Waltz of the Lioness - Book cover

Waltz of the Lioness

BD Vyne

Chapter 6: Duty Calls

Brock

Brock couldn’t help but wonder why her parents had kept so much from his little mate. Maybe they thought she was too imaginative, too prone to romantic notions. But to let her believe she couldn’t have cubs? That seemed harsh, even cruel.

Her parents had crossed a line, and then some. They’d sprinted past it and kept going. The idea that she didn’t even know she could conceive was mind-boggling. She couldn’t even grasp the possibility.

When she looked at him, her eyes wide and disbelieving, he felt like he’d been punched in the gut.

“Cora,” he said gently, “didn’t your parents tell you anything about mating?”

She nodded, her eyes avoiding his. He held her face in his hands, not letting her turn away. He wanted her to look at him, to meet his gaze with her beautiful pale eyes. But her innocence and upbringing were stronger than his will.

He let the room fall silent, waiting for her to tell him what she’d been taught.

“They told me some people find their true mates,” she said, her voice trembling. “But as an omega, I wouldn’t be one of them. They said they’d find me a mate who’d want to take care of me.”

She shivered under his touch, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “They said my obedience would get them a good price.”

She bit her lip and looked away. Brock felt a surge of anger. His mate had been made to believe she was worthless, that she’d have to settle for a loveless arrangement. That she’d have to be subservient, instead of the queen she was meant to be.

How could they not see how special she was?

He pulled her close, kissing her forehead. “That won’t happen, my sweet.”

A knock on the door interrupted him. His brother walked in, and Cora hid behind Brock. He stood in front of her, naked and unashamed. If it made her feel safer, he’d gladly bare himself to the world.

He liked the feel of her small body pressed against his back.

“Oh.” His brother looked away, embarrassed. “I didn’t think you’d let me in if you were still…” He gestured vaguely at Brock’s nakedness.

Brock laughed. “We’ve seen each other naked plenty of times. This is nothing new.”

“True,” his brother said, grinning. “But not when you’re at half-mast.”

Brock glanced down at himself and smirked. “Give me a few more minutes, and it would’ve been a lot more impressive. Now, did you come here just to check me out?”

His brother laughed, but Brock could tell he was uncomfortable. He was aware of Cora squirming behind him, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep his half-mast from becoming a full one if she kept it up.

His brother’s laughter faded. “I see one of my questions has been answered.” He nodded towards Cora, still hidden behind Brock.

Brock felt a surge of pride. Cora had been ready for him, eager to learn and experience pleasure. He pulled her closer. “She’s a worthy mate.”

“No doubt. I heard she gave you a run for your money.” His brother’s smirk was teasing, but Brock didn’t rise to the bait.

“You should see the marks she left. She’s my equal.” He didn’t like talking about Cora as if she wasn’t there, especially when she was clinging to him so tightly.

His brother’s laughter died, and he looked puzzled. “What about your…fiancée?”

Brock let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “I don’t see the problem, Landon. The law is clear. No one can interfere with a true mating.”

He knew his brother understood their laws as well as he did. But he wasn’t sure about Cora. He wanted her to know, to understand that nothing could come between them.

“And no one’s disputing that, brother.”

Brock watched his brother’s face tighten with annoyance. Landon was strong and formidable, but he’d always been willing to acknowledge Brock as their king.

His expression was one of discomfort, like he was stuck in a pair of shoes that were a size too small. He was the messenger of news that seemed to be tainted with deceit.

“We still have the issue of the marriage contract. It’s tied to the alliance between the two prides.”

Brock grumbled under his breath. He couldn’t dodge this bullet.

Why did people have to make everything so damn complicated? In his mind, it was simple. He found his mate, a woman who could give him cubs and an heir. What more was there?

His betrothed offered none of that. There was no love, no chance of cubs, no hope for anything beyond a marriage built on legalities.

She was older than him by a few years, interested only in the title and power that came with being his wife.

He forced his next words out through gritted teeth. “Then you marry her!”

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