*Storm's POV*

I stayed there on the floor, keeping my eyes on him. The edges of his mouth twisted into a displeasing shape. I remained stationary. It was beyond my capabilities. The guards were shock-still, too. Not even a glance in their direction. Scott’s gaze released my eyes and slid down my face to my mouth. I felt my heart skip a beat in my chest as I held my breath.

His gaze slid lower lazily. No man had ever looked at me in such a way, the way he was looking at me right now. He eyed my full breasts, straining against the confines of my wedding gown.

Gush! He was deliberately doing this to make me feel embarrassed in front of the guards. He was doing this to get back at me for yelling at him.

He stood up immediately and started walking on. Leaving me in such an uncomfortable position.

I was so stunned I blinked.

Just then, I remembered the man I set free. Scott will have my head if he finds out I killed three of his guard and set a prisoner free. I must distract him, but how?.

I suddenly realized he might have sensed something was up. He was heading directly for the cage. And I flushed. But if he did, he never broke stride. Rapidly, I weighed my choices. He might have fought those rougers to ensure my safety, but he would kill me the moment he finds out the reason I was here in this Forest.

I leapt up. Struggling to Walk. “Wait! Scott, wait!”

“It’s my lord to you!” He yelled back at me. Hating the fact that I referred to him by his name.

He didn’t stop or even slow down. He just kept walking away as though he couldn’t hear me.

I was shocked. He was so full of himself, and this was expected. Then, with a rush of determination, I lifted my gown and stumbled after him. “Wait! Please.”

Then he stopped. He turned, thrusting out one hard hip and resting his digger upon it. He waited.

I paused when I was still a good distance from him. There was no expression on his face. Nothing. And the way his hip was cocked so arrogantly... Frowning. I came further so I don’t have to shout, but remained far enough away from him to dodge him if the need be.

“Were are you headed to?” I tried out a brilliant smile, but there was no response.

“You can’t just leave me here. I could barely walk.”

He stared.

When he did not respond, I grew uncomfortable and began to have serious doubts about approaching him. What if he had seen this in his visions? He was a lycan and anything was possible. The way he branded me with his gaze made me shift uneasily. The guards were all staring but trying not to get any eye contact with the king. But I couldn’t help but be aware of the two of us face to face and almost alone, in the overwhelming space of this forest, which stretched as far as the eye could see. It made the situation disturbingly intimate.

I needed to act fast. I took a deep breath and smiled charmingly. Evenly always ensured me my smile was the cutest. “I would love for my groom to take me home, it would be our first night.” I gave him an appealing, helpless look. I couldn’t even wait for this to be over. I could barely stand this man.

“Oh now, all of a sudden, you want to be in my arms? You didn’t think of that when you ran shamelessly at another man in our binding ceremony.” He groaned. Obviously not buying whatever I was trying to sell to him.

“You would agree with me that all this came to me so fast. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. But now I have to accept my fate and be your queen.” I responded immediately, trying to make the moment more intense. The body of the first guard was few steps behind him, cover with leaves from the forest. I stood there, shaking uncontrollably, hoping he didn’t see the need to proceed.

He sighed.

I hadn’t expected that. In truth, I haven’t really crossed paths with his sort before and therefore I didn’t know what to expect. His wolf was already howling in excitement and I could hear that.

Scott’s eyes blazed briefly in what looked like anger, and then they went flat. When he eyed my injuries, I rushed on that opportunity at once. “Please could you help me to the carriage?”

For one long moment, I thought he was actually going to refuse. He looked at me, his mouth curling slightly. My heart was slamming thunderously. He nerved me. It was a new experience, once that I don’t particularly like.

Wordlessly, he moved past me, so close his body brushed mine. I couldn’t jump out of his way on time to avoid the contact. I stumbled after him, leaping. I followed behind him as he walked to where his horse stood.

“Fine! Let’s go home.” I looked at Scott, he appeared madder than hell. Acting as though he had no choice.

“Thank you.” I said, and he could hear the sarcasm in my toned.

“Guards! Get on your horse and let’s leave this place. The queen will meet us in the palace the same way she got here.” And with that, he began striding away. I stared incredulously at Scott. He would really expect me to walk all the way with these injuries?

I made my mind up. He wanted to see madness? Well, he could be my guest. I picked up a stick and threw it in his direction.

Suddenly, he stopped his horse, cursing audibly, throwing his dagger on the ground. I jumped involuntarily as he came striding back at me, his eyes consumed with such fiery. I was so scared.

He came to an abrupt halt. “Don’t tempt me.”

“Well, don’t put me in a position, too.” I muttered and my voice trembled with fear.

“Like I said, don’t tempt me. If not, you will force me to show you the side of me that you will hate for the rest of your life.”

I didn’t understand it. Not really. I stared at him. Why was he angry? Why did he seem to dislike me so much? He didn’t even know me. Or maybe this much anger was because I rejected him? I could even fathom the reason.

“Get on the horse and don’t do anything stupid.” He ordered.