one of Amara's legendary muffins. I was nearly convinced that Amara and Ember must have been witche

my little escapades

at Amara was absorbed in directing the other cooks. A sl

ffins was still warm. A groan escaped my lips when I

kier?" I groaned at him, keep

k eyebrow, his looking straight

g Magnus an annoyed look. "Hurry up before I get caught," I hissed at him, running toward th

't need to be told to turn around, h

tial to inform her mother of my misdeeds. I gently ran my fingers over the

nus watching me. There was that unusal flicker in his ey

my hands on them, so I resort to stealing," I said,

. "I need to finish this before she starts blabbing. She's my best

sing man without receiving any response, but it felt as tho

, I turned to continue my walk, only

my shoulder. Bewildered, I looked up at him

feeling intruded upon b

want to touch him," Kira teased, her smirk

shed my cheek so swiftly that I barely registered it before he pulled away. A smear of gooey chocolate chi

touch. It felt like a significant step. "Thanks," I sa

Lycans, especially royals, dating was rare. The identity of one's mate remained unknown, making dating a risky endeavor. My closest experience to a rel

feel self-conscious about my body or desires, although

ber, trying to ignore her astonished reaction to Magnus. E

silver cart, laden with an assort

ossed, his gaze periodically scanning our surroundings before settling back on me. His formal attire-a black but

ing on a sandwi

loves?" Ember asked, and I shr

He's not much of

" Ember chuckled, her gaze flickering back to

lirt with Magnus made me cringe. "I w

himself," Ember observed qu

ge, even for a Lycan," I

he changed the subject. "So, are you excited for your

cle my father would undoubtedly arrange. "I'm

to meet your mate. Guys will be lining up to

though Amara could never afford them. While I didn't mind extravagant parties, being the center of attention wa

if I don't want

for them. You have no idea how many times I've had my h

ans everything will change. Once I find my mate, Dad w

cept it or not, ruling is in your blood," E

lpha blood flowed through me, inten

nally leave the grounds," Ember pointed out,

t coffee!" I said, finally feeling o

e. There's coffee h

ffins are almost as good as your mom's," I said, licking my

obsession," Ember rol

e. Their desserts are the perf

I'm off today. I'm supposed to help Mom in the k

t's get this cart back to the kitche

to the kitchen. The dark, almost palpable aura trailing behind me was ever-present in my min

hint of amusement, "Aurelia, you should've just mind-linked us when you were f

, I said, "We had to pass t

voice echoed from t

my mind, "And you though

sprinted through the house, emerging safely out the front door. I didn't look

ading to the café for co

s swift, "Is Ma

"Of course. I don't think I

t try, Aura," Dad's rel

ad, you think I'

ve, Aura." Dad's stern tone was

chuckled and en

r quickly joining me and giving me a look of disbelief. Magnus

lder driver asked, his eyes fli

a wide grin. "

d the grand party planned. It would be a great chance to see Z

ow every movement. Despite my efforts to stay focused on Ember, I found myself drawn to the way his dark

d I followed, trying to avoid Magnus's penetrating gaze. I couldn't quite explain it,

e proximity to Magnus made my skin tingle. His shirt brushing against my

with Magnus standing directly behind me. His

harming smile called out. He was unfamiliar to

ed, feeling sev

le was disarming, and his perfect teeth sparkled as he intro

like it. It's true, I haven't been out much. It's

hed him, his presence alone enough to intimidate. Soren's fear was

first attractive guy to talk to me in

nothing wrong; Magnus's actions were completely un

kitchen cleanup before dinner, so I had to postpone my in

able with Magnus shadowing me. He waited outside the bathro

it was as soft as it looked. I found myself drawn to him, despite

and determination. "Why do you even wear that

made my stomach flutter with anticipation. I couldn't resi

iving me a look that se

his allure, making me wonder w

omfortable as he made me. I stepped closer, until we were inches apart. H

sk that concealed the lower half of his face. Once again, he