Chapter 20 Autonomy
ARYA
The silence that fills the room is tense. If a pin dropped, I bet you would hear the sound.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t KNOW you!” My voice rose. “Because five hours ago I didn’t even know you existed! Because I just found out I’m some prophesied hybrid and everyone wants to use me for their own purposes! Because—” my voice cracked, “—because I can’t do this again. I can’t be someone’s destiny only to find out I was just convenient.”
Silence fell.
Luca studied me with those unsettling golden eyes. “You think I’d claim you out of convenience?”
“I think you’ve been waiting for this prophecy to be fulfilled. And now here I am, perfectly timed, perfectly powered, perfectly matched to your needs.” I laughed without humor. “Forgive me if I’m skeptical about the universe’s timing.”
“The mate bond existed before I knew what you were,” he said quietly. “I felt it the moment I saw you. Before I confirmed you were Moonborne. Before I knew about your power. I felt YOU.”
I wanted to believe him. God, some part of me desperately wanted to believe him.
But I’d believed Jaime too, once upon a time.
“Arya.” Ryker’s voice was gentle. “You don’t have to decide anything right now. You’re still legally married. Use that. Buy yourself time.”
Luca’s eyes narrowed. His scowl directed at Ryker. “And who exactly are you to her?”
“Someone who actually cares about what she wants,” Ryker shot back.
“Careful, Beta.” Luca’s voice was soft but not any less dangerous. “You’re in the presence of a king. I’ve had people’s head severed for far less.”
“And you’re in the presence of someone who’d die for her. Royalty doesn’t impress me.”
“Enough.” I stepped between them before this could escalate. “Both of you. This isn’t helping.”
I turned to Luca, forcing myself to meet those magnetic eyes. “You want me to come with you? To give this bond a chance?”
“Yes.”
“Then give me what I need. Time. Space. The separation from my husband has to be processed through the High Court—your court, apparently. Let that happen. Let me have those three to six months to adjust to everything that’s changed.” I took a breath. “And then, if I choose to explore this bond, it will be MY choice. Not destiny’s. Not the prophecy’s. Mine.”
Kieran leaned back, considering. “And if I agree to this? What guarantee do I have that you won’t simply run?”
“You don’t.” I held his gaze. “You’ll have to trust me.”
“Trust is earned.”
“So is my cooperation.”
A smile tugged at his lips, genuine this time, almost admiring. “You’re nothing like I expected.”
“Good or bad?”
“Both.” He stood, moving closer until we were barely a foot apart. The bond sang between us, pulling, demanding. It takes a great deal of effort to act unaffected. His voice was low when hespoke, almost like a purr that made me imagine how it would feek against my skin. “But mostly good.”
I shook my head, forcing that thought away.
He reached out slowly, giving me time to pull away. When I didn’t, his fingers brushed my cheek, just the lightest touch.
The contact sent electricity racing through me. My wolf surged forward, wanting more, wanting everything.
“Three months,” he said softly. “I’ll give you three months. The separation will be processed immediately. I’ll make sure of it personally. Your husband will sign the papers tomorrow or face my displeasure.”
“That’s—”
“Not negotiable. If you want time, I want you free of him. Legally and completely.” His thumb traced my jawline almost revently. Like he couldn’t believe I was real. “I won’t have my mate bound to another male a moment longer than necessary.”
Possessive. He was possessive in a way that should have terrified me. Surprisingly, it didn’t. I told myself it was a means to an end. He would end the marriage with Jaime.
“Fine,” I agreed. “Three months.”
“And you’ll stay somewhere I can reach you. Where I know you’re safe.”
“I’ll stay here, with Alpha Cyrus’s permission.” I shot the man a look. He started to nod when Luca’s voice cut him off.
“No.” He shook his head. “It is too exposed. Too many people know you’re here now. Anyone hunting Moonbornes could find you easily.”
“Then where?” I challenged him. “Your palace? That’s asking a bit much for someone who wants space.” I held back my scoff.
“A compromise.” He pulled back, and I tried not to miss the contact. “I have a secure estate on the border between my kingdom and the wolf territories. It’s private and protected, but neutral ground. You can stay there.”
“Alone?”
“With whoever you choose to accompany you.” His eyes flicked to Ryker. “Though I reserve the right to visit.”
“How often?”
“As often as I deem necessary to ensure your safety.”
“That’s vague.”
“Intentionally so.” His smile was predatory again. “I won’t crowd you, Arya.” God, the sound of my name on his lips again. “But I also won’t leave you vulnerable. Those three months are for you to adjust, to learn about me, to accept what’s between us. Not to hide from it.”
It wasn’t perfect. But it was better than being dragged to his palace immediately.
“I have conditions,” I said, chewing the insides of my lips thoughtfully.
“Of course you do.”
“I choose who comes with me. No interference.”
“Agreed.” He nodded.
“I want access to information about my family. My real history. Everything about the Moonbornes and why we were hunted.”
“Agreed. I’ll provide you with full access to the royal archives.”
“And…” I hesitated. “I want the freedom to leave if I choose. No magical barriers, no guards preventing my exit.”
This time, Luca hesitated. “I can’t protect you if you won’t let me.”
“I don’t need you to protect me. I need you to respect my autonomy.”
“What you need and what you’ll accept are two different things.” His voice was firm. “I’ll agree to guards you don’t see. Protection that doesn’t interfere with your daily life. But I will NOT agree to leave you completely vulnerable. Not when there are people who want you dead.”
“What people?”
“We’ll discuss that at length once you’re settled.” He glanced at Bardon. “Along with everything else she needs to know about her heritage.”
Bardon nodded. “I’ll accompany her. If she’ll have me.”
I looked at the old councilman who’d done nothing but help me. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, child. You’re about to learn truths that will shatter everything you thought you knew.”
“That seems to be a theme lately.”