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I only cared about the sexy lace negligee. It had been made for my future wedding night, but seeing as I was likely never getting married, and this was the sexiest item of clothing I had, it was perfect for what I had in mind.

Carefully, I hooked my fingers through the thin straps and pulled it from the chest, admiring it as I held it aloft.

It was pale, baby pink, and so thin I could see right through it. Scalloping lined the plunging neckline, midsection and the hem of the flowy skirt. It was so beautiful, the color complimenting my peachy skin.

But could I really wear this? Every inch of my body would be on full display, leaving little to the imagination. Blush heated my skin all over, and I once again felt foolish. What was I doing?

Nevertheless, I lifted it over my head and pulled it down, gingerly slipping my arms through the straps.

If it looks ridiculous, I’ll just take it off. It probably will. The other dress will be fine. No big deal.

I looked down at myself, smoothing the soft material over my torso. It felt like I wasn’t wearing anything at all, and that only made my skin burn hotter.

Holding my breath, I turned around and faced my full-length mirror.

And I just stared at myself for a long moment.

I didn’t look silly or ridiculous. Not even close. I looked stunning. I looked like my mother. Strong. Beautiful. Commanding.

The timid, frightened girl I’d become since her death was nowhere in sight, and I could hardly recognize the woman looking back at me in my reflection.

There was no way Jax wouldn’t become putty in my hands when he saw me. And once I had him wrapped around my delicate little finger, I’d lure him and his beta out into the forest and banish them from my castle—and my heart—forever.

The woman in the mirror frowned sadly as my heart squeezed.

“It has to be done,” I told myself. “They are the ancient enemies of my kingdom, and I owe it to everyone who died to remove their presence. I can’t let my selfish desires tarnish the history of Varinya.”

I forced my features smooth, straightened my shoulders and held my head high. Then I turned around and headed for the door.

The hall was empty, and both their doors were closed. I couldn’t even be sure Jax was in his room. What if he was out wandering the castle and this was all for nothing? I really should’ve planned this better.

But something told me he was beyond that door. Not just my intuition, but something deeper. Was it our mate bond? Did I even have one of them, since I wasn’t a wolf?

If I closed my eyes, I could feel a tug pulling me in that direction, like an invisible rope connecting us. I could sense Tannin too, in the other room. It was a magical realization. And one that gave me pause.

Maybe I shouldn’t do this.

“No, I have to,” I whispered.

But not only that. Iwantedto. This might be my only chance to know true intimacy. And even if it was for deceitful purposes, I desperately wanted to experience that intimacy with Jax. I needed to know him that way, just once, before I let him go forever.

So I padded across the hall and stopped in front of his door. I took a vitalizing breath, lifted my hand, and tapped my knuckles softly against the door.

Now was the moment of truth. And I was both heart-poundingly excited and utterly terrified.