Chapter 13

The fights that follow are over in a flash, once the wolves witness what I do to August. It seems wolves, like all creatures, aren’t fans of fire.

My adrenaline rush fades quickly when I think about the final fight. Roman has made it through every round, just like me.

His teeth are lethal.

He’s both fast and strong. I don’t want to hurt my mate, to fight him.

But he does deserve a little kick in the ass for ruining our honeymoon nights.

I spot Roman pacing on the other side of the dome.

The king has given us the go-ahead, but neither of us has made a move. I’m not sure what I’m waiting for.

Maybe he wants to back out and go home to talk. Maybe I want him to.

The crowd seems to hold its breath. Mates don’t hurt their mates.

I know I can win this fight, but I also know I shouldn’t.

Our monarchy would take a hard hit if I do.

Imagine the whispers among the wolves, the new princess defeats the Prince.

That would give some Alphas the idea they can defeat the future king.

But I also know I can’t go down without a fight, even if I’m setting myself up to lose.

Roman stops pacing and points at me.

His arm is stretched out, the muscles under his t-shirt flexing.

God, he’s beautiful.

“I give you one chance to surrender, Princess. One chance, because if I must, I will prove to our pack that I can protect our pups, our women, our men. No matter the cost.”

I can see in his eyes that he knows I won’t back down.

“So prove yourself, my dear Mate. Fight.”

His jaws morph into those of a wolf, as do his front claws. Alphas can do a partial shift, but it drains a lot of energy.

I flash a wicked smile at the crowd, doing a 360 while bowing to them all.

A barely audible rustle makes me spin around.

Roman is right in front of me, his eyes locked on mine.

“So be it.” Before I can even summon my magic, he sends me flying across the dome.

My wolf instincts kick in and I land on my feet.

My jaw throbs from the impact and my breath comes in shallow gasps.

He wants to play rough? Let’s play rough.

I raise my hands to the sky and summon water.

Rain fills the dome, mud pools forming under our feet.

Roman lets out an amused laugh.

“That’s all you got, baby?” My cheeks heat up at his words, but I won’t let myself get distracted.

I stop the rain as Roman charges at me. I dodge his hands, spinning around him.

Roman is quick though and lands a hit on my back.

I stumble but manage to stay upright. I turn around slowly, Roman looking down at me.

“Give up, Princess. I don’t want to hurt you.”

The concern in his eyes is genuine, but I also see a spark of defiance.

He’s not going to let this go, and neither am I. He still deserves that ass-whipping.

I lean in to answer him, but instead of speaking, I kick him in the knee. His leg gives out.

He lands on the knee I just hit, a grunt escaping his lips.

I summon my wolf power and leap back.

Putting a good distance between us, I tilt my head as he gets up.

Smiling wickedly at him seems to anger him more, so I throw in a wink.

I spread my feet, locking my knees. My hands are turned towards the still-wet grass.

Flames burst from my hands, the water spreading the flames like oil.

Soon the entire dome, except for the space between us, is ablaze.

“The Goddess gave me to you for a reason. I am strong, I am fierce, I am caring. I will protect these people as if they’re my own.

“I will teach the pups, fight alongside the warriors, dance among the women, and I will be the queen that they need. The only one stopping me from being the queen they deserve is you, their future king.”

I know the magic in my flames drowns out all that I say.

My words are only for him. They are a plea, wrapped in confidence.

I don’t want to fight like this. Roman shakes his head and fully shifts.

It’s the most savage shift I’ve ever seen.

Clothes rip from his body, quickly turned to ashes by the flames.

Just before he’s completely shifted, he looks me straight in the eyes.

“I won’t lose you too.” His words unsettle me so much that I don’t see him coming.

In the blink of an eye, he’s on top of me.

We’re pushed back into the flames.

The flames lick his fur, destroying it, but not for long as my head bounces harshly into the ground.

I lose control of my magic, my concentration broken, and the flames die down.

“I. Won’t. Lose. You.” His lips find mine in a hard, dry kiss. Then he gets off of me and offers me his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s winner. Our very own Prince! May my son reign over us all one day.”

The king’s voice sets off cheers throughout the crowd.

I take Roman’s hand and get up.

He hugs me, but I know it’s only for the pack to see we’re okay.

I smile at him, for those outside the dome it will seem like a genuine smile.

But the look on Roman’s face tells me he sees that it’s anything but.

Music starts and Honora quickly walks over to us.

Roman is swept away by the crowd, who have lifted him and are now carrying him on their hands.

“I’m sorry about my son’s behavior. Are you hurt, dear?” I give her a small smile and pull her into a hug.

“Of course not. I could have whooped his ass if I wanted to.” When we pull back, we’re both laughing.

I feel Roman’s eyes on me and mine find his immediately. A promise is written in them. A promise to never let me be what I want to be.