81: Ada's POV

Elizabeth had followed Darius out of the room quickly, her wedding ring glinting in the light as she passed me. Phoenix had dismissed himself rather quickly, shooting me a soft smile first. Nik hung back, opening his book back up. I ate a full plate of food as we sat in silence, occasionally feeling his gaze on me. Once I was satisfied, I shoved the plate away from me.

Nik ran a hand through his oil-slick hair, which seemed more black than usual. A shadow crept its way up his arm, sinking into his skin. He turned to me, “Adrian is requesting to take you on a walk through the gardens this morning. Would you like to go?”

“Am I allowed?” I asked quickly.

He grinned, “Of course. You can be around who you want,” Nik leaned down and whispered in my ear, “It’s not like anyone would measure up, anyway.” Goosebumps erupted on my skin. “I’ll take that as a yes and will let him know you’ll meet him in an hour.”

“What will happen to him now?” My voice was soft as I grabbed Nik’s wrist while he walked by.

A shadow emerged from Nik’s hand, gently running along mine and circling my wrist, “We aren’t looking to replace Cade as Beta here, but he’s welcome to stay and be a member of the Court, if that’s what he chooses.”

I gave a short nod, “Thank you, Nik.”

His shadow released me. The Prince bowed with a flourish and left me alone in the room. Slowly, I made my way back to my room. Gwynn was waiting, holding up two options for clothing: a casual pink and lavender dress and a set of fighting leathers. I nodded at the leathers and let her dress me. This set was a bit more strappy than the basic ones I’d worn in the woods of the Midnight pack, with sheaths on both thighs, and intricate winding leather that emphasized my chest. Two sheaths were present on the back, and I realized they were most likely for swords.

Werewolves, as a whole, were quick to temper, and this led to frequent and unexpected conflicts. However, there were certain unspoken rules that always seemed to be followed. Since not every wolf could shift without a full moon, most wolf-versus-wolf conflict was done in our human forms, while conflict with other species was dealt with both. Either way, you needed to be as prepared as possible for battle in either form to be safe. I was years behind in training, but the leathers I’d been using during my secret sessions had grown on me exponentially, as they were a lot more versatile than the dresses of the court.

In all the time Finn had trained me, we’d focused primarily on magick. I’d done some exercising in my own time, trying to get my body back into shape. Eventually, I’d have to swallow my pride and ask the Princes for weapons training. I was planning on pitching it to them in a way that it was clear this could only benefit all of us. Darius would probably give me the most push back, as he was most likely the one who was most apprehensive about the fact that his father’s journal said I would kill them.

With a shrug, I made my way into the hallway and out to the gardens. Adrian was waiting for me, in jeans and a button-up shirt. He waved at me as I approached, his smile warm. I returned the wave and finished the short stroll to him. As he had previously, he offered his arm.

I took it and we began to walk through the hedges, along the stone pathways. We both stayed silent for a long time, which was quite possibly the worst thing we could have done for me. My mind kept wandering back to Alpha King Everett’s blue notebook and the prophecy. What if Elizabeth was right and the best thing they could all do is reject me as their mate and move on? Would I survive that rejection? If I did, what would I do?

And the way she had said it was to reject me after I get pregnant with their pups. It made sense— secure the bloodline, then eliminate the threat. But I just couldn’t see myself killing any of the Princes, even if they tried to hurt our future offspring. Sure, things were strained between us, but they weren’t *that* bad. I couldn’t imagine they could get worse than one of them marrying someone who hated me.

The question that circled in my mind the most was: what will I do if they reject me and I survive? It always made me look at Adrian. He was such a kind wolf and was handsome enough. He’d have handsome pups and would be able to provide stability. Could I be happy with him? He’d already expressed his love for me. Could I grow to love him?

Adrian broke the silence, “So, the Alpha Princes are your fated mates. I guess that means you’re not *really* a surrogate, then?” I shook my head and patted the back of his hand. He chuckled, “That makes my confession to you even more embarrassing than it already was.”

“It wasn’t embarrassing, Adrian,” I smiled at him, taking in his bright blue eyes and striking blonde hair, “I appreciate your honesty.”

“I’m glad, but I do wish I hadn’t been so forward,” he sighed and dropped his arm from mine, “Now every time you’ll look at me, you’ll know I’m nothing more than a lovesick puppy.”

“You’d stay?” I breathed out, eyes widening, “Even knowing they’re my mates and I couldn’t be with you?”

He nodded, “Of course. You can always use someone in your corner, and I aim to be that person.”

In that moment, I decided that if my mates rejected me, I c*ould* be very happy with him. Love could grow from loyalty, and he clearly had that. I had expected him to ask me to let him leave and join a different pack. Of course, I was grateful for Nik letting me know Adrian could stay... but I didn’t think for a second he would. But he *would*. And the realization brought me something else. The Princes’ rejecting me wasn’t our only option.

I grabbed Adrian’s hand hurriedly, pulling him quickly through the gardens. I took each turn, checking for shadows and trying to find a secluded place. As soon as I found some high shrubs, in direct sunlight and out of view of the castle, I spun to face Adrian.

He had an amused smile on his face that fell when he saw my grave expression. “Ada, what is it?”

I sucked in a deep breath and grabbed his other hand, “Run away with me, Adrian.”