~Aurora~

　　The lunch was going smoother than I expected. The elders were constantly asking me to give my opinion on a few things. Beta Torin, who hugged me tightly upon receiving me at the table sat right next to me. It must be tough being an interim alpha. He's lost quite some weight!

　　"Alpha Aurora, you know you'll have to make major decisions after coming back to the pack, right?" Beta Torin asked.

　　"Also, when do you think you'll be coming back?" after Beta Torin's question, the second Elder asked as I shrugged my shoulders. I looked at Prince Emeric sitting at the head of the table. Not too obviously, and quite subtly.

　　"Well…I have to do a bit of a closure with people and with a few things myself, here. I've grown attached to a few things here. The training ground, the gym, a few contestants and workers. I need to put a good closure before leaving. If I'm allowed to stay for a few more days, that is." I pointed my fingers at Prince Emeric. He gulped and elegantly wiped the corners of his lips before responding,

　　"Absolutely. All alphas and their subordinates are welcomed to stay in our kingdom any day. If it's the members of the alliance, they'll be welcomed with open arms." Saying, Prince Emeric was praised for his offer.

　　"This does seem like a wonderful kingdom. It is, surprisingly, my first time visiting your beautiful kingdom, Prince Emeric. Lovely people, lovely places and an even lovely Prince to rule." The first Elder, who rarely speaks, won all of our hearts with his sweet talk!

　　But I do have to admit.

　　This Kingdom had a special touch to it. Everyone was easy to talk to, at least that's what it should be like for the others. People had opinions on me in the beginning. Heck! I wouldn't argue if few of them refused to believe in my strength even now! But it's the people in general who are nice.

　　Things go around systematically around here. Trade and commerce, manufacturing, education, everything indeed. It's much more advanced than a regular human city as well! That aspect is very attractive about this Kingdom.

　　"Prince Emeric, we are sorry to believe that you and our Alpha had something in common interests. If I had to be fair and honest, love may change the faith of anyone. It has that ghastly power. I would not mind a marriage between you two either. But there has to be a fairground for you both. And it is alright to confess to us, right now, on this table.

　　Are you seeing each other?"

　　Emeric and I looked at each other. There was an awkward silence looming in the air around us.

　　"No. We are not, Elder. If that doesn't suffice you, you may check the CCTV footage of all times of our interactions to deduce." Ending it smoothly, Prince Emeric kept a neutral face as the elder nodded his head.

　　"Seems fair then. I don't want to press on your feelings at the moment. It is time to celebrate, if anything." I smiled at the old man, who smiled back at me.

　　After lunch, I was trying to go back to my room to seek some comfort and alone time. I needed time to process the events of the previous day. It is hard for a survivor to quickly swing back to normalcy. Or so I thought.

　　"WHOA—" There were several rooms which were left open due to the moving out of contestants, one by one as trials progressed. And a hand suddenly pulled me into those rooms!

　　"Sush…don't get us into trouble so early, princess."

　　'Oh…my God. Aurora.

　　He's even more hot to look at in real life.

　　Kiss him! I dare you!'

　　Both voices were speaking to me, but I was still surprised! As it dawned on me, it was Emeric who pulled me inside the room and pinned me against the door.

　　"Congratulations on the win, by the way. That was a great, great coordination between yourself and your wolf. How's she?" When this man speaks in a whispering tone, I somehow lose all sanity. I sink into his trance, and dwell on the warmth of his touch. My head was leaning towards his palm, and he chuckled at my adorable actions.

　　"She's ogling over you, literally. Her name is Maia."

　　"Maia…" as if to tease me and the wolf in me, he uttered her name seductively! I was almost whimpering for a kiss at this point!

　　"Tell her that I'd like to see her in real life one day."

　　"Oh lord…"

　　I just couldn't take it anymore!

　　Pressing the towering man against the wall beside me as I spun us over, he looked down at me as I couldn't resist his eyes! The mischief in them…he was teasing me to do this exact same thing! Ugh!

　　"I love you," the magic words spilled out of my lips as he took a sharp breath in, "I love you too, Princess."

　　And then, I got on my tippy toes to place a stiff, yet passionate kiss on his lips. Oh, his warm and addicting lips. I could feel his arm snaking around my waist, a small gasp transfered from my mouth into his when he pulled me closer!

　　That was so sexy…!

　　Soon, we were all over each other. His hands traveled through every inch of my clothed skin. His touch ignited the fire within me, my core was burning passionately. He could take me down, right here in this room and I'd give in to my vulnerability for him~

　　Suddenly, we heard footsteps across the corridor, and we realized we were too close to the window!

　　Parting with a small pop sound - which sounded so hot - Emeric whispered, "It's your other boyfriend, must be looking for ya."

　　He whispered while panting from the kiss.

　　Other boyfriend!?

　　"He's just a friend, silly." I tapped him on his chest, like a small slap as he chuckled.

　　"Go. Before he doubts us further." I shook my head at his jealousy. It was a necessary, healthy amount. Not that I enjoy making him jealous either.