Alpha's Spoiled Princess - Burgov Series VI

5. Cilia

The room was even nice. It's good to know that Sean doesn't have the worst taste for his entire home. However, something tells me it may have been redecorated by aunt Diana, something about these four walls feels exactly like Harvest Moon.

But that's not the most important thing now. Merely a distraction before dinner. However, I wished for someone else to distract me, but the voicemail was all I was left with and I'm definitely not leaving that message in the mobile corporation's hands.

I snapped my fingers, sauntering to another corner.

Why am I so nervous?

It's just dinner.

Okay, fine, it's not just dinner. It's dinner with him, and he is my mate.

Holy s**t! I still can't wrap my head around it. The irony is almost laughable.

Had I not overheard him that fateful night, we would have known about our bond by Easter, and then what? Would it be all dandy for the last six years? Would we still be together? Would we have a family? Would I be aware of what he really thought of me, or would I be a blind fool who only saw her dream guy becoming her forever man?

No, let's not go this way. It's better this way. I like to know what to expect and if I was still none the wiser, I could have been living with a man who secretly despises me.

Yes, this way is way better.

My phone rang and I snatched it off the bed, answering before the second ring could be heard.

"Finally! What have you been doing, b***h?!" - I asked, giving way to my emotions.

"Um, let's agree that you don't want to know. It included your Cousin and a lot of body fluids, some spilled, some licked, you know how it is." - Markie said and I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Eww! Don't tell me stuff like that!" - I brought a hand to my lips - "Okay, now I think I'm gonna be sick for real."

Her melodic and utterly happy laughter spread on the other side.

"By the way, he says hi, and also asks how long we will need this time." - she said - "I think he's counting on a second round." - Markie added in a whisper.

"Do you want me to call you grandmother?" - I threatened, knowing full well that if there was a single person able to get Markie back in line, it was her Nana. Hell, knowing that woman, she wouldn't allow Orson to touch Markie for the remainder of their stay in Australia.

"You wouldn't." - she gasped.

"I won't, but listen to me. Leave that tool of a cousin of mine somewhere else, because I need your undivided attention."

"Okay, now you're scaring me."

"Markie, I'm not joking, it's the Kimmy-s**t sort of situation and I need you." - I said, and as expected that did the trick.

"s**t. Give me a second." - she said and there was a moment of shuffling, a few muffled words I couldn't quite understand and then she was back. - "Okay, spill. Do I need to book a flight? Bring you here? Dust off my shovel?" - she asked and I smiled, because that was exactly the type of friend Markella was.

"We'll see, but let's keep the options open." - I took a big breath, preparing myself for ripping the biggest band-aid of my life. - "I found my mate…"

"OH MY GODDESS! CIL. THAT'S AMAZING…"

"That's not all." - I cut off her happy squealing.

"Oh? What's wrong with him?" - she asked.

"A lot, but that's not the most important thing. Ask me who he is."

"Okay. Who is he?" - she repeated my question.

"It's Sean."

Silence.

Not even the sound of her breath came from the other side.

"Markie? Are you still there?" - I asked.

"Yeah. I'm just trying to count the statistical chances of this being a different Sean. Because it is different Sean, isn't it?"

"No, I'm afraid it's not." - I said, biting my lip. - "Nicky brought me to his pack this morning and… And I don't know. My head feels like a f*****g whirlwind. I don't know what to feel, think or even say about that. That's crazy, right? Me and him, it's pure madness." - I asked because I needed to hear from someone else that, indeed, the events of the last few hours were not normal.

"Yeah, I mean finding your mate in a man you have been pinning after your entire adult life is kind of crazy." - she said and I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn't see me.

"I wasn't pinning after him." - I said with annoyance.

"Oh please, you wouldn't commit even to a carton of milk. Of course you were pinning after him." - she laughed.

"That's not true!" - I said in outrage, but the lack of even one relationship lasting more than a week behind my belt could confirm her words.

"Sure it's not." - she said condescendingly. - "So what happened? Is he dead already?"

And so I summed up the events and conversations I had with Sean. From the first meeting, through him finding me in that lovely little inn, to bringing me back to his home, where in about fifteen minutes we would have dinner. Together. As a date, but not exactly a date, because what kind of date starts and ends in the same building?

"Well shit." - was Markie's first comment - "That's worse than watching Orson being knocked out by a kangaroo."

"A what?" - I asked.

"It's nothing. He thought it was okay to pet them, and I wasn't quick enough to tell him they kicked pretty hard."

"It got his balls, didn't it?" - I asked with a grin.

"Yup. But everything's working just fine. Thank the Goddess for the faster healing."

"Well, thank you for that piece of useless information, now my gagging reflex is on you, not the guy I'm about to meet. So can we, for a while, get off my cousin's genitals and focus on me?" - I deadpanned.

"Phew, you should get some genitals on your own, you sound tense." - she mocked.

"Markie!" - I warned.

"Okay, okay, sorry. It's just so surreal that I think I don't quite believe it. But wait…" - - I heard her taking two deep breaths - "now I'm ready. So tell me what is the vibe there? Do you feel wanted, desired?"

"I don't know, he kept on asking whether I would give it a chance or not, so I guess he at the very least wants to try." - I admitted.

"That's good, isn't it?"

"I guess, but the petty part of me wants to torture him for being an ass, but damn, he got even hotter than before so I'm not sure if I have the willpower to do so." - I groaned.

"Honey, if you two work out, life with you will be torture enough, trust me." - Markie said.

"Hey! You're supposed to be on my side!" - I whined.

"And I am, because I love you, but I could definitely live without your morning routine of reading news out loud in German."

"It's so I don't forget the language, b***h!"

"I know, I know. But you know, it's actually a pretty good idea." - she said thoughtfully.

"What is?" - I asked.

"You gave yourself three days, so show him your worst. Show him the real Cilia, the one that yells, never agrees with anyone, the one that always takes the lead. And if at the end of your little experiment he's still standing, you'll have your answer." - she suggested, and it did sound fun.

"And what if I fall for him again, just to be once again heartbroken in the end?" - I asked in a small voice, irrationally afraid that if I said it louder, it'd get more real.

"Cilia, have you ever really cured yourself from him?" - Markella asked softly, and I knew that was the reason why we were friends and why she was my to-go person with stuff like that. She was my mirror, not the one that made you look better, but the one that highlighted the most concealed truth.

"I don't think I could survive another rejection. It was awful as it was when he didn't have a clue about my feelings, but if it all goes down now, it would be so final. I think I'm just scared."

There, I said it. I was simply afraid. Afraid to take the leap. Afraid that I'm playing a losing game. Afraid that my heart's desires will lead to something I'm not ready for, end of this chapter.

"Cilia," - she said with a worried sigh - "That's what happens when you play all in. You can either end up with everything or with nothing. But wouldn't it be crazy to fold when you already have a king and queen in hand?"

I smiled to myself, glad that I had her in my corner.

"I have no idea what game you were talking about, but you're right. I'll give it a shot, and be myself while at it." - I nodded with determination, even though no one could see me.

"That's my girl!" - she beamed - "And if you get nasty, call me, we'll compare." - she added jokingly.

"Not in a million years. It's disgusting enough to think about you and Orson… Ugh… I think I'm gonna throw up." - I said, making gagging sounds.

Markie laughed her ass off and she teased me a while longer, putting me in a way better mood than I was before. By the time we disconnected, I was better prepared and more at ease to face Sean.

It's crazy. In my head, we're in a battle and I can either win or lose, there's no in between. But I'm not sure what I'm fighting for? If we end up together, that would be a win for both of us, so perhaps I'm fighting to come out of it unharmed.

Seven struck and I left my room, surprised to find Sean already approaching me from down the hall.

"I was about to escort you downstairs." - he said, giving me a once over and smiling approvingly. - "You look gorgeous."

My cheeks heated up, but I decided not to go down the road of flustered sissy, so I c****d my head to the side and looked at him dubiously.

"Are you the one talking about clothes now, Alpha? Be careful, Sean, people might think you're shallow." - I told him.

"Well played." - he chuckled - "So shall we?"

"Lead the way."

Surprisingly, he didn't take me to the dining room, like any normal guy would, but to the library, where in the middle of rows of bookshelves stood a small round table, with white cloth, candles and a single red rose on a vase.

"It's lovely." - I said. - "Unexpected, but lovely."

"I'm glad you like it. That's one of the rooms I actually like in this house." - he admitted.

"It is?" - it came out as a surprise I was unable to hide.

"Yes. I'm not blind, Cilia, I know how my home looks. But that's not the most pressing change that needs to be made."

"Oh, then what is?" - I asked as he was pulling my chair for me.

"The main road has a few bumps, the school building needs new paint and I have to take a closer look at the wedges."

I smiled, but didn't say a word. That sounded very reasonable, very Sean-like.

"So what are we having?" - I asked, looking at the empty plates.

"My cook's specialty." - he smirked and his eyes fogged over just as the doors to the library opened a minute later with a middle-aged woman wheeling in our supper.

"Alpha." - she nodded at Sean and in just that one word I heard a hint of an accent. - "Miss, I hope you'll like it." - she said to me, uncovering plates of tamales, enchilada casserole, a bowl of pozole and I smiled.

"Todo huele genial, gracias. (Everything smells great, thank you.)" - I told her with a smile and she blinked before beaming down at me.

"Estas son las recetas de mi abuela. Espero que os guste. (Those are my Grandmother's recipes. I hope you'll like it." - she said.

"No puedes equivocarte con la comida mexicana. Estoy seguro de que es delicioso. (You can't do wrong with Mexican food. I'm sure it's delicious.)"

She bowed and left us alone in the library, and I didn't waste another second before scooping some of the food on my plate. Just after having a generous serving in front of me, I had locked eyes with Sean.

"What?" - I asked, seeing his raised brows.

"I didn't know you spoke Spanish."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me." - I said with a shrug, taking a first bite and moaning at the divine taste. When I opened my eyes, I noticed Sean watching me with the funniest expression ever. - "You should try it, it's better than sex." - I said, pointing to the dishes, and the hungry look in his eyes probably had an appetite for something else than dinner.

Markie was right, I could totally show him my worst and have a splendid time doing that.

Seduction I know. Not to sound cocky, but I knew how to play a man, to have him down on his knees for me to play with. Those are small things each woman has in her arsenal and, if used properly, there's no way it wouldn't work. So I've decided to forget who he is, for just this evening, forget that he too has power over me, and see how far I can get this.

It was risky, because at the end of the day I could be the one swallowed by the fire. But what's a better way to see if he even wants me?

So I tortured him throughout the meal, while he tried to maintain more or less cordial conversation. But with every time I moaned at the taste of food, licked my lips, or fanned myself after a particularly hot pepper, I watched with satisfaction how Sean cleared his throat, adjusted his collar or shifted in his seat. It was delicious to watch, better even than the meal itself.

"So how many packs have you visited on your journey?" - he asked, visibly trying to change the course of his own thoughts.

"Around forty before meeting Markie, and seven more with her." - I said, taking a sip of wine.

"Why only seven?"

I thought about it for a moment, not really noticing this pattern before.

"I guess it just felt more important to bond with her. And now I understand why, with her and Orson in the picture." - I said.

"She's good for him. He hasn't been this happy for a long time." - Sean admitted.

"That's true. It's funny how things sometimes turn out." - I said, absentmindedly swirling the glass in my hand, and looking into his eyes. They were no longer warm and brown, but almost entirely black from lust. His gaze alone made the atmosphere almost too hot to handle, so I had to cool him off before things got out of hand. - "How about we take a stroll to walk this delicious meal off?"

Sean stood up and offered me his hand, and I stupidly thought I was still dealing the cards. But when I was on my feet, he leaned down to whisper into my ear.

"Don't think I don't know what you're doing." - he said in a low voice, with his hot breath teasing my skin. - "But that's a two-bladed sword, aren't you afraid of getting cut?"

He didn't even touch me, aside from my hand in his, yet my entire body was in tingles. I looked into his two heated irises, black like charcoal waiting to be lit up, and something in me didn't allow me to back down. I'm Orlov for Goddess's sake, we don't cover and act like insecure teenagers, especially if we're no longer one.

"I'm not afraid of swords, spades or daggers, you must know I'm actually an excellent fencer." - I said, raising my chin high in defiance.

"Oh, really? Any words of advice for a beginner?" - he asked in amusement.

"Keep your head in the game, and don't let them stab your heart." - I said without losing a beat.

I saw surprise in his eyes. But it wasn't about the meaning but more about me. That the girl he knew all this time had claws she never showed. And if I know anything about men, his heated gaze boring into me probably indicates that he likes this version. If I only knew that showing my bitchy face would do the trick, I would have dragged him through hell years ago.

It felt like he stared at me for what felt like a good couple of minutes before it started getting a little uncomfortable.

"So, are we going or not?" - I asked.

"I'm deciding." - he murmured with a tiny smirk.

"Whether to go?"

"No, if you'd slap me if I kissed you." - he said, focusing his sight on my lips.

I couldn't help myself, and smiled slyly.

"Yes, I would." - I answered and his eyes snapped up, meeting mine, feeling the challenge behind my nonchalant demeanor.

"The risk I'm willing to take." - he said, and in a split second he caught my neck and smashed his lips on mine.

His lips felt amazing against mine, equally demanding and tender, but I wasn't about to come out as a liar. So, even if only to just prove my point, I raised my hand aiming for his cheek, but Sean was faster, catching my wrist and pulling my hand behind my back. Now he's got me pissed. I tried to teach him a lesson with my left hand, but he did the same, crossing my hands behind my back and at the same time pulling me closer into the warmth of his body and devouring my lips, to which I couldn't not answer.

But left with no other choice, I sucked his lower lip between my teeth and bit hard enough to cause him pain. But instead of stepping away, he growled as if he liked it. I guess it's true what they say, that silent water runs deep.

Having me in his control, Sean started trailing his kisses down my jaw, numbing my clear judgment.

"That's manhandling." - I panted out.

"Then tell me to stop." - he said against my skin, reaching my neck.

"Stop." - I whispered, and true to his word, he did.

Sean didn't let go of my hands, and I was still pretty much locked in his embrace, but at least his lips detached themselves from my skin, leaving me wanting more. Especially when I felt his hard body pressed against mine, with absolutely no space both between us and to wonder what he felt like. And he felt pretty damn good. But I wasn't about to tell him that, especially when I saw a lopsided, self-satisfied smile curling on his face.

"What's wrong, darling? The game isn't to your liking when you're not making the rules?" - he taunted me.

"Who says I'm not making the rules? After all, you obeyed." - I answered.

He chuckled and pressed his forehead against mine.

"I guess you're right. So what now?"

Apparently, he got some of his clear judgment back, and he was giving me the power over the situation.

"You should probably let me go." - I said, even though my body, wolf and the young girl, I thought was long gone, all shouted that I was a fool.

His hands let go of my wrists and he stepped back, making my body feel somewhat cold and lonely, but at the same time I was glad he respected me enough to listen, even though his eyes said he wanted nothing more than to continue.

"Thank you." - I said - "So how about that walk now?"

"Fine." - he agreed with a resigned sigh. - "Where would you want to go?"

I enjoyed how, for just my sake, he tried hiding his disappointment. And I won't deny that his kiss, even though not entirely on my own accord, was perfect. Maybe it's because of what Markie told me earlier, or maybe that's just responding to my past dreams, but I didn't want the evening to end like this. And Sean looked like he needed a bone thrown his way.

"Is the private tour of Alpha's floor an option?" - I asked carnally, and that sexy lopsided smile returned on his face.

"Whatever you want." - he nodded.

"Mmm, my favorite three words." - I said teasingly.

He chuckled, reaching for my hand, which this time I gave him willingly. He interviewed our fingers and it felt so natural, as if his hand was made to hold mine, which deep down inside I always knew.

The tension and anticipation at every step we got closer to the top floor made me feel giddy and my heart drum in my chest.

This was crazy. Sean Maslow, the Sean Maslow was my mate. And he was leading me to his bedroom.

Wait. He was leading me to his bedroom. As I asked him to.

Wasn't it a bit too fast? Wouldn't that make me a wanton hussy?

Yes, it would.

Shit. I need to get a grip on myself, and make him work a bit harder. That man broke my heart once. The least he owed me was disappointment for disappointment.

Sean pretended to point out a few things on our way, but his fast strides made it perfectly clear that he had our final destination in mind. That's why I wasn't surprised in the slightest when, after allowing me to come into his room first, it didn't take even a second before the door slammed behind us and he immediately latched himself to my neck, kissing and nibbling.

His caressess was nothing I'd ever imagined. I used to peg him for a gentle and affectionate lover. But boy, was I wrong. There was nothing gentle in the way he gripped my hips. There was nothing slow in the way his lips traveled over the column of my neck.

Sean was a force of nature. Strong, hard and demanding. A true Alpha male who knew exactly what he wanted and he was on a straight path to get it.

His hands traveled up my abdomen, through the valley between my breasts all the way to my throat, where he tilted my head towards him. His lips didn't taste me, they consumed me, leaving me breathless and losing a battle with myself with every masterful stroke of his tongue.

The man sure knows how to kiss.

He then turned me around to face him, not even breaking our lips connection, and I squealed when he swiftly lifted me up. My legs wrapped around him on instinct and my hands found their way to his smooth brown hair, when I felt him moving.

It was all happening so fast that I could barely comprehend, but when he sat down, on what I wasn't even sure, because he gave me no time to inspect my surroundings, I felt his bulge pressing at my core. His hands squeezed my ass as he slowly started groping my center over him.

It was too much. I could barely think. And the worst part was, that I wasn't sure anymore if I wanted to think. It would be marvelous to let myself just dive into it, especially when everything he did to me felt so f*****g good.

His lips left mine, going down to the hem of my dress, that he pulled to the side using his teeth only, but when his lips locked around my n****e, I threw my head back with a loud moan. He licked, sucked and twirled his tongue around my n****e so expertly that I almost came from just this foreplay.

"I want to f**k those t**s, they are perfect." - he said, before latching himself to another one.

And I was so damn glad he said that, because it was a wakeup call I needed. He didn't think I was perfect, but he liked the way I looked. He wasn't overtaken by love and passion, but by lust. In all honesty, so was I. Markie may have been right about my feelings for him, still there under the surface of the make-belief hate I created to cover them. For me, this moment meant so much more than for him. And I know what it feels like to be the one who cares more, just to, at the end of the day, be hurt more.

Using the position we were in, I slipped my feet on the floor as gracefully as I could and I leaned down to capture his lips one last time.

"It was the best tour I have ever been on. But let's take a raincheck on the fireworks." - I said.

He frowned, blinking twice as if he couldn't understand what had just happened.

"Seriously?"

"Yes." - I said, straightening my back. - "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay." - he said, trying to sound unbothered, but he wasn't nearly as good of an actor as he thought he was. - "Do you want me to walk you to your room?"

"I'll find the way." - I said with a smile, already going to the door.

Once outside, I leaned against the nearest wall, taking a few deep breaths. As electric as the connection between us is, it scares me to death how much power he has over me. He could so easily break me once again, and I wasn't even putting up a fight.

But if we were supposed to work, I can't let myself get carried away. At least not until we're on the same page.