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I’d expected the fae to look like the ones I’d met so far—like humans, for the most part. But Ezra certainly hadn’t prepared me for this.

They moved with otherworldly grace, their bodies defying what I thought was naturally possible. A tall fae, at least seven and a half feet, with the head of a panther, prowled past, their fur shining with streaks of emerald green whenever the light hit it.

Nearby, a male with skin like liquid gold and eyes the color of rubies took his partner from behind, a female whose entire body was covered in translucent scales, her hair flowing in the air as though she were underwater.

A trio of fae females with butterfly wings surrounded a male with six ram horns growing from his head on a wide divan sofa, one with her face between his legs while the other two alternated kissing him, each of his four hands on one of their breasts.

“Not quite what you were expecting?” Ezra asked quietly.

I tried to rid the shocked expression from my face. “You didn’t tell me they looked…”

“Like fae?” he laughed.

King Alaroth stood and clapped his hands loudly. “The guests of honor have arrived!”

The music quieted, the sounds of moans and skin slapping fading into silence as everyone stopped and turned towards Ezra and me.

I abhorred this kind of attention, and my brother knew it. His hand on top of mine gave a reassuring squeeze.

“Children of the Earth and Sky, it is my absolute pleasure to announce that at long last, the prophesized omega has returned to us.”

The fae broke in a loud applause, and those closest to us began to sniff the air, licking their lips as my scent hit them. A few even began to prowl closer, their eyes glazing over.

A low growl from Ezra helped them keep their distance, forming a perimeter around us.

“Allow me to introduce Commander Ezra Linden’s sister, Marlowe—my bride and your future queen. Together, the three of us shall unite the realms under my rule, and usher in a new era of prosperity and peace for all!”

The whoops and cheers that erupted next were deafening, and Ezra nudged me along so we could make our way to the dais where King Alaroth stood expectedly.

The fae got back to it immediately, their whispers and moans meeting my ears as we passed. Their lustful machinations emboldened them to reach out and touch me. Ezra snapped at them to back off, but clearly they found his protectiveness amusing, and it didn’t seem to scare them.

Alaroth simply watched, the twinkle in his eye shining brighter the closer we got.

Once we reached the throne, Ezra gave me a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

“This feels too much like a wedding,” I whispered. “You’re freaking me out.”

“It’s an engagement party, so yeah, it almost is.”

“And you feel okay with this? Handing me off to a male I hate and don’t want to marry?”

“Not now,” he hissed in my ear. Then he took my hand and placed it in Alaroth’s.

The king smiled, his eyes sparkling in joy. “You look ravishing, my beloved.” Then he twirled me around, dipping me low in his arms for a very dramatic kiss.

I fought the instinct to push him off, knowing I needed to play it cool tonight. The crowd cheered again, my cheeks heating to unbearable levels as Alaroth shoved his tongue into my mouth.

Passively accepting his kiss wouldn’t be enough. He wanted me enthusiastic, loving. So I closed my eyes, placing my palm gently on his cheek. He groaned his approval, and then finally withdrew, resting his forehead on mine.

“At long last,” he sighed. “You’re here, and you’re mine.”

Alaroth stood back up, taking my hand and raising it with his. “May the festivities begin!”

37

THE WHITE WOLF

South.