1 Preface

"What do you see when you look at me?" I asked him quietly.

He raised an eyebrow as usual when things came at him unexpectedly.

"A beautiful woman," he responded. "A strong beautiful woman."

"A native woman?"

He tried to read my face but failed. "What's this about?"

"All my life I've balanced in between two worlds but never a part of either. A half breed that was neither one or the other, yet both at the same time."

He nodded understanding.

"You knew since birth who you were and what you are. People hear your voice and do not have to question where you're from, they see your size and do not need to guess what type of stock you come from, your eyes show the truth of your Celtic ancestry. I swear I hear bagpipes play when you go off on one of your tangents like the preparations for a highland attack."

"Funny you should say that…."

"Why?"

"Because as you spoke, I could hear the McTavish clan song in my head." He smirked and I looked away uncomfortably. "Whatever people think, there is no doubt in my mind, you are your father's daughter. But my concern is…." I looked up at him as he hesitated. "What do you see, Lilly?"

"That's the real question isn't it…" I mumbled.

"May I ask another question since I've gotten you to open up?"

I nodded. "The liquor has loosened my tongue clearly."

"Have you ever been with a man, lass?"

I laughed aloud. "My husband is asking me this, do you understand how ridiculous this is?"

"I do. But I don't find it ridiculous in the same context as you do," he grew stern.

"Explain."

"I should already know the answer from experience," he grew cold.

I looked down at my glass. "Alpha… I…."

"Arthur," he growled.

I looked up at his silver eyes. "I'm not the type to make connections with people. My own siblings are afraid of me. My mother sees me as a rogue. My father sees me as a soldier. I get that sex is mechanical but I've never let anyone get close enough for a proper handshake beyond the awkward hug Humphrey would give me, almost like he was trying to hold my broken pieces together."

He nodded. "I gathered as much."

"Don't worry I don't need to ask you the same question," I smirked.

"I've never been with a man either," he said straight faced.

I snorted in laughter being taken aback. "Alpha that was almost a joke."

He shrugged. "I have the capability." He looked down at his glass and back up. "Whatever you've heard and whatever my reputation suggests… I plan to be faithful to you, Lillybet." He was intense. This was intense. I had to break this moment.

"That's not necessary, Alpha." I explained and placed my glass on the table beside me. "But it is a nice offer." I stood from my seat. "I'll be going to my room now. Good night." I left quickly.

Once I was gone and the door was shut behind me, Arthur pulled up the pictures of me on his phone. He had been sent several photos of me from his advisors for him to decide on the match. He leaned back on his chair as his large hand went to his belt and released himself from his pants. His lips parted as he took himself in hand, stroking himself as he looked at the photo of me from a Christmas party in a very revealing black dress.

"Oh my lass," he grunted as he found his pleasure.