Claiming An Alpha

SCARLET'S POV

The scent of burning incest mixed with sandalwood wafted through the air of the dimly lit chamber. 

I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Kaiden honker over his reading desk. 

I couldn't help but admire him from afar. The warm glow of the candle light kissed his already bronze skin, his jaws clenched as he ran his fingers on the maps sprawled over the table and when he bit his bottom lip, I did the same.

A little chuckle escaped his lips. “If you want to check me out, you should come closer.” 

“Really?” There was a mischievous lilt in his voice as he spoke. 

Oh no. He was coming my way.

I tried to pull my feet into the mattress but he was quick to stop me. I didn't know when he crossed the room to hover over my face.

“Where do you think you're going?” he leaned down till we were nose to nose.

“Kaiden.” It came as a whisper.

“Shh,” he put his finger to my lips. “Let me make you feel good.”

His hand was barely an inch from my cheek when the cold morning air blasted my face, jolting me from sleep.

“Arise and shine, Your Highness.” Layla, my lady-in-waiting beamed me a smile as she pulled back the curtains and opened the windows.

“There goes my dream.” I muttered groggily, sinking back into the bed covers. 

“Can't I get away with 5 more minutes? I haven't heard of a Luna that slept for more hours than she should and died. Besides, It's not like I do anything around here.” I rolled my eyes, hugging Kaiden’s pillow close to my chest.

“Aww,” Layla took a seat on the edge of the king-sized bed. “You miss him.” 

“I really do. It’s been weeks and I can't wait for him to return.” I heaved a sigh.

“You don't have to worry, Your Highness,” Layla reached out for my hand and gave it a pat. “Alpha Kaiden is the most powerful wolf in the kingdom. The WhiteMoon pack has nothing against his army. He’ll defeat them and emerge victorious. Just like he always does.”

“Do you give pep talks for a living? Because you're good at it.” I laughed, pushing back the bedcovers.

Layla smiled. “Well, my brother is a soldier in the Alpha’s army so mother and I say encouraging words to him before he leaves. You should try it.” 

I suddenly recalled the day Kaiden left. We were both in our chambers. I was ready for bed but he wasn't so I decided to wait for him. He had been going over the war treatise he and his beta had written.

I remember watching him furrowed his brows and set his lips. Despite his troubled demeanor, every inch of him screams perfection.

“If you want to check me out, you should come closer.” he had said to me with a smile.

“I wasn't checking you out.” I had looked away, feeling shy like a new bride.

When I attempted to escape, he put his hands on either side of my hips, trapping me in place.

“Where do you think you're going?” he buried his face in the nook of my neck and I forgot how to breathe.

Our eyes met and I gave him the permission he desperately needed. That night, I was lost in his embrace. Never had I experienced such raw passion before. 

By the time I woke up, the side next to me was empty. Kaiden was gone and in his place was a note. 

It read : “I'll be back before you know it, love. Listen to Layla and don't skip any meal because of me. If you break any of these rules, I'll know. If you miss me, wear my shirt. Your soul mate, Kaiden.” 

I remember squealing like a little girl given her first hair ribbon. I also remember wearing his black shirt and not changing out of it for 3 days. 

Kaiden promised to be here soon. It had been 2 weeks and I missed him.

“He'll be here soon, Your Highness.” Layla pressed her soft hand on my shoulder.

“I know.”

After taking my bath and wearing comfortable clothes, I set out to the dining hall for breakfast. 

I had barely arrived at the hall when I heard whispers in the kitchen. 

“Have you heard?” A female voice whispered.

I took shelter behind the door, pressing my ears against it.  

“The Luna. I heard something about her.” The girl whispered again.

“What exactly? Don't keep us in suspense.” Another hissed.

“Okay,” The girl from before drew them closer. “You didn't hear this from me and if anyone finds out, I don't know who you guys are.” 

“Just talk!”

“Fine. Luna is infertile.”

I cupped my hand over my mouth. That's not true. 

“How do you know she's infertile? Are you a seer?” one of the maids asked the girl and she rolled her eyes.

“How many years has it been since she got married to the Alpha? It's been 100 days and still no issue. Tell me something isn't up with that.”

Her words left me reeling and from where I stood, I could see the demeanor of the maids change. They believed her.

“Alpha Kaiden shouldn't be with her. She doesn't even deserve him.” They danced to the tune of the rumor monger.

“Yeah. He deserves better.”

“She should leave.” 

“That's true. I even heard the council wants to strip her from her Luna position.”

A gasp escaped my lips and they froze.

“Who's there?” They asked, approaching the door.

I reeled back a step, my breath caught in my throat and tears stinging my eyes. What had I just heard? They were trying to get rid of me.

Just as I kept moving, I hit a wall and my blood chilled.

“Your Highness?” The masculine voice said and I dared not look back. I'd recognize that voice anywhere. It was Eric, a senior member of the pack council.

The door to the kitchen creaked open and they found me - their eyes circled in shock, their mouth agape. 

The trio quickly bowed their heads, chorusing in fear. “Y - Your Highness.”

I fisted my gown at my sides. There were words in my mouth but I couldn't speak. 

“Leave us. Her Highness and I have something important to discuss.” Eric's stern voice sent a chill down my spine and I swallowed hard.

“Yes, sir.” The girls scurried out of the room without sparing us a backward glance. 

He came out from behind me and stood in front, practically towering over me. 

“You overheard them, right?” his lips curled into a smile.

I bit down on my bottom lip, fighting back a scoff. Eric had been looking for a way to get on my nerves and I'm afraid he has succeeded.