One Night with the Hybrid King

My breath is heavy, and I feel the strong, firm arms of Alexander beneath me, embracing me by the shoulders.

I rest my head on his chest, feeling safe and happy at this moment after sex. Nothing could be more perfect than this. The room exudes our passion, and I watch the afternoon light filtering through the curtains, dancing over the messy bed.

"Aria, I need to talk to you," Alexander suddenly says, his deep, hoarse voice laden with sorrow.

I lift my body and turn my head to look at him, noticing in his deep blue eyes, as dark as the ocean at midnight, something that seems to be haunting him.

"Yes, my love, what is it?" I encourage him, running my hand through a lock of his wavy brown hair, something that has always brought me peace.

But Alexander grabs my hand and moves it away from his face. He sits up in bed and takes a deep breath, and I look at him with concern, not understanding what is happening.

"This is not working, Aria," Alexander announces, his voice cold and serious. I raise my eyebrows in his direction, not comprehending what he means by that.

"What is not working, Alex?" I ask, confused. Alexander gestures between us, at the space that exists between him and me.

"This. Us. I thought it could get better, but it hasn't..." Alexander responds with a voice full of calm and coldness.

I sit on the bed and pull the sheet up, trying to cover not just my body but also my heart, which is breaking now.

"Are you breaking up with me? Why? What is wrong? What did I do?" I ask a lump in my throat, feeling my eyes burn with the tears forming.

Alexander gets out of bed, leaving me even more hurt by his withdrawal. He begins to put on his underwear, and I just watch, trying to process what is happening.

"Alexander, why? Let's talk, try to work out what's bothering you," I insist, getting up as well, and wrapping the sheet around my body.

"It's too late, Aria. We just do not fit anymore, I do not know, I just need you to go, okay?" Alexander replies, walking around the room, and picking up the clothes we had tossed aside with so much passion.

"Do you not love me anymore? Is there someone else?" I ask anxiety in my voice, my heart racing at the fear that there is someone else Alexander cares for.

Alexander hands me my clothes quickly, leaving me still stunned by the way he is handling the situation.

"Aria, do not make this more complicated, it just is not working, okay?" Alexander finally says, already fully dressed.

I stand in the middle of the room, holding the sheet and my change of clothes, not knowing what to think or say. Alexander looks at me with his deep ocean eyes, which I feel I could drown in. His expression is one of pity and compassion, but there is something more that I cannot decipher.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask again, unable to understand. We just made love, something that had always been amazing for both of us.

"Because it is not working anymore, this happens, Aria. People break up and move on," Alexander replies, avoiding my gaze and shrugging. "I will leave you alone to change. When I come back, please... just do not be here anymore, please."

I open my mouth to argue, to insist, even take a step toward Alexander, but he steps away and leaves the room, closing the door behind him. I am left alone in the room, not knowing what to do. Tears start falling down my face, and everything around me seems to shrink and blur. I put on my clothes amidst sobs and trembling throughout my entire body.

My world seems to be falling apart, and I do not know what to do. I look around at the small bedroom in Alexander's apartment, seeing the photos of us scattered around, and I am tempted to throw them to the ground. Eventually, not knowing how much time had passed, I decided to leave the room.

Alexander's small loft is empty; he has left without saying where he was going. My keys are on the kitchen counter, along with my purse. I take one last look around the place, trying to memorize everything before I leave. The blue couch where Alexander and I spent so many nights just snuggled up watching a movie, the kitchen where I prepared most of our meals. Everything starts to turn into painful memories, a mix of longing and farewell that cuts deep.

I take only my purse and leave my copy of the key where it is. I close the door behind me and feel a wave of confusion wash over me. What do I do now?

The night is already falling outside Alexander's building, and I do not want to go back to my house. My mother will ask questions, and I do not want to answer them because, in reality, I do not know how to answer them. I walk along the sidewalk automatically, with no destination in mind, bumping into people in a hurry, and I realize that the tears have stopped falling, and in their place, my body declares that I need to eat something.

Without paying attention, I enter the first bar I find open and order a portion of fries and two full mugs of beer.

"Tough day?" the bartender asks, and I simply nod in response.

I rest my arms on the counter, feeling the urge to cry returning, but I hold it back. I will not be the needy girlfriend who got dumped and cries in public places. I will keep the little dignity I have left.

The bar starts to fill up, the music gets louder, and I get drunk with each mug I finish. The alcohol begins to numb my heart, and gradually I start forgetting the reason I began drinking in the first place.

"Are you alone?" a deep male voice suddenly asks.

I look up in the direction of the voice and see a tall man, over six foot five, with dark blonde hair slicked back that aligns with a full beard two shades lighter than his hair. His green eyes look like precious stones, staring at me with desire and curiosity.

"Luckily for you, yes," I respond, perhaps a bit too cheerfully.

"Two shots of tequila," the man orders to the bartender, who promptly serves him. He offers one to me, and I gratefully accept. "What are you doing here alone?"

"I am waiting for you, handsome! Took you long enough to get here, huh?" I reply with a playful tone, which makes the man chuckle.

"Sorry, traffic. I got here as fast as I could," he plays along, and I feel happy about that.

"I will only forgive you if you keep me company until dawn," I suggest with a mischievous tone in my voice.

I want to forget Alexander-his defined abs, his silly smile, his ocean eyes, and the way he kissed me. I want to forget everything about him, and this man in front of me can definitely help me with that.

"Challenge accepted," the guy responds with a mischievous smile on his lips. His presence stirs up desire and lust in me, mixed with the high level of alcohol already coursing through my veins.

The conversation flowed with flirtation and a lot of drinks. The hours passed until the bartender announced he needed to close the place.

"There are still a few hours until dawn. Do you want to come to my place?" I invite him.

"Absolutely, gorgeous! I will even pay your tab!"

"What a gentleman!" I respond with a laugh as I stand up. The world spins for a few seconds until I feel the guy's large, firm hand hold me by the waist.

"Everything okay, princess?" he asks in a low voice near my ear, sending a shiver through my entire body.

"Perfect!" I respond with a naughty smile at him.

My house is silent; my mother must have already gone to bed. As soon as we reach my room, the man who looks like a Greek god moves in to kiss me. His lips are thin and soft, and I feel the roughness of his beard against my skin, but it does not bother me. My hands move quickly, and I soon start removing his shirt, feeling the muscles of his chest with my nails. The Greek god kisses my neck, and his large, soft hands move quickly, lifting me up. I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck, feeling the strands of his silky hair entwine with my fingers.

As soon as he lays me down on my bed, I have a night that is both confusing and incredible. The thoughts of my broken heart disappear when the Greek god's lips kiss every inch of my body. The way he brings me to climax is sublime. During the hours before dawn, the Greek god and I explore each other's bodies, making me feel like I am on a cloud.

But the day finally arrives, and when I wake up, the Greek god is already gone, leaving only a note that reads: challenge completed, princess.

The hangover, along with the longing and pain from Alexander, settles in like a new tenant. A night with a stranger only served to delay my post-breakup pain. The memory of the previous night starts to become hazy, and the man's face is already beginning to blur in my mind.

My last night as a free and single man. The thought that by this time tomorrow, I will be married makes me feel nauseous. I walk through the streets of my country, unsure of how to spend my final day of freedom. I know that the marriage will be the kingdom's salvation-at least, I hope it will be.

My thoughts are scattered as I enter the bar, knowing that the simple clothes I am wearing will help me blend in with the commoners. After all, the news of my wedding is being broadcast everywhere, despite my being a reclusive king who tries to avoid the spotlight. With these humble clothes and a camouflage spell, I expect a quiet night ahead.

Until I see her and catch her scent. My lycan side becomes euphoric at the smell of the human-something that has never happened before. Her scent is overwhelming, devastating, and yet exotic. I am drawn to her as if she were the sun, and I had no choice but to orbit in her direction.

When I sit down next to her, the young woman does not react or even notice my presence. I know I used a spell, but not one strong enough to completely erase my presence.

I clear my throat, yet the young woman still shows no reaction. I then notice her weary expression and the empty mugs around her. Did someone stand her up? Who would dare do that to her? Her light brown hair is tied up in a messy bun, her olive skin bearing a sun-kissed glow that fascinates me. She has a peculiar birthmark on her neck-a crescent moon-shaped spot.

"Are you alone?" I ask, intrigued, and that is when she finally acknowledges me.

Despite her breath being heavy with the smell of alcohol, the young woman maintains her grace and humor as she responds, piquing my curiosity even more.

I can tell she is seeking a distraction, perhaps revenge for being stood up, and I am looking for a farewell to my single life. I suppose fate brought us together tonight. I pay for the drinks, and hearing her laughter only deepens my desire to have her.

I hope my future wife has the same sense of humor as this human and is just as attractive.

"There are still a few hours until dawn. Do you want to come to my place?" the young woman asks with a mischievous smile. I can sense her pheromones intensifying.

I do not refuse the invitation and follow her stumbling steps to her home. A modest place, as expected from a human commoner. I wish she were royalty; perhaps then I could consider marrying her.

As soon as we reach her room, I do not waste a second. The urge to possess her, to indulge in her body, overwhelms me. She is voluptuous, with perfect places to squeeze and kiss, her full breasts and wide hips that I grasp firmly as I lift her. I kiss her neck, right where the birthmark is, and feel her entire body shiver. Despite the high level of alcohol in her blood, the young woman remains fully aware of everything we do. I lay her down on the bed and swiftly remove her clothes, taking in every curve of her body and even memorizing the navy blue lingerie she is wearing.

Her light brown eyes hold so many emotions and desires that I could easily get lost in them. Her full lips are soft, and I bite them with lust, feeling myself grow harder with each passing second. I feast on her, making her climax in my mouth and on my member. Finally, I reach my own climax inside her, savoring the peak of pleasure.

"Greek god, can you make me forget him?" the young woman asks, drowsy and drunk after we finish. I chuckle and pull her into my arms.

"I only accept possible challenges, princess," I whisper in her ear before she drifts off to sleep.

I do not fall asleep right away. My mind wanders through her room, absorbing the characteristics and story of this mysterious young woman. I do not know her name, and I prefer to keep it that way-a night of pleasure is enough for me.

I allow her to sleep in my arms, tracing my fingers along her bare skin, especially the birthmark that intrigued me so much. She sleeps deeply, even letting out a soft snore. As the first light of dawn begins to break, I get up and put on my clothes.

Not wanting to leave like a thief, I write a note and leave it on the nightstand beside the bed. I take one last look at her sleeping form, satisfied with how I spent my last night of freedom.

"I thought you would have run away! Where have you been, Caelum?" my mother, Isolde, asks with impatience in her voice. "What are those clothes?"

I let out a humorous laugh and kissed my mother's forehead. Her concern for this wedding to go smoothly makes me feel an uncontrollable urge to laugh.

"I would never waste all the food we have arranged for this wedding by running away, Mother," I reply as I walk through the palace hallways.

All the staff are bustling about, preparing the decorations for the wedding. Isolde walks beside me with her small frame and worried face. For a woman in her fifties, my mother possesses a lot of energy to manage everything and everyone, including me.

"Do not make jokes, Caelum! Today is a very important day! You are already thirty years old; we need to secure your power and produce heirs as soon as possible," Isolde responds with a reprimand. I enter my room, and my mother follows right behind me.

"Do not tell me! I know that; I am the groom. Besides, you have not let me forget about it for the past few months," I retort, already feeling impatient. "I am here, am I not? Ready! I will be at the altar, do not worry. You will see if my bride, Sabrina..."

"Seraphina!" Mother corrects me, and I wink.

"I will remember her name until the end of my life. Anyway, see if she needs anything, okay? I will get ready for my other duties as king!"

Before my mother could debate further, I quickly and gently ushered her out of my room. I repeat the name Seraphina a few times as I remove my peasant clothing. I have never even met Seraphina, a twenty-three-year-old enchatrix princess from the kingdom of Syltirion. A kingdom that has a great source of magic and precious minerals, something my kingdom Veridiana needs.

The ceremony takes place in the late afternoon in the palace garden, with the sunset behind us. I am surprised by Seraphina's beauty when she walks down the aisle to the altar, wearing a light blue dress filled with layers that hug her slender body. Her fiery hair flows freely, adorned with a lovely thin silver crown with chains of white pearls. Her pale face contrasts with her golden eyes that seem like gold, along with her striking makeup and vivid hair. Her beauty is impressive, or perhaps I was just expecting the worst.

I feel her hormones; there is anxiety and a racing heart. I do not blame her; marrying someone you have never seen was not in my plans either. But it was my duty, and I would do my best to make it work.

"And now, the first dance of the newlyweds!" the officiant declares, followed by a round of applause.

I stand up and extend my hand to my new wife. Seraphina's cheeks flush, and I find that slightly charming. She accepts, and we both move toward the dance floor.

"I apologize if I have two left feet," Seraphina whispers nervously in my direction, and I smile warmly.

"Do not worry; I have two right feet!" I reply playfully.

As I dance with my wife, my mind instinctively brings back the face of the young woman I slept with the previous night. As an instinctive reaction, my eyes search the crowd of guests for the human, even knowing that she could never be on the guest list.

My gaze settles on Seraphina's neck as if I want to ensure she is not the same woman I slept with hours ago. I shake my head, trying to push away this carnal desire that seeks to dominate me.

"I hope you can feel at home here in the kingdom of Veridiana, Seraphina," I comment modestly, and Seraphina gives me a fervent look, her golden eyes sparkling in my direction with expectations.

"And I hope that my company pleases you, Your Majesty. May I bear your beautiful and strong children!" she responds cordially as if she had rehearsed that many, many times.

Five Years Later...

The hall is packed with round tables scattered across the spacious and well-lit room. The decoration catches my eye, and I wonder if I'll ever have enough money to host an event of this magnitude.

I balance the tray with champagne glasses as I move between the tables, offering drinks. The people seated, all well-dressed and elegant, ignore me as they always do when they don't want anything being offered. So smug and snobbish, it irritates me. I take a deep breath and continue moving through each table-some accept, others simply keep ignoring me.

The sound of the party fills the air with the chatter of the guests. The dance floor is occupied only by adults dancing, along with a few teenagers brave enough to dance in a funny way. I keep my focus on every detail in the hall, also noticing my fellow waitresses serving hors d'oeuvres and other dishes.

I return to the kitchen, a sharp contrast to the elegance of the hall. The place is in a bit of chaos-plates being assembled, cooks shouting at each other, dishes being washed, and trays being brought in and taken out.

The cacophony sends chills down my spine and even gives me a headache. I feel my lower back starting to ache, slowing me down as I carry trays around the hall. When I decide to take a few minutes to rest my arms and feet, my boss suddenly appears.

"Aria, am I paying you to stand around?" he asks impatiently, crossing his arms over his burly frame.

"No, sir. I just needed a little breather before heading back, my apologies," I respond, embarrassed.

My boss, a man nearing fifty-five, with a perpetually red, bald head, glares at me disapprovingly, and I immediately grab the tray full of new champagne glasses and head back into the hall.

Five hours later, at the end of the party, I still have to gather all the plates and cutlery left by the guests. My colleague, Nicole, appears beside me with a tub full of dirty dishes to wash.

"Girl, you've got the weekend off next week, don't you?" Nicole asks excitedly, and I nod. "Want to do some side work? I can get you a gig as a waitress at an event, and the pay is triple what you make here."

My eyes widen at the miraculous offer. I needed more money-I would always need more money. Not out of greed or to spend on unnecessary things, but because of Elowen and Thorne. My sweet little angels.

"The answer is a thousand times yes, Nicole! This will be a blessing, thank God! Thank you so much!" I reply with relief in my chest.

Lately, I'd been worried about how I was going to cover the most important bills. With unexpected expenses popping up constantly, my emergency fund had dwindled to a concerning amount.

"Perfect, girl. I'll send you the address during the week!" Nicole says quickly. Soon we're back to cleaning up the hall, and a wave of joy runs through my body. I can feel that this new work opportunity will bring more than just money to me.

I get home in the early hours of the morning and notice that the kitchen light is on. I try to enter quietly so as not to wake the twins, my children.

I head toward the kitchen and find my mother sitting at the dining table with a half-filled glass of wine.

"Hi, Mom..." I greet her in a low voice. Lyra, my mother, lifts her eyes from her phone screen, and I can feel the coldness and disdain on her face.

"Is this the time to get home, Aria? I'm not your kids' babysitter. I missed casino night with my friends because of you," my mother grumbles irritably.

"Sorry, I had to stay with the cleaning crew today. It gives me extra hours, and with that, more money," I explain, exhaustion evident in my voice.

"You wouldn't have to work so much and turn me into your kids' babysitter if you'd stayed with their father," Lyra replies, annoyed, and I sigh wearily.

I want to tell her that I have no idea who Elowen and Thorne's father is. That I drank too many hours after being with Alexander and ended up in another man's bed-the Greek god whose face I can't even recall in my memories anymore.

"Mom, Alexander doesn't care about me... in fact, I haven't spoken to him in years, okay? He disappeared from the map before I even knew about the pregnancy," I say, repeating the same thing as always.

Lyra looks at me with a disappointed expression and shakes her head in regret for my situation.

"You had such a promising future with him, Aria. You would've made such a wonderful wife. Now look at you, twenty-five, no education, being everyone's doormat. This is not what I raised you for, Aria, definitely not," Mom declares, her voice heavy with regret.

"I know, Mom, I know. I'm going to bed, okay? Goodnight."

Before heading to my own room, I stop by the twins' room. I open the door slowly and, by the light of their small night lamp, I watch my two little angels' peaceful faces as they sleep. My mother's accusatory words whirl in my mind as I approach my son Thorne's bed and kiss his forehead.

I don't know how my life would have turned out if I hadn't gotten pregnant at twenty, not knowing exactly who their father is. But I know I have two wonderful children who brighten every one of my days when they wake up. I go over to my daughter Elowen's bed and kiss her forehead as well.

With quiet, swift steps, I slip into my own room, feeling exhaustion take over my entire body. As soon as I settle into bed, my heart tightens with the memory of Alexander. Even after five years, the presence of my ex-boyfriend still haunts me like a ghost.

"You didn't tell me the event was at the king's castle, Nicole!" I exclaim, shocked, as my eyes take in the imposing structure.

The stained glass windows come alive with the last rays of the sun before nightfall. I've never been this close to the noble district, and I've always imagined what it might be like inside-full of beauty and magic, something breathtaking.

"Even with the frequent attacks by the Wolfspawn Renegades against the capital, claiming the king's illegitimacy and lack of heirs, the royal family decided to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Caelum and Seraphina have been married for five years!" Nicole responds excitedly, driving carefully along the private road leading to the entrance gate.

I take in the view of the entrance-an expansive garden adorned with white and red roses, with hedges sculpted into massive wolves and other magnificent creatures. My heart races with each kilometer we get closer to the castle.

"Just imagine the huge paycheck we'll get tonight, Aria. I can already feel the money hitting my account. And who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband here tonight!" Nicole says, her voice filled with hope. I smile at her and shake my head in disbelief.

Nobles and commoners don't mix, especially humans with lycans or enchantresses. To them, we're incomplete, the scum, just the labor force that keeps this country running.

"I'm not sure getting involved with a noble lycan is a good idea, Nicole. With all the attacks happening lately, being human doesn't seem so bad right now," I comment, chuckling, and Nicole laughs.

"But being poor is terrible. I don't want to serve others anymore. I want to be the one being served for a change," Nicole complains, and I let out a short laugh.

"I am the coordinator of this event, my name is Malik. Please, do not embarrass me. Because if you do, I will have to deduct from your pay as punishment, understood?" Malik declares with a firm and deep voice, his brown eyes cold and intimidating.

The entire team of waiters and waitresses nods automatically. The palace kitchen was three times the size of the kitchen at my regular job, and the organization and harmony among the staff impress me with their efficiency.

"You!" Malik points in my direction, and I freeze in place. "You will be in charge of serving the king and queen at all times. Take this tray of drinks. Be polite and always keep your eyes on the ground, never look directly at them. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," I reply, my voice trembling. I pick up the tray and balance it above my head, as usual.

As soon as I leave the kitchen and enter the hall, I am overwhelmed by the surreal beauty of the place. The decor is refined, elegant, and magnificent. I notice small signs of magic being used, like projections of colorful animals walking through the air. I walk carefully toward the long table where King Caelum and Queen Seraphina are seated.

The couple is radiant. The king, a man already thirty-five years old, has a full blonde beard, with lighter tones than his dark blonde hair, which is combed back in thick waves. On his head, a golden crown blends with his hair. The king's beauty is like that of a Greek god carved in marble, and even from afar, his broad shoulders and commanding presence are unmistakable.

Queen Seraphina is equally striking, with the divine beauty of an enchantress. Her hair is short, just below her ears, adorned with stunning ruby earrings that match the color of her copper-red hair. Her golden eyes sparkle with tenderness and grace. The paleness of her face contrasts sharply with the dark gown she wears.

As I approach, I keep my eyes down as instructed. I politely describe the drinks on the tray and offer them to the royal couple. The king accepts a drink, and I place the glass on the table. Just as I reposition the tray, my body freezes at the sound of the queen's voice.

"Bring another servant. This one is clumsy and terrible. Remove her from my sight and my husband's, immediately!" Seraphina declares, her voice dripping with disdain.

I mumble an apology, not understanding what I did wrong, and quickly disappear from their view.