The ballroom was full of laughter and chatter and hundreds of people enjoying themselves. There’d been a few murmurs when they’d all seen her new marks, but if they disapproved they kept it to themselves. Adelina was proud of her personal Draga seal on her back, and the vine of jasmine on her front. They were a symbol – a mark to remind everyone who she truly was.

Guests came up to congratulate her and Varan, and to comment on the rare beauty of the tattoos. It had pleased her to no end to start this new chapter of her life by ripping off the submissive, meek mask for good.

Adelina stopped to catch her breath when the song ended and Varan grabbed two goblets of water off a passing tray without her having to ask.

The actual wedding ceremony had been a blur. All Adelina had been able to focus on was Varan and his emerald gaze, the tears she saw there for her, and the love she could feel surrounding her as he slipped the ring on her finger and recited the words with her.

That he’d somehow convinced Calix to make a rush order…Adelina knew without a doubt Varan was a soul mate, utterly made for her in every way. It was clear in every touch, in every look, and the way he seemed to orbit her constantly, never straying too far – as if it physically hurt him to leave her side.

After the ceremony Adelina had greeted the guests with her new husband, accepted the gift from her queen, and then danced their first dance together as a wedded couple. With her duties complete she couldn’t help but glance at the massive floating clock in the corner, quietly ticking away the hours.

Adelina wondered how soon was too soon to leave her own wedding ball. Her husband tempted her, and had for a while. She wanted to rip his clothes off and make him beg.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Varan asked. His grin was infectious and hadn’t left his face since the ceremony.

“I am, but I do wonder when it would be appropriate to leave.”

Instantly heat filled his eyes and they became hooded as he looked her up and down. “Five minutes?”

Adelina grinned and sipped her iced water, feeling her skin slowly flush and tingle. She wondered what sinful things that tongue of his could do other than speak those wicked sharp words of his.

“Princess, may I have this dance?”

Adelina looked up and saw Alpha standing before her. It was like a splash of cold water on her face, but she nodded and took his outstretched hand, feeling Varan’s burning gaze on her back.

As the music swirled around them, Alpha swept her into the familiar steps as he had a thousand times before when he was her learning partner and escort over the cycles. “I wanted to apologize – for not warning you about the council meeting.”

Adelina looked over his shoulder, avoiding his intense gaze. It was a subject they hadn’t had time to discuss and she didn’t particularly want to, especially on her wedding day. “Leave it, Alpha. What’s done is done.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Alpha asked, tipping her chin towards him gently.

Something about his touch felt cold and foreign and Adelina pulled back, glaring at him. “Don’t presume I want you to touch me like we are as close as we once were. You betrayed me.”

His grip on her waist tightened and then released. “For that I am sorry. I only wished to keep you safe. Had you not been there – I feared what Raena would have done.”

“It no longer matters because she’s dead.” Again Adelina felt the hurt from Alpha’s lie of omission as if it had just happened. All his plans to keep her safe, ruining their lifelong friendship, knowing she wouldn’t forgive him for such a lie…it was all for nothing and she hated him for it.

Alpha stopped dancing and bowed despite the song still playing. “It will be my lifelong endeavor to regain your trust, if not your friendship. But I don’t regret the decisions I made. They were all for you. No one here truly understands your value. And no matter what happens, know that my life is and always has been yours.”

Then her once childhood friend and adolescent crush left the dance floor and the ballroom altogether. Adelina didn’t know how to feel about his words, or his apology.

Elara saved her from more embarrassment by sweeping Adelina back into the dance. “Everything all right?” she asked, her court smile pasted on her face.

Adelina gave her a real smile in return, relieved and happy to spend quality time with her other biological mother. “Everything is perfect. It’s all more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed. I’m very lucky.”

“I was so afraid for you,” Elara admitted, expertly spinning Adelina before pulling her back in. “Raena – the Three-Faced Goddess watch over her soul – was terrifying in the small time she reigned as proxy, but in the end she came through for you. We can never forget that Raena gave you this gift.” Elara kissed Adelina’s tear from her cheek and tucked a curl back into her updo. “Don’t forget your sister loved you, despite everything.”

Adelina felt more tears fall and she smiled, no longer trying to hide them. “I only wish she and father could have been here for this.”

“They are watching,” Elara promised.

Then Varan was there, holding her close as he led her through the final steps with such skill she barely even noticed they moved.

“After this song I want to leave,” Adelina told him.

Varan nodded, wiping away the wet marks on her face with his thumb. “Whatever you wish, wife.”

At that she grinned, loving the sound of the word on his lips. It was hard to believe he meant her after everything they’d been through to get to where they were.

The song ended and Varan bowed when she curtseyed. The cheers uplifted her spirit when her husband led her towards the sweeping staircase, the same one she’d come down for her coming-of-age party.

They paused at the top and waved their good-byes to all the guests as well as the recorders. Adelina tugged Varan towards the lift, anxious to spend time alone with her husband for the first time without a thousand other things to be done.

“Come husband,” Adelina said. “I’m ready to get out of this gown.” She felt a blush heat her neck and cheeks at her boldness, but Varan only chuckled and escorted her into the lift.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered, bending down to brush her ear with his lips. “I’ll take my time removing the dress. Don’t want to ruin it after all.”

Adelina licked her lips as she imagined the slow torture she knew he would dole out. “I don’t care if you cut the dress off me. I want my skin against yours.”

Varan’s hand tightened on her waist. The lift doors opened onto the fifth floor. The palace was completely barren except the guards posted at the beginning and end of each corridor. They laughed like schoolchildren when Adelina picked up her skirts to run down the hall as she had when she was barely older than a tot.

The royal wing was sealed off but Adelina’s gold mark on her palm opened the door while Varan gave the guards a sweeping bow and a wink. She laughed and tugged him into the dark corridor, lights slowly coming to life as they sensed her presence.

But Varan tugged her back and swept her up and into his arms so quickly she gasped in surprise and delight. His strong arms wrapped around her back and under her knees. He held her tightly to his chest and stared down at her with such heat and love she shivered.

“Allow me, darling.” Even his voice was deeper, more feral – nearly a growl as he stepped over the threshold into his new home.

Adelina couldn’t look away from his hungry gaze. Her heart pounded against her chest and her breathing quickened as anticipation filled her. The ache between her legs grew nearly unbearable, but she had patience and control now. Adelina knew how to wait.

From the main door to her rooms was the longest walk she’d ever experienced. Neither of them spoke a word. It was as though they both knew it would somehow break the spell. Varan’s usual cocky smile was gone as he stared so deeply into her eyes Adelina knew he could see all the way into her soul.

She placed her hand on her door and it opened without a sound. Once more Varan carried her across the threshold into the space they would share until his own rooms were prepared. When the door closed behind them he still didn’t put her down.

“I can hardly believe this is real,” he whispered.

“It’s like a dream,” she agreed. “Too good to be true and soon I will wake up alone.”

Then Varan set her down gently. “You will never be alone again, love.” His strong, sure hands found the buttons along her spine and he took such care undoing each and every one. “I will never leave your side. My heart and soul are yours for the rest of eternity.”

Her breath caught at his words, at his warm hands slipping the dress from her shoulders. Adelina allowed the tears of happiness – letting them fall instead of blinking them back as she usually did. Varan deserved to see all of her. She would never hide behind a mask with him ever again.

He helped her step out of the gown and then Varan draped it lovingly across the couch. “I want you to wear this for every anniversary we have. It suits you.”

Adelina smiled. “As you wish, my love.” It was the first time she’d been able to say it to him, and it left a pleasant warmth in her chest.

Varan turned back to face her and he studied her from head to toe, noting the cream-colored corset and the way her breasts spilled over the top, the silk skirt that had protected her dress from her skin, and the creamy lace heels she wore.

Adelina set her hands on her hips. “There seems to be quite a feast here,” she said, nodding towards her small dining table stacked with champagne, platters of fruit and chocolate. “As well as all our good wishes.” Gifts lined one complete wall of her sitting room. It was a bit ostentatious, but Adelina was curious what thieves would get a princess.

“I don’t believe that’s quite the feast I’m interested in,” Varan murmured.

It sent shivers up and down her spine and a low heat flared in her belly, spreading between her legs and Adelina clenched her thighs together to ease the ache. “Then tell me what it is you want,” she demanded – needing him to touch her.

Varan crossed the distance between them in two large steps. He grabbed her face, kissing her with such heat and passion her knees went weak and Adelina held onto his shoulders. Varan’s tongue dipped into her mouth, tasting and exploring. He bit her bottom lip and then sucked it hard until it was swollen.

“Varan,” Adelina gasped. “I don’t want to wait anymore.”

His growl of frustration and desire rippled through her and Varan lifted her up in one smooth motion. Adelina kissed his neck, his jaw, and nipped at his throat until there was a constant growl deep in his throat – his wolf so close to the surface.

She desperately wanted his wolf to come out and play with hers.

Despite his need Varan set her down on the bed gently. Adelina wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him down by the neck so she could kiss him. Once she’d snagged his sinful mouth with hers she let her hands fall to his belt.

It was easy enough to yank it free, letting the ceremonial sword and leather fall to the ground with a thud. Adelina grinned against his mouth as her hands dipped into his pants to feel the hard length and girth of him. His cock was massive – delicious. She couldn’t wait for him to fill her.

Varan grasped both of her hands and slowly pulled them away. Before she was able to protest he lifted them up and they both fell to the bed. He pinned her hands high above her and settled between her legs.

Adelina moaned as his hard length hit her clit and Varan rocked against her, rubbing in small circles while he kissed her senseless. There was so much sensation and desire and the smell and taste of winterflowers filled her – leaving cinnamon and vanilla on her tongue.

She raised her hips, trying to urge him closer as that want started to take over, attempting to wrest her careful control from her grip. “Varan, please,” she begged, needing to feel his skin against hers, to have him fill her until she stretched. “Take off your clothes before I rip them to shreds.”

He chuckled and then bent to lick one of her lengthened claws before he kissed her on the lips. His tongue bravely flicked her canine and then Varan stood. Adelina panted as she scooted back farther onto the bed until her back hit her pillows.

“Strip for me,” she demanded.

Varan narrowed his eyes and grinned, licking his lips as he yanked the chain of command from his chest. The black cape fell to the ground, but the jewels he tossed onto a nearby chair. Adelina couldn’t help her sultry smile or the way she pulled up one knee, hiking the skirt up her leg, exposing the golden skin of her leg from her ankle to her knee.

“I want you naked husband.” Adelina ran her hands up her thighs, slowly pulling the skirt up higher and higher until he could see she wore nothing underneath. Varan hissed in a breath but he didn’t make a move to touch her.

Instead he unbuttoned his tunic slowly, watching how she let one knee fall to the side – exposing her completely to him as her hands went up and over her hips. “Only when you’re bare are you allowed to touch me,” Adelina murmured, trailing her hands over her stomach and then her breasts. With a slight tug her nipples were freed. She pinched and rolled them and Varan groaned.

“You’re going to kill me.” His voice was hoarse, but he shrugged out of his tunic slowly, letting it slip from his skin. Varan’s emerald eyes burned her alive. “Lucky for you wife, I want you in exactly what you have on.”

“Worship me and I’ll let you tie my wrists down,” she promised, trailing her claws up her neck and into her hair, loosening all the pins until the curls tumbled down over her shoulders.

He ripped his pants open and kicked off his boots. The look on his face, the way he palmed his cock, Adelina’s lips parted in wonder.

She’d always known how attractive Varan was. Everyone was aware of how handsome he was. It was one of the favored topics among the ladies in the thieves’ court. But it had been like looking at a gorgeous painting. Adelina had admired – she’d even felt a spark, but she’d kept her hands to herself.

Now every inch of him was hers. The golden skin and hair, his emerald green eyes, every muscle that rippled over his chest and arms – it was all hers. Adelina watched him drop his pants, exposing his strong legs and the ‘v’ of muscles directing her gaze to his wonderful cock.

“Come to me,” she whispered, crooking a finger at him.

Varan didn’t crawl across the bed. He prowled – hunting her. He would do exactly as she said but on his own terms. When he reached her feet he wrapped one large hand around an ankle and yanked. Adelina slid down the bed until she was directly underneath him, that hungry gaze of his devoured her.

“Like this,” Varan rumbled. The hand on her ankle slid up her leg and roughly shoved the skirt up and over her hips. “Is this how you wanted me?” Without warning he pressed his hips to hers, nestling his cock against her center.

Adelina moaned and rubbed against his length. The way he slid between her slick folds, it would be so easy to slide him in with a dip of her hips. But he pinned one hip down as his cock slid lazily over her clit.

“I asked you a question, wife.”

“Yes,” she gasped, hardly able to form words as he continued to slide up and down, parting her lips, pressing his head to her entrance, pushing just enough so there was resistance. Adelina tried to lift her hips up to meet him, but he was so strong and the hand strategically pinning her to the bed didn’t move. Goddess, if he didn’t do something soon she would lose control.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” she whispered, clenching and unclenching her hands, feeling the ache in her claws and her teeth.

Varan stopped rubbing against her and she groaned in protest as he kissed a trail up her neck to her lips. “I don’t care if you leave me bleeding. I want all of you Adelina. Don’t you dare hold back.” With that he pushed all the way into her, stretching and filling her.

It felt so incredible – so delicious her eyes rolled back into her head. There was no need for foreplay, not this time. Adelina wanted him so badly she would have done sinful things had he asked for it.

Varan released her wrists as he remained still, letting her adjust to the size of him, but his eyes – they held hers and the emotion she saw there left her breathless. She gripped his hips, feeling her nails prick his skin. It took everything she had not to urge him forward. Instead she rocked her hips slowly against his, pulling his head down so she could taste him.

Everything about her husband was brimming with power. The smell of his dominance mixed with hers and the scent was intoxicating as the two became one for this brief moment in time. Then Varan pulled out and stroked back into her slowly. She clenched around him – needing him so desperately.

“You’re so tight. I can’t promise I can last long with how you’re milking me,” he teased.

Adelina laughed and concentrated on relaxing. “Don’t worry, my love. Just the idea of you already has me close to the edge.”

She kissed his neck gently and then bit down, marking him with her canines – just enough. A drop of blood hit her tongue, but no more. Varan growled and gripped her hips hard enough she would have bruises in the morning.

Varan thrust into her with long, even strokes; filling her, stretching her – sending her over the edge. When he was full to the hilt he rubbed against her clit, and pulled back out to start the tortuous rhythm all over again. Adelina moaned as she was wound tighter and tighter. Her mind was blank and she could only think about the way he tasted, how he felt against her, inside her, and the sensation built against her skin – ready to burst.

She couldn’t take it anymore. Adelina grabbed his ass, her nails digging into his skin, and she yanked him down hard, right into her. “I want it harder,” she growled against his lips.

Varan obliged, slamming into her until she screamed with pleasure. The orgasm ripped through her and she clutched onto him, riding it out as she throbbed with mindless sensation. His roar as he climaxed was too much. She felt his seed hit her deep inside and she pulsed once more, the second orgasm a tad gentler, but it still left her shaking and limp.

He panted above her, sweat slick between them, and the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and dark jasmine filled the room.

Adelina wrapped her arms around Varan and pulled him close, holding him to her. She never wanted to let him go, never wanted him to leave her. He stroked her hair as he kept himself from crushing her with his weight on one arm. His gaze was deep, devouring, wondering, and a little fearful.

“Are you all right?” Adelina asked, closing her eyes to enjoy the sensation of his cock still pulsing inside her.

“I’m more than all right,” he told her, kissing her forehead. “I don’t think I’ve ever been better.”

Adelina chuckled and released her grip on his ass. Her entire body thrummed, satiated and happy.

Rolling off the bed and slowly out of her, Varan made his way to the washroom and Adelina cracked an eye open to watch his ass disappear. His back was corded with muscle, broad shoulders begging to be marked. She sighed happily, closing her eyes once more, and knowing he would be hers for the rest of her life.

It didn’t matter the terrible steps they’d taken to reach this point in their lives. It had all been worth it. Varan was a male who she could trust, love, and depend on. He would be there for her when she needed him – helping her grow in ways she hadn’t even thought possible. He saw what she could not and directed her with gentleness and skill.

“What are you pondering in that head of yours?” Varan asked, handing her a warm washcloth.

Adelina took her time cleaning up, unable to stop smiling. “I was simply pondering how much better my life will be now that you’re permanently in it.”

Varan grinned and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her toward him. “It still amazes me I can make you so happy. It was something I didn’t think possible, worried we were too different. Then I find out you’re actually my favorite little thief? Ladra favors me.”

He kissed her softly, wonderingly, as though she were fragile – delicate.

“I didn’t hurt you too badly, did I?” she asked, pulling back to study those depthless emerald eyes of his.

“Nothing a bit of salve won’t fix, but I’d rather leave them to scar.” Varan pressed his face to her neck and breathed in deeply.

“What?” she exclaimed. “You want my marks to scar?”

“Of course I do,” Varan stated. “You claimed me after all.” He arched his neck to show the two marks from her canines. The skin was a bit bruised, but otherwise they’d already closed up, no blood to see.

Adelina blushed and trailed her fingers over the mark. “You flatter me.”

“And you honor me.” He kissed her hard and then released her.

Adelina couldn’t help her gasp, as though he’d taken her very breath with him.

When he returned from her—their sitting room he had two goblets of water in each hand and gave her one. Adelina drank gratefully and rose from the bed. She sipped while she grabbed a robe from her closet.

“While I enjoy your bare skin, I can’t control myself around you naked as a babe. I had this made for you.” Adelina handed him the spidersilk robe dyed the same emerald as his eyes – his crest as the Prince of Thieves embroidered over his chest. She’d made an addition to the design though, adding in a jasmine vine to twine around the shield.

Varan grinned when he saw it and slipped the robe on, but he left the front completely open. Adelina couldn’t stop looking at his massive cock. She licked her lips. “Close the robe Varan before I take you again. I’m too hungry to start up right now.”

She set the goblet down and adjusted her corset so her breasts were mostly hidden once more. Straightening the skirt she picked up her water and brushed by her husband to the sitting room, letting her claws trail across his thigh in warning.

“All right, all right, I’ll close the blasted thing,” he chuckled, following after her.

Adelina sat at the table and crossed one leg over her knee, sensually biting into a strawberry. “Tell me Varan, are you happy?” She selected another piece of fruit and ate delicately as she waited.

His eyes widened. “Of course, why do you ask?”

“I know our union wasn’t conventional, and it’s been surrounded by grief and tragedy. We will be leaving tomorrow. I’ve submitted the plans for my rooms to be redone, but…do you feel as though I’ve made enough space for you here – as a royal in the palace? Do you think we’ll be able to truly combine our lives? You have your own estate after all.”

Varan reached across the table to take her hand. “Which I’m gifting to Roxy. It’s still my family home and we will always have a set of rooms there, but she will be the primary owner. All my things will be moved here once the renovations are complete. I believe we can do this,” he reassured her.

Adelina smiled and selected a sandwich. “I’m not ready for children, Varan.”

He leaned back, releasing her hand, and ran his fingers through his hair. “You’re only twenty cycles. I’m only twenty-seven. We have time, my love. And I couldn’t say what I would do if I knew you were with child during this war.” He shuddered. “I only have so much control over my instincts.”

She nodded, releasing a breath. “I simply wanted to ensure we were clear on that. And I’m aware I’m not…perfect. I’ve never had to share my own space before.” Adelina smiled ruefully and took a bite of the sandwich.

Varan snorted and tossed a berry at her. “I’m sure we’ll both get used to it.”

“Would you like to open our gifts?” she asked.

“More treasure to add to your trove?” Varan teased, arching an eyebrow at her as he perused the gifts. “Why not?”

He got up, selected one, and then tossed it to her. Adelina caught the small package with one hand and shredded the pretty wrapping with her claws. “Who is it from?” She nibbled at the small sandwich and eyed the box.

“Felix.” Varan sat across from her and selected a berry. He swirled it in the heavy cream and then popped it into his mouth, watching her every move.

Adelina opened the box and smiled when she saw what it was. The piece of tech was subtle, but intriguing. “What does it do?”

Varan snatched it from her hand and activated the device. Every bit of tech in her rooms turned off, plunging them into darkness. Only the moonlight filled the room as her eyes adjusted. “Quite useful if you don’t want to get caught on a vid.”

“It’s a bit obvious though, isn’t it? Sudden lack of tech would be a warning.” She took it back and studied the small details. It could easily be placed on a chain to wear as a necklace.

“Yes, but it will deactivate everything – including plasma blades and blasters.”

Her eyes widened in surprise and appreciation. “Very useful then.”

Varan grinned and reached for another gift. “It is, but it won’t stop someone from using an average blade made of metal. I’ll have to teach you the smaller knives and the stiletto, my love.”

Adelina smiled and stood. She took the gift and tossed it back onto the pile. Then she sliced through her corset with her claws alone. “I don’t need knives or stilettos, but I’d do anything to have your hands on me. Including letting you train me.”

Varan gritted his teeth when she pulled off the fabric, exposing her breasts. They were high and tight with her desire; nipples peaked against the cool air. The moonlight did strange things to Adelina. It was like an entirely different world and she wanted to feel Varan inside of her while the moon shone down on them.

She turned her back to him, slicing through the skirt next. “Do you think you could teach me useful ways to fight with claws and teeth?” she asked, bending over to put her hands on the table, ass in the air.

There was a rumble deep in his chest and she felt his fingers knead her ass, spreading her wider. “I’m sure I could come up with something,” he said hoarsely.

Adelina pushed back against him, feeling his hard length, the head of his cock pressed up against her entrance, and still he hesitated. “What is it, Varan?”

He slid one hand around and rubbed his fingers against her clit in slow circles. She gasped, still a bit sensitive from before, and pushed back into him harder – the sudden ache for him to fill her so strong and deep she nearly lost her mind.

“I want you to beg for me,” he murmured.

“Take me now, please – I need you,” she begged breathlessly, trying to force him inside her.

He thrust into her then, filling her so deeply she felt it all the way down to her toes. As he pounded into her from behind his fingers played with her. Adelina felt the pleasure crest so quickly and so violently her legs shook as she screamed her release yet again. The table nearly buckled under the force of his thrusts.

Varan roared her name as he came and Adelina nearly wept knowing this powerful male was hers – that she could bring him such pleasure, that she could do such wondrous things to him.

He lifted her up and cradled her against his chest for which she was grateful. Adelina didn’t think she could stand much less walk after their swift and rough lovemaking. “I plan to spend all night worshiping you,” he told her, carrying Adelina into the washroom.

She smiled and kissed him. Her husband was absolute perfection. Adelina would spend the rest of her life treasuring him.

“What did you have in mind?” Adelina asked, smiling wide.