1: Betrayal

Chapter 1

Alycia Woods stood in the dimly lit room of her personal chambers, with tears streaking down her cheeks.

“Why can't you just trust me this time father? Please? I love him and I do trust him. Why can't you give him a chance?”

Alpha King Eskaal was the powerful and feared Alpha of the Supreme Pack. He couldn't believe his daughter, the princess and heir to his throne could be so foolish as to give her position to her mate. A rogue wolf!

For weeks, he believed she was only unwell, but now it was spiralling out of control, and it was just unfortunate that his Pack was turning into an avenue of rogue wolves.

He huffed in disbelief, his brows creased in worry, “This is totally unacceptable and unreasonable of you, Alycia. I do not care what he is to you, but this needs to be retracted. Do you even hear yourself? I can not have the rogue King being the Alpha of my Pack. No way!”

He turned to his wife, the queen, his eyes wide and nose flaring, “Tomorrow, I would have this retracted. Talk some sense into your daughter!"

“Eskaal, just listen to her…" the queen tried to speak, but he turned sharply and made his way out of the room in quick determined steps.

Alycia's body shook with sobs, and she flopped down on the bed. Her mother, who was initially standing beside her, came closer and sat on the bed with her.

“Alycia darling, are you really sure about this? Why would you hand over your title so recklessly?” She was worried. So worried. Her daughter never made a reckless decision. Ever.

But Alycia clutched at her mother's dress, her eyes pleading as she turned to her, “Mother, please. Talk to father. Please. This is important to me and I swear, I am in control of my actions. Ethan will make me queen in a few days. Please mother…”

Queen Emerald shook her head. Evident lines of worry etched on her forehead as she heaved sigh upon sighs. In every sense, Alycia was being insensible and irrational, but a deep part of her wanted to give her the benefit of doubt.

She shook her head, as she slowly stroked her daughter's wavy hair, “It's going to be fine, baby. Don't worry, I will see what I can do…”

She engulfed her in a hug almost immediately, heaving a sigh of relief," Oh, thank you so much mother. Thank you, mother…”

Queen Emerald stood and made her way out of the room after making sure that Alycia had stopped crying.

Few minutes later, a slight knock was heard on her door, causing Alycia's heart to skip a beat.

She knew who it was even before she quickly stood from her bed. The door opened slowly, and a huge figure emerged before her.

" Oh, Ethan…" Alycia didn't know when her legs moved on their own accord, running into her mate's strong arms.

Her hands tightened around his neck, breathing in his scent which seemed to calm her down a bit.

A low rumble escaped Ethan's throat, at their proximity. He ran his hand over her hips, holding her closer to him, as he also breathed her in.

“Where have you been?" Alycia cried softly, “I've been waiting for you."

“I'm sorry, my love," Ethan slowly released her so he could stare at her, “I was attending to some matters. Everything is a mess getting ready for the coronation. I had no idea it was already getting dark. I had to come to you…I'm sorry I kept you waiting…”

The corners of Alycia's lips turned in a smile. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of emotions at his words. He was so sweet. So caring. If only her parents could see this side of him. If only they could see the man she had come to love and cherish.

Ever since she offered her position to him, as the Alpha King of the Supreme Pack, it was not a surprise to her when the pack members, including the children, and her sister, all warmed up to him, despite being the rogue king.

That was to be expected, as Ethan had a heart of gold. He wasn't what her parents portrayed him to be. So down to earth and extremely lovable.

Her parents thought she was being reckless, and wanted her to retract it. She knew that. But what they didn't know was that Ethan was far above their expectations.

Alycia felt a hand on her cheek, drawing her back to reality, “I do not like seeing you cry, Li. Please stop. I know your parents do not approve of me, but if this is causing strain to you, maybe we should just…” he shrugged.

Her teary eyes widened, as she stared into his blue orbs. He looked worried, his eyes soft as they held hers, “What? No. Ethan, I know how important this is for you. This is a chance for you to be seen as someone other than a rogue. I want to be your queen. I want this for you and I would fight for it, if need be.”

Ethan's hands slipped to her waist, his touch light but a bit hesitant. As if he was holding something fragile. His eyes...so full of worry, searched hers.

“But is it worth it?" He whispered, his voice rough with emotion, “Is it really worth defying your father? I don't want your relationship with your parents to get more soiled than it already is…”

Alycia's chest tightened. She could feel the weight of his doubt on her. The love in his gaze...and also the unmistakable fear of losing her.

Without thinking, she cupped his face with trembled hands, forcing him to look into her eyes. To see the truth in them.

"You are worth everything." She reassured.

He made to speak, but her lips met his, cutting him off his words. Alycia snaked an arm over his neck, withdrew slightly, and spoke against his lips, " Let us forget about all this for now. I am just glad to see you after a long day. Please, I need you. Make love to me.”

Desire swirled in her pupils, as she stared up at him--waiting, pulse quickened in anticipation.

Without warning, Ethan drew her to him, gasping as their bodies rubbed on each other. He found her lips, tugging and kissing feverishly as they fueled the mate bond.

It had been a long day indeed for him. And he needed this. She needed him.

His hands went to her hips as he raised her up so she straddled him. Steadily, they made their way forward, as Alycia's hands roamed over his chest.

He flopped her on the bed, and she quickly made away with her nightwear. Spreading her legs apart as she waited for him to enter her.

"Oh yeah...."

Her fingers tangled into his hair, pulling him closer, while his hands roamed up her sides, tracing the curves he'd come to memorize.

Her body tingled with desire, wanting more of him. Craving more.

It wasn't the first time they made love or had sex, but this moment felt purely magical.

Ethan's hands found her cheeks, and he buried his nose at the crook of her neck, “Relax, Li…the whole palace can hear you.”

His voice sent a delicious tingle down her spine, and her tightly shut eyes slowly snapped open while she willed her body to settle.

" Good. Now, relax for me, love." Ethan said, as he rubbed his hard length against her slicked pussy.

He met her lips again, at the same time he entered fully into her in one powerful thrust.

*****

The next morning, Alycia was roughly woken up by a bang on her door. Her brows furrowed as she turned on her bed, confused.

She was alone, and Ethan wasn't here. So who the hell was on the door?

She placed a hand on her aching head, just as the bang persisted.

“Hold on, I'm coming…” she wasn't able to complete her statement when the door was suddenly pus!ed open and the palace guards stepped in.

Alycia's eyes widened, as she immediately tried to cover her body, but thankfully she was dressed. But just on her night gown.

" How dare you? What are you doing in my chambers?!”

But she felt something was wrong somewhere.

Just then, quick resounding footsteps echoed, and Maya, Alycia's younger sister stepped in.

Alycia stared at her with worry, noticing her red puffy eyes. “Maya? What…what is the matter?” She asked.

But that wasn't Alycia's main concern at the moment. It was the way Maya was glaring at her with so much hate. She had never seen that look on her before.

And then Maya spoke, shoulders raised, her tone commanding and direct.

“ You are a murderer! Take her away right now!"