Chapter 16

Maksim watched as the palace staff slowly set up the food on the little table next to Ella's bed. She had her eyes on him, asking if all this was really necessary.

"You need to eat," Maksim rolled his eyes.

"A whole thanksgiving meal?" Ella asked with concern.

"It's not a lot," Maksim laughed. "You forget my body can burn through all that in an hour."

"Jesus," Ella's eyes widened.

"You'll be fine,"

"I'm not eating all that,"

"I will. You just worry about your share," Maksim said as he began to lift the cover off the dishes. He thanked the staff and they swiftly shuffled out of the room.

"What would you like?" Maksim asked his mate.

"I really don't feel like eating," Ella frowned.

"Too bad. Soup and sandwich?"

"Max," Ella pouted. "Please, no."

"Soup and sandwich it is," Maksim laughed as he made a plate for Ella. "Turkey or ham, love?"

"No!"

"Okay, turkey."

Ella rolled her eyes as Maksim walked around the table and brought her the plate of sandwich. Her stomach turned at the thought of eating anything but Maksim wouldn't take no as an answer.

"Just finish half of it, please?" He begged her.

Ella sighed in defeat, "Fine."

Maksim smiled in satisfaction as he grabbed himself a sandwich as well. He walked back to Ella's bed and sat down in front of her as they shared their lunch.

"We should go back to school," Ella said as she picked at the bread.

"Missing one day won't hurt and besides, you had a medical emergency."

"My parents will find out,"

"How?"

"The school calls home if we miss classes,"

"I'll have dad call Mr. Davis and I promise to get you home by the end of the day. They will never know."

"What about all the work we missed?"

"I can tutor you,"

"You have a solution to everything, don't you?"

"I do," Maksim laughed. "There's a solution to everything but you."

"So I'm a problem?"

Maksim rolled his eyes and sasses Ella, "Oh yes, Ella Dunbar. You are such a problem. You are a pain in my ass."

"Isn't the phrase a royal pain? So doesn't that imply to you?" Ella laughed.

"If it mean being on your ass then sign me up,"

"You pervert!" Ella gasped.

"I wasn't the one checking out my ass yesterday during History,"

Ella blushed, "I wasn't!"

"You were staring so hard I was afraid my pants would catch on fire," Maksim teased.

"You were sitting right in front of me! And you kept getting out of your seat!"

"Practical undressing me with your eyes."

"Oh my god," Ella covered her face in embarrassment. "I'll move my seat tomorrow."

"No. You won't," Maksim suddenly said in a stern voice.

Ella peeked out from between her fingers to find Maksim frowning. She lowered her hands and slid them over the bed to his knee. Maksim looked up at her and set his plate aside. He leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead.

"I can't lose you, Ella," he whispered.

Ella's lips parted in surprise at his words. She felt her heart do backflips and shiver, all at the same time. His words were unraveling, thrilling, and a bit frightening. Ella didn't know how she would be able to process all his emotions in the tiny human heart of hers.

Maksim leaned his forehead against Ella for a second longer before he pulled away just in time as Rye entered the room.

"You never bring me lunch," Rye teased her grandson as she walked over to them on the bed.

"Paws always beat me to it," Maksim laughed looking over his shoulder.

"Good save," Rye said as she picked up Ella's wrist to check her pulse.

Maksim slowly cleared the food from around Ella as Rye did her final check ups and signed the discharge papers. She ripped the slip off and gave it to Ella as she tucked her pen away.

"Okay, all good to go. Just remember to be more careful next time," Rye said to Ella and Maksim. "Ella, do you have an EPIpen?"

"Yes," Ella nodded.

"Can you give her another one?" Maksim asked.

"I have no, Max," Ella rolled her eyes as he helped her put her shoes back on.

"It doesn't hurt to carry around an extra one," Maksim said as he slipped Ella's sneaker on and tied her laces. "In fact, Mimzy, why don't you give me an extra one and I'll carry it around."

Ella groaned as Rye laughed behind her.

"Don't mind him, Ella. He gets that from his grandfather," Rye patted the girl's shoulder. "Over protective as ever. Just wait until the beans come into the pictures."

"Bean?" Ella raised a brow.

Rye smirked as she looked down at the prince on his knees, "I'll leave that up to you to explain."

Maksim shook his head as he slipped Ella's other shoe on. He heard Rye slip out of the room as he tied her laces and then stood up slowly.

"Can you walk?" He asked.

"Of course," Ella said as she got off the bed.

"Hospital protocol is for patience to leave the hospital in a wheelchair."

"I'm not sitting in a wheelchair," Ella snorted.

"Suit yourself," Maksim shrugged. He hooked one arm around Ella's knees and the other one around her waist. Ella shrieked in surprise as he lifted her up and carried her out of the room.

"Max!" Ella tried to wiggle out of his grip.

"Stop moving or I'll accidentally drop you," Maksim said as he pulled her closer.

"I don't like this."

"You don't have to."

"Where are we going?"

"We have a few more hours before school ends. We can hang out in my room."

"In your room?" Ella said with a bit of worry in her eyes.

"Relax," Maksim chuckled. "And I've been in your room."

"I have never been to a boy's room," Ella said quietly.

Maksim looked down at her in his arms and smiled, "And I've never had a girl in my room."

Ella raised a brow. She wasn't buying his words so easily.

"My sisters, cousins, and Margo doesn't not count. They're family," Maksim shook his head.

"What about at St. Rieka?"

"Nope," Maksim shook his head. "Never."

"So.....there was no one else?" Ella couldn't believe she had actually asked such a question. She hoped he wouldn't answer but at the same time she was dying to know.

"Ah.." Maksim gave a nervous chuckle making Ella's heart shrink. She got all the answers she needed from his hesitation.

"You don't have to answer that," Ella shook her head.

"Ella...." Maksim frowned.

"Who's going to pick Clare and Cleo up from school?"

Maksim's frown deepened as Ella avoided the conversation. He didn't answer her question as he took the last few steps into his room and sat her down on his bed. Ella immediately tried to get up and moved but Maksim stopped her and made her sit still.

"Ella," Maksim started slowly. "Look at me."

Ella lifted her gaze at the prince kneeling in front of her for the next time in the past hour.

"I don't want to lie to you," he began slowly. "I did kiss other girls."

Ella tried to keep her face calm, but she could physically feel the disappointment in her frown.

"But nothing else," Maksim said quickly. "I swear. Just kissing."

A hot burning sensation spilled into Ella's blood. She wanted to whine like a baby and ask him why he would do such a thing, but the sensible part of her locked that feeling in her chest. It made no sense to be mad at him for kissing other girls, but Ella was mad. She was furious. She wanted him to feel the same burning she was suffering. Was this jealousy.....

"You're mad," Maksim observed.

Ella shook her head, "No."

"Yes, you are," Maksim chuckled. "I'm sorry, Ell."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Ella tried to reason. But she still couldn't look him in the eyes.

"I don't know....." Maksim shrugged. "I feel like I should be sorry. I mean, I would understand if you are mad. I can't even allow myself to picture you with someone else. Just the thought of it makes me want to rip someone's head right o-"

"There is no one else," Ella suddenly said.

Maksim paused and blinked in surprise, "What?"

Ella kept her eyes lowered as she picked at the edge of her shirt. She could feel her whole face burning up as Maksim watched her closely.

"Ella?" He called her as he cupped her face and lifted it to look into her eyes. "There was no one else?"

Ella wanted to look away but his eyes captivated her.

"No," she whispered. "Only you."

As Maksim's eyes scanned Ella's face a smile spread over her lips.

"So that day at the stable when we kissed....that was..." Maksim's wolf stirred inside of him thinking about what Ella was saying.

"Max, stop it," Ella blushed like a tomato and pulled her face away.

She was about to get off the bed and move to the windows when Maksim grabbed her face and brought his lips down to her mouth. An explosion of fireworks erupted in Ella's heart as she felt him lean her back against the bed and climb on top of her.

Maksim couldn't stop himself. The thrill of knowing he was the only one who had ever tasted her lips drove him over the edge of insanity. She was his, completely his. How had he gotten so lucky? He did not deserve her, but damn it he would do anything for her.

Ella wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Maksim gave into her demands but held his weight over her on his elbows. Her sweet lips kissed him and teased him as he savored the feeling of the moment. He pushed her farther into the bed as he pulled at her bottom lip and moved in between her legs. When Ella ran a hand through his hair and tugged at his locks, a rumbling growl rolled over Maksim's insides.

Ella gasped against his mouth and pulled back. Maksim opened his eyes to find her watching him with a mix of adrenaline and fear in her baby blue orbs.

"What's wrong?" He asked breathlessly.

"You....you growled," Ella blinked her big wide eyes.

"Sorry," Maksim chuckled. "Reflexes."

"You're not going to shift, are you?"

"No," Maksim shook his head. "Are you really worried about that?"

"I.....I heard sometimes people lose control," Ella said quietly.

"Maybe when people shift for the first time," Maksim said as he moved his weight over to his left side. He stared down at Ella and traced her face with his hand. "But it's very rare for us to lose control and shift out of the blue."

"Can you show me?"

"Show you what, my wolf?"

Ella nodded. Maksim found the excitement creeping into her eyes adorable. He would do anything to please her.

"You know I'll have to get naked then right?" Maksim smirked.

"Oh," Ella hesitated. "Nevermi-"

"Let's go," Maksim didn't let her finish as he pulled her off the bed and walked her to the middle of the room.

"Max, It's really okay," Ella tried to say but he was already pulling off his shirt. He let go of her hand and pulled the material over his head, tossing it aside.

Ella's feet stumbled as her eyes landed on her mate. Her mouth hung open as Maksim stood before her shirtless looking around. She didn't know what to say or do as he pushed the furniture around and cleared the center of his room. His muscles moved fluently under his smooth skin as he walked around. His jeans hung low showing off that defiant v shape of his hips. Ella's eyes slowly moved up his rock hard abs to his tones chest and arms. There was a mark on the left side of his chest, directly across from his heart. It was a small scar that reminded Ella that he was real and not made of marble.

She found herself taking a step forward and lifting her hands to touch the scar.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Clare and I were messing around with our dad's stuff and I accidentally fell on some silver," Maksim watched Ella's finger traced over the mark.

"Did it hurt?"

"A bit," Maksim let go of the breath he was holding. He put one hand on Ella's waits and gently pulled her forward. "Don't get scared if you hear bones breaking."

"What?" Ella was yanked out of her lustful daze.

"It's normal," Maksim chuckled at her expression. "My body has to bend to make my new form."

"You don't have to," Ella shook her head with worry. "Please, don't."

"My wolf is dying to meet you," Maksim said, placing a finger over her lips. He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "He wants you to run your hands over his fur."

Once again Ella became enchanted by his words and touch. She nodded her head slowly as Maksim placed a light kiss on her forehead and took a step back. Ella had her eyes glued on him as he lowered his hands to the waistband of his jeans and undid the button.

When her eyes slowly moved up his solid body to his face, he winked at her and laughed when she turned away in embarrassment.

"Remember, Ell," Maksim said. "Don't panic if you hear strange sounds."

"Okay," Ella nodded her head.

She nervously chewed on her bottom lip as she felt the hair around her heat up just a tad bit. Then the first sicking sound of Maksim's bone cracking jolted her, Ella almost turned around to face him.

"No," Maksim grunted. "Don't look. I'm fine, baby."

Ella's hands flew to her mouth as she muffled her sobs. She didn't even realize she had started to cry as the room echoed with the sounds of more bones breaking and cracking. When she could take no more of it, she covered her ears with her hand and shook her head. She was about to break her promise by turning around and asking him to stop when she felt something nudge her hips.

Gasping, Ella turned around to find a tan wolf with streaks of dark brown fur standing next to her. She was speechless as she racked her eyes over the magnificent creature before her.

Maksim's wolf was huge. The tan furry creature reached Ella's waist as it circled around her. His black nose sniffed her as his tongue and tail wagged.

"Max," Ella called to him in amazement.

The wolf stopped walking immediately and stopped in front of Ella. He waited for her to say something as he watched her with his large brown eyes. Ella took a step forward. She could see her full reflection in his eyes.

"Hi," Ella said as she held out her hand.

The wolf leaned forward and placed his head under Ella's hand. A hum of electricity ran over Ella's body as she sank her fingers into Maksim's fur. She slowly sat down on the floor and Maksim followed her.

Ella didn't know what to say as Maksim's wolf placed his head on her lap and looked up at her with his beaming eyes. She ran her hands over his fur, stroking him and rubbing his ears as he moved closer for more. Slowly, Ella grew more and more comfortable with him as he patiently let her explore.

"Your fur is so soft," Ella said in amazement as she buried her face into his neck. His strong scent of sage and lime coated his thick fur.

When Ella pulled back, Maksim's wolf raised his head and licked her cheek.

"Eh..." Ella said, not too thrilled. "Don't do that."

Maksim didn't listen. He licked her again earning a giggle.

"Max, stop," Ella said as he began to attack her with licks. She laughed uncontrollably as he ticked her neck and face with his wolf kisses.

Ella fell on to the floor and laughed as Maksim stood over her body. His four legs stood tall on either side of her as he had her pinned down to the ground. She looked up at the beats, completely unbothered by its massive size. She was amazed at how relaxed she felt around him. Never did she think she would be playing with a giant wolf.

Maksim lowered his nose and gave her one last lick. Ella rolled away and covered her face as she pushed him away with her other hand.

"Okay, okay," she said. "I've seen enough. Come back now."

Once again Ella heard the horrifying sounds of Maksim's bones snapping. She buried her face in the rug and covered her ears as he shifted back into his human form. She remained unmoved as the Maksim got off the floor and pulled his jeans on.

"Baby," Maksim whispered into Ella's ear as he came to lay beside her on the floor.

Ella lifted her face and turned to face him. She threw her arms around his neck and let him pull her on top of his half naked body.

"That's normal for us," he spoke gently as he stroked her hair and held her against himself.

She lifted her face from the crook of his neck and looked into his eyes, "Does it hurt?"

"The first time it did," Maksim admitted. "The first time is always the most dangerous."

"Were you alone?"

"No, my parents were there. And my uncles. It's actually a big event."

"It's a bit scary to think about,"

Maksim picked up his head and kissed the tip of Ella's nose, "You don't have to worry. You'll get used to it with me."

Ella smiled slowly before she placed her head down on his shoulder. Maksim's arms wrapped around her body as he continued to hold her on top of him. His skin was warm to the touch under Ella's cheeks as their heartbeats danced around each other. Ella was so comfortable and secure her eyes began to flutter. Maksim senses her body growing tired. He reached up and ran his hands through her hair and placed soft kisses on her forehead.

"Are you trying to get me to fall asleep?" Ella asked half awake.

"Yes," Maksim whispered. "I want to keep you forever."

"I have to go home,"

"We still have an hour," Maksim said. "Go to sleep. I'll wake you when it's time."

"Promise?"

"I promise, baby."

Ella moved her face closer to his neck and allowed her eyes to close. Maksim laid still as her heart beat slowed down and she slipped into a peaceful slumber. He continued to play with her hair and give her soft kisses as her eyelids fluttered. After some time, he sat up carefully and carried her over to his bed. He laid her down and then settled himself beside her.

He watched as she slept in his arms. The hands on the clock moved too fast for his liking. He wanted to stop time and stay in that moment forever. Maksim knew the bond was growing on Ella. He knew she couldn't stay away just as he couldn't.

But they still had a long way to go. She cared about her family deeply and she was scared to go against them. She needed time to see that Maksim would stand beside her no matter what happened and that she could trust him. He wanted to be her whole world, just as she was his.

But for now, he was happy to accept whatever she gave him.

An hour later, Maksim slowly began to tease Ella with kisses all over her face as she began to break out of her sleep. She opened her eyes and took a second to recognize where she was. Maksim bit down on his jaw and told himself to keep it together as she stretched beside him and her curves grazed over him.

"Ready to go home?" He asked as she slowly sat up.

Ella nodded with a shy smile as she tucked her hair behind her ears. Maksim rolled off the bed and walked into his closet to pull on a new shirt. When he came back out, Ella was fixing her hair in the mirror watching his reflection.

Neither of them talked. They were afraid to disturb the magic brewing between them. Maksim imagined what life would be like in a few years when he would watch her get ready like this every morning. His mood brightened as he realized he had a whole world full of love and adventure to look forward to with Ella.

Once dressed, Maksim held Ella's hand as he led her to his car. He drove through the streets slowly as he continued to hold her hand. When they arrived in her neighborhood, he parked two blocks away from her house and turned to look at her in the passenger seat.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ella said with a smile.

"I don't want you to go," Maksim held her hand against his chest.

Ella's heart skipped several beats as she looked into his eyes. She felt an invisible force pull her towards him. She wanted to taste his lip. It was so easy to forget everything else when she was next to him.

Ella felt the air between them shift as Maksim inched forward. She held her breath looking into his eyes not being able to tell him to stop.

Just then, a shadow moved across the front of the car, catching the corner of Ella's eyes. She turned away from Maksim and found Piper staring at her with her mouth wide open. 

I think this by far is one of my favorite chapters :D did you like it? What was your favorite part? 

Do you think Ella is changing?