Chapter Eighteen
Ifroze. There is no way. He had to be gone. I slowly spin to look towards my bed. There, waiting patiently in the dark, was Rowan.
I groaned and spun away. Water was still dripping down my skin, and now he was here. Sounds about right. “Why are you here, Rowan?”
“I would love to tell you, Rabbit, but I can’t think with you standing in front of me in a towel.
” I heard him move and felt the air behind my back shift.
He was standing behind me, and I heard him draw in a breath.
“I can’t smell you at all now.” His mouth sent tiny puffs of air against my neck, sending shivers down my back.
“I don’t like it. Even with the fake scent, it was something I had grown to love, grown to expect, but this… I hate this.”
I stared at the far wall. His words were soft, alluring, but the pain was still so fresh.
He sniffed me again and let out a soft growl.
I took a step away. “I’ll go get dressed.
” My voice was deadpan, and I felt Rowan drop his head to my shoulder, causing me to stiffen.
Shocks rippled down my skin. It had been so long since I felt his touch that it seemed like my skin craved his.
I closed my eyes and felt the dancing sparks along my skin.
My body was greedy for his touch. It was like the simple act of his head against my shoulder electrified my entire body. I wanted to moan.
“Please don’t hate me. I don’t think I can survive if you hate me again.” His words were tiny blows to my defence.
I forced a laugh. “Let’s not play pretend here, Rowan.
You didn’t even notice.” I stepped away, the sparks fading on my skin as I went to the closet and pulled on some clothes.
I heard a faint knock as I was collecting myself, and then nothing but silence.
I walked back out, expecting to see Cass, but she was nowhere to be seen and Rowan was sitting at the edge of the bed with his elbows resting on his knees.
His head hung down, but I knew he was tracking me.
“Where is Cass?” I looked towards the door, but I couldn’t even scent her.
Rowan looked up, and his eyes had me taking a step back. The need, the hunger in his gaze was raw, and on full display. “I asked her to leave.”
I felt my anger rise. “Why?” He had no right. My voice is obviously full of my agitation. “Who do you think you are-”
“Your mate.” His words were a low whisper. If I hadn’t been watching his lips, I would have never caught it. He winced.
“What the fuck did you just say?” I stumbled back a step.
He took a few steps towards me. “I don’t know any more. I’m sorry about sending your friend away and after we talk, I will leave. But I think it’s time we actually sit down and have a conversation.”
I growled. “You are not my fucking boss.”
He smirked, and my lower stomach clenched. He might be an asshole, but Goddess, he was handsome. “Technically, I am.”
“What?” I shook my head to clear it. His stupid face distracted me.
“You said I’m not your boss.” He walked slowly towards me until he was standing in front of me. He leaned down a bit, bringing his face level with mine.
“I know what I said.” I shot back, growling as he leaned closer. My eyes snapped to his lips as he came closer. “You don’t have to repeat it back to me.”
His eyes started to glow as he leaned in closer. “Well, I didn’t want to be misconstrued when I said this.” His smirk made my stomach clench again, earning another growl from me. “I technically am your boss.” His eyes danced between my eyes and my lips.
I stared at him for a few seconds. My mind was not computing what he was talking about. “What?” I leaned in a little closer without realizing it.
His smile was like a lightning strike. His eyes focused fully on my lips now as he leaned in so close that our breaths were mingling. “You said I wasn’t your boss…but I am.” His eyes flashed to mine. “Technically, I mean. I am the king.”
“Yes.” I felt my wall slam down. “You are the king. And if I remember correctly. You are very much taken.” I let my eyes shift to my wolf’s.
“For both of our reputations, you should leave. I don’t want your fianceé to get the wrong idea.
” I snorted as his eyes grew angry. “Did I hit a soft point?” I pressed in the rest of the way so that our skin touched.
“Poor King Rowan, engaged to be mated to an evil witch.” I growled as he tried to pull away.
My hand snapped out, and I pulled him back against me.
“What’s wrong? She doesn’t do it for you? ”
Rowan growled. “No…only you do.” Then he slammed his lips into mine.
The kiss was like fire. His lips on mine ignited something deep inside of me.
Nix and Megan both purred. Their combined rumble worked its way out of my throat.
Rowan groaned as my purr spilled from my lips.
He wrapped his hands under my legs and went to lift me, but that jolted me out of the spell I had fallen under.
I growled as I ripped my lips away from his and then I hauled back and punched him in his face.
Rowan stumbled away, holding his face. I glared at him as he straightened.
He looked up at me, shock on his face, and I watched as it morphed into a smirk.
He fucking smirked at me. He stood up to his full height and his smirk turned to a full smile as he stepped closer.
His lip was split at the corner, but he just swiped the blood with his thumb as he took another step.
“You hit me.” His voice was low, but his eyes had shifted.
He looked like the predator he was as his fangs slid down into place. “You actually hit me.”
I took a step back without realizing it. But his chuckle had my spine straightening. “You deserved it.” My eyes narrowed as I took a step forward, refusing to retreat. “You kissed me.”
He nodded as he leaned back down to me. “I did. And I’ll do it again.”
I felt a growl work its way up. “Like hell you will.” I took another step closer, getting into his face.
My finger drilled into his chest. “You don’t get to kiss me.
You have a fianceé, remember? I don’t share men first and foremost.” A growl rumbled in his chest. I bared my teeth, fangs descending again to match his.
“More importantly THOTH, I don’t want you anywhere near me.
All you fucking do is lie and I am over it. ”
I watched his face as it went through a million different emotions but landed on serious.
His eyes dimmed a little, but his fangs stayed out.
“I know.” I felt my face fall. I expected a little fight from him.
He smiled as he watched my face. “I can’t deny anything you just said.
But I hope you will have a meal with me, and let me explain my side of things before you make any permanent decisions. ”
I glared at him for a second longer. “I’m not hungry.
” I watched his face fall a little, but then there was a knock on the door.
I walked over to the door and swung it open.
“What?” I snapped out before I saw who it was.
I drew in a breath, “I’m sorry Clara, what did you need?
” I felt my voice soften as I stared at the trembling Omega.
“I’m sorry to bug you, Amy. But Cass instructed me to bring you dinner. She said you were starving, so I brought enough for two.” She tried to smile, but I could see she was still a little wary.
I closed my eyes as a soft chuckle came from behind me. “Come on in Clara, thank you.” I opened the door wider and directed her over to the table I had by the balcony. Rowan walked over and sat down, turning away from me to hide his smile.
“Hello my King.” Clara’s voice was soft. I wanted to roll my eyes.
“Clara, I’ve told you…call me Rowan.” I felt my eyebrows furrow.
“I know, my King.” Clara smiled. “And when you were just Thoth, I was fine calling you by your name. But as soon as I found out you were you…well, you are my king.”
He sighed. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Of course, my King.” She placed down a few plates.
“Do you have any matches or a lighter?” His question was so out of left field, I felt my mouth drop open.
“Of course.” She turned to the cart she was pushing and pulled out a small box, handing them to Rowan. “There you are.”
“Thank you.” He turned to the cart. “Do you have anything to drink?”
Clara smiled. “Of course. I have water, wine, and juice.” She looked over at me. “I wasn’t sure what you and Cass had in mind.” She turned to look around the room. “Is Cass coming later?”
I smiled and went to answer, but Rowan answered first. “Cass was gracious enough to allow me to steal Amy tonight. We have things we need to discuss, and air to clear before I have to leave.” His words hit me, but I did my best to keep a straight face.
“So it will be just Amy and I until I get the boot.” He smiled, and Clara’s face turned bright red.
She nodded once and finished moving everything off the cart.
“Have a good night then, my King.” She bowed and rushed from the room. “You as well Amy.” She called back and I snorted.
“That was cruel.” I shook my head as I shut the door.
“What was?” His voice was confused.
“You made the girl blush and acted like she had a chance.” I took in a deep breath before I turned to face him. Only to find the table lit with candlelight.
I snorted as I walked over. “What are you doing?” I pulled out a chair and sat down. I crossed my arms as Rowan uncorked the wine and poured a glass. I just watched as he slid the glass towards me and poured himself a glass.
“I am enjoying a meal, while I clear up some things with someone special.” His words sounded so sincere. But I just snorted.