Page 26 of Alpha's Exiled Mate

“I’m sure you have other guests to entertain, Jackson,” Perock said, his voice low and laced with menace. “If not, I suggest you focus on your wine instead of my wife.”

Jackson gave a mocking laugh but retreated, his departure easing the tension at our table. Perock’s gaze lingered on me, curious and searching.

“Why defend me?” he asked quietly, his tone more inquisitive than accusatory.

“Because…” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “Because those words were unfair. You’re not the monster they claim.”

“How do you know I’m not?” His voice was soft, almost challenging, but his eyes held a vulnerability that made my breath catch.

“I just know,” I said, meeting his gaze with quiet conviction.

His expression softened, and his fingers brushed my hand, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver through me. My wolf hummed, sensing a shift in him, however small.

The music swelled, and couples began moving to the dance floor, their gowns and doublets swirling in a kaleidoscope of color. To my surprise, Perock stood, extending his hand.

“Would you dance with me?” he asked, his amber eyes deep and intense in the candlelight.

My heart raced, my words stumbling. “I…”

I felt Lord Thornfield’s gaze burned into me from across the room, his feigned conversation with another noble a thindisguise. Fear tightened my chest, but before I could protest, Perock’s hand closed gently around mine, pulling me to my feet. I stumbled, my body pressing briefly against his chest.

Thump, thump, thump.

I could clearly hear his heartbeat echoing in my ears. My wolf let out an excited yip, thrilled by our closeness.

“Come, my princess,” he said, his voice a low rumble that sent warmth curling through me.

I placed my hand in his broad palm, letting him lead me to the dance floor. His arm encircled my waist, the contact sending a jolt like lightning through my veins. We were so close I could smell the faint pine-and-leather scent of him, feel the rhythm of his heart beneath his doublet. At first, my steps were stiff, my nerves threatening to trip me, but Perock’s guidance was sure, his gaze so focused it felt like the world had narrowed to just us. Slowly, I found the rhythm, my body relaxing into the dance, the music weaving us together.

The tension in my chest melted away. Our eyes locked, his amber gaze flickering with something like fire, and as he spun me, he drew me closer, his breath grazing my forehead. My heart stuttered when he spoke, his voice low and unexpected.

“Didn’t your mother hire tutors to teach you to dance?”

“No, I’m just… nervous,” I said, forcing a smile to cover my slip. “Your Highness.”

He tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Perock,” he corrected. “Call me Perock when we're alone.”

The permission felt like a precious gift, warming my heart. “Perock,” I whispered, savoring the weight of his name on my tongue.

His grip on my waist tightened slightly. Our bodies were almost pressed together, and with every turn, every touch, I felt an unprecedented connection. As the music swelled and dipped,we spun across the dance floor, as if the world had narrowed to just the two of us.

“You make me want things I shouldn’t want,” he whispered suddenly, his voice barely audible.

“What things?” I asked, holding my breath.

He paused, his eyes searching mine. “Nothing,” he said finally, but the words felt heavy, unspoken truths lingering beneath.

The song ended, and he released me, stepping back. “You danced beautifully,” he said, his voice soft with a tenderness I hadn’t heard before.

I ducked my head, hiding my flushed cheeks. “Thank you… Perock.”

Around us, nobles whispered, their glances darting our way. A young woman sighed, “Look at them—so perfect together.”

Another voice added, “Maybe the rumors are wrong.”

The banquet continued, but I caught Lord Thornfield’s pointed glance before he slipped from the hall. A knot formed in my stomach.

“You look unwell,” Perock said, his brow creasing with concern. “What’s wrong?”