Their Hidden Princess Novel

---- Chapter 127 "We believe so," Valentin said. "Our intel has led us to believe they have been using High Dark Magiks to create more vampires through the transfer of venom and blood." Making more vampires? The hair on my arms stood up on edge. "That's unnatural," Thorne stuttered. "Grotesque. Foul-" "Agreed," Valentin cut him off. "But we can't stop Dark Magiks. We can only fight them. Which is why I'm about to propose the following." He moved from around his desk to stand directly in front of me. He looked to Thorne then locked his gaze on Maximus.

"You are to be appointed as Zora Smith's second knight," "What the fuck?" Thorne hissed. Valentin whipped his head towards the younger Alpha. Thorne instantly shrunk in on himself. "| mean, she already has me. She doesn't need two does she? No one besides a High Alpha has more than one knight." "Yes, well," Valentin shrugged as if to insinuate that | was a High Alpha. | narrowed my eyes at him but he seemed unphased. Thorne barked a laugh. "She's a-" he shook his head and raised ---- his hands. "Whatever, mate.

But it still doesn't negate the fact she already has me." "And do you believe you've been a honest and true knight?" Valentin pressed with malice in his tone. Thorne slammed his lips shut again. Valentin turned back to Maximus. "I'll have the paperwork sent to you by the morning," he said. "A formal ceremony will take place during winter break." "I'm honored," was the only thing Maximus could say. Thorne was still bitter, shaking his head. "| just don't see-" "You're never around Miss Smith," Valentin snapped.

"Seeing as her and Alpha Wolfham are-" He paused to give me and Maximus a scathing once over. "-entangled, it only made sense to appoint him as well. This level of threat requires dual guard working in tandem." Thome growled before putting on a tight-lipped smile and nodding. Seemingly, in approvement. Or acceptation. "Additonally," Valentin continued. "The three of us will train together. My sentiment on Knight's knowing the weaknesses of their protectorate stands. You're welcome to continue training as a duo after classes, but every morning | expect you at the gym. Seven AM.

Sharp." | nodded once then watched as Maximus did the same. Thorne ---- seemed to grunt a "yes." Valentin then looked between the three of us once more. "Any questions?" "About a million," Thorne grumbled under his breath. "Great," Valentin moved back to sit at his desk. "Dismissed. And remember, no one must know about the vampire threat. Am | clear?" The three of us nodded. Valentin sighed again before swiping his hair off of his face. "Very well. Send in the girls." Thorne barreled past Maximus and | and into the hall.

He barely looked at Loren and Bella as he stormed off, into the Admissions building. Max and | followed behind him. As we went, | gave Loren a sad smile which she returned. Bella's eyes were glued to me in a glare as | walked off with Maximus. The two girls then went into Valentin's office. Maximus kept walking as | hung back. He paused and raised his eyebrow over his shoulder. "Loren," | said, softly. "Don't want to leave her alone with the wrath of Bella." Maximus nodded once before darting his tongue out to wet his lower lip. He walked back closer to me.

It was close enough that he had to tip his head down to look at me. His hand grabbed my ---- wrist and placed my palm on his chest. The lub-dub of his heart beating under my palm immediately mixed with my own. "Feel this?" he whispered. "It beats for only you. It protects only you. | am yours, Zora. Even if you may not be mine." | opened my mouth with a squeak. "I-" "Who are you?" he asked, low and begging. | shook my head in response, throat swelling as the words threatened to come barreling out. Maximus held my gaze for a women longer before dropping my hand.

"When you can tell me," he said. "I'll be ready and willing. Nothing you say could send me away." My eyes flittered shut as | tried to imagine what he'd do when | told him. When | opened them, he was gone.