by Emma Dean
She rolled her eyes. “Sweet prince, someone has to teach them to have some fun otherwise they are less tolerant of your kind.” Alpha’s eyes nearly bulged at her words but she ignored him. “Do you have what I asked for?” Adelina watched Varan out of the corner of her eye, focusing her gaze mainly on her food.
Alpha shifted uncomfortably and she kicked him under the table.
“Do you have what I asked for in exchange?” Varan shot back with a playful grin. There could be no mistaking the steel in his voice. The man was not the prince of thieves because he was pretty.
Adelina shoved her plate forward and threw an arm over the backrest of her chair, leaning back casually as she studied the prince. She took a sip of her drink and noticed how his hair shone like gold under the warm lights of his tavern. The corner cast a shadow over most of his face, but those beautiful emerald eyes had an inner fire. They held a predator’s gleam as he studied her just as closely. Varan knew there was something off about her and it was his constant game to try and find out what it was.
“I do. It wasn’t easy to find, but I managed.” Adelina untied the pouch from her belt and set it on the table. “And you, my dear prince?” She fluttered her lashes at him playfully. Varan was a terrible flirt and she loved to play with him. It was the only practice she could get.
Varan leaned forward until their noses nearly touched. “You know I’m a man of my word,” he murmured, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip. Her blood nearly boiled, but it wasn’t quite the same as when Alpha touched her. Varan was handsome and oozed sexuality. Perhaps if she didn’t have such strong feelings for her guard she would consider taking the prince to her bed.
The thief leaned even closer and pressed his forehead to hers like a lover. Alpha clenched his hand and went rigid. This was more than he’d bargained for, but Adelina was used to the thief and his ways. She nuzzled against Varan like a cat and felt the small, cold metal slip into her shirt, right into her brassiere. “Thank you,” she breathed, making sure her lips brushed his cheek as she pulled back.
Varan didn’t look like a man who had just used his seductive charm as he sat back, eyes flicking between her and Alpha. He pointed first at her and then her guard. “This isn’t going to work,” he stated.
His statement was so abrupt and unwanted Adelina simply stared at him. “Perhaps,” she snapped. “But it’s no business of yours. Do you want the gem or not?”
Varan threw his head back and laughed. “True, true my little cat. You remind me of a very tiny galina.” He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “Now let’s see this gem you say you’ve managed to find for me despite my people’s best efforts to obtain it.”
Adelina reached her gloved hand into the pouch and found the hard, round stone and closed her fist over it. She flicked her eyes around the room before bringing it out. Adelina offered it to the thief, palm up. The five karat sapphire shone in the low light, dark and mysterious like the prince himself.
Varan’s eyes widened and he reached for it. Adelina closed her hand before he could take it. “I trust exactly what I’ve asked for is on the disc?” She gave him an appraising stare. He may be a man of his word, but he could also be literal enough to skirt certain parts of his agreements.
Varan lifted a corner of his mouth in an appreciative half smile. “It wasn’t easy to find.” Another flick of his fingers and the waitress was back with another device. “The rest is on this.” He held the disposable shreve to her and she placed the sapphire into his other, waiting hand.
Adelina checked the shreve and found what she needed. She slid the two sides closed and tucked it into her pouch. “Thank you, Varan.” With business concluded the muscles in her shoulders relaxed and Adelina downed the rest of her drink. The waitress unobtrusively filled it before she could set the glass on the table.
Varan inspected the sapphire, holding it in his palms like one would a newborn babe. “How did you manage to get your little paws on this?” he asked in wonder. “I’ve been looking for one for cycles.”
The sapphire was special not only because of its size, but its cut. It was a sphere, faceted to reflect the light. It was darker than night without a single flaw. It was a symbol of true love and passion; therefore it also represented the goddess of love and wisdom, a holy object to be sure. She had used her ties with the guild and her weight as a princess to acquire it, and then used her own funds to pay for it. Under normal circumstances one would not be able to find one.
“I have my ways,” she said, rolling the stem of her glass between her fingers. “What do you plan to do with it?” She had a suspicion he had a lover, but couldn’t be sure.
“Never you mind my sweet little cat. This pays for what you asked for and then some. I never expected you to actually be able to follow through. Some high and mighty lord is missing one of his prized possessions, I am sure.” Varan gave her a wink and Alpha looked at her sharply. No, she didn’t steal it, but it didn’t hurt to let the prince think so. “I will be sure to send you anything on the subject as soon as I learn of it. You have any more questions or assignments, you let me know. I am in your debt.”
The prince of thieves stood and bowed. Adelina quirked a smile. She loved this man for all his eccentricities. He was a friend and an excellent business partner. “I hope you don’t mind if we stay and enjoy your company for a while?” she asked, raising her glass to him.
“Only if you promise to dance with me gorgeous.” Varan yanked her up and music started as if on cue. He twirled her around and Adelina laughed.
She felt wild and free and for a little while she could forget all her troubles.
Chapter Six
The Palace
Planet Draga
Alpha and Adelina laughed as they ran down the street, trying to beat the early sun back to the palace. He let her pull him along to the secret tunnel. There were more hov-carriages populating the streets than before, preparing for the day bright and early. Alpha kept watch as she climbed down the ladder. He followed when the coast was clear, carefully putting the cover back in place and locking it.
They ran as quickly as they could back to the palace and Adelina was short of breath by the time they reached the cool underground sewage tunnels coming from the old wing. It went up into the retired kitchen, used before the remodel. The two of them made their way through the ghostly rooms. She pulled him up the servants’ stairs to her floor and ducked down the hall.
Adelina avoided the cameras in the halls by timing their rotations perfectly, something she’d practiced over and over before her first escape. Alpha followed her lead, allowing her to tug him along. The door to her rooms opened the second it recognized her prints and she yanked her guard inside with her.
“Lina, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be in here,” he protested. “Someone could find out and report me.”
Adelina pressed him up against her closed door and kissed him hard. The excitement of the night and his constant touch had her straining to maintain control. Her skin was tight and she felt restless. Alpha had been a surprisingly passionate dancer, something she hadn’t expected from him. The ballroom styles the only dances he’d ever led her through before that night. The way he’d looked into Adelina’s eyes had her weak-kneed and counting the minutes before it would be polite for her to leave the Ladrole.
She pulled back and smiled playfully. “Do not worry, I’ll ensure the report never sees the light of day.”
Alpha grinned. He reached down and grabbed her thighs and pulled her up in one quick motion. Adelina’s legs wrapped around his waist on instinct and she gasped in surprise. “I never suspected you to have a bit of dominance,” he confessed. “I have to admit I thought you were one of the true submissives.” He walked slowly across her rooms towards her bedchamber and the massive bed in the center. Truly it was a monstrosity in size.
Adelina twirled his hair in her fingers. She couldn’t tear her gaze from him. The hunger in his eyes made her squirm. “And
if I were?” she asked, voice low and husky. Adelina knew she was truly submissive, though on occasion she found the desire to be in control, to be the one who named the stakes, and it had surprised her just as much as it had Alpha.
He placed her carefully on the bed and leaned over her. “Then I would love you for exactly who you are,” Alpha admitted. “But to know there is this other, secret part of you no one but I know about…” He trailed off as he stood up.
Adelina couldn’t believe he’d finally said it, he finally said the words out loud and she watched Alpha take off his coat with appreciation. The shirt underneath was tight across his muscled chest. His arms were thick and strong and his veins clearly visible even in the dim light of her room. She trailed her fingers down his arms and pulled him towards her but he resisted.
Carefully he undid the laces of her vest and helped her shrug out of it. Then her shirt was next, revealing the small lacy fabric across her breasts. Alpha bent over and brushed his lips against the hollow of her throat and then across her collarbone. He nibbled at the fabric over her nipple which made Adelina gasp and arch up to meet his warm mouth.
His attention went lower, to the bare skin of her belly and down to the waistband of her pants. Goose-pimples ran across her skin and Adelina couldn’t help the trembling. His rough hands gently undid the laces and slid the fabric over her ass and down her legs. Alpha made a rumbling noise deep in his throat as he saw she was bare under her pants and completely exposed to him.
Alpha paused for a moment and looked at her. Adelina breathed hard and waited for what he would do next. The tingling across her skin begged for release and she shifted as the hunger in his eyes made way for concern and he frowned. “Are you sure about this?” he asked.
Adelina shifted her hips. “Of course I’m sure Alpha; I wouldn’t have let it get this far if I weren’t.” He must be nervous about hurting her. To escort one from virgin to an experienced lover was an honor and no one could be better for Adelina than Alpha, she knew this deep in her heart and had always wanted it to be him.
He leaned over her and brushed his thumb across her lower lip and then her jaw. Alpha climbed over her, hovering as he held her face gently, memorizing every detail. “I took a vow, Princess. I have to remain objective in your safety and allow you the freedom to make a smart match. Your hand in marriage could prevent war one day.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. Alpha’s broad shoulders seemed to encase her, cutting off the chill from the ocean air and making her feel safe and warm. Despite her inexperience, Adelina felt sure this was the right thing to do. If she never acted on her feelings and desires she would always wonder if she’d missed out on the kind of love she had read stories about. The kind of love wars were fought over – love that made peace possible if only to preserve the feeling a little longer. “You are the only one I want,” she told him. Adelina’s amethyst eyes looked deep into his and she made sure he could see the truth of her words. “Who I love is the one freedom I have as princess.”
Adelina pulled his head down and parted her lips slightly, allowing him to make the next move. He hesitated and then took her mouth; he possessed her with his tongue and the molten heat of his body. Alpha’s hands tightened on her hips and he held her as though he’d waited his whole life to kiss her.
“Alpha,” she murmured. He made a guttural noise when she said his name. Her hands went through his hair and ran through the silky strands. His tongue danced with hers and she yanked his head down with his hair when the fire he lit made her burn from the inside out.
Her pussy grew wet and made her thighs slick with the wetness. Adelina clenched her legs as the feeling of emptiness became nearly unbearable. She’d wanted this for so long all it took was a heated kiss and she felt ready for him. Adelina gasped as he broke the kiss to trail his lips down her neck and bite the soft skin of her shoulder. He pressed his hips against hers at the small sound she made.
“This is why I can never let you touch me in public,” he growled in her ear. “You make me lose control.”
She shivered at his words and the feel of his breath on her bare skin. One of his hands caressed her bare hip, up her ribcage until he was at her breast. Just before he touched her he drew away and Adelina couldn’t allow that. She pressed herself into him and he groaned as her breast filled his hand.
Alpha’s breathing was ragged as he gripped her tight with one hand and gently stroked the top of her breast with the other. His fingers trailed down the skin of her stomach. His eyes found hers and she nodded in response to his unspoken question. Alpha kissed her hard, tongue in her mouth to taste and explore as he ripped the lacy fabric apart to expose her.
Her nipples were hard against the cold dawn and she couldn’t help the small moan as his thumb stroked the tender flesh. The sensation overwhelmed her and she wanted more as the ache grew. Adelina needed him to touch her. Her small hand went to his much larger one on her hip. Slowly she moved it as he kissed her senseless.
Her chest heaved with each ragged breath as he slowly took her mouth, trailing his tongue over her lips, nibbling them, and taking such care with her as if he had all the time in the world to learn exactly how she tasted. Adelina wrapped one leg around Alpha’s waist to reveal her swollen sex.
Alpha’s hand shook just barely as she placed it between her legs. She released him and bit his bottom lip as she waited for him to decide what to do next. She’d given him the permission and she rolled her hips against his, showing him she was sure she wanted it.
His hesitant fingers brushed her clit so softly he almost didn’t touch her at all, but it sent a spark through her. Adelina sighed with pleasure, but she needed more. She pressed her hips to his and felt the hardness of his cock against her sex. She moaned into his lips and Alpha growled. His fingers pressed softly against her clit, his thumb stroking it as his other rubbed and rolled her nipple. The combined sensation sent a streak of lightning through her.
With a moan she dug her fingernails into his shoulders as he stroked with the same patience he kissed her with. Her guard knew exactly what he was doing and Adelina loved it. She lifted her hips to give him better access and the hand on her breast trailed down to her wet pussy. He stroked her outer lips as his thumb continued the same continuous pressure with each slow movement. It drove her mad when she wanted faster and harder.
One of his large fingers dipped into her ever so slightly and she couldn’t help the loud groan of pleasure as she dragged her nails down his arms, bucking against his hand with no self-control whatsoever. She had wanted this – had wanted him for too long to take this slow. “Yes, please,” she whispered as his finger slid into her again, stroking her with reverence.
His head dipped down with her pleading request and he licked her breast as his finger entered her completely until she could feel his palm against her. His thumb continued to stroke, applying just enough pressure. “Oh gods,” she moaned as he took her nipple into his mouth. She could feel her wetness dripping all over his hands. Alpha slowly removed his finger before plunging it back in only a fraction faster.
It made her feel needy and desperate. Adelina wanted him to give her the release she’d been denied in the maze. The pressure against her skin was so taut she knew she would soon burst. A second finger entered her and he pressed against a spot inside that made everything tremble. Adelina couldn’t help the way she rode his hand, trying to get him to increase the tempo with his thumb.
Alpha could sense her desperate intensity. His mouth on her nipple made her eyes roll into the back of her head and her legs shake. Gently he removed his fingers from her pussy and she moaned in protest. His hands grabbed her ass and hoisted her up. She wrapped her other leg around him and kissed his neck as her guard moved her to the center of the bed and she barely held on.
He laid her down and covered her body with his briefly as he gave her a kiss that drove her utterly wild. Adelina ripped his shirt apart and the sound of the fabric tearing gave her immense satisfac
tion. Her hands ran over the toned muscles of his chest. She wanted to lick him from head to toe, but Alpha had other things in mind.
The way he looked at her made Adelina breathless and he went to his knees in front of her. Her eyes widened in shock. Alpha’s hands went to her thighs and gently pushed them apart so she was completely and utterly exposed. The cool air from the open window raised goose-pimples on her legs. The moons shone down on them and the way it caught strands of gold in his hair fascinated her, but not as much as the way he pulled her forward.
His lips touched the slick wetness of her clit and she jolted from the strange feeling. He paused for a moment. Adelina had no experience and had always wondered what this might be like. She had never had someone’s mouth on her before, but suddenly it was all she wanted. She wanted to feel the way he tasted her, the warmth of his tongue…all thoughts ran out of her head when he licked her from the bottom of her slit to the top, long and slow. His tongue was flat against her, taking everything until he reached her clit and gave it a gentle flick with the tip his tongue.
Adelina’s hands went to his head and she barely held on as the pressure built to a near unbearable sensation. Her skin felt tight and feverish and she knew she was close. Alpha put his whole mouth over her clit and stroked her hard and slow. The warm wetness of his mouth and how soft and velvety it felt against her made her crazy. She pressed herself against him and the tightness came down on her like a net.
A thick finger entered her and Adelina threw her head back with a cry, her hips rolling, riding his mouth as she felt the pressure about to burst against her. Alpha groaned against her and the vibration was exquisite. His finger plunged in and out of her faster, keeping up with the motion of her hips.
She cried out his name as she finally found her release. The waves of pleasure made her shiver but he didn’t let go. He kept his fingers inside her while he licked her long and slow. The intense sensation had her legs quivering as she moaned his name. Her limbs were useless.
