CheckMate

Chapter Five

Alpha Gabriel’s POV

I lift her hand up gently in mine, whilst my other rests on her waist. Having her so close to me gives me a chance to properly admire her beauty in greater detail. Her head is tilted upwards as she holds my gaze with those stunning hazel eyes that already have me completely awestruck.

We begin to sway in time to the music and I start to lead her around the dance floor as the palace comes to life again around us. There is a palpable buzz in the air as hushed murmurs circulate the watching crowd.

Still, my eyes are firmly with hers and I know at this moment there is no place that I would rather be.

Just then, she looks away subtly to take in the noticeable change in the atmosphere.

“So would you like to explain what happened a moment ago, Alpha?” she asks as her eyes make their way back to me challengingly.

“You lied to me…” I answer, raising an eyebrow as I twirl her under my arm in time to the music.

Her eyes find mine again.

“I did…” she answers confidently. “Are you angry with me?”

“Trying to be.” I reply, offering her a half smile.

I see a smile play faintly on her lips in response.

“You are changing the subject. Something happened back there… with Griff.” she says, studying me curiously.

I don’t answer her, instead I decide to cast my eyes back over to him. There he stands, watching us intently with venom in his eyes.

“I’ve found out some things about you…there are stories….” she adds quietly.

I raise my eyebrow in her direction.

“Then you have me at a disadvantage, Princess. Tell me, where did you hear these ‘stories’?”

“The servants talk… Alpha.”

“Gabriel.” I cut in abruptly. “Call me Gabriel.”

Her eyes bore into mine.

“Gabriel…” she whispers slowly.

The way she says my name has me fighting my animal urges with all my might.

She smirks knowingly before continuing.

“Jules heard them say that you are special… that you have powers given by the Moon Goddess.”

“Jules?? Hang on a second? Just to be clear… you are not Jules?” I ask cheekily, avoiding her probing.

She smirks again and shakes her head.

“Okay. Avoid the topic if you wish. Perhaps I deserve it.”

“Hmmm. Perhaps you do.” I reply as we come to a gentle halt.

My hand travels up her back to hold her in place as I dip her backwards.

The music stops and I lean forward over her. My breath hitches in my throat as my eyes trail over the soft skin of her chest that rises and falls as a result of the nervous energy between us. I watch as her slender, elegant neck rises again to return her eyes back to mine.

They lock in place as her nose grazes mine and her body presses against me once more.

I lean into the crook of her neck subtly.

“Why did you lie?” I whisper in her ear.

Her quick, warm breath fans across my neck, making every nerve ending burn simultaneously with desire and need.

“Because of the game…”

“The game?”

“You may be powerful… Gabriel,but the royal court is like a game of chess. We all have to make our moves.”

“So your move was to lie?”

“You showed yourself… my move paid off.”

My lips curl into a smile.

“You were testing me?”

She doesn’t reply but I know that I am correct.

She leans back to look at me once again.

“My whole life people have wanted to be close to me. Not for me, but for what I represent to them. I had to know that you were different.”

“I am different.” I say without a doubt in my mind.

“Yes… yes, you certainly are.” she breathes out.

My eyes flick to her plump lips as they settle back in place.

“Princess… I am not a pawn to be played at your will. From now on… let’s leave those games to the courtiers.”

A slow smile spreads across her beautiful face.

“Agreed.”

Suddenly, the space around us begins to fill as other couples take to the dance floor.

“And you can call me Chesca by the way.” she adds. “Or Chess, whichever you prefer.”

“Chesca…” I whisper, rolling the pretty name around my tongue. “It’s just as well. Your title is pretty lengthy.” I tease with a grin.

She laughs lightly as she shakes her head once again. The sound has me completely mesmerised. It reaches deep inside of me and stirs something within that has lay dormant all of these years.

Lust.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m a man who has desires just like anyone else but there is a part of myself that I have purposely kept hidden away. Part of me that is reserved just for her and for her alone.

“Ahem…”

I glance to the side to see Griff standing to attention beside us.

“The king wishes to see you both, Your Highness.” he states, bowing respectfully to my mate.

“Of course,” she replies dutifully in return.

She looks to me and I nod, lifting my arm for her to take.

She lays her forearm gently on top of mine as I lead her to the edge of the dance floor towards the king who is waiting for our arrival, surrounded by his advisors and commanders.

Chesca dips down into a curtsy whilst I bow my head respectfully in turn.

“Your Majesty, I-“

“Tell me this, Commander Gabriel. Are you my daughter’s mate?” he asks directly, walking over to stand in front of me.

I look into his inquisitive eyes which are studying me suspiciously.

“I am, Your Majesty.” I answer honestly, flicking my eyes back to Chesca who stands silently by my side.

The tension in the air is thick. No one says a thing as the king lifts his hand to rub his chin in thought.

He takes a step backwards and looks to Chesca intently.

“And tell me, daughter… does your mate please you?” he asks.

I don’t miss how Griff clears his throat, in an obvious attempt to hide his distaste.

“Gabriel… if you don’t do something about this fucker. I swear, I will.” Orion mutters threateningly in the back of my mind.

I can’t deny that, for once, I agree with him on this. I’m not the type to needlessly start fights but when it comes to her… I will do what I have to.

I stare at him in warning and he eventually looks away in contempt.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Commander Gabriel is a perfect gentleman. I am able to say that he pleases me.”

He pleases me.

There it goes again.

That rush of adrenaline that courses through my veins. The addictive thrill that ripples through me like a powerful current of electricity.

Her eyes then make their way back to me and

I can tell that she feels it too.

This need is growing too much to bear and I would give anything right now, anything, to take her away from this place.

Just her and I.

“Then… I am happy to bless this union!” the king declares loudly, bringing me back to reality.

His inner circle clap their hands respectfully as I scan them with a critical eye. Despite their outwards facade of pleasantries and politeness, it is likely that amongst them is a traitor, waiting to be exposed.

“My daughter… congratulations and happy birthday.” the king states lovingly, kissing Chesca on the forehead.

She smiles softly in return.

“We must, of course, give you time to get to know each other,” he finishes, walking over to extend his hand towards me with a smile.

I take his hand in my grasp and he grins wider in return.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

He nods his head as I look back towards Chesca questioningly.

“How about a walk out to oversee the gardens?”

I put my arm out again which she takes eagerly as I lead her off away from prying eyes.

I notice that Griff follows behind us and I glance over my shoulder to ensure he keeps his distance.

It is his duty to protect the Princess.

I understand that, but it has already become clear that her protector is not all he considers himself to be.

When we reach the balcony, Chesca stops and lets go of my arm, making her way over to Griff who watches her every move intently. He’s looking at her like a wounded pup and I can’t f*****g take it much longer.

Anger boils within me but I push it back.

Maintaining control is critical.

I cannot afford to let it slide as others can. The consequences would certainly be catastrophic.

“Commander Griffin.” she states with gentle authority. “I would appreciate some privacy.”

He doesn’t move.

His eyes just travel over her slowly.

“Commander… your service is not required at this minute.” she states with more firmness in her voice.

My fist clenches and I feel it shake slightly before I lift it to disguise it in my other hand.

The air begins to chill around us.

The wind howls like a pack of wolves waiting in the wings.

I’m now holding on for her sake… not for his.

I watch as he observes the changes in the atmosphere before his gaze lands on me accusingly.

He’s reluctant… but I can see a hint of fear behind his eyes.

“Okay Princess. I will be right here.” he finally answers, swallowing audibly before stepping backwards, back inside the ballroom.

Chesca turns slowly to look at me and instantly my heart rate begins to decrease. I stretch out my fingers discreetly before putting my arm back down by my side.

“Curious change in weather we are having.” she states, raising her eyebrow at me.

I only nod in reply.

She then gestures over towards the edge of the balcony and as we make our way there, I pull my jacket off.

“You look freezing.” I comment as I wrap it around her delicate shoulders.

She smiles as she stands across from me.

“Thank you.”

Just then, a servant appears on the balcony, holding a tray with both a champagne flute and a glass of scotch.

“I took a gamble.” Chesca smiles as she lifts both glasses before handing the scotch to me.

I grin in reply as I lift the amber liquid to my lips.

“You made the right choice.” I reply, taking a drink.

She watches me intently, placing her glass down on the stone balcony edge.

“Speaking of choices… what brought you here?” she asks curiously.

I look back at her for a moment as I contemplate my answer.

When I arrived here, I was sworn to secrecy by the king and the soldier in me won’t let myself break the agreement that I made. So I decide to be purposely vague.

“I came to experience being part of the King’s Guard. I’m here to help with training, if I can.” I shrug in reply.

She studies me for a moment and nods before lifting her drink and looking off into the gardens. They are shrouded in darkness, only illuminated by the soft light of the crescent moon in the sky.

“And you said no more chess…” she comments under her breath.

“Chesca… it doesn’t matter why I came because now I have found a reason to be here that eclipses everything else.”

Her eyes dart back towards me.

“You.” I finish seriously.

She lets out a slow breath in reply.

I take a step towards her.

I hear her heartbeat begin to race faintly in the silent air.

“Tell me something about you.” I whisper, my lips inching closer to hers.

“What do you want to know?” she replies softly.

“Everything.”

I lift my hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

She gapes at me for a couple of long seconds before coming to her senses and shaking her head.

“Okay… well, my wolf is one sassy little b***h. If you must know, I’m having a hard time with her right now.” she grins.

I can’t help but laugh in reply.

“Sounds like her and Orion will get along like a house on fire. What’s her name?”

She rolls her eyes for a second and shakes her head in refusal.

“You won’t tell me her name?” I ask curiously, with a confused smirk.

“You’ll laugh.”

“I won’t laugh.” I say, holding my hands up defensively.

She smiles as she contemplates her answer for a moment longer.

“Her name is Caterina” she admits in defeat.

I can’t help but choke back a scoff, bringing my hand up to rub my chin casually.

“I knew you would laugh!”

“I’m not laughing!” I reply, whilst doing exactly that. “So you have a wolf called Cat… it’s not hilarious… only mildly entertaining.” I shrug with a grin.

She slaps my arm playfully and I swear I almost burst with f*****g sheer delight.

I’ve imagined the moment I would meet my mate a thousand times.

I imagined laughing with her and getting to know her and I have to say, it’s already living up to my expectations.

“Well, thank you for the information… it was interesting.”

“No problem.” she smiles in return, laughing lightly.

I can’t help it when my gaze drifts to her lips.

Shit. I want to kiss her so badly that it makes it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

“You feel it too?” she asks suddenly, drawing my attention back to her face. “That need… clawing away at your insides… just waiting, waiting to be unleashed.” she whispers.

Her low, alluring voice tugs at my self-control once again.

My jaw tightens.

I swear I f*****g begin to grow hard on the spot.

“I feel it more than you know.” I answer, staring back at her unwaveringly.

She nibbles the edge of her lip carefully as though she is lost in thought.

“Jules was wrong…” she suddenly utters between gentle breathes.

I furrow my brows questioningly.

“She seems to think you… how can I put this? You haven’t been intimate in that way before...”

Silence hangs between us. The se.xual tension is so damn thick I can barely think straight.

I lift my drink to my lips, smirking at her gently before tossing back the drink entirely.

It burns my throat, only adding to the rising heat under my collar. I place the glasses down as she watches me intensely for a reply.

“Would that be a problem?” I ask, looking into her wide eyes that are now filled with surprise.

Her mouth opens slightly before she closes it again.

“Uhm..” she clears her throat and her cheeks flame.

I can’t deny that her flustered state arouses me even further.

“As long as it’s not a problem that I have.” she answers honestly.

Orion snarls in my head but I ignore it, stepping forward to close the small gap between us.

I lower my voice and I lift my hand to grip her chin gently.

She swallows as she looks into my eyes.

“I don’t care who came before me because there will be no one after me. I will be the man who takes you to bed… who makes love to you… for the rest of our lives.”

She gasps slightly as her lips part.

“So confident for a man who hasn’t yet known the touch of a woman.” she whispers with sultry eyes.

“I’m a quick learner, Chesca, my instincts have never steered me wrong before.” I reply, grazing my thumb across that plump bottom lip teasingly.

“Mmmm.” she mumbles in answer.

“And whatever I do not know…” I whisper in her ear. “You will teach me.”

Her body shivers against mine.

“Me?” she asks, her chest heaving against me slowly.

“Tell me Princess, have you ever told a man exactly what you want? Your needs… your inner most desires?” I lift my hands to rest them either side of her beautiful face.

She stares back at me wide-eyed and shakes her head.

“Now is your chance…”

Her lips part again as her eyes dart down to my mouth.

“Do you want me to kiss you… Princess?”

“Yes…” she whispers softly into the night air.

I lean my head towards hers and pause for a fraction to relish this moment.

This perfect moment in time.

Then my lips brush against hers and I get lost in her immediately.

I press myself against her with more passion than I thought possible and she responds in kind. Reaching her hands up to run her fingers through my hair.

My arms wrap around her body, pulling her in as close as I can.

It’s not enough.

I need more.

My tongue enters her mouth to taste her and we move in perfect sync with one another as though we have been doing this for years already. I lift my hand to tangle in her hair, holding her head steady in place as my lips leave hers and make their way down her smooth neck.

The suit jacket slides from her shoulders and hits the floor and my hands find the smooth skin of her back. My hand grazes the zipper of her dress and I have to stop myself from yanking it down where we stand.

“Gabriel…” she whispers breathlessly, her finger tips caressing the back of my neck.

I lean back to look into her eyes that are now brimming with unfiltered lust. I pick up her hands and hold them against my chest, which is now heaving rhythmically with hers.

“Tell me what you want from me… tell me what you need from me.”

She looks at me dazed. Her regal act has cracked and the woman staring back at me is ready to hand herself over to me completely.

“I need you… I need you to f**k me.” she answers boldly.

My c**k twitches. If I’m not careful, I won’t make it off this balcony, and if I’m not mistaken, that would be very ungentlemanly indeed.

“Then I-“

Suddenly, the balcony door opens and Jules steps out in front of us.

She bows her head but I don’t miss the subtle smirk she throws towards Chesca first.

“Your Highness, the king has requested your presence immediately. It’s time for the birthday well wishes.” she states with a smile before stepping back inside the palace.

Chesca's eyes meet mine again.

We stare at each other in shock at what just happened between us.

The phrase “zero to sixty” seems to spring to mind.

Neither of us say a word.

Instead, I put my forearm out in front of me and she rests her arm on mine gently, ready for me to lead her back inside.

Her hazel eyes connect with mine with renewed determination and focus.

“Commander…”

“Princess…”