Allegra nodded, her eyes darkening with worry. “Yeah, it was scary. I needed to escape from the chateau to clear my head.
“I don’t blame you,” Dylan said, aiming for sympathetic. “It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now.”
Allegra picked up her teacup and took a sip. “I’m not sure what to do next. Face the council, yes, but I need to figure out a workable plan, especially since I’m one person against six. I don’t know how deep the rot goes in Val-des-Loups.”
Esther reached for a scone and nudged the plate toward Allegra in a silent demand to eat. “It’s good you’re taking time out. Dylan and I will help, and the Feline Council might assist. Saber Mitchell has contacts everywhere.” She grinned, displaying sharp white teeth. “You’re not the only royalty in Middlemarch, you know.”
Dylan studied Allegra with newfound respect and took a seat. The woman was gutsy and determined, judging by the set of her jaw. “You require courage to face a situation like this head-on.”
Allegra blushed, a charming swathe of color highlighting her cheeks. “Thanks. I hope I’m doing the right thing. I worry the council will overstep more now that I’ve disappeared.”
“What if they think someone kidnapped you?” Esther set down her tea with a sharp clunk. Her expression grim, she picked up her phone and started tapping keys.
“And what if this council decides your disappearance gives them the perfect opportunity to get rid of you for good?” Dylan asked, fear shooting through him at the idea of someone harming Allegra.
“Don’t worry,” Esther said, leveling silent censure at him. “They’d have to find you first. We’ll help you come up with a workable plan. I promise. At least there are no headlines about someone kidnapping you.”
Dylan frowned, not as convinced as Esther about Allegra’s safety, and poured himself a cup of tea. There was something about Allegra that made him want to protect her, to touch, to nip and bite, and her spicy floral scent was driving him crazy.
He couldn’t help but acknowledge a fascination with the princess, and if she were any other woman, he’d ask her out. He admired her mental strength. Dylan glanced at her, and a thought occurred. Would she be amiable to a short-term relationship? At the least, it might ease the sexual tension that had sparked from the first moment he saw her. But it wasn’t the time to act on those feelings. Allegra had more significant problems, and he didn’t want to complicate things. He vowed to be her friend, offering understanding and an open ear.
3
Allegra woke to a sharp knock. She groggily slid from the bed and stumbled over to open the door. Dylan stood there, handsome and sexy, in a forest-green T-shirt and faded jeans.
“Good morning.” His grin was sunshiny bright. “Esther had to go to work, and I promised her I’d give you a town tour.”
Allegra fought to keep her emotions in line. Amazement filled her at the powerful pull she felt and the yearning to spend time with him. What was it about this wolf?
“That sounds great,” she said, aiming for casual. “I guess I’d better get dressed.”
“Are you hungry?”
A loud grumble from her stomach supplied the answer, and she clapped her hands on her hot cheeks.
His eyes twinkled with amusement. “I’ll take that as a yes. We’ll have breakfast at the cafe.” He checked his watch. “Make that brunch.”
“Oh! I’m sorry I slept so long. You should’ve woken me earlier.”
“No problem. I’ll be in the kitchen, reading the news headlines when you’re ready.”
Allegra closed the door, dressed in jeans, a cotton shirt, and sneakers, and brushed her hair. As promised, she found Dylan at the kitchen table.
He eyed her with masculine interest and approval. “That was quick.”
“My mother used to despair since I’ve never enjoyed dressing formally. Esther will tell you. I’m much happier in jeans and a T-shirt.”
“That’s going to make it tricky in your position,” Dylan said, guiding her outside.
Allegra laughed, picturing the consternation on the council members’ faces. “I figured I’d leave my crown at home today.”
Dylan’s grin was a thing of beauty, and it took him from handsome to stunning.
“Are you married?” she blurted.
His brow crinkled. “No.”
“Why not?” She waved with her right hand, indicating his tall, powerful body. “I mean, I can’t see anything wrong with you unless you’re hiding extra toes inside those boots of yours.” Her gaze drifted up his jeans-clad legs to skim his… Oh, no! She was so not going there.
