[I now have a Twitter account: @TalatheWolf. Follow for chapter teasers in my scrawly handwriting and other wattpad related information! Update: I rarely use it BUT I'm going to attempt to omg]

Chapter Thirty Seven

The lights were dimmed, and I could see the arrangement of assorted pictures that neatly lined his room. We were both awake, but neither of us were talking. Kendall's eyes were closed, while I listened to the footsteps that passed by the room and traced the inked tail of a large feline.

I'd spent the night with Kendall, as part of the agreement we made. In trade for allowing Kendall to sneak in my room as he pleased and vice versa, he agreed not to mention the steamy night we'd shared, especially in public.

The last few days I'd spent by Kendall's side as he chewed out and fired guards for their incompetence. He'd been beyond angry at them for not managing to find a shred of evidence or pinning the incident on anyone. I had to say I was glad, not that I'd share this with him.

News got around quickly, and soon everyone was calling Kendall, demanding answers. They wanted to know if they were next in line, why this was happening, and who was responsible. Kendall had tried reassuring each of them unsuccessfully. But humans were nothing without the selfish worry they gripped so tightly to themselves.

There was now a grand ball being held next week for two reasons. It was being held to appease those who were still worrying. It would transcend into a meeting where they could voice their opinions. But it was mainly being held for Kendall's "potential wives."

He'd decided he would allow them to visit, but only in hopes of arranging business deals with the Kings that would be escorting their daughters. He would politely be declining any marital offers they gave him, which I was delighted with.

Kendall slowly reached for the hand dipping across his skin before gently taking it and pressing cool lips lightly against the fingers. I saw a smile form as I leaned closer to him, tangling my legs with his.

"You remind me of a quote I once heard," Kendall said as he opened his eyes, their color lightening the room a fraction.

"What is it?" I replied, curious as I looked at him. The second he started reciting the quote, a smile grew on my face.

"A flowerless room is a soulless room, to my way of thinking," Kendall started, and I was quick to finish it.

"But even one solitary little vase of a living flower may redeem it," I murmured back, watching surprise cross Kendall's face causing me to laugh softly.

"I was Nolan's flower, Kendall. He's tried every quote about flowers on me. That one happened to be his favorite," I explained as a frown replaced his smile. Nolan was clearly still a touchy subject.

"That mutt does not deserve a moment of your time now, and I am positive he did not then," Kendall muttered and I rolled my eyes.

"You're being childish. Nolan can be kind when he wants, just like you can. There are things I loved about Nolan, and there are things I love about you," I said, but he still wasn't pleased.

"I do not want to hear about you caring for another man. I should be able to flatter you without the mutt coming to mind," Kendall said and now, I was frowning.

"Nolan's a highly respected, dominant werewolf. If he's a mutt, then what am I?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kendall gave a grin as his fingers grazed my face, tucking my hair behind my ear. The other reached around my waist, pulling me onto his chest. "You, my love, are an exquisite werewolf that certainly deserves all the finest things the world has to offer, something the mutt is not," Kendall tried, and I snorted.

I playfully slapped his hands before pulling away and walking dramatically towards his wardrobe in only undergarments. I turned around with a sly smile, noticing the lingering stare Kendall showered my body with.

"See something you like?" I teased, mimicking his own words. I ended up laughing at Kendall's expression before rummaging through his clothes.

"My brother was just in calling you a vixen," he groaned, only making me laugh once again.

"Your brother also has an ego bigger than yours, which I didn't think was possible," I replied, but it didn't seem to affect Kendall.

"My brother is full of himself while I am not. I only state the truth," Kendall said, and I rolled my eyes as I finally picked out a suit.

It was another grey one but a darker shade, closer to the color of steel. The shirt was a faded blue that would surely bring out Kendall's slightly darker ones. The tie was an identical color of the suit and pants, with barely visible vertical lines.

"Did you choose Nolan's attire also?" Kendall mocked and I narrowed my eyes, tiring of his attitude.

"I never thought about it because Nolan . . . preoccupied me in other ways," I said back suggestively, causing Kendall's mood to sour instantly.

"If Nolan was an expert lover, why did you leave him? You two were clearly compatible intimately," he snapped, but I didn't let it faze me. He was only jealous.

"Intimacy isn't all that matters, Kendall," I said, laying the suit on the edge of his bed.

"I am serious. I want to know why you and the mutt are no longer together," Kendall insisted and I sighed.

"I've told you, we're not-" I started, but he interrupted, impatient.

"-going down the same path, yes, yes. I want to hear the story, love, the moment that changed it," he said as he sat up, patting his legs.

"If I tell you, will you answer a question?" I asked as I went over to him and sat in-between his legs.

"Anything for my love," he agreed, pulling me back against his chest. I sighed and began talking.

"For our anniversary, Nolan took me to some remote island. In short, they believed we were royalty and treated us as if we were. It was thrilling, romantic, and by far my favorite date with him. The people were wonderful, and the island was beautiful. Nolan was his adoring self as always, so there was no problem until we were leaving.

It probably wouldn't have prevented us from parting ways, but it did put things into perspective for me. Before we left, we were treated with the best gifts they could offer. But there was one in particular that stood out.

It was this little bronze statue of a pregnant female. The people of the island told us it would bring us good fortune and many fruitful pregnancies upon touching it. Nolan didn't believe it, of course, but it sparked something.

The next thing I knew, Nolan was changing on me. He wanted our carefree relationship to become much more serious. He started talking about settling down, getting married, and having a litter of pups. It scared the hell out of me.

We argued until Nolan finally realized this was something he couldn't charm or seduce to get what he wanted. He suggested we part ways, and I agreed," I finished, shrugging. It all seemed so long ago.

Kendall was quiet in thought, his cheek resting against my hair. "I am glad Nolan made the mistake of leaving you. I was given a chance in return, one I am grateful for," he confessed and I smiled.

"Your question?" He added and I blinked, almost having forgotten about it.

"What are you going to do about the werewolves," I asked softly, looking down at his hands which were on the flat of my stomach.

"I thought deeply about the subject and decided I would do nothing. Those who were still captive were released," he explained, and I found myself looking back at him, spotting fondness and amusement in his eyes.

"Why?" I asked, completely caught off guard. I'd expected him to tell me they were being replaced as we were speaking.

He smiled, the amusement growing brighter. "For you, my love; is that not clear? If you and I are to form a relationship, I cannot keep your kind captive."

"They why were you so mad?" I asked, and Kendall laughed at my confusion.

"I am mad because someone took from me. They may have brought me to my senses, but the act of betrayal is unforgivable," he said and once again, guilt crawled into me.

If Kendall found out, I was sure to lose him forever. I should've done something more sensible, like asking him or something. But I acted impulsively and all for what, exactly?

"You should probably get dressed," I said suddenly, pulling away from him. I said goodbye to a disappointed Kendall before heading towards my own room.

This, I was sure, could be avoided. Nolan and I wouldn't breathe a word, and Kendall would never find out. What couldn't be avoided was the guard knocking on Kendall's door.

"What?" Kendall snapped, as impatient as ever.

"We've connected the murder with the werewolf incident, Your Highness," Lance said.

"How so?"

"Another check through the guard's room revealed a missing uniform, set of keys, collar, and leash."

That was when my heart stopped.