From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

I found myself grinning despite my nervousness. This was exactly what I’d missed Scarlett’s ability to reduce powerful Alphas to stammering teenagers with nothing but sharp wit and perfect timing. The easy camaraderie between allied packs, where formal titles melted away in favor of childhood friendships.

“Ladies.” Leon raised his hands in surrender. “Before you completely destroy what’s left of Peter’s confidence, perhaps we should actually get to the horses?”

That’s when I felt warm fingers close around my wrist.

Caelan’s touch was gentle but insistent. He drew me away from the group with easy confidence, leading me toward the wooden fence that bordered the nearest paddock.

Several yards separated us from the others now.

“How did you sleep last night? No nightmares? No jumping at shadows?”

The genuine concern in his voice made something warm unfurl in my chest. “I slept fine. Better than expected, actually.”

“Good. His thumb traced across my pulse point. “I was worried.”

“Were you?” I tilted my head, studying his expression. “Did the great Lycan King spend the night worrying about little old me?”

His mouth quirked upward. “Maybe a little.”

“Just a little?” I feigned disappointment. “How deflating for my ego.”

‘Your ego seems perfectly intact.”

I leaned against the fence, crossing my arms. “Actually, I slept very well. Thanks to a certain someone not camping out on my couch playing ‘professional bodyguard.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Disappointed by my restraint?”

I forced myself to maintain eye contact. “If you had stayed, I probably would have been awake all night thinking about you lying there. So really, you did me

a favor.”

Something shifted in his expression. The playful lightness darkened into something more intense.

‘Is that so? His voice dropped lower. “That’s interesting information to have.”

My pulse quickened under his steady gaze. “Why is that interesting?”

“Because after we’re married, we’ll be sharing a bed every night.” He stepped closer. “If my presence keeps you awake…”

My face burned like I’d stepped too close to a fire. “That depends entirely on your behavior, Your Majesty.”

“My behavior?”

“If you snore, I’m kicking you out of bed.”

Caelan threw back his head and laughed. The sound was rich and unguarded, drawing glances from our friends still standing by the stable entrance.

“I don’t snore.” He leaned down until his mouth was level with my ear. “But I’m very much looking forward to you trying to kick me out.”

His breath was warm against my skin. My entire body responded to his proximity, nerve endings coming alive like someone had flipped a switch.

I swallowed hard. “We’ll see about that.”

1/3

He straightened, but his eyes held that dangerous glint I was learning to recognize. “Yes, we will.”

Then his expression grew more serious. He cleared his throat with exaggerated formality.

“My queen, I have two important matters to report.”

Despite the flutter in my stomach, I couldn’t help smiling at his sudden shift in tone. I lifted my chin with mock authority.

“Proceed with your report.”

“First,” he said, matching my formal tone, “I’ve dispatched investigators to track down your attacker from last night. We should have answers soon.”

The mention of the attack sobered me instantly. “Any leads so far?”

‘Nothing concrete yet. But we will find him. His voice carried absolute certainty. “And whoever sent him.”

I nodded, trusting in his competence even as dread settled in my stomach.

“Second, Caelan continued, his expression softening, “I delivered your mother’s necklace to the restoration specialist this morning.”

My breath caught. “And?”

She examined every piece personally. She’s confident she can restore it to ninety-eight percent of its original condition.”

Gratitude overwhelmed every other emotion. Without thinking, I stepped forward, arms lifting to wrap around his neck.

‘Caelan!

He turned toward the sound just as a blur of deep purple riding attire came rushing across the paddock. Blair threw herself at him with practiced ease, her arms wrapping around his torso before either of us could react.

My own arms froze mid-motion, suspended awkwardly in the air between us. Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized how I must look – reaching for an embrace that was no longer possible.

I dropped my hands quickly, stepping back as Caelan gently but firmly extracted himself from Blair’s grip. Then he moved to side without hesitation.

Across the paddock, Scarlett’s laughter died abruptly. Her voice turned sharp when she spoke.

*Blair? You’re here?’ She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. “I don’t remember anyone inviting you.”

Her gaze swept to Leon and Peter like a searchlight. Both men immediately began shaking their heads frantically, hands raised in silent denial.

Blair smiled. “Oh, didn’t Caelan mention it?” She looked between us with apparent confusion. “He suggested I join you all this morning. Said it would be good for Sable and me to spend time together.”

She turned her violet eyes toward me with sweetness. “As his sister, I thought it was such a thoughtful idea. We should build our relationship before the wedding.”

My stomach dropped. I glanced at Caelan, searching his face for confirmation or denial. But his expression revealed nothing – just polite neutrality.

Caelan gave a slight nod in my direction. “I thought it might be nice for you two to get to know each other better.”

Did he really invite her? Why wouldn’t he tell me beforehand?

I forced a smile onto my lips. “Of course. The more the merrier.”

Scarlett suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up.

“Since we’re all here, why don’t we make this interesting? A race!”

2/3

Chapter 61

Peter’s competitive spirit ignited immediately. “Now you’re talking! Loser buys dinner for everyone!”

Leon rubbed his hands together with anticipation. “Let’s see who can reach the waterfall first. Through the forest trail.

Scarlett shot me a meaningful look, her grin turning predatory. “I’ll take these two overconfident specimens as my competition.”

Before I could process what was happening, Scarlett had already vaulted onto her horse with fluid grace. “Come on, boys! Let’s see if you can keep up with

this girl!

She kicked her heels against her mount’s flanks. The mare shot forward like a bullet.

Peter and Leon scrambled onto their own horses, clearly not willing to let Scarlett get too much of a head start.

“Wait for us!” Peter called out as his horse thundered after her.

“Sable!” Scarlett’s voice echoed back from the tree line. “We’ll wait for you at the waterfall!”

Then they were gone, leaving only dust and distant hoofbeats behind.

I stared after them in amazement. In less than sixty seconds, Scarlett had orchestrated the perfect exit. She’d left me alone with Caelan and Blair.

Subtle as a brick through a window.

Caelan moved toward the remaining horses. “Shall we follow at a more reasonable pace?”

From Substitute To Queen