The last thing

"Stop following me." The little girl complained.

"I just wanted someone to share my snacks with." The other little girl defended as she followed.

"Well share them with someone else."

"Why?"

The cinnamon haired girl spun around and faced her.

"Because wolves and lycans don't mix."

"Selene." A threatening male voice bellowed.

She ran towards it, but turned around to say one last goodbye.

The little female lycan was already gone.

***

Rainer fought with experience.

He sputtered and charged in the beginning, so I could've dodged easily and put him down, but that wasn't the satisfaction I yearned for.

I needed skin on skin brutal combat.

Raw violence.

I had never felt that kind of urge before.

I met him head on, taking his hits and reciprocating with my own.

He was obviously more battered than me but he was able to land a few solid hits that I deflected to areas less likely to cause damage.

He slowed down and maintained a good distance away from me and took in huge puffs of breath.

He used his arm to wipe the blood dripping from his nose as he prepared to square up again.

I barely had an injury on me, so I could do this for a while yet.

He charged and I followed, only difference this time, he switched to wolf form mid way through the air.

Low growls resonated through the crowd as he attempted to put my life in danger.

It was considered cowardly for a wolf in fur to fight a fellow wolf that was in skin form.

It was like taking the easy way out.

He only did that becasue his pride had taken a hit.

I should've been terrified but instead I was almost giddy with excitement as I meet him expectantly.

I remembered lettie's fight with me while I was wolf and she was skin.

I slide out from under him and let him crash.

Before he could regain balance, I fervently attack his injured weak spots.

The fight was over.

He falls quickly, switching back to skin as his body was at its limit.

He was almost passed out and I pat him on head, signaling for two guards to take him in to a healer.

Regardless of his rule breaking, the battle was fun.

I laughed as soldiers smirked and cheered.

Some bow in acknowledgement of skill.

Axel and Xavier approach.

"He was a high ranking officer....I'm impressed my lady." Xavier smirked.

Axel simply nodded.

A blonde male wolf materialized from behind them and knelt infront of me.

"Your highness, please allow me to be your next partner."

He smiled enthusiastically and I nodded.

The twins didn't disapprove this time, infact I could swear I saw Axel's lips twitch into an almost smile.

***

I fight and win two more battles before I turn in.

I had a slash just above my eyebrow and some bruises around my arms and ankles.

Despite Carlisle insistence I skip a trip to the healer and head straight to the dining room.

I was starving. I sent word to have my food served and ready.

Palace life had almost fully become a part of me.

I couldn't imagine going for a week without food anymore.

We reach the hall and Carlisle pulled open the door for me and just like that every emotion I felt from the battlefield came rushing back.

The king was having dinner and if that wasn't bad enough, Heather was too.

Normally I would leave, because their presence was hurting and overall disgusting but I dig in my heels and ignore them.

I walked in and take my seat at the far edge of the table.

Silly me thinking it would be similar to our last breakfast.

I was wrong.

The centerpieces that shaded my view of the king was gone, now we could see each other perfectly.

Just great.

I concentrate on my breakfast and tune them out.

I felt nothing from our bond.

Did he feel nothing?

Not even remorse for his open transgression?

My emotions were in turmoil but I keep my face blank.

I couldn't care less if he knew how I felt through the bond, but I'd rather cut off my tongue before I give Heather an inch.

Knowing her true colours really disillusioned her.

She had an ugly soul.

My powers finally worked on her, on my mate however it didn't and I think it had something to do with being bonded to him.

After a quick glance their way I noticed that the king was finished with his food and so was Heather, but they remained unmoving.

Finally she spoke.

"I'll excuse myself first Dante." Heather said softly before leaving silently not even sparing me a glance.

Dante.

I hadn't even called him by his name yet

My irritation rose.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you." Dante said.

"I'm not jealous." I snapped, even though I obviously was.

I resented being called that, jealousy belonged to crazy possessive wives and little girls.

I pushed my food aside and storm out.

He followed me.

"You need to eat more selene."

"And what suddenly makes you an expert on what I need?"

I don't stop for him as I made a direct beeline towards my room.

As always our guards keep their distance and give us adequate space.

I got into my chambers and locked the door behind me.

I focus my senses and hear nothing, no footsteps.

Did he leave already?

"Selene open the door." He called out to me.

I ignored him

Self loathing and anger makes it way to me through the bond.

Anger directed at himself.

My mark lashes at out at me.

Instinct pushing me to comfort our mate.

I hold my ground even though it hurts.

"You are necessary to this land...I wouldn't have consulted an oracle to find you if you weren't." He stated sincerely.

I knew it!

He knew just where to find me....being in my room at that time was no coincidence.

An oracle Huh?

"You do not need to worry about Heather. She is of no threat to you."

I listen silently as my body punishes me.

"You are perfect." He murmured, his voice full of emotion.

My mark purrs at the compliment.

"The problem lies with me, but trust me when I say the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you."

"But selene..."

Waves of regret passed through me from him .

"I can never love you."

Silence.

Of everything I expected him to say...

My heartbreak is grief that comes at once.

The rest of a heart that was never whole completely shatters.

"For the longest time... I have wanted you, for the longest time, you were my dream." I whispered choking on my tears.

I was sure he could hear me.

"I regret that now. I regret everything about us...Goddess, I just wish you had never found me."

I could hear him on the other side of the door, listening as I sob for a love that could never be.