Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate

At thirteen, Rennick, a royal fae heir, learned that his fated mate was a human named Amelia, a bond ordained by the gods to preserve royal bloodlines. Though this bond was powerful, it did not guarantee love, and Rennick worried that Amelia might never accept him or even meet him. His anxieties grew when rebels attacked the palace, killing his mother and leaving him devastated. His grief and rage solidified his determination to protect Amelia, regardless of their future together. Six months later, Rennick discovered that Amelia was living in a human orphanage. However, fae law prevented him from claiming her until he ascended the throne. Despite this, he began sending her letters, hoping to begin a connection, though Amelia, unaware of who "Nick" was, grew confused by the mysterious messages.

As the years passed, Rennick's obsession deepened. He continued sending Amelia cryptic letters and gifts, though they remained unsigned, leaving her to question whether she was being played for a fool. Amelia grew closer to a girl named Clover at the orphanage, and by the time she was fourteen, she began to receive more personal and intimate letters from Nick. Rennick, on the other hand, struggled with his growing feelings and the separation enforced by royal law. As Amelia turned fifteen, Rennick prepared a gift for her, a bow and quiver, unsure whether it was something she would appreciate. Though he received a painful tattoo marking his connection to his familiar, Greta, a snowy owl, he continued to send Amelia gifts, including an awkwardly written birthday letter expressing his growing curiosity and affection for her.

At sixteen, Rennick’s bond with his familiar strengthened, and he found himself able to spy on Amelia through Greta’s eyes. For the first time, he saw her in person, though he could not approach her. He sent her a basket of food and a letter calling her beautiful. Amelia, while touched, grew more confused and conflicted about the strange connection she shared with Nick. Meanwhile, Rennick’s jealousy and possessiveness intensified as he watched her interactions with other boys, prompting him to send increasingly invasive gifts, including a mold of his hand and a book bag. Amelia, now in her late teens, struggled with the growing intensity of Nick’s letters, which increasingly bordered on disturbing. As Nick’s messages became more sexually suggestive and possessive, Amelia grew increasingly isolated and unsure of her place in his world.

By her twenty-first birthday, Amelia's doubts about Nick intensified, especially as she received a particularly disturbing gift—a pair of ugly boots, a symbol of Nick’s growing indifference. During this time, Amelia began to form a brief connection with a boy named Michael, which only fueled Nick’s jealousy. Unbeknownst to her, Rennick had punished and even killed a man she had briefly been involved with out of spite. The situation grew darker when Amelia received a bloodstained gift and a threatening letter from Nick, followed by a chilling follow-up letter in which he tried to justify his actions and reaffirm his devotion. Now in her mid-twenties, Amelia continued to receive unsettling gifts, including phallic replicas meant to prepare her for Rennick’s eventual arrival. Though she was repulsed and frightened, she couldn’t shake the bond that tied her to him, torn between the terrifying reality of their connection and the yearning for a life that might be free from it.

As Amelia and Rennick’s relationship evolves, they face several challenges, particularly involving the palace politics and the expectations of their bond. Amelia’s insecurities continue to surface, especially when dealing with Rennick’s former lover, Ora, who persists in attempting to claim him as her mate. Amelia’s feelings of jealousy and betrayal are further intensified when she discovers more about her own family and the political implications of her position as the heir to the Desert Kingdom throne. However, Rennick’s unwavering support helps Amelia navigate these emotional obstacles, and she begins to accept her growing role within both his world and her own. They also share moments of vulnerability and tenderness, strengthening their bond through intimate encounters.

The tension between them and the palace staff reaches a boiling point when Rennick and Amelia must confront not only Ora’s manipulations but also the broader political and familial dynamics at play. Amelia's relationship with Rennick is tested further when the truth about her lineage comes to light, forcing her to grapple with the responsibilities and dangers that come with her newfound heritage. Meanwhile, Rennick remains steadfast in his commitment to her, vowing to protect her from the machinations of her family and the rebel forces that threaten them both. This renewed sense of loyalty and devotion is further cemented when Amelia makes a bold decision to take control of her future, confronting her past and asserting her place by Rennick’s side. Together, they begin preparing for their future as partners in both love and leadership, while navigating the complexities of their magical, political, and personal worlds.

Their bond is further solidified during a traditional fae ritual, where Amelia undergoes a blood exchange with Rennick, marking her official place as his queen. The ritual also reveals a deep connection between Amelia and her fae familiar, a lynx named Charlie, symbolizing her full acceptance into the fae world. However, the celebration is tempered by the ongoing threat from rebels and the tensions surrounding Amelia’s past. Despite these challenges, Amelia and Rennick share a moment of quiet reflection, realizing the depth of their commitment to each other. As they face the future together, Amelia's transformation from a woman uncertain of her place in the world to a powerful, determined partner to a fae king marks a significant shift in both her personal journey and the political landscape of their realm.

Seven years later, Amelia and Rennick's lives are filled with laughter and family. Their six-year-old daughter, Corrigan, and four-year-old Wren, Finn's son, play in a grand play yard within the palace, while their familiars, like the loyal owl Greta and mischievous fox Eddy, keep watch over them. Amelia and Rennick share a moment of affection as their children enjoy their antics. Amelia’s brother, Amos, arrives with his daughter, Rose, and the family banters about past experiences and current events. Rennick, now a loving father and husband, plays with the children, his bond with Amelia stronger than ever. As they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood and family life, their love remains the cornerstone of their happiness, with their once difficult paths now replaced by moments of tenderness and joy.