I stared out of the massive window, watching the snow dance around in the wind as I pulled my thick sweater tighter around myself. I shifted from foot to foot with unrest, feeling so out of place in this gorgeous parlour. It seemed unreal so be here while it was snowing, like the reality of it all was coming down on me. It meant that Christmas was coming. And so was the ball.

In Denver we got snow much earlier than they did here in Germany. By now I'm sure that the campus would be covered in a thick white blanket. Everyone I used to go to class with would be waddling around like penguins, trying to avoiding slipping and falling on the slick walkways. But if we did fall we would laugh about it over hot chocolate and tea. Then we would complain about finals coming up. I wondered if any of them thought about me, if any of them were worried about me. Was I reported missing or did Ajax have his people lie for him?

"Keiko, are you listening?" Ajax wondered from beside me.

"Yes, absolutely," I lied, immediately taking my attention away from my thoughts and placing it back on him. I had been listening at one point but that was minutes ago now.

But, though he was the picture of elegance and relaxation splayed out on the arm chair, I could see the concern in his eyes. He idly swirled the whiskey in his tumbler, keeping his green eyes trained on me. And all I could think about was how anyone could manage to look so put together and yet so comfortable in a suit.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes, of course," I rambled, forcing a thousand watt smile.

Ajax set down the tumbler on a side table and adjusted the cuffs of his suit like it was second nature. The gesture reminded me that my soft, sensible clothing didn't belong in a place like this.

"You don't need to lie to me," he breathed, rising from the leather chair to come stand by me. When he was close enough he touched the underside of my chin and lifted my eyes to his. "Tell me what's going through your head."

"Nothing really. I was just watching the snow and thinking about home and school. I was in my last semester, you know. At this point I would be writing my finals. After that I would be qualified to teach children. And maybe I would have the chance to make an impact on even just one kid in this world."

The perfect plans I had made, the beautiful life I had outlined, was crumbling away faster than I could grasp at the threads.

"Now you're going to be making huge impacts on the lives of thousands of people," Ajax encouraged with a bright smile. When I glanced away it fell. "Clearly that wasn't what you wanted to hear so how about you tell me what's going on before I say more stupid things?"

"This just isn't how I envisioned my life and it's all becoming quite overwhelming. I don't even have my bachelor's degree yet I'm being asked to rule over all these people. Or werewolves. Do you understand how intimidating that is? You were raised for this. I was just thrown into this. I haven't even shifted yet and now I'm supposed to know what all of this creatures need on a day to day basis? And while I'm doing that the thing that I have been working on for over three and a half years is wasted."

Ajax was silent for a moment. He kept his gaze firmly on but I could see the way he was carefully choosing his words. Then his hand gently tugged on my arm, turning me away from the window.

"I feel like you aren't telling me everything so we are going to get you to open up the only way I know how."

Though his statement sounded ominous his actions turned to be anything but. He took me to his bedroom. Though it was my first time in the space I wasn't surprised. It looked exactly like what any would envision it to be. It was the masculine version of mine. Beautiful and opulent but a little more rugged and no silk sheets. For a moment I stood in the doorway awkwardly as he moved into his massive walk in closet. At the forefront there were dozens of suits, but when he came back he was holding a teeshirt and sweatpants.

"Put these on, I'll be right back."

I did as instructed, loving the feeling of his clothes on my body, but still thinking about what Adeline would think if she saw me like this. But before that thought could take me away I noticed a small photograph in a minimal frame on the dresser. It was Ajax with two other young men wearing some kind of sport uniform. Rugby or soccer maybe? God, I was going to go before a whole community and announce us as partners, but I didn't even know the man I was entering into this commitment with. My stomach twisted with the thought. thankfully, Ajax reappeared to distract me. And in his hands were all kinds of foods. He had everything from cheap chips and dip to crème brulee in fine little dishes.

A few moments later he had made a small nest of blankets and pillows on his massive bed and turned on a cheesy romance movie from the previous decade. I blushed at the thought of climbing into bed with him, but his intent was evidently far from sexual and I needed comfort more than anything in that moment.

"You don't have to suffer through all of this, really," I said as I cracked the caramelized surface of the dessert. I wasn't sure any man could deal with a movie this unrealistic.

"You kidding? I love this movie."

"You're such a lair," I giggled.

"That's not the point. I like you." He leaned against me, allowing me to feel his warmth. Then his head ducked down and he pressed a tender kiss to my cheek. "How are you feeling now? A little better about the whole situation?"

"I don't want to talk about it," I said.

"I figured as much but repressing it isn't going to help. If you talk to me I can better understand what you are going through. I want to help, I hate being useless when you clearly need someone."

"I have people," I protested gently. "Holly and your mom have been great support systems."

"Ah," Ajax nodded knowingly already. "You miss your mom."

"That's not what I said."

"I know, but that's what you meant."

I didn't deny it, but I also couldn't look at him while the reality washed over me for the hundredth time today. I was going through an enormous lifestyle change and my mother was not here for me. It made me angry, it hurt me, it was all an awful mess.

"I miss her. I need her. And she's not here. Plus, I know almost nothing about the world you expect me to enter into. Am I going to be permanently tied to the werewolf lifestyle after this ball? Do I want to be that committed? Will I move back to the states? I don't mind it here but I don't know the language or any of the customs. And my schooling." After I finished I groaned and hung my head. Saying all of these things out loud made me feel like they were swirling overhead.

"Oh sweetheart," Ajax hushed, pulling me against him with one arm. "You know that I can't do anything about your mom, but if you ever need me or think of anything I could do to make it better just tell me, okay? As for everything else, it can all be discussed and sorted after the ball. We can call your college and straighten out as much as possible. I'm sure that you'll have to repeat a course or two, but you can have that degree if you want it. and my parents are considering opening up a palace in America as the majority of the unrest is there. I'm sure we could find something suitable in Denver. While I start to take over you can teach and have a career until I need you to be a queen full time."

I turned to him, feeling my eyes go wide with happiness and admiration. Though I had been waffling about these conflicts and issues for weeks he had dissolved the majority of my fears so quickly. And all while speaking with such a kind voice and animated hand gestures. It made me feel soft and wanted in a way I never had before.

"What do you think? Does that make it a little easier for you to handle?" he pushed at my quietness.

I just shifted closer and leaned until I could press my mouth against his. He tasted like crème brulee. And the sensation was electric. His lips were soft and gentle, making me feel so cared for while striking my core, making me want more. Clearly this bond was stronger than I had anticipated. It took all of my resolve to pull away.

"That's a wonderful place to start, thank you Ajax."

****Hope you all enjoyed the back to back posts. For those of you who are reading this as a sequel from The Princess and The Alpha I have some very exciting news. You can finally get the completed version of TPATA in paperback and Kindle. That's right, it has officially been published and I'm over the moon. Thank you all for your support through this journey. If you would like a copy you can find a link on my page or direct message me and I'll send it to you :) ****