“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked, studying Ella.

Her golden eyes sparkled. “Yes, Dominic, for the thousandth time,” she sassed. “I’m sure.”

I chuckled, kissing her hair. “Imp.”

We were in the back of a limousine, slowly rolling down a street lined with pack members eager to glimpse the shifter elite on their way to the King’s palace. Ella was nestled against me, wearing an off-the-shoulder gown of deepest green. Layers of sheer fabric swirled around her body, revealing glimpses of fair skin and outlining her figure in a tantalizing way, before cascading to the floor in a waterfall of chiffon. Amber gemstones glittered in her skirt, perfectly matching her delicate necklace and earrings. Her hair was piled atop her head, except for a few loose wisps, and her small feet were encased in sky-high heels. Her mask rested in her lap, awaiting the moment we would exit the car and don our disguises for the ball. Every time I looked at her, my breath caught, and I had to remind myself to breathe.

“I know you don’t like being told how beautiful you are, but sometimes it’s hard to keep it to myself,” I sighed, nuzzling her neck and inhaling her sweet scent.

Ella tilted her head, giving me better access as I brushed my nose and lips against her skin. “It’s not that I mind compliments,” Her breath hitched as I nibbled the juncture of her neck and shoulder. “I just don’t like being made to feel like that’s all I am.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry there, because as lovely as you are, your beauty is my least favorite thing about you,” I remarked, completely serious.

“Sure it is,” she giggled, the sound filling me with joy.

“I mean it,” I replied honestly. “Of course, that doesn’t mean much because I like all of you. Talking about my least favorite part is like talking about my least favorite dessert—at the end of the day, it’s still dessert.”

She didn’t answer, and when I finished exploring her throat, I found a guarded expression on her face, as if she were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Would you like to know my favorite thing about you?” I prompted, offering what she was either too afraid or too shy to ask.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, avoiding my gaze.

“Hmm,” I purred, enjoying how her tense body relaxed against mine. “It’s that warrior heart of yours.”

Ella snorted, finally meeting my gaze. “No one has ever mistaken me for a warrior before,” she admonished. “I think you’re just trying to flatter me.”

“It’s no mistake,” I rumbled, disliking her self-deprecating tone. “I know warriors, and I know you. You have an unyielding heart—you love fiercely, and you don’t give up.”

Ella blushed, her cheeks turning so pink that I wanted to whisper my desires in her ear. She peeked up at me from beneath her lashes. “Do you want to know my favorite thing about you?”

“Tell me,” I invited, not caring whether her answer concerned my looks or personality—as long as she had a favorite thing, she could tell me she liked my big toe, and I’d still be grateful.

“You listen,” Ella said softly. “Not because you think you should or that it’s the right thing to do, but because you want to. You want to understand, and you want your people to be happy.”

I kissed her, a brief touch of our lips. “I want you to be happy too, Ella,” I said. “I know that might feel impossible right now, with everything you’ve been through, but I’m going to make our family safe. And once I do, I’m going to spoil you and the baby rotten.”

Her eyes widened at “our family,” and I realized I’d never spoken of us that way before. The more time passed, the more obvious it became that Ella and I would be family. Whether romantically involved or not, we would share a child, binding us for life. However, as soon as I’d processed this, Ella’s expression became devious.

“Does that mean you won’t boss me around anymore?” she replied, alight with mischief and desire. “You’ll let me walk all over you and get away with everything?”

I threw back my head, laughing while fighting the urge to tell the driver to turn around and take Ella home. “Not even close, trouble.”

As the car stopped and we donned our masks, I glanced at the clamoring media and saw Ella do the same. She recoiled in surprise, and a surge of protectiveness washed over me. My wolf surfaced, and I fought the urge to shift.

Let me out! my wolf demanded. I’ll kill them before they lay a hand on her.

Calm down! I insisted, shaking with the effort. But they’re scaring her! he insisted. This was a mistake! It’s too soon!

After last night, I didn't want anyone near Ella, and her fear fueled my possessive fury. I saw threats everywhere and wanted to attack every reporter. Deep down, I also knew I wouldn’t be so on edge if we’d released our sexual tension earlier. It went against my instincts not to reward my mate after her submission, and I felt my job was unfinished. My desire to claim her was overwhelming.

Mine, mine, mine, my wolf chanted. I have to mark her.

No! I refused fiercely. She’s not a wolf; it would hurt her.

Just a nibble? he begged. She smells so delicious.

I somehow got Ella out of the car and through the crowd, but as soon as we entered the ballroom, she turned to me with exasperation. “Dominic, you’re acting like a dog guarding a bone.”

I arched my brows, letting my Alpha authority seep into my voice. “Am I now?”

Ella shivered but didn’t back down. “You just growled at that attendant—the poor man practically wet himself.”

“He came too close to you!” I growled defensively.

“He was taking my coat,” Ella reminded me, sounding stern. “You’ve got to calm down.”

“I don’t think I can,” I grumbled. “The man who hired those rogues to kill you is here somewhere, no doubt plotting another attack.”

Ella frowned. “Is there nothing I can do to help? You told me mates are supposed to calm each other.”

I sighed and held her close so she couldn’t see my grimace. “Sweetheart, the things you could do to help are not things we could do in public, nor are you ready for them.”

“Oh…” Ella’s eyes widened in realization. Without prompting, she understood. “Would it still be this way, if I’d… if we’d… you know… after?” she trailed off, blushing.

“After your spanking?” I supplied.

Her blush deepened, and she leaned forward impatiently. “Shhh!” Looking around, she agreed, “Yes.”

“It would have helped me take the edge off, but—”

Before I finished, Ella gave me a fierce glare and a pout. “You should have told me, I can still—”

She was about to offer something I might not refuse, so I stopped her, softening my growl. “No, this was always going to be the case, Ella. I don’t like you being here with all these wolves after last night. If I had my way, I would have kept you at home in bed until this campaign is over.”

“Then maybe…” she placed my hand on her belly, over the bump hidden by her skirt. “Maybe just feel the baby. Feel how secure we are in your arms, how safe I feel with you. Nothing’s going to happen, and I promise to stay close.”

Warmth washed over me, and I smiled, amazed she knew exactly what to say, despite not fully understanding our kind. However, just as I began to relax, the Prince entered. He scanned the room until his eyes landed on Ella and me, then crossed the floor towards us.