Ivan's Queen
Chapter 12 - Birthday Treat

*** This is a clean version of Chapter 12. For anyone who is over 18 years, you can replace a book on my profile called ‘The Forbidden Diaries’ which contains the explicit version. If any problems occur where you cannot view the book then you may have to follow me. Reading the explicit version is done at your own choice as I have made sure to notify you beforehand. ***

I wake up to Ivan literally crushing me with his weight as he snores lightly on top of me. His head is nestled in the crook of my neck and my left hand is intertwined with his as he pins it down on the bed. His other hand is tangled in my hair just like our legs. I sigh in amusement before turning my head slightly to stare at his face. His features are relaxed and he looks so vulnerable right now.

I free my hand and let my fingertips trace his skin, trailing them over his cheekbone and down to his jawline. He mumbles incoherently in his sleep before cuddling into me further. Unable to stop the wide smile from gracing my lips, I take his hand and brush my lips against the inside of his wrist.

Although Ivan isn’t touchy and needy when we’re around people, he’s the complete opposite in the bedroom and if we happen to be alone. He always wants me to sit beside him and sometimes on his lap if we’re in his office or our room. In addition to that, he needs to feel my touch all the time. I don’t mind it as it’s a pleasant change and we’ve come a long way. It’s been three months already and he’s eased up around me but his possessive nature has kicked in. He looks ready to kill if any male outside his trusted group even looks at me.

Sighing, I turn my head to the digital clock on our bedside table. It’s nine in the morning and the party is at four which puts me at ease knowing that I didn’t sleep in. I try to gently remove myself from underneath him but groan lightly when he only tightens his grip. After struggling for a good ten minutes, I huff in defeat when he doesn’t budge.

Eventually, I escape his hold and almost cheer in victory when he doesn’t wake up from all my movement. Walking into the bathroom, I feel the cold air kiss the bare skin of my legs and it makes me shiver. I grab my brush and toothpaste and start cleaning my teeth before noticing Ivan’s large frame fill the doorway as he makes his way inside.

One of his eyes is open as he rubs the other one while a yawn escapes his lips. Stopping behind me, he wraps his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder. But as soon as he closes his eyes, I tap his head with his toothbrush which makes him growl sleepily. And I almost coo at how adorable that was but I restrain myself.

After I’m done and see that he still hasn’t brushed his teeth, I do it for him. The sight of him standing there with his eyes closed while I brush his teeth makes me laugh. He cleans his mouth with water but doesn’t wash his face, turning to me instead and pushing me backwards.

“Ivan, what are you doing?” I chuckle as he pushes me back to the bed, crying out when he picks me up and gently throws me on top of the blanket.

Making a noise of content, he settles back on top of me which makes me protest. He grumbles back that it’s only nine in the morning and that he’s tired still. His arms hold me tight against him as he nestles his nose into the crook of my neck.

“Ivan, we have to get up.” I try and escape his grip to which he just growls in response.

“No thanks.” He mutters as he tries to go back to sleep again.

“Ivan, I have to check on – oh!” I yelp when I feel him nip at my jawline.

A noise that sounds almost like a purr escapes him. I protest weakly while noticing his eyes glaze over for a moment before they’re back to his emerald green.

“I-Ivan, seriously I-I need t-to –” .

He smirks naughtily before leaning down to capture my lips in a heated kiss. “That was Benno. He said Nova is looking for you.”

“O-Okay…I s-should get g-going then.” I stammer as I attempt to get out from underneath him.

“I said you’re taking a shower…” He murmurs huskily before pinning me back down on the bed roughly. “And that you might take some time.”

“Ivan.” I try to be stern no matter how much I want him to continue. “You need to –”

“Keep doing this? Sure.” He grins cheekily as he peppers kisses all over my heated skin.

I moan breathlessly but bite my lip hard to stifle any more embarrassing sounds. Ivan doesn’t seem to like that and with a growl, he nips at the skin of my neck which makes me gasp quietly. Pulling the collar of his shirt off my shoulder, he places hot open-mouthed kisses to my skin. I groan loudly when he starts to bite and suck on my neck and jawline, my fingers tangling themselves in his hair. He growls huskily when I tug on his dark strands, nipping my earlobe harshly.

“My birthday. I decide what I want.” He mumbles as he pecks my lips before pulling away.

I blush fiercely which makes him grin like a child on Christmas day. Swatting his arm, I get off the bed as gracefully as I can while pulling the hem of my shirt down to cover myself. I hear some shuffling behind me and before I can look, Ivan pulls the shirt up and smacks my ass. Shrieking, I turn and shove him playfully before making my way into the bathroom.

He joins me after I’ve showered and changed. While we brush our teeth, I notice that he’s changed into a black hoodie and ripped jeans with grey trainers. I watch his eyes glaze over for a few minutes and then he switches back into action, seeming to be in a hurry now.

“Lazarus is calling me. I’ll see you later.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips before leaving the bathroom.

But as I’m tying my hair up, I replace myself being turned abruptly only for lips to come crashing down on mine again. Ivan kisses me hungrily and cups my face as the kiss turns more heated and passionate. It doesn’t last that long but he groans and curses as he pulls away hesitantly, nipping my bottom lip as he does so.

“Okay, bye for real this time!” He calls before I hear the bedroom’s door close.

I stand there slightly dazed before laughing at his behavior. But when I catch sight of the time, I panic and run out of the room to get to Nova who’s probably going to kill me for being late.

“Please welcome…King Ivan Romanov and his Queen, Amelia Reid!”

Ivan presses a firm kiss to my temple, whispering that I’m doing great before guiding me through the open doors and towards the grand staircase. He looks so handsome in a black suit with a blue tie that matches the color of my gown. It’s sleeveless with the skirt made from tulle and the bodice embroidered with heavy detail. Nova had helped me curl my hair and do my makeup which I loved the outcome of. I focus on not tripping and embarrassing myself in front of the entire kingdom. All our guests are staring at us in awe with bright smiles while children point and wave.

We’ve almost reached the end when I see them. My family and the Romanov family stand by the staircase as they wait for us. I make a sound of surprise before meeting Ivan’s stare. A small smile lifts his lips and I squeeze his hand as a gesture of my gratitude.

“I know I haven’t been able to bring you back home ever since you moved here and I know how much you’ve missed them no matter how hard you try to hide it. I hope you can forgive me?” He whispers in my ear, making me smile at him.

“I’ll always be by your side Ivan, even if it means not seeing my family for a few months. I belong here with you now.” I whisper in return and watch as he lifts my hand to brush his lips against my knuckles.

We smile at each other before making our way down the rest of the stairs. I let go of Ivan’s hand to greet my parents and sigh in content when I’m wrapped up in their comforting embrace. Next, I greet my siblings with a tight hug and smile at Nathan who whispers how happy he is to see that Ivan and I are focusing on our relationship. I move on to the Romanov family to exchange hugs and greetings. Aunt Aurora seems over the moon to see Ivan and I, especially with our little moment on the staircase before.

We spend some time with our families before Ivan and I must greet our guests. He marvels at the decorations and thanks Nova and I for it as her and Lazarus join us. We make our way around the ballroom and I replace myself being introduced to numerous people. Everyone welcomes me with warm smiles and compliments before congratulating Ivan and I on replaceing each other. My nervousness and anxiety fades away the more people are kind and accepting of me.

I’m also introduced to the leaders of the different sections of this kingdom, people who make sure everything is in order while Ivan manages from the center. Despite it being the Lycan Kingdom, there’s a lot of different species here from people replaceing their mates in other realms. It makes me happy to see an incredible amount of diversity within our kingdom.

The rest of the night is spent dancing, mingling and enjoying the good food. At one point, Ivan drags me onto the dance floor just so he can avoid having a talk with my father. Laughing, I wrap one arm around his neck as we sway in time to the slow music. He holds my hand and the other squeezes my hip in warning which only makes me giggle more.

“Are you happy with everything?” I ask as I smile up at him widely.

“Yes. This is more than what I expected. Thank you, Солнышко.” He whispers before pressing a firm kiss to my forehead. (Little sun)

“There’s one more surprise.” I grin excitedly when Lazarus comes out of from one of the hallways and shoots me a thumbs up.

Ivan narrows his eyes at me before letting me pull him to the doors that will lead us outside to the garden. As we walk, I hear Nova and Lazarus directing everyone outside. I loop my arm through his once we’re at the front while Benno counts down beside us with a massive grin on his face.

“Happy birthday!” I whisper in Ivan’s ear before nodding at the sky when he looks at me.

There’s a sharp whistling noise as numerous fireworks go off in the night sky, everyone cheering and hollering behind us. Ivan laughs and his eyes are bright with joy as he turns to me. As intended, waiters come out with trays of champagne and hand everyone a glass. We all clink our glasses together and I wink at Evie and Isaac who are marveling at the display while clutching their soft drinks. I turn to Ivan and smile softly before clinking my champagne flute with his.

“You’re crazy!” He shouts over the noise as he pulls me into a tight hug.

Our lips meet and everyone cheers with joy which makes me smile into the kiss. It lasts mere seconds but it’s more than enough. I stare up into his eyes and caress his cheek as warmth fills me. He rests his forehead against mine with a serene expression on his face.

“Crazy about you.” I murmur before winking at him as I down the glass of champagne.