“Though if you install any more surveillance equipment anywhere near me, I will find a way to hurt you.”
“Understood.”
“And you’re going to explain everything. The portal, your family, your kingdom, all of it, in detail. No more secrets.”
“I’ll tell you everything. Every detail. I’ll give you a complete history of Lytopia if you want it.”
“Don’t be a smartass. I might actually want it.”
“Then it’s yours.”
She pulled back, looked at me. Her eyes were still red from crying. Her hands were fisted in my shirt. She looked exhausted and beautiful and like she was making a decision she might regret.
“This is insane,” she said. “You know that, right? This is completely insane.”
“I know.”
“I’m a romance novelist who writes werewolf books, and I’m dating an actual werewolf prince.”
“It’s funny, though, huh” I grinned, because it was fucking funny. Who the hell would’ve thought?
“This is either the best meet-cute in history or a massive red flag.”
“Possibly both.”
She laughed. It was watery and weak, but it was a laugh, and it made my chest ache with relief.
“Stay,” she said.
It was one word, but it changed my whole world forever.
“I will,” I promised. “For as long as you have me.”
19
— • —
Riley
I stood on my tiptoes and crashed my mouth on his.
Holy shit. I was kissing a werewolf.
An AlphaPrincewerewolf. I was kissing royalty from another dimension. I should be running for the hills while calling the police. I should be doing literally anything other than pressing my body against his and letting his tongue slide into my mouth, hot as it claimed me.
But there was a feeling in my chest, that same tug I felt in the alley, that warmth that led him to me, and it was screaming that this was right. Thathewas right. That despite everything, despite the secrets and the lies and the frankly unhinged behavior, he was a good man. A good wolf? Whatever.
I pulled back just far enough to look at him. His gray eyes were desperate, hopeful, and I could see he was waiting for me to change my mind. He seemed like he couldn’t quite believe I was still here. How could he be so damn cute?
“I should hate you,” I said. “You lied to me. Forweeks.” I stared at him. He stared back. Neither of us moved. “I’m trying to be angry,” I said. “I’m trying to list all the reasons this is insane and I should kick you out and never speak to you again.”
“Is it working?”
“No.” I groaned, dropping my forehead against his chest. “I can’t stop loving you. It’s very inconvenient.”
His arms tightened around me. I felt him press a kiss to the top of my head.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “For all of it. I should have told you before letting us get this far into our relationship.”
