Juan

Ava's pov

Almost a whole week has passed and I have not seen Ash for more than a moment. I'm more concerned about him being here than I am about myself. He has been sneaking in and out of the castle to feed the man he has captive and sedate the dragon and I never know if he has returned without being caught because I'm so busy being flaunted to various men by my grandfather. 
I think our plan is working though, he seems to trust me and he is not treating me a cruelly as my mother warned he might. He has invited me to sit with him several times and each time I have tried to learn more about him and show an interest. His passion is genetics, he studies how different traits and abilities are passed down through generations. He explained how in his long life he has seen things change and evolve and he hopes to cultivate the perfect being. He said that he needs to create a powerful heir to take over ruling so that he can focus on his research. An heir which I’m expected to produce as soon as possible. When I asked why my mother could not rule he laughed. Apparently a female ruler is unthinkable. 
He has questioned me about my gifts and I explained the sub werewolf abilities I have but nothing more. If he thinks I am weak, he will be more likely to let his guard down. I can tell that he is disappointed in my ability, but he doesn't seem to blame me. He blames my father, he thinks that wolves are the weakest species and mostly useless test subjects from the research he has conducted. 
Having successfully avoided men at the last few events he has put on, he has insisted that he will pick a suitable suitor and I'm currently getting ready to face a date with whoever it is. I know he hoped it would be the dragon so that my child would harness fire and be able to rival his enemies in Loria. I am incredibly grateful that he is not an option right now and that the dragons absence has not been questioned. I'm not sure who the next best option would be and i’m terrified about how the date will end. I can't ask my mother because our time together has to be limited to avoid suspicion.
I am dressed in riding gear, it is the only way to avoid wearing a dress and being unable to breath with the torturous corset. The leggings hug my skin a bit too tightly for my liking, but I'm hoping that my ass will be hidden by sitting on the horse anyway. I'm hoping that the no make up and smell of horse will be enough of a turn off that I can get back quickly tonight. 
A knock at the door sends my already wound up nerves through the roof. I answer it and take in the man before me. He is handsome, he has a slight stubble on his face and a kind face. He is classic tall, dark and handsome man. He is nothing compared to Ash though. I really just want Ash to be the one courting me. The man bows respectfully. 
"Princess, allow me to introduce myself, I'm Juan." He says in the most delicious exotic accent, all the letters rolling off his tongue. 
I curtsey "nice to meet you, I'm Ava".
He looks me over appreciatively. "Do you want to ride me?" He asks. 
I flush bright red. "Excuse me!" I’d slam the door in his face if I wasn’t so shocked by his boldness.
"You are dressed to ride no? I can make myself a horse, a unicorn, an elephant, whatever you desire" he casually explains
I just stare at him with my mouth open. If not for my feelings for Ash I think offering me a ride on a unicorn would have made me swoon. Things slowly click into place in my head. 
"Oh you must be a shifter. Thank you, but I already arranged horses for us" I say trying to sound casual. 
"As you wish" he offers me his arm to escort me and I take it willingly. 
When we arrive at the stables, he lifts me up onto my horse, he is gentle, but I'm impressed with the ease he lifts me. 
"Please allow me to pick the direction, I had a surprise for you" he says. 
"Surprise?" I ask as I follow him out of the castle grounds. 
"If I explain then it will not be a surprise. Are you always so eager?" He asks
I blush again "suspicious is a more accurate word" 
He laughs. "You don't need to worry, I mean you no harm." 
"How refreshing, a man with good intentions" I say
"I didn't say my intentions were good." He winks. 
Oh dear, he is flirting and worse yet I'm enjoying it. "Well if they are not, I'm sure my grandfather will have your head" I threaten 
"Only if you tell him, but telling him would mean you want me to stop and I have never had a woman tell me to stop before" he is so full of self confidence it baffles me. 
"Well this woman is telling you not to start at all" I say trying to sound harsh and cold. 
"We shall see" he rides ahead and I follow, honestly curious to see what he has planned. 
We arrive at a clearing in the forest, full of beautiful flowers and with a small blanket and basket set up. He jumps off his horse and helps me down. We hand them to the guards to look after. 
"Please princess, let me show you my skills" he says tapping the blanket to invite me to sit beside him. 
I raise my eyebrow, staying standing and cross my arms. 
He laughs and pulls a cake out of the basket and offering it to me. I take a bite to be polite. It is delicious, I can tell that it is made with chocolate and it is so light and fluffy while being full of the rich chocolate flavour. I let out a small moan of pleasure as I take a second bite. 
"I'm making you moan already" he smirks. 
"Sorry, I'm not used to food being so flavourful, I was brought up outside the castle." I explain
“Oh really, how interesting. Tell me about your life" he asks. 
I tell him my story and he talks about his life as the son of a lord and all the skills he had to learn as part of his studies. He explains shifting to me and shows me his transformation into various different animals. 
After I run out of animals I can name, he shifts back. He stands before me completely naked. He is not as muscular as Ash, but he is well proportioned and toned. I do not look lower down and cover my eyes. 
"Juan, behave yourself and put clothes on" I chastise. 
"You really are a challenging woman, I don't think I have ever been told that before." He laughs at me and pulls on his clothes again. 
We ride back to the castle chatting happily on the way. I like him, he is easy to be around and very charming. Not to mention his voice is so pleasant to listen to, musical but rough and sexy at the same time.
He helps me off my horse, but his hands stay at my waist. He pulls me into him. I try to move away from him but he holds me firm. 
"Please princess, just a kiss. If I'm seen to have failed, the king will replace me with another suitor and my heart would break." 
I’m torn, I don't want to betray Ash, but I would rather deal with Juan than someone like that dragon and the king is growing impatient. Before I can resist, Juan places a gentle kiss on my lips. I don't fight him, I actually kiss him back. He is a good kisser, but the sparks are not there like with Ash. 
He finally releases me and bows slightly. "I told you you would not tell me to stop" he winks and then walks away. 
"It doesn't count if you prevent me from speaking!" I shout after him. 
Oh god, that was wrong, I should have told him to piss off and taken my chances with the next one. He is nice and I'm leading him on and Ash doesn't deserve to be cheated on like that. Guilt washes over me.
I spit and wipe my mouth disgusted at myself. I storm out of the stables, running away from the scene of my crime. I’m followed by one of the ever present guards. I’m desperate to wash and shake off the stress of today.
As I get to my room, the guard slips in behind me before I slam the door shut. He takes his helmet off and glares at me. 
"Ash, you saw?"