Page 32 of The Wrong Bond (Wolf Billionaire #4)

PROLOGUE

EMBER

A snarl lodged in my throat as I caught sight of the stone terraces spanning the length of either wall of the Great Hall I sat in. On one side sat various werewolf nobility. But what snagged my attention was on the other side of the room. Seated within the terraces were the Shadow Fae. The room was filled to the brim with elves, werewolves, and shadow fae. Dark-skinned and having varying shades of dark hair, the fae were taller than their elven cousins. And I knew how dark and wicked their souls were—dark enough to match their countenance.

My claws sliced out as my thoughts turned to the mortal enemies of werewolves. The shadow fae were one of the Lanair that inhabited the otherworldly realm alongside werewolves. Our races were entangled in -old warfare decimating both the fae numbers and the werewolves. Thus we had agreed upon a peace summit that was to take place in the elf kingdom—a neutral zone between the shadow fae and werewolf territories, where it would be unlikely a battle would erupt.

I sat in the Great Hall. The room was long, spanning hundreds of feet, rectangular in form. Ornate arches and undercrofts with richly embellished pillars of gemstone supported the high ceilings. The undercurrent of voices peaked at the vast ceilings, resounding off the walls—the sound akin to a discordant sea breeze whistling through the plains.

Oyster-colored stones comprised the walls, magnificent tapestry displaying the various landscapes of the elven lands—ranging from steep cliffs and shimmering oceans to lush forestry. It was a lovely room—that is, if the shadow fae weren’t present. Their appearance sullied the atmosphere.

Bloodthirsty murderers.

My fangs lengthened as if they itched to sink into the throat of a shadow fae.

My best friend and lady maid, Alain, sat tucked close to my side, her frame trembling. One of the Shadow Fae, a slender female with deep brown hair and cool gray eyes, slid her gaze toward my parents, the werewolf king and queen, seated in the row in front of me. Her eyes narrowed a fraction before they fell upon me. Stiffening, I found my waist-length auburn hair spiking at the fae’s cold stare swiping over my body. A low snarl tore from my inner wolf’s throat. The she-wolf’s grey hackles were raised. Her upper lip peeled back to expose wicked fangs.

“Easy, Ember,” my mother, Queen Lunatha, hissed at me. I glanced at her blue eyes so, identical to mine, flashing with warning. Then I felt the shadow fae female’s glare and whipped my head in her direction. My claws sliced out.

“Ember,” Queen Lunatha said again, her tone hard—that of an alpha female.

With reluctance, I tore my gaze from the shadow fae female and looked to my mother.

“Remember,” Lunatha warned, “this is a peace summit.”

I frowned, willing my claws to slide back under my fingernails. “Then why are your fangs punched out?” I shot back.

Lunatha’s brow rose in surprise as if she didn’t realize how close her own wolf lurked beneath the skin, readying for battle.

King Asar stared ahead. His curly bright auburn hair glistened under crystal waterfall chandeliers that spanned the length of the ceiling. The light from the chandeliers gilded the room and various Lanair in soft silver. King Asar’s emerald eyes hardened as he eyed something. Or someone. I attempted to follow my father’s glare and find who had arrested his attention, yet there were too many hostile stares from the shadow fae to single any one out in particular. The air in the room thickened with tension, heating to near boiling point. A small bead of sweat rolled down my spine as I assessed our numbers in comparison to the fae.

Could we take them out should tensions spill over? I thought.

A figure emerged at the top of the minstrel’s gallery stationed above the Great Hall toward the front of the enormous room. Wolves and fae alike turned their gazes toward the tall masculine form. Nazarril, King of the elves, stood proud upon the balcony. His silver gaze took all those in attendance. I froze when his eyes flitted across me. It felt as if he could see into me, discern my intentions, my thoughts not lingering anywhere near peaceable, in a summit that was supposed to bridge the hatred between the two races.

Alain fisted my dark blue skirt, drawing closer to me in an attempt to seek comfort. I brushed a hand along her arm in return.

“Werewolves,” King Nazarril spoke up, his tone silkened like river water, “and shadow fae…let us now commence this peace summit.”

I lifted my gaze to the royal fae family seated on the other side of the room. The King, Tridar Evenus, sat with a deep frown marring his dark brown complexion as he glared openly at King Asar. Leaning forward, I eyed my father. King Asar’s eyes narrowed to thin slits, the irises going amber—his wolf looking through his eyes. The shadow fae Queen, Alaria, jutted her chin, her imperious gaze settling on my mother, who returned her perusal with contempt. Behind the King and Queen of the shadow fae were three fae: two males and one female. Realization dawned within me. They must have been the princes and princess of the shadow fae. My breath fled from my lungs as my gaze landed on the male in the middle of the trio. I’d know that male anywhere, the color of his eyes so rare; only he and the Shadow Fae king possessed the iris hue.

The shadow fae prince, Drakegeon Evenus—known as Drake—had dark caramel-colored skin. High cheekbones met a sharp jaw. Pointed ears peeked out from a gleaming curtain of raven hair that cascaded down his back. I blinked at the feeling of my heart pounding against my chest so intensely that it was in danger of breaking forth.

Then his amethyst eyes found mine.

Our gazes collided from across the room, and I felt the contact as if I had slammed into his muscular frame and broad chest. Delicious heat bloomed low in my belly, the skin along my arms tingling. Drake’s gaze snapped wide upon catching sight of me. His nostrils flared, and he stiffened. I tried to tear my gaze away, conscious that others could be watching what unfolded between the male and myself.

Yet, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t look away from his arresting face and violet eyes that called to me like a siren’s song. My mouth watered with moisture as my gaze caught on the prince’s lips, which seemed full enough to promise passionate kisses. I swallowed, partly aware of the King of the Elves speaking, yet his deep voice sounded discordant, as if he spoke from far away. My inner wolf stood stiff-legged, ears pricked as she watched Drake through Ember’s eyes. The she-wolf cocked her grey head to the side—interest sparking to life in her eyes.

What is going on? How can a shadow fae affect me so?

“Who shall proceed to speak first?” The elf king asked, his attention flitting between both royals.

King Asar spoke, but King Tridar of the fae drowned out his voice as he, too, began to speak. A soft snarl curled up from the werewolf king’s throat. The shadow fae king’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

A sigh sounded from above as King Nazzaril’s shoulders sagged. “I see I shall have to delegate this meeting as well,” he murmured.

The shadow fae prince with the enchanting gaze stared at me a heartbeat more, then turned his gaze to the elf king. I swore I could feel the recoil of our gazes breaking straight to my toes. Licking my lips, I gripped the seat underneath me for purchase and ripped my gaze from Prince Drake. My inner wolf let out a sharp bark of protest. Gritting my teeth, I hissed at my inner wolf.

Pull yourself together!

Alain leaned close to me and whispered, “You okay?” A frown tugged at her brow.

I swallowed thickly, unease flaring beneath my skin. Yet, I didn’t let my best friend see how unsettled I'd become.

Nodding, I said, “All is well, Alain.” Then I considered where we were. A peace summit with our enemy. “Well, as good as can be expected.”

Alain gave a reluctant nod. “If you’re sure.” She glanced down at our king, her voice dropping further. “For a moment there, I thought King Asar was going to launch himself at the fae king.” She shuddered. “I can’t be here if a battle breaks out. I have no idea how to fight.”

Protectiveness surged through my blood for my friend. “You’ve got me.” I reached out and squeezed Alain’s hand resting in my lap. Alain flashed a grateful smile. Never again would I allow a loved one to be taken from me.

My chest tightened as the image of my late brother’s face flashed into my mind. Xanu had been such a loving and loyal older brother to me. Tall and muscular, with dark auburn hair and forest green eyes, he had been a fine alpha heir to the kingdom. As such, he had become weighed down with the affairs of the kingdom as he grew older and worked alongside our father—but he’d always made time for me as the younger sister. Xanu and I had held a close bond, one that was unbreakable. That is, till death tore us apart.

Xanu had fallen in battle at the hands of a shadow fae. And my heart had blackened with hatred for the fae ever since.

Shaking my head to rid my dismal memory, I returned my attention to the summit unfolding.

“The Southern lands belong to the shadow fae,” King Tridar said. He cast a cool glance at King Asar. “It has been the fae’s since the beginning of time and should not have to be divided just because a new Lanair pack requires land.”

“That’s a lie!” King Asar snarled, leaping to his feet. Behind him, the noble wolves snarled in agreement—shouts of protest spilling forth like turbulent waves crashing against the shore.

Across the room, the shadow fae nobility leaned forward in their seats, their eyes glowing with barely restrained power—threatening to be unleashed upon the wolves.

“Order!” The elf king yelled. He swiped a hand through the air, and with his power, a gale-force wind whipped down the center of the room, commanding everyone’s attention. All eyes fastened on the willow frame of the elf king. “Order must be held at a peace summit.” He stated, his tone brooking no argument. “Both parties agreed to meet her on neutral ground to come to an understanding and agreement to stop centuries of war. Yet, look at how quickly you’ve regressed to your volatile tempers.”

King Asar actually ducked his chin a notch as if ashamed of his behavior. My brows shot up at my father’s behavior. My eyes snapped to the shadow fae king. He bore a more arrogant mask, his features hard with indifference, yet he settled back into his seat; his violet eyes no longer glowing with power.

King Azzaril turned to the werewolf king. “Let us hear your complaint.”

Nodding, King Asar began, “The southern lands may have at one time belonged to the shadow fae, yet five centuries ago, the shadow fae agreed to part ways with it and handed it over to the werewolves, due to our need for more territory with our expanding populace.” His upper lip curled back. “The agreement was shaken upon—back then, no penned contract was needed. A promised word was as good as law. Now the shadow fae reneged on their word, their promise, and seek to take back what is rightfully ours.”

I found my gaze skating to Prince Drake again, curious to see his expression—what he thought of my father’s statement. The Shadow Fae male’s focus was honed on the werewolf king, a deep scowl lining his features. My upper lip trembled in the beginning of a snarl.

“The shadow fae never agreed to part with their lands,” King Tridar argued.

From that point on, the peace summit made no headway. Hours crawled by, the elf king attempted to mediate the talks, yet both sides had not reached a semblance of understanding.

Finally, King Nazarril sighed and stated, “The night is upon us.” He looked pointedly at the windows fanning the far side of the room. Ember saw the stars had appeared. “We shall break for the evening and resume this tomorrow.” His lips pinched. “Perhaps tomorrow will bear more promising results.”

The look in the elf king’s eyes indicated he thought that notion was highly unlikely. I couldn’t blame him. My father was a stubborn man dead set in his ways once he believed in something. And by the stiff set to King Tridar’s shoulders, I knew the shadow fae king wouldn’t bend so easily.

All werewolves and fae rose from their seats, moving toward the exit as the meeting adjourned. I pushed to my feet, my back popping, my feet screaming in protest at having sat on such a hard, ungiving surface for so long. I nudged Alain, who sat slumped in her seat.

Alain lifted her gaze to me. “I thought it’d never end.”

I shot a warning glance at my parents, who had risen and passed by on their way to leave. Alain snapped her jaw shut as she ducked her head. Once the king and queen passed, she cried, “Well, I did.” Sighing, she stood. “I thought peace summits are supposed to be, well, more peaceable.”

We stepped beyond the terraces and down the hall. “I’m afraid when you’ve been enemies for centuries, peace cannot be attained so easily,” I told Alain.

Alain nodded in agreement. “I suppose you’re right.”

Elven servants appeared beyond the great wall, within the wide expanse of the corridor. Approaching the kings and queens from both sides, they explained that they would show them to their quarters for their stay. King Asar and Queen Lunatha thanked them for their king’s hospitality.

The male servant slid his gaze to me. “We shall show your daughter her quarters as well.” I nodded my thanks. My parents faced me.

“You were wonderful, dear,” Queen Lunatha said. “You held your temper in check.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, though guilt ate at me for the reasons as to why I didn’t struggle with controlling my inner wolf. The she- wolf within was too intrigued with the shadow fae prince. Bile rose in my throat.

King Asar stepped forward. He offered a warm smile. “The makings of a future queen, indeed.”

A tight knot twisted my chest. I was not meant to be the heir to the kingdom. That honor went to my late brother Xanu. And I would forever feel like a thief to the throne. As if sensing my thoughts, the king’s gaze dulled, his lips tightening. He cupped a hand to my cheek. “Your brother would be proud of you.”

Queen Lunatha nodded in agreement.

Moisture gathered in my eyes, and I swallowed thickly, fighting to keep the tears at bay. Nodding jerkily, I bid my parents goodnight and followed the elven servants to my designated quarters.

That night, I found that sleep evaded me. I tossed and turned in my bed yet remained wide awake. My thoughts were consumed with Prince Drake. Sighing, I threw back my covers and slipped into my discarded gown. I dressed as quietly as possible, making sure not to disturb Alain, who slept in the other twin bed against the far wall.

Once dressed, I slipped into the hallway. Two elven guards attempted to stop me, but I told them that I merely sought to tour the beautiful garden the elves were noted for possessing. With that, the guards escorted me to the outside garden and remained close to the doors should I need assistance.

I strode at a leisure pace down the winding cobblestone walkway. The soft perfume of roses, lavender, hydrangeas, and a multitude of other flowers wafted into my nostrils. A variety of flowers, with every shade of the rainbow, filled the gardens. Willow trees spanned the neatly manicured grass, their reedy limbs dancing in the night's cool breeze. I lifted my gaze to the moon that perched in the sky—a silent witness to my tumultuous emotions. A myriad of stars spanned the heavens, smattering the indigo sky with diamond dust.

Up ahead of my path, in the middle of where four walkways connected, stood a grandiose tiered fountain with a horse’s head carved between the tiers. A wide stone ring comprised the fountain, leaving a shimmering pool that caught the moonlight, turning the cascading waters to silver. I neared the fountain and sat down on the lip of the base. I listened to the tinkling of the water flowing down the fountain tiers as I swept a hand over my hair. I heaved a sigh.

Why can’t I shake that prince out of my mind? I thought with a growl.

His eyes invaded my soul, haunting me in my waking hours. I feared if I were to close my eyes, the Shadow Fae male would walk in my dreams as well. My inner wolf lay on her belly within my mind’s eye, her broad head resting on her paws. She let out a whine. I wanted to drop-kick my wolf.

“What is it with you tonight?” I hissed. My inner wolf simply pinned her ears to her head and let out another high-pitched whine.

I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth ached. There were more important matters to mull over than some hot as-sin shadow fae prince. The peace summit was not going as anyone had hoped. I thought it seemed to be reaching a stalemate. Worry gnawed at my gut. This peace summit couldn’t fail. My heart ached with yearning for the war to end. I never wanted any more families to suffer the loss of a loved one as I had. My mind recalled the promise I’d made to my brother at his burial site that I would not let his death be in vain.

He died for peaceful conditions between our kingdoms. I thought, my hair stiffening. He deserves to have that world fulfilled.

Footsteps sounded along the paved pathway. My inner wolf’s ears pricked at the approaching figure. The earthy musk of sandalwood and spiced heat pricked my nostrils. My head whipped up, eyes snapping wide. A curtain of waist-length raven hair whipped in the breeze, the diamond crown inlaid with sapphires haloed a deeply tanned brow, glinting as it refracted the moon's light. Full firm lips parted in wonder. Amethyst eyes widened a fraction as they beheld my form.

The prince of the shadow fae stood not fifteen feet before me. A dark glossy tunic that seemed to gleam with inked stitching fit snugly across his broad shoulders and solid chest. His arms were bare, the moonlight highlighting his sculpted biceps and roped tendons across his forearms. Long muscled legs were outfitted with dark leather pants and wicked boots, completing the deadly allure.

I leaped to my feet and backed away a step. Alarm coursed through me.

What the hell is he doing here?

Yet, instead of my inner wolf raising her hackles in preparation for a fight, the she-wolf wagged her tail and dipped her head, her tongue lolled. She gave an excited yip. Prince Drake’s gaze slid slowly down my body. I wore a deep azure-colored gown carefully chosen to accentuate my eyes. The fabric and corset underneath pulled taut across my full breasts and midsection, making it a chore to breathe. A myriad of fine sapphire gemstones, elaborate diamond beading, and embroidery completed the ensemble. The dress accentuated the flare of my hips and rounded breasts, which I caught Prince Drake’s gaze linger on.

My blood ran cold; at the same time, a fiery warmth pooled between my legs. A voice screamed inside my head, the word unmistakable.

Mate.

I shook my head slowly. “No,” I whispered raggedly. “Oh, no…”

Prince Drake’s eyes dragged up my body to hold my horrified gaze.

“Mate,” he whispered, his voice a deep baritone, caressing my senses like the finest of silk.

Prince Drake approached his strides confident, assured.

I swallowed thickly. My arms shot out, hands up in an attempt to halt his progression. He paused at my outreached arms. Then, he raised his hands and grasped mine in a gentle hold. Prince Drake’s eyes softened, a tenderness pooling from their amethyst depths. My body trembling, I licked my lips. Dismay singed my nerves when I noted his gaze darkened with lust at the sight of my tongue flicking out between my lips.

“I’ve found you,” the male murmured, his tone that of wonder. He squeezed my hands slightly, drawing them to his chest. “I’ve finally found you.” He dipped his head, his brow resting against mine. “Mate,” he said hoarsely.

He was tall, towering over me. His strong body being so near should’ve sent alarm bells clanging inside my mind—this deadly male was caging me in. Yet, I felt as if his muscled body blanketed me, his warmth enveloping me and thwarting the cold wind that buffeted us.

My eyes fluttered at the contact—the warmth seeping from his strong, calloused hands into mine. Moisture flooded my mouth as I realized how close our mouths were to each other and the hot breath that fanned my face.

I shook my head once more as tears pricked my eyes. “No,” I cried to the male. “We can’t be mates. We can’t!”

He released one of my hands to cup the soft skin of my cheek. Prince Drake’s thumb feathered over my lips, and a low groan tore from his throat.

“But we are,” he murmured. “We cannot deny fate.”

My lips twisted, and I sniffled, fighting to keep the tears at bay. My body felt as if it were being rent in two. My mind screamed to tear myself from this male—to run and never look back. He was the enemy! Prince Drake’s people had killed my brother. Hell, this prince surely went into battle. What if he’d murdered my beloved Xanu?!

Yet, I couldn’t deny that every cell in my body danced at the feel of him, at his nearness. My wolf nearly groaned in pleasure, brushing her pelt beneath my skin, desperate for contact with our mate.

“Fate is cruel,” I whispered. My eyes lifted to connect with his. “How can we possibly be mates? We aren’t even the same Lanair.”

A werewolf and a shadow fae? It was simply lunacy.

The male shrugged one broad shoulder. “Yet here we are,” he said simply. “My body recognizes you as mine.” I winced. Prince Drake invaded my space even more, stepping close till our bodies were flushed from head to toe; our hands bracketed between our heaving chests. His gaze sharpened. “Don’t deny you can feel it too. The bond.”

I closed my eyes briefly.

There it is.

The bond was luminescent, spanning from my psyche in a brilliant flame. It spread outward; the crimson thread melded into another, this one a dark lavender ice—the male’s bond webbing through mine. The bond had yet to circle around each of us; the cord wouldn’t be complete until the willing consummation of the mating bond.

I whimpered at the reality of my plight. The male pressed a soft kiss to my brow. My eyes snapped shut. Then I felt his index finger hook underneath my chin, angling my head back. My eyes fluttered open to find his boring into my soul. His gaze dropped for a moment to my lips before flitting up to collide with my gaze once more. I was no fool. I knew Prince Drake sought permission to kiss me.

Indecision warred with desire within my tightly coiled muscles. He lowered his head a fraction, then awaited my reply—my move.

My breathing became labored. What does he taste like? Do I want to find out?

Ever so slowly, I closed my eyes in defeat, my lips parting in anticipation of the wet heat of his lips pressed against mine. My heart pounded so hard that I heard the beats ringing in my ears. One heartbeat passed, then two. Two turned into three, then five.

Nothing.

My eyes cracked open, peeking up at Prince Drake. The male’s lips hardened into a thin line. The warmth I had witnessed in his eyes only a moment ago was replaced by frigid ice. My eyes flew open as I sensed the change in the prince. My inner wolf cocked its head, letting out a whimper of confusion. What had come over our mate? The she-wolf wondered.

He withdrew his hand and took a step back. The lack of heat, feeding between our bodies, sent shock rippling through my veins—like ice water dousing my body.

“You’re right,” Prince Drake said, his tone flat. “We are enemies. We can’t—” he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “ This can’t happen.”

My heart shattered at his words. A tear slipped unbidden from my eye to spill down my cheek. The male’s face twisted with regret. He swiped the tear away with a thumb, then let his hand fall to his side.

Nodding shakily, I said, “Y-yes,” I sucked in a ragged breath. “You’re right…I should just—yeah—I should go.” I hooked a thumb back to the castle looming above us, to my quarters.

The male nodded with reluctance. His eyes shone with longing, and as I pivoted, I felt the heat of his gaze burning through my back. My steps quickened before I lifted my skirt and set into a flat-out run. Racing back to the castle doors that led into the garden, I sought to put as much distance between myself and the male—my mate —as possible. Though with each step, the shards of my heard fractured into smaller pieces.

“I can’t,” I panted to myself. “I can’t feel this way. He’s the enemy, dammit!”

I paused around the corner of the doors, the castle’s elven guards still stationed at their posts. I allowed the tears to fall freely. My mate, my life. The shadow fae prince’s life. My brother’s life snuffed out too soon.

This world is so screwed up.

Swiping at my cheeks to rid the tear stains, I straightened, smoothed out my skirts in an attempt to gather my composure, and slipped inside the castle to my room.

That night I dreamt of amethyst eyes calling to me and my body cocooned in a warm protective embrace.