Chapter 190

I wanted to scoot away and put some distance between us, but I didn’t want to be that obvious and get further on his bad side. Who knew how he would take it? It

 wasn’t exactly a smart move to give him the wrong impression or even let him know about his effect on me. He’d warned his inner circle not to reveal that I was his fated mate, and I was more than happy to pretend I was ignorant about it after how he’d treated me.

I might have nothing, but I wore my dignity like armor.

The fleet rolled forward and entered the city through the vast, heavy gate. Soldiers saluted their princes, and some curious eyes lingered on me. I regretted not putting the ball cap back on. My lilac-blue hair stood out from the others with us. Other than that, I didn’t even know how I looked or how old I was.

As we drove, I sat quietly beside Sideburns. Neither he nor Shade talked to each other. I was also glad Sideburns hadn’t interrogated me again after that night. The silence was heavy and awkward between us, yet the heat and desire that radiated off the Alpha Heir was thick and undeniable.

He might have decided that I wasn’t good enough for him, but the mating call harassed him just the same. It would almost have been fun to watch him execute his self-control by balling his fists at his sides so he wouldn’t reach for me, if the mating heat didn’t get a rise out of me as well.

I’d stay far away from him as soon as the next opportunity came. As I tried to take my mind off him, I worried about my unknown new life in a city full of strangers.

What if everyone hated me?

I had only one friend, but Shade wouldn’t be around all the time, and I shouldn’t demand he babysit me. I was so nervous, all things considered, that I was no longer in the mood to observe the broad streets, the buildings, and the people strolling down the alleys.

If Shade and I were alone in the car, I might be more relaxed. I might have enjoyed the rest of the ride. I had so many questions regarding the new school and Shifter City.

“Uh, revered Alpha Heir,” I said, turning to him but lowering my gaze, as I’d learned that looking into the eyes of the shifter was usually considered a challenge or defiance. I had no need to rile him up now. “You really don’t need to accompany a humble newbie like me to the Shifters Academy. I bet Canary can guarantee my safety and even make me behave.”

Shade didn’t comment back, but I could tell he was trying not to laugh.

 “I’m not escorting you,” Sideburns said in a scathing tone. “As you said, you aren’t important enough to be worth my effort.”

Oh, burn.

“I am going to visit Princess Viviane, my intended,” he said, reining in his temper.