Chapter 26

I yawn, waking up.

Blinking my eyes open, I’m puzzled. Why am I in the middle of the woods?

Then, the memories of last night flood back. Oh, no!

Roman’s punishment is due soon.

I glance up at the sky, noticing the darkness is already starting to fade.

Rising onto my four paws, I growl at the ache in my muscles. I seriously need to get back into training.

I retrace my steps, using my own scent to guide me. How far did I run?

The forest around me gradually brightens as dawn approaches.

Relief washes over me when I spot the end of the tree line. I quickly head towards the king’s house.

Shifting back into my human form, I open the front door and sniff out the laundry room.

Inside, a white dress hangs. It’s not my style, but I don’t have time to fuss over that now.

I hear the king’s voice as I rush down the long hallway.

I pass several doors before I find the right one.

I push them open, a bit too loudly, and instantly hundreds of eyes turn my way.

I keep my gaze down as I walk through a huge room that resembles a courthouse, except this one has a small stage at the front.

Roman is chained by his arms on that stage. He’s shirtless, and his head is bowed.

A few feet behind him stands Lucian, whip in hand.

The king sits behind Lucian on something that looks like a throne. He glares at me, annoyed.

“As I said, five wolfsbane lashes for leading an unauthorized attack.” My eyes scan the room for Honora.

Panic starts to choke me. This can’t be happening!

The king nods at Lucian, and before I can react, I sprint forward and throw myself over Roman.

A sharp pain hits my back, making me scream.

My vision blurs for a moment until the commotion around me brings me back to reality.

I let my canines grow and sink them into Roman’s shoulder. A feeling of pure bliss fills my veins.

Roman moans with pleasure, and I follow suit shortly after.

I can feel everything in my blood changing as our bond solidifies.

I’m yanked back by someone.

Panic floods me before I realize that’s not my emotion.

It worked! I can feel him.

I growl at the one holding me, my skin burning.

The hands release me, and I spin around swiftly.

I rise to my feet and stare past Lucian at the king.

“Roman is my official mate now. His blood runs through my veins as mine does through his. Our minds are now as one. I volunteer to take the punishment my mate has been given. Just like the law says I can.”

The king’s face flashes with anger before he masks it again. His face is now completely emotionless.

“Well done, child. You know the law. I hereby increase the sentence to ten wolfsbane lashes. Five for your mate’s betrayal and five for yours, for making my son your mate without my permission or an official ceremony.”

I hold my head high as I stare defiantly at the king.

“The Goddess has given me my mate. You have no say in why we are bonded.” Before he can respond, I turn around and kneel next to Roman. He’s still in a state of panic.

“Why are you doing this? This is my punishment. You shouldn’t have done that!” I silence him with a kiss while my hands fumble with his chains.

He leans into the kiss for a moment before pulling back. His left chain falls off, freeing my hands so I quickly grab Roman by his neck and pull him into me.

“Wolfsbane doesn’t hurt me.” My voice is so soft, only he could have heard it. He pulls back slightly to study my face. I quickly remove his right chains too.

I can feel his hands immediately searching my back for the wound the whip should have left there.

It’s pointless, I know it’s already healed.

When he doesn’t find the wound, he nods to me, pain still evident in his eyes and over our bond.

“We haven’t got all day, child.” The king’s voice echoes through the now completely silent room.

Roman makes room for me and I take his place, the position he was in just minutes ago.

He chains both my wrists. The silver irritates my skin, but doesn’t burn like it did his.

He kisses my forehead and stands up.

I follow the sound of his footsteps and focus on his breathing. I close my eyes when I hear Lucian laugh behind me.

“This is going to be fun, Princess.”