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I looked up to find Kai Iona standing in front of me.

“I wish to speak with you alone.”

His face wavered when I stared into his eyes. Nerves fluttered in my stomach. I took a deep breath and followed him.

Chapter Eleven

I caught Alexei staring as we retreated away from prying eyes and ears. We took the back door out of the room and I held onto Alexei’s gaze for as long as I could, trying to decipher what it meant.

When I looked back in the darkened hallway, Kai was on his knees before me. He bowed his head. “Forgive me, Izzy. I meant no disrespect keeping you from the tracks.”

My stomach knotted. Now that Kai was on his knees in front of me apologizing, I realized Imayhave overreacted. I put my finger under his chin and made him raise his eyes. Then, I reached for his arm and made him stand. “I may have been too harsh. What I was trying to get across is I won’t be a queen that just stands by.”

“And I would not have you so.” His gaze dropped once more. “I’m sorry to say the thought didn’t even cross my mind to inform you right away.” I must have given him a look because he charged ahead. “It’s not as if I wanted to keep it from you, but when I first heard of the possible intruder, my reaction was to keep you safe. To me, that meant running out there immediately to see what it was. I see now that instinct was wrong. I would’ve been furious if I was in your position. You have every right to refuse me if I failed you.”

My breath hitched. “Refuse you?”

“Haven’t you guessed?” Kai asked. He lifted his face, his features far more vulnerable than I’d seen before. “I wish to have you as my mate. I think you’re exactly what we need in a queen. But beyond that, I find myself smiling when I’m around you.” He lifted his hand to squeeze my top knot. “You are beautiful, and clever. Hardworking. Fierce. I can safely say I have not met any like you before, Princess. You’ve turned feelings on inside me I didn’t know I possessed.”

My stomach dipped. I thought back to the pond and then the dinner last night during his impressive haka dance. It was in those moments I saw who he truly was.

“I’m waiting…” I said, my voice clear and as steady as I could make it. He needed to actually put everything he was alluding to in words.

Kai dropped to one knee again. “I wish to be your mate, Izzy. I pledge my life to you in protection, in guidance, but most importantly, in love.”

I dragged in a breath...

If you wish to accept Kai Iona’s offer, please continue reading.

If you wish to reject Kai Iona’s offer, please skip to Chapter Twelve or Location 1210.

I held out my hand and dragged him up again. He waited for my response, his eyes eagerly tracking over my entire face.

“Smile.”

He did as I asked. His lips curled apart and left me with that blinding white, toothy smile that made my insides melt.

My heart was immediately put at ease. A calmness came over me and I knew I needed Kai in my life. “I accept your offer.”

His eyes widened. After a split second, he shot forward, pushing me against the wall so his solid body lined up with mine. My chest heaved in front of him.

He bent forward, then stopped. “I’m sorry. I don’t know if I need to ask or not. Can I kiss you?”

“Don’t ask,” I said. I snaked my hand around his neck and pulled him closer. My fangs pulsed with need. After the kisses I shared recently, certain parts of my body were awakening that I’d never paid too much attention to before. Now, they were on in full force.

His lips touched mine, and I melted into him. He groaned deep in his throat and moved closer until I was pinned against the wall. His kiss firm and fierce, he broke away to kiss a blazing trail down my jaw to my throat. He nipped at my skin and I clung to him. My breaths came out in short bursts. Between us, he became even more solid. Hard, awakening.

I moaned and pushed against him, picturing the warrior from his dance last night. Kai was like a chameleon. He could be so easy going and happy but turn into a fierce protector in an instant. He was passionate in everything he did. Everything. The kiss only more evidence.

He kissed my ear, not letting any space between us. Then, he whispered, “I fear I’ve already let this get too far.”

My body shook. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

He placed his hands on either side of my head and arched back, his hips still in solid contact with mine. I breathed in deep, watching his dark eyes and silky black hair as he regarded me. He tilted his pelvis up in a glorious movement that made the area between my legs melt.

“My teeth ache,” he said, bearing down on his jaw. “My whole body does.” He let out a short laugh. “When you were perched on my shoulders yesterday, same thing. I came back from that trip and my mother immediately knew I’d fallen for you.”

I wanted to tell him I’d like to meet his mother again in a more in-depth way, but his hips came forward. This time, I met his movement with my own.