Chapter 41: Drowning in her scent

"Let’s go, Caroline. We’re getting late," Andrew said, turning his back on the silent room. Caroline picked up her paper napkin, dabbed her lips, and stood up immediately.

Offering a polite, brief bow to the Alpha King and Luna Queen, she let Andrew take her hand and walked out beside him, leaving the stunned hall behind.

"Should we end the dinner here? Andrew has caused yet another public scene," Seraphina said, rubbing her temples as the hushed murmuring among the guests resumed.

"No. The dinner continues," Davian stated from the head table. "Andrew wouldn’t make a threat like that on a public stage if he had an ounce of doubt. I know my youngest son better than anyone. So, Nina, you will stay completely out of his way. I do not want to see or hear of you communicating with Victor ever again. If his crimes are proven and you are caught aiding him, I will have no choice but to punish you as well."

"Dad, how can you believe–"

She couldn’t finish as Davian glared at him. "I do not wish to repeat myself."

Nina gritted her teeth while her fists tightened but she didn’t dare to say a single word. She remained quiet and gulped the anger inside her.

~~~~

"Why did you have to announce it like that? And your family... Aren’t you even a little afraid of your father? He’s the Alpha King. He could punish you severely," Caroline scolded as soon as the car doors clicked shut behind them.

"Then I will simply stop speaking to him," Andrew replied carelessly. "Besides, Nina provoked me. I should have made that declaration sooner. Victor has been sleeping far too peacefully, so it’s time I ruin his peace for a few days until we leave the country."

"We’re leaving the country?" Caroline asked, looking at him in surprise.

"Yes. We’re going to a famous archipelago nestled in the middle of the ocean, right where three seas converge," Andrew told her softly. "Just relax. Every nightmare Victor forced you to endure. I intend to return the favor."

"Don’t compromise who you are for my revenge, Andrew," she warned, her expression earnest. "I don’t care if I become the villain in everyone else’s eyes, but you need to remain the good prince."

"I’ve never been a good prince, Caroline. Everyone in the capital knows that," Andrew chuckled softly.

Before she could debate him further, his hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, gently pulling her close while his other hand settled firmly against her waist.

"I’ve been wanting to kiss you ever since I saw you in this dress," Andrew murmured, his gaze locking onto hers. "I had to exert every ounce of my self-control just to wait until that tedious event was finally over."

"I’ve just eaten—"

Her words were instantly cut short as he pulled her closer, his lips capturing hers in a deep, consuming kiss that sent a wave of heat straight through her. She gasped beneath the intensity of his touch, helpless against the rush of sudden, sweet sensation blooming in her chest.

She wondered briefly if this was simply the natural instinct of an Omega reacting to her Alpha.

However, the kind of spark she felt with Andrew was different from the moment she first kissed him.

Their biology made them inherently sensitive to their mate’s presence, quick to surrender to the warmth and safety he offered.

But as Andrew deepened the kiss, his hold on her remained firm, she knew it was more than just desire. He had been drowning in her scent all day, holding himself back, and now the devotion in his touch left her breathless, anchored entirely to him.

Caroline pressed her hand on his chest, pushing him when he stopped and withdrew. Their eyes locked with each other.

Caroline pressed her hand against his chest, gently pushing him back until he paused and withdrew. Their gazes remained locked.

"Caroline," he whispered, her name sounding like a chant on his lips. "It drives me fucking crazy having to hold back. Having to wait." He rested his forehead against her shoulder, pressing a lingering kiss into the soft curve of her neck that made her pulse flutter wildly.

"I’m sorry," Caroline murmured softly, her fingers tangling slightly in his blazer. "Just give me a little time."

"I am," Andrew said, lifting his head to meet her eyes with sincerity. "You never have to apologize. Forcing a bond or affection isn’t who I am. It’s just that my wolf and I grow restless every time we’re near you and Lily."

Caroline smiled softly, bringing her hands up to gently cup his cheeks and lift his gaze to meet hers.

"Your kiss healed my wolf," she said, her voice tender. "She stopped speaking to me after I..." She trailed off, unable to bring up the loss of her lost pup, but the emotion lingered in her eyes. "Even this rapid recovery was only possible because of you. I truly respect you, Andrew."

Her gaze shifted upward to his silver hair.

"You should have kept it long," she murmured, her fingers gently weaving through the shorter strands. "Why did you cut it?"

"I’ll grow it out again if you like it," Andrew murmured against her skin. He leaned down, burying his face in the crook of her neck to press a string of soft, lingering kisses along her pulse point. Caroline bit her lower lip, holding back the faint sighs threatening to escape her throat.

He slowly traced a warm trail from her throat up to her chin, leaving her heart thundering wildly against her chest.

"Why did you do that?" Caroline asked in a low voice, her cheeks flushing red.

"Why? Don’t you like it?"

"No, that’s not what I mean." She lowered her eyes. "It’s just strange." Caroline couldn’t express what she felt in that moment. Even her ears got warm.

"We should ask the driver to come inside," she murmured, finally sitting straight after adjusting her dress.

~~~~

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