke.

I let out a tight breath as I felt my body trembling. I'd never seen this side of Ehren. Never seen him look at me this way. He had such determination in his eyes. He leaned forward, his lips hovering just in front of mine. "I'll wait as long as you need me to, but I will make you mine. You can count on that." He whispered, his breath fanning over my face as he spoke.

Without realizing it, my own hands had found their way up to rest on his trim toned waist, my fingers clutching into his shirt as he pressed against me. "I...I'm not ready Ehren." I said finally, trying to hold onto what little brain function I had in this moment.

He laughed quietly and pulled back, taking a conscious step backwards as he nodded to me. "I understand." He said smoothly, his lips curling up into a smirk as he held his hand toward the house. "Shall we get back to it then?" He said with humor in his voice.

I nodded woodenly, trying to pull myself out of the fog he'd surrounded me with. "Yes. I'll be right in." I said forcefully.

I needed a moment to clear my mind yet again. Ehren walked back toward the house, but quickly turned before flashing in front of me and crouching into a defensive position.

"What is it?" I said hurriedly, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest.

"Someone's coming. We need to get inside. Now." He said with a growl as his arm wrapped around me, pushing me behind him as we backed towards the door.