Episode 14

Aaron was in his library, engulfed in his work. He was drawn out of it by the knock on his door. He dropped his pen and answered.

"Yes, come in"

The door opened and Bruce walked in.

"My Lord might I have a word said Bruce as he bowed.

"Of course old Friend please have a seat." Aaron watched as Bruce sat opposite him, the butler never really spoke much, so Whenever he requested an audience with Aaron, he obliged him.

"So what's up?"

"My lord the matter I must speak to You about is quite delicate." Aaron adjusted in his seat as his ears perked up.

"Speak Bruce what is it? Are you unwell?"

"No my lord, I'm quite fine. My worries lie with the young princess my lord."

"Esmeralda? Did something happen to her?" Asked Aaron as he tensed up at the thought of his daughter being hurt."

"No, my lord she is fine, at least physically. The thing is am worried about the princess, since she had been back it's been quite the struggle for her to adapt and settle back in here. After the queen's death, I don't think she had the time to properly mourn before being sent off to boarding school for years and then returning home only to be betrothed against her will to a man she barely knows."

"Oh Bruce, it's Damian, Tristan's son. She used to play with him as a child."

"But they are not children anymore and he isn't just a playmate to her anymore he is to be her Mate, her Companion and consort."

"He is a fine young man and from a strong wolf bloodline their union will strengthen the empire."

"I agree with you my lord but she does not know him, I suggest that they be given a time to get to know each other, a time for courtship to see if they get along before announcing their union to the entire empire."

"Tristan assured me that Damian is onboard and is more than honored to have Esmeralda as his mate."

"Of course he is, she is a princess any wolf will offer up their claws for the opportunity to be her mate. But the princess has a mind of her own and she must feel like she has chosen him not that he was forced upon her."

"Aaron was silent in contemplation for a while then spoke again "There is truth in what you say Bruce I will take your counsel and speak to Esmeralda.

Bruce got up smiling" Thank you, my lord."

"No, thank you, Bruce, you have been a guardian angel in this family and served us faithfully. I appreciate all that you do old friend. Said Aaron with a warm smile. Bruce returned his smile, bowed, and exited the library.

Esmeralda was in her room painting, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hi, Princess." Ezra greeted as he entered

"Oh it's you, Ezra take a hint I'm ignoring you but for some reason, you don't seem to get it."

"I don't understand what I have done to

Make you this upset with me. I am trying but my every attempt has been met with your cold demeanor."

She kept the brush she was holding on the easel and turned to face him.

"I just feel left in the dark, you and my dad Don't think me mature enough to communicate with. All these secret rendevous you two are having has my wolf on high alert. I don't know what it is but it has to do with that vile of compound V. Doesn't it?"

"Keep your voice down said Ezra as he quickly shut the door."

"I have no idea what compound V is, what I do for your father had nothing to do with that."

"Then what Is it that you do for my father."

Ezra was silent and just looked at her.

"If you want to keep your secret then leave I don't have time for this Ezra."

"I watch the vampires and report back to him about my findings."

She turned to face him and walked closer.

"It has to do with their attempt at kidnapping me?"

"Yes"

"Then why didn't you just say that the whole time? This is my life too if I am in danger Don't I deserve to know? Those bloodsuckers attacked our home. I could have helped if you told me."

"And how would you help? Those vampires are thousands of years old they would snap a young wolf like you without even blinking. I understand your anger but you are nowhere ready to face a vampire."

"Don't underestimate me, Ezra."

"Oh yeah? Ezra replied and in an instant he grabbed her by her neck and flung her across the room, his fangs and claws grew out as he growled.

Startled Esmeralda jumped to her feet and employed her claws and fangs.

"How dare you ?" her eyes lit with anger as she launched at him but with lightning speed, he evaded her attack.

"You can't even take me, Esmeralda, you will be killed the instant you come in contact with a vampire. Trust me, you do not want to know what it's like to face one of them." Ezra said as he retracted his claws and fangs. He took off his shirt. Esmeralda's claws and fangs retracted as she watched him take his shirt off. She swallowed at the sight of his scar-covered beautiful body. She had never seen him without his shirt before and now she understood why, he was covered in gnarly scars.

"What happened to you ?" Esmeralda asked as she walked closer to him.

"May I?" she asked he nodded his approval. She traced his scars with her fingers. He let out a gasp the instant her fingers touched his skin, sending a chilling sensation that reverberated through his entire body.

"Ezra how did this happen?"

he turned to face her and took her hand in his.

"The vampires, it's a long and odious tale," Ezra whispered as he looked into her eyes and then her lips.

"How could my father let this happen? How could he send you on such dangerous missions."

"I must serve my king, it's my duty." Ezra answered, his eyes gleeming with loyalty..

"I see," Esmeralda replied as she swallowed and gazed into his eyes.

"Promise me you won't foolishly endanger yourself in regards to the vampires. You are not to go searching for any of them under any circumstance."

"I promise."

"I mean it Esmeralda, swear to me," he said in a low sexy insinuating voice as he moved closer.

She let out a breath; "I swear it."

"Good," Ezra whispered as he bent down slowly and claimed her lips in a kiss.