Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“In Hirsche Laboratories’ most recent experiments, sangferia-powered defenses have proven to be ten times more effective, at the minimum, and with an unscalable potential for growth. We’ve barely scratched the surface with sangferia, but I just want you to remember that at the end of the day, we cannot and should not allow ourselves to be pressured into mating or marriage just because of high compatibility rates.”
Listening to Spencer talk is like having your own wisdom machine, but she’s also so perfectly brisk and efficient I feel like a sloth as I do my best to keep up with my notes. And this is saying a lot, considering what I do for work. She just seems so effortless with everything that she does that I can totally see why Etienne Hirsche hired her as his chauffeur even though she’s human, and way before he realized she’s his match, too.
Another guest professor comes in after Spencer, and I’m stunned to hear a name I recognize.
Maryah Celestini...from Concord Agency?
I sit up as soon as I realize that it’s the same agency that Hexius consulted about finding his ideal mate, and I’m just blown away with how they’re able to compute compability scores even without having to meet mating candidates. That’s relieving to know, honestly. I never told Hexius this, but I did wonder how the Agency was able to—
“The first beta match that the Agency used to test its system was my husband and me. And for those who aren’t aware, Nicolo—before we were married—was not just my alpha. He was my stepbrother, too.”
No way!
I come out of the class with my mind spinning just a bit. While it was nice to hear about how high compatibility scores and sangferia matches often lead to fruitful marriages...it sadly doesn’t guarantee that mated couples have feelings for each other.
And when on my way back to meet Hexius in the dining hall, I see a lady chatting him up, and she’s simply oozing with so much glamor and seduction that you just know she’s Caro at first glance—
What is he thinking right now?
Is he regretting choosing me?
Is he wishing—
Hexius suddenly turns to my direction, and I freeze like a deer in the headlights, feeling guilty without even knowing why.
He raises a brow at me, and I don’t even have to take a peek at his thoughts to know what that means.
Aren’t you coming here?
I shake my head. Is he for real? Why would I willingly stand next to a lady that gorgeous? That’s just going to give him more reason to compare me to her and finding me absolutely lacking.
The urge to listen to his thoughts suddenly consumes me, and I spin away in a jerky movement.
Don’t you dare, Sam!
I walk away as fast as I can like it’s one way I can outrun my thoughts. I feel silly for being jealous, but I also can’t get the image of Hexius with the other woman out of my head. I know he’s not cheating on me, but—
Whoa!
I jump in shock when fingers curl around my wrist from behind, and I’m spun around in a blink.
“Everything alright?”
The gleam in his eyes is telling, and I’m so tempted to make a face.
But since I’d like to be known as the very mature, very demure, and very deserving future wife of the Leopard King—
“Of course.”
I feel rather proud with how the words come out all steady and so not like I was feeling rather insecure by how effortlessly chic and jaw-droppingly beautiful all Caro women seem to be. But just when I’m about to give myself a pat on the back because of this—
“I must be mistaken then. I thought you were bothered when you saw another woman speaking to me earlier.”
“What? Me?” I fake a laugh even as my heart churns at just hearing talk about another woman. “I would never be so unreasonable.” Okay, that’s a big, fat lie, but since the lessons I’ve learned from today’s class are still fresh on my mind—
You’re doing great, Sam...all things considered.
I hate lying as a rule, but maybe if I keep telling myself I’m not bothered then eventually I won’t be, and what was once a lie may become the truth?
“In that case, I should get back to her then.”
What?
He turns around, and I...I just react.
“Wait!”
I only realize I’ve grabbed hold of the back of his shirt in sheer desperation when he glances over his shoulder.
Oh gosh, someone stop me from turning into a jealous little witch!
I jerk my hand away, but of course, it’s too late. The damage has been done, my lies have been exposed, and when he cups my chin to force me to meet his gaze—
“A woman should always be honest with her mate, Samira. Truth is what enables me to take care of you the way you need me to.”