ALPHA AND I

Keren's POV.

"Ouch!" I wince and raise my hand to my head.

The maid my stepfather, sub-Alpha Streams, hired had just pinched a hairpin into my hair, except it prickled my head in the act.

She is about to apologize when my stepfather enters the room. He looks annoyed, as is his voice when he shouts, "What in heaven's name are you still doing? Get ready now!" And then he shuts the door after him.

I am already ready, but it's not like he sees that or cares. I stare at myself in the mirror for a few seconds before I hurry down the hallway to the outside.

Scoffing sadly, I give the home I have known since I was little a soft smile. I have to leave now, to a place where I no doubt would suffer.

My stepfather is already inside the carriage, waiting for me with all his impatience.

I am almost entering when I hear my name called "Keren," and turning my face, I see my best friend, Alsie. She is also Alpha's Stream's daughter, except she is the opposite of the personality her father portrays.

"I am so sorry. I wish I could come along."

As much as I understand her, it would not change a thing. I would still suffer where I am going, as I have been sold out by my stepfather.

I am about to speak when sub-Alpha Streams yells at us, "Alsie, get away from her. Now!"

"Father. You're being..."

"You are a good person, Alsie. Always remember that." I want to stop her from rebelling.

She nods at me and sniffles. Seeing she is about to cry, I shake my head and fake a smile.

The carriage soon began to move. I close my eyes, not wanting to see the look on Alsie's face as she sees me leaving her-by no agreement of mine, of course-and imagine my life being crushed just like the iron wheel crushes the stones on the ground.

We are now hours into the journey, and there has been no discussion between sub-Alpha Streams and me.

I remain stiff in my position, and that is because of the material I am sarcastically gracefully embroidered with. The chemise is punishably tight, pressing against my body such that I feel as though I am being pinched continuously, and the sleeves with contrasting colors make it hard to shift even my arms.

"We have been on this journey for four hours. Do you care to say anything?" Speaks sub-Alpha Streams in his Scottish accent.

I have just been sold out, meant to be used however the most powerful, cold-hearted, barbaric Alpha King wishes, to serve him for the rest of life, my life's goal now useless, and yet I am suffocating in this stupid gown that I would never wish my enemy to wear. All of my hear complain can not even be said so, there was no need.

However, I have to smile and say, "Well, I cannot wait to see the Alpha King with this beautiful dress you have picked for me, sire."

He scoffs and smiles. "I knew it would look nice on you. We need it to reveal your bosom, do we not?" He says it, and I agree with a nod. He continues, "Now, remember. You must be obedient when we get there. You are not to speak unless spoken to and asked to talk. You must do everything you can to claim the Alpha King's attention. I know you have gotten his mother's, Queen Akki, and that's why we have been called; however, I need the King to marry you. You're doing this to save my pack." Yet, I am not included in his pack.

Regardless, it hurts. I am a twenty-three years old She-wolf, who is yet to change into her wolf. I think things wouldn't be different even if I had.

His lectures continue, subjecting his stepdaughter to what and what not to do.

The doorman helps me get out after my stepfather. We have arrived. My nerves haven't spiked up as much as they are now.

My stomach hurts more, and it is as though I might faint.

My stepfather takes my hand, and we walk inside the castle.

Presently, I stand in the middle of a silent room. There are guards around and maids scurrying past as they come and go as silently as they can.

As the door opens again, a strong aura whirls into the room, and instantly, I bow my head, as too, my stepfather. It is Queen Akki, Alpha King Aarav's mother.

Stopping in her tracks, she stutters for a second, asking, "Wh... what is the meaning of this?" Her British accent sounds so clean.

"Queen Akki," my stepfather begins, still bowing, "I have brought my stepdaughter, as requested by the crown. The union can now be blessed."

She scoffs, "I have seen her many times enough. Get her to her room, and you," she directs at my stepfather, "can leave the castle. The crown shall hold to their promises." She finishes and goes to sit in front of the piano.

As she begins playing, the softness of the tune settling into my ears, a guard I didn't see next to me comes to direct me on the path I am to follow.

My eyes shift towards my stepfather, but he isn't even looking my way. He is smiling and concentrating on Queen Akki.

I feel betrayed.

With a swollen heart, I make my way up to a seemingly long hallway that seems as though it doesn't have an end. When I entered, I noticed every other maid stopped by the door except for the guard from earlier. He remains behind me.

"What are you doing?"

"I am an escort. I am to protect you and practically be your shadow."

I want to talk, but I shun my lips. This must be a normal thing here.

I take a step forward, and he looks me in the eye. "Tell me about the Alpha King." I demand.

"He is the Alpha to all sub-Alphas, Betas, sub-Lunas, and all werewolf species." He gives me the most knowable information.

I shake my head. He's probably not entitled to tell me certain things. I hate him already. "What room are you going to take me to?"

He doesn't want to talk again, so I say, "I am about to become the Luna to, well, the Alpha King." It sounds like a pain in my lips to state that devil's title: "And if you don't tell me what I need to know, you'd become my enemy. Do you want that?" I ask and he shakes his head.

It takes him a few seconds. "It is Alpha King Aarav's wing. There, you'd be prepared for the wedding tomorrow."

"Wait, what? The wedding is tomorrow?" I think I might die. I need space to think, so I did one thing that would distract this pest. I tore a part of the bosom. In shock, he turns to the opposite side, and I run.

Fortunately, I am able to get rid of the guard, whose name I haven't even asked for. I am in a library, and it seems silent. I rest against the shelves as my hand comes to calm my hammering chest.

Perhaps I should just kill myself.

"Did you know that high born werewolves can read low born werewolves' minds, sometimes even another high born's, except that I do not need to before I can tell you are about to pass out?" Rhetorically questions a masculine voice that I find exquisite. I love his arrangement of words even though he had just insulted me.

A frown grows on my forehead. "Who are you? I say this to the man in a gray linen shirt, his chest poking out of the shirt and very tight leather pants that hug his strong-looking legs.

His hand rakes through his dark blonde hair, which almost takes on the same shade as mine, as his beige skin warms up from the ray of sunlight.

"My name is Arley Halfclaw." When he tells me, I gasp. This is the Alpha King's stepbrother. My stepfather did teach me a lot about my in-laws before he brought me here.

I smile a pleading smile and say, "I'm sorry."

"For?"

"I..." I did not know what to say.

He chuckles. "You are giving Dustfang quite a bit of trouble right now." He tells me and nods his head to one side, gesturing for me to walk with him.

Walking with him, he lets me know he likes the fact that I was able to give the top-ranked guard some trouble, and to me, he seems like the nicest person I have seen here so far.

"I don't know if I am permitted..."

"Then, why ask?" He hijacks.

"Because I think I deserve to know." I say and stop in the middle of the way. We are back in the hallway I ran away from earlier, and it is dead silent. When he noticed my uneasiness, he told me that no one can enter unless permitted, as it is the Alpha King's wing.

He scoffs and continue walking. I think that's a green light.

"Can you tell me about the Alpha King?"

"What have you heard about him?" He answers me with his own questions.

"All sorts of bad things." I did not think I could be this blunt with my words.

"You can choose to use them for your answer or, rather, get to know your soon-to-be husband by yourself." He stops in his steps. "It is nice to meet you, Keren Wildlings." With a genuine smile, he starts to leave.

An individual clears their throat from behind me, and I groan inwardly.

"You found me, Dustfang," I say, and his brows raise. He mustn't have expected me to know his name.

"I see," is all he says, opening the door for me to enter a room.

"What is your actual name?

"Perhaps when the time is right, I will talk more, your highness," are his words as he closes the door behind me.

The frown on my face ceases the moment I take in the glance of the room I am in. Oh, goodness. I love it. It's so fancy. It screams wealth. I feel like I am in a fantasy world.

Screaming, I run towards the bed and fly in the air before dumping myself into it. It shoots me right back, and I laugh. For the next few minutes, I was filled with excitement.

In all of this pain, there is something for me to appreciate, and that is beauty, and speaking of beauty, Arley Halfclaw. His image strikes in my head again.

He seems like the opposite of what I've heard about him. Perhaps the Alpha King would be, too.

It is now nighttime, and I lay on that fancy bed. I am imagining how my beauty sleep would be tonight when, all of a sudden, there is the impact of an aggressive push on the entry door.

"There hasn't been an attack from them, Aarav," says Arley. For real, I can recognize his voice, but Aarav?! Oh-mi-gosh, that is the Alpha King.

They are in the next room.

"So, I wait till they attack? We both know the expense of that." His voice sounds deadly powerful, like he is some control freak. Well, with his position and the rumors, he might be.

Arley chuckles. "Something tells me you are doing this not because you actually want to capture these hunters' arms but to stay away from your mate."

"Mate?"

"Did you not confirm that she is your..."

"Stop this instance!" I can tell he is an aggressive type. "Is she here?" He adds.

"Of course. She should be asleep, I guess." Arley answers.

Oh, goodness. They are not about to talk too much about me, am I wrong?

"Whatever. I do not have my plans set just to stay away from her. Fuck, I don't even want her. I still can't tell what Mother sees in that chick who hasn't even turned into her own wolf yet. She's weak to the throne, and trust me, she would be nothing but a vessel to birth me a son and a mockery to the crown." He finishes and laughs. "Do you want a drink?" I hear him further.

A part of me feels like I should not be shocked by what I am hearing, and a part of me wishes to break down. I am a failure. Even the one to whom I am sold to doesn't see me as anything but a vessel he can use.

I clean my face with the bedsheet. I cannot cry.

"I will watch out for the time when you regret what you've said." Arley is basically supporting me, I suppose.

Alpha King Aarav chuckles. "I have lived for over seventy years. Why would I need a partner now?" He asked so proudly.

In my mind, I prepare a plan. I will walk through this pain. I will make an agreement. He doesn't want me, and I don't either. I think I have an escape plan already.

I just have to get through with the wedding tomorrow.

Keren's POV

I regret that I did not provoke as expected last night. That egocentric man had made me feel so low about myself, and I have to bear this brewing anger inside me, unable to let it out.

From this side of the kingdom, I could hear the sounds of different soft music playing. People are arriving. I could also hear the crunching sound of the carriages against the earth.

I may not have changed, but I am still a she-wolf, especially one whose senses aren't dull at all.

"You look alluring, my Luna," says one of the maids. Something tells me she compliments me more out of her job than from her heart. I smiled at her. She has sent the other maids away since they are done getting me ready.

I find the beads' purple color blending with my bosom, exposing my chest attractively, except the one I am trying to impress won't appreciate it. I do not care, though. The gown is elegant and showcases royalty. I haven't seen anything like it before. As punishing as it is to press my intestines together, I love it.

"I need a space." I tell the maid, and she, too, leaves.

Dustfang must be outside, so I think of another trick that resembles yesterday's. I open the door, saying this while making sure he won't see my body except my face. "Can you, please, get the maid for me? Hurry. I think I may have ripped this clothing when I tripped." I tell him, and he gives me a curious look.

"Hurry!" I shout at him.

"Can I trust that you are telling the truth?" I actually find his British accent attractive as well.

"Oh. In a few hours, I will be Luna. You will doubt my words?" I say, and he bows slowly.

"My apologies.

"Better."

Once he has left, I survey my surroundings and walk outside. After playing hide and seek for a few minutes, I get outside. I needed fresh air.

All of these, and I do not mean the fabric, choke me. It's all just too much for a lady to bear. I didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't my fault that I didn't change into my wolf yet, and come to think of it, why has the crown chosen me when there are a lot of eligible female royals out there? The fact that the high borns are too special is just so annoying, as not only can they shift into their wolf side but can also bend nature's elements. Very crazy.

Also, I hate that my stepfather is also the one who did this to me. Anyway, now that this is my current life, I shall make a deal with the Alpha King. I will give him the child that his crown wants, and he will not just dispose of me but allow me to go back to my pack.

I would have loved to go someplace else and exist there, but there's nowhere. I can't live among humans, nor would the Hunters take me in. That would be a deadly risk.

While in my thoughts, I feel someone's presence. It carries authority and power, but not enough to overwhelm. It's as though my soul blends with the person's.

Turning to face the person, I am caught between the fear of being caught alone in the middle of a side garden with a man, and the shock of a person being so handsome and cute. I find it impossible. Every fine word describes him.

His light silver hair is brushed to the front of his head, although it exposes the middle of his forehead; his skin is milky and blending with the morning sunlight; his scent releases a heavenly scent such that my tongue salivates; and his clothes of golden brown rhyme so well with his figure. His pecs show from underneath, and his arms look so strong, as does his legs.

My face shows how surprised I am.

"Hello." His thick voice sounds good to my ears. I don't think I'm thinking clearly. Something is off about him, and I pay no attention.

"Hey," I say back.

"What are you up to, Miss...?" He trails off, his hands suggesting I tell him who I am. No, I will not.

"I cannot tell a he who I am and I do not care to know his name either."

"Just say I am a stranger," he chuckles. His tone sounds familiar, but my head is caught between the clouds right now. I cannot think straightforwardly.

"You are." I say and add, "Well, as you can see, I want some space. Please go back to the hall. You'd find people like yourself there." He frowns, as though he does not understand me.

"I will, but forgive me, what are you... Well, you're here, so what is up with that?"

"I need space."

"But I am only concerned."

"I am about to marry the Alpha King. He is the most powerful and ruthless. I wish to enjoy some peace before the wedding begins." I tell the man, and he gasps.

"Such honesty. I guess you do not know who I am." He talks like he is astounded.

"Oh, so you're a spy who would go tell the Alpha King what I have said today? Congratulations to you! Now, excuse me." I roll my eyes.

"The Alpha King does not need a spy; he has chosen one." He says, and my eyes flare up as I hear his next words, "Hello, Miss Wildings, I am the Alpha King, Aarav Gerwulf."

I might just faint. I take one step back.

"I... I am-" I cough, "my apologies. I didn't..."

"Yes, understandable. There was no interview after all. You weren't lucky to even see me at all." He tells me, and I nod my head.

Why does he not seem like the man from last night? I should do my payback now.

"Well, now, if you will excuse me, Alpha, I shall like to return to my room and get ready to be your bride. After all, it is all a facade, and don't worry, I plan to give you the child that you want and will soon be out of your life." I tell him and am about to leave when he pulls me back.

"I'm sorry you heard what I said the previous night." Wait, is he owning up to his mistake? No. This is a lie. As it is, I'm having internal battle. I wish he was a troll; it would have been easier to hate him.

The sparkles that I feel inside me chitter to my core, sending my stomach a warm sensation. I feel excited.

He shares with me a smile: "I was not told you were this beautiful and special." He tells me, and I frown.

My brain comes back to life all of a sudden when Arley arrives in front of us.

"Keren?" He questions and outstretches his hand, saying, "I shall walk you down the aisle now, please."

I take his hand and fake a smile. It is time to get married to the Alpha King, whose personality I cannot make sense of now.

~~~

My earth is walked by werewolves, hunters, and humans. We aren't allowed to visit one another because our leaders hate one another. Any chance they've got, it's to kill one another yet here I am now, being wed by the Alpha King, one of my own race, yet I feel like I'm being matted to my worst enemy.

I watch the expression on everyone's faces, and no one seems genuinely happy for me; neither do I know any of them. I could feel the powerful auras in the room, signifying the extra powers that come with being a royal werewolf or she-wolf.

The vows were exchanged. The rings were exchanged, and I kissed the Alpha King. Although I did not hate that he was my first kiss, it was uneasy sharing my blood with him under the moonlight at night to finish up the wedding ritual.

While drinking his, the deepest part of me felt peace, assured that I would be loved by him.

It is now late in the night, and I am standing in front of the huge double-handled door.

"My Luna," says Dustfang as he opens the door for me to walk inside.

My face remains expressionless. Inside the room, I see Alpha King Aarav by the window. He stands in front of the sill.

Sensing me, he walks over, passing too closely by me such that I felt his breath. "My Luna, do you care for a drink?"

My brain shuts down for a second. "Yes." And we begin drinking.

I am seated in an armchair, and he is on the bed. He watches me with an eye of curiosity, a small smile dancing on his lips.

My eyes seem blurry now, and I don't think I can walk. I feel brave as well as quite gabby.

"Why am I chosen to be your chosen?"

"Keren." His soft yet darkly dangerous voice soothes my pain, and I close my eyes. My imagination goes wild. "I wish I could hate you as I had planned." He speaks and sounds as though he is in pain, too.

I squint my eyes, clearly not understanding, but I do not care right now anyway. I shall let him know my mind. "You do not want me, as I do not. I have a deal to make."

"You want to make a deal with the deadly Alpha King?" He finds me amusing, I suppose.

I disregard, "I shall bear your child, and once I have, you shall free me. I will be allowed back to my family."

He scoffs, "The same one who sold you out?"

It hurts more when he reminds me, but the alcohol makes it bearable.

"It is my pain to bear." I tell him, and he nods.

"Keren," he says, sounding breathless. He is now standing in front of me, and lowering himself so his face can reach mine, he whispers, "You do realize you are my mate, don't you?" I am confused by that. "Why else do we both feel that connection between us? And seeing you now, I see my mistakes." Did he? "You are more than beautiful." His lips brush my ear, and something in me awakens.

Suddenly, I stand up and push him a little bit. He takes a step backward. "I will not be smitten by you. Let us make this baby and get it over with. Do we have a deal?" I question. He remains frowning, intrigued by this part of me.

"Yes."

In the following minutes, I went to the restroom to get changed into a robe and remove every piece of jewelry and unnecessary clothing. Now, I am facing the bed, where the Alpha King lies. His eyes search mine and await whatever I am to do.

Breathing heavily, my hands slide down the robe as my eyes lock with his. I see something poking out from within his pants, which I did not see before.

A few seconds later, he speaks: "You don't know what to do to make a baby, do you?" I have my brows coming together.

"What am I to do?"

He chuckles, and before I know it, I feel a push from nowhere. He bends the air to bring me onto the bed, and grabbing me, he places me carefully, his body sliding past mine until his face reaches mine. We lock eyes.

"Are you sure with this?" Is the Alpha King, who was once ruthless with his words, now a gentleman?

I just nod my head as many frightening thoughts surface in my head. I feel so much anxiety.

"Touch yourself," he says. I did not understand, so he chuckles and grabs my left hand, tracing it down my skin. He stops when we reach my core, and from the way he dances my fingers around that part of my body, my breathing begins to quiver. I have no idea what is now happening to me, but I love it.

A few minutes later, I am screaming into the pillow as it feels like I have reached the climax of the sweetest feeling my body could ever release. When I am a bit relaxed, I stare at Alpha King Aarav.

"Alpha..."

"No, call me Aarav. Just Aarav." He whispers into my ears, and it tickles. I want more.

"Aarav, I want more." Right now, this man looks nothing but angelic to me, and I want every inch of him.

With a smile, he stands up and takes off his clothes. I gasp at what I see drawling in between his legs. I wonder what it is. He comes back to the bed, supporting his weight with his strong arms.

"Keren."

"Aarav." I whisper in a tone I do not recognize.

"Are you ready?" He questions, and I nod my head. Yes, I am. I am.

About half an hour later, he lands on the bed next to me, and I smile. We are done. I don't know why, but I am so happy. I feel complete, and it was by him-by the one I should hate the most right now. I stare into his eyes.

"This is how you make a baby." He tells me, and I smile.

"I want more of this from you." I tell him, and before I know it, I'm soon asleep.

The next day, it is breakfast time. I have yet to see Aarav. I am prepared for the dining table. Alone, I begin eating, except for the maids around, which is their duty, until I hear a footstep and, excited, I turn to see Arley instead.

"You don't seem excited to see me." He pouts as he goes to the opposite side of the long table. "Shall I join you?" I nod my head, allowing

He continues to stare at me. "You are not okay, are you?"

"I was just expecting someone else."

"Ah, that dickhead. I am sorry to break this to you, but Keren, he won't be around for a very long time. He has left to fight the hunters." Hearing that, I drop my cutlery. My heart hammers against my chest, pain resulting from it. I don't know how to take this uninteresting news.

After what transpired yesterday, I thought someone finally understood me. I thought we both shared something called love and sex, but it was all fake. It was all done based on the deal. I am stupid to have thought otherwise.

It is fine. I will focus on the deal. I just have to wait for the baby bump, and soon I will be freed.

Keren's POV

"The game is about relaxation, and whenever you are chanced upon, you grab your spot, and nothing must dare distract you. That is the goal, after all." Arley lectures for the tenth time since we began playing the chess game.

I raise my hand and shake my head, saying, "I have played enough for the day. Also, isn't this game supposed to be for you, men?" I stare with sarcasm dripping off my tone, and he squints his eyes.

"Why should you say that?" He is now disinterested in the game.

I am glad.

I shudder and look away. "I was brought up to think that way."

"And do you, genuinely?"

I frown. Something about Arley makes me want to be honest with him and myself: "Of course, I do not."

He smiles, and there is a moment of silence before he brings up a new conversation. "You didn't show much of an expression earlier about Aarav's absence."

"Well, this has all been a lie from the start," I say, making an envelope of everyone altogether, "so he has no reason to stick with me. More importantly, fighting off our enemies seems like a job he cannot avoid anyway." I finish saying that like I am normal but, I'm not. I'm burning within. Raging.

Arley searches my eyes with questions. "I understand you, Keren," and that calls my focus, "I do. You were left to be abandoned by the ones who should love you, and the one who is your actual mate also abandoned you. That would hurt a lot, but in light of it, there's a lesson to be learned. I am here for you whenever you need that inspiration to grab your power." I hijacked the words from him.

"I don't need any of that, as I don't need a chess game. Much to be in peace, I shall love. A royal game, acquiring the Luna state, is one I shall forever detest."

Arley laughs. "And I worry about why you both fit." I don't understand. "The husband makes statements based on his present, so does the wife. A grown-up sense is needed." He speaks and stands up to leave the room momentarily. I frown at what his mean words.

Deciphering them, I realize he means, on my part, that I have to use this situation in my life as a strength and not as a drawback. He's right! If, at this point, my own mate would leave me to suffer, I might as well use my last option. Hunters have been werewolves' enemies for a long time. I just have to reach out to them.

My own race doesn't see me anyway; perhaps they would. Perhaps I could find peace with them and learn their ways. Anyway, I have got to see someone first.... Alsie.

Two teacups are held in Arley's hands. He passes one to me. It contains green tea. I mouth a 'thank you' to him, to which he bows lightly.

"I should take care of my Luna, should I not?" He asked.

"And speaking of, I do like to see one of mine. I do not feel pregnant yet, so I suppose I have the right to see someone from my family. Please, Arley." I plead, with begging eyes

He snickers at the one who wishes not to be Luna yet utilizes the position. "I will try my best to make that happen." When he tells me, I jump up and rush to hug him. Mistakingly forgetting that I hold a teacup, it flips into the air. However, the liquid stops moving; gravity is no longer working over it.

When I look at Arley, I see his eyes glistering a lighter shade of crimson red. He holds the power of not just a royal but shares the blood of an Alpha, which makes sense since he is Alpha Aarav's stepbrother.

The tea flows back into the teacup and floats to my front, in midair, waiting for me to catch it.

"You do know royals possess extra powers, right?" I nod my head.

"Yes, i know." I mutter.

I drop the cup on a table and walk over to one of the book shelves. "Tell me, what sorts of books are here?" I ask, scanning them.

"As many genres as you can think of." I can show you one that, you will love more." He says, and from where he is sitting, on a couch, a book is picked up and hovers to my front. I smile between fits of awe. "That book entails everything about royal werewolves. "I hope you find us interesting."

"Okay," I say. As I go back to sitting, Arley packs the cups and wishes to excuse himself again. Before he leaves, I ask, "Arley, do you know why a wolf might not shapeshift?" He only smiles at me and disappears from the room, leaving my question unanswered.

It is a few weeks later, and I have learned a lot about royal life from the book. It is actually great, to be honest.

I've learned about the amazing powers held by the Alpha King, his sub-Alphas, Betas, and sub-Lunas, as they are the ones subjected to extra powers since the extinction of witches and also more close to the moon goddess.

The Alpha King is basically the ruler of all of them, like the father of the entire species as a broad pack, while his Luna is the mother, aiding her mate on the crown; the seven sub-Alphas rule over the seven continents, more like governors in the human territories; and sub-Lunas are obviously the mates of these sub-Alphas; Betas are to help these sub-Alphas and sub-Lunas, more of a brother to each pack and closer to the members of those packs.

Dropping the book, the image in front of me shocks me for a second before I shriek an exciting cry and hug Alsie. As I pulled her into a hug, my eyes caught Arley far behind. I thank him through eye contact.

"I have missed you so much. I can't believe you're actually here." I say happily, and that is the beginning of the next three hours of non-stop chitchat. We talked about absolutely nothing important, but at the same time, it was important to us.

She tells me how miserable she has made her father feel ever since I was gone, and I laugh about it, and I tell her about the sex between Alpha King Aarav and me. I tell her about how that part of our body can be so interesting, and she wishes she had such a sensation soon, too, once she finds her mate. And speaking of mate, she got shocked when I told her Alpha King Aarav is my actual mate, who did reject me, seemingly.

"It was still a surprise when I was called by His Grace, Arley Halfclaw. Anyway, I have a plan, and it's going to be hard to hear." She takes my hands and gives me a worried look. Uh-huh. "Keren, Father doesn't have any plans to..." I stopped her involuntarily with a wince.

Then the pain came again, and I groaned louder. My hand shifts to my stomach, and I cry aloud. "It hurts." And at the same time, I feel nauseous-no, rather, dizzy. I am unsure. I don't feel good at all.

I can't make sense of anything, and I feel like I am losing my consciousness. Without doubt, in a flash, Arley covers a large range to keep me from falling.

I could hear people talking, but I couldn't comprehend, and the last thing I remember is the hard contour of Dustfang's hand as I held him to brace my weak self.

I open my eyes to see the council in front of me. There are at least more than ten people in the room, including a physician, and heavens, the eyes they give, scares me. Queen Akki is here, too, as is Arley. Aarav, however, no. It hurts again.

Soon, they leave the room, and I sit up, my back against the wall. For some reason, my brain catches up with what has happened that led me here and with the look on Alsie's face. I grab her hand, and with fear, my forehead already releasing beads of sweat, I shake my head. I'm not ready yet. Not this soon. It's just been a few weeks.

"Calm down..."

"No!" I shout at her and close my eyes. I wish to vanish.

"It is true. They say you are with a child, and it is growing abnormally fast."

No. Oh, no!

Alpha Gerwulf's POV

I hold onto the hunter's head in front of me while I use my domineering aura on another hunter. The other hunter tries to fight against my aura, but we both know it is of no use. I pressure more, and at his yielding point, he picks up the archangel blade on the ground and rips it into the heart of the hunter I hold.

Once that one is dead, I plan to pick the other hunter when I receive mental banging, distracting me from the ongoing war. It is Arley, of course.

"Brother." He speaks and clearly shows his disgust for what he sees. He had connected to my mind so that he could see whatever I saw. He sees the death and the ruins in the earth where I have massacred these hunters. With what I have done, uprooting them from behind, their king would be furious when he learned of it.

"Arley. Please, be quick. I am quite busy."

Still distracted, the hunter pokes my chest with a spear, but before it reaches my heart, I stop it. He struggles with penetrating it further into my skin.

While you fight an unnecessary war, which will no doubt show on us later on, your mate is now pregnant. I need you out of that filth to come take care of her by yourself. "I am about to talk when he interrupts, and he knows I hate that. "And don't tell me any bullshit story about you not liking her. Anyone can tell you crave for her." He finishes.

I scoff, "Since you know my mind, well, then, you know I don't plan on ever wanting to see that mutt anymore."

"Aarav!" He shouts at me, and in my rebounding anger, I grab the hunter's head, having yanked off the spear, and tear his skull into two, as patiently as I can, to create enough pain for him before his death.

"Never shout at me again, or you'll end up like this." I say this and kick the hunter's body away.

Arley chuckles, of course. "You are nothing but a coward who would vent out his sadistic nature on the one who is supposed to love him, sending them away, and in return, he remains sad. For seventy years plus, you have been sad. Perhaps you should try chasing happiness now." He stops in the midst of his lecture when his mother enters the room. I could feel her essence.

She connects through Arley to reach me and says, "Come home, Alpha Aarav. Please, before the baby bump And as you know, the girl is special. Her baby grows differently than we know. Be here," before she disconnects.

I don't allow Arley to talk to me any further, so I block him afterward. I am supposed to be cold-hearted, barbaric, and ruthless. It is who I am meant to be, and someone like Keren knows not the pain they shall bear for being my mate.