Page 21 of The Alpha’s Heir

I bent to peruse the authors and titles, seeing Elle Kennedy and Meghan Quinn and Lucy Score. All good and spicy romance authors I adored.

But where were April L. Moon and Adie Hart and Anne Willoughby and Reece Barden?

“Any paranormal or witchy romance?” I asked.

“Like with… magic and monsters? Science, no,” Katrina whispered as if I’d broken some taboo rule.

The joke was on her. Those were lighter and fun fantasy romance authors that I read. She’d probably choke if I got her into the real monster romance.

But Mom had said the humans liked to ban things they didn’t believe in, so I guess that extended to books too. Still, the titles on the shelf had enough spice to keep a woman warm and entertained for a while.

My gaze was direct when I looked back over my shoulder, seeing the strict housemaid in a new and wanton light. “These are some of my favorites.”

“Wonderful.” Katrina beamed. “I’ll send up tea and make sure you have ample warning before dinner so you can find a good stopping point.”

I knew my fated mate was here, but I think I was falling in love with the housemaid.

What can I say? She had great taste in books.

“Can I take these to my room?” I started pulling titles from the shelf.

“Of course,” she said. “No one comes in here much. You’d be helping me knock the dust off.”

I smiled to myself at her dirty innuendo, surprised to find a real character underneath her prim and proper attire. But I knew better than to judge a book by the cover.

Speaking of books… “Wait. Does Roman not read?”

“Roman?” Her brow creased again. “I think he does read. But the councilwoman and her son rarely come into this part of the house. They aren’t home much during the day.”

I figured as much. The house seemed so cold and empty—no shame to Katrina’s immaculate care—and it would explain why I didn’t smell them here.

Katrina left me at my room and I wasted no time in diving into a novel, wondering if I could finish it before dinner. I wasn’t ashamed to admit to myself that I used reading to feel a sense of accomplishment when my hands felt idle and my brain raced too much.

Nothing quieted the chaos of the world like a good story could do.

And the male main character in this one was freaking hot.

The knock at the door seemed to come in no time at all and I groaned as I forced myself to set down the book before I got to the climax.

“Apologies.” Katrina greeted me. “Dinner is in an hour. I figured you’d want time to freshen up.”

I glanced down at my wrinkled outfit, noticing how feral I looked compared to her pressed apron and skirts.

“I took the liberty of finding you some clothes that might fit.” She opened the door wider, pulling a rolling hanger cart. “No need to wear them if you don’t want, but I wasn’t sure if your suitcase had been unpacked yet.”

“Did anyone ever tell you you’re amazing?” I pulled her in for a hug. The woman tensed under my arms, but she relaxed just a fraction before awkwardly patting my back.

I caught that scent again, a faint hint of magic.

She was hiding something.

Her face gave nothing away as she stepped from my embrace. “Might I suggest the yellow dress? It’ll complement your tanned skin.”

“You’re my fairy godmother.” I went straight for her choice.

We should keep her. She’s great.

“Dinner is in the formal dining hall. If you walk downstairs, Stephen, the butler, will have the doors open. Or I can return to escort you in an hour.” Katrina was all business again as she backed out of my room.