Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
I turn away from the orb. “Okay. I’ve seen enough.” If I can’t escape soon, maybe I can figure out a way to send word to Ma. “Thank you,” I tell Rogue. “Will you show me the rest of the castle?”
The whisp whips around my neck so fast, it tickles. Despite myself, I giggle.
I follow Rogue down the gallery. When I pause to take in the pictures, I gasp. The elements in them are actually moving. Leaves on trees flutter in invisible breezes, lake surfaces ripple, and clouds float across painted skies. I hurry to check the portraits of actual people, kind of relieved to see how still they are. So it’s just the landscapes which move. Curiouser and curiouser.
A newer-looking painting dominates the far wall at the end, commanding my attention. I move closer to inspect it. A kind-eyed female gazes out from the canvas. She’s wearing a crown. So is her much larger, emerald-skinned partner. An Omega queen and her Alpha king. They’re standing outside in a bower of moonflowers. The tiny petals, the couple’s eyes, the suns above their heads—they’re not moving, but they all seem to glow. The whole thing is so realistic, I wouldn’t be surprised if the figures took a breath and stepped out from the canvas.
“I see you found my parents.” Bestian’s voice echoes down the gallery. Tingles rise on the back of my neck. I quiver, hungering for his warmth, his scent.
I suck in a breath through my mouth, denying myself so I can hold onto my senses for as long as possible.
But when I turn, the sight of him hits me. His body looms, enormous in the huge space. Back home, he’d be a giant, a superhero with teal skin and striking tattoos. Everything about him—his size, his voice, his presence—proclaims him as Alpha.
He’s irresistible. Damn him.
He comes closer, stepping out of the shadows and into the light. He’s wearing a cloak but the hood is down. I gaze at him greedily. A mask covers the top half of his face, molded to his cheekbones and going down one side of his jaw. What it reveals is absolutely gorgeous. The structure of his face takes my breath away.
The mask matches the deep teal of his skin. His markings are a shimmering emerald green—just like his eyes. He does have the sexiest eyes. His hair, brows, and lashes are the deep, glossy blue of the ocean.
“Good morning,” he greets me. My captor has good manners. Between that and his stunning looks, it takes me a moment to remember that I’m mad at him.
I summon my inner New Yorker, sharp accent and all. “It was a good morning, until I found out I couldn’t leave. I’m surprised you didn’t lock me in my room.”
He regards me calmly. “There was no need.”
“Because you barricaded the palace.”
“I could not be sure the magical border around my castle would hold you. So you’re confined inside. For now.”
He’s so fucking sexy. It’s not fair. I turn my back on him. It hurts to be this close to him and not in his arms. I want to be strong, but resisting him is so fucking hard.
“It needn’t be like this, little one.” He comes closer. There’s a slight purr in his voice.
I hold up a hand, ignoring the warmth that rushes through my belly. “Don’t. Did you send word to Ma?”
“You know I did. I instructed my whisp to show you proof, if you desired.”
So that’s why Rogue allowed me to see the orb. It was following orders.
“However, I did not instruct it to show you the gallery. It seems this particular whisp has a sense of loyalty towards you, rather than to me, its master.” Bestian sounds stern.
Right now, said whisp is cowering at my feet.
I whirl to face the king. “Please don’t hurt Rogue. It’s only trying to help me.”
“You named the whisp?” He sounds incredulous.
I close the distance between us and reach out to touch him. My hand looks so tiny on his corded, muscular forearm. “Please, Bestian.” I couldn’t bear it if he ordered the little whisp to go and never return. “Rogue is my only friend.”
“I am your friend,” he informs me.
I swallow and retract my hand. “I still don’t trust you. I barely know you.” And for some reason, you seem hell-bent on keeping me here when I’ve made it clear I want to leave.
He pins me with his gaze but after a moment, his shoulders soften. “Then you should have an ally. The whisp may stay by your side. But only if it abides by my will, as well.”
“Thank you.” Rogue twirls gently around my boots, then I can’t feel it anymore. I remain where I am, gazing up at Bestian. “You’re wearing a mask.”
He cocks his head. “My own creation. Do you like it?”