Chapter 2
Strange Emotions
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POV: Shea Vestine
Everyone in the pack was trying their best to clean their garden as well as their own home – dressing up to their best, or they might be trying to impress the King instead.
But no matter what they were doing now, Shea felt like she was terribly nervous about facing the King. It was two days before her birthday, and she didn’t want to die in the hands of a horrible and wicked King. She was hoping that it wasn’t the case, though.
She heard from Carrie that the Hill Clan was being held prisoner in their own house, and they weren’t allowed to go out – not until this day. Lexi, too, was taken aback when she heard it and promptly locked herself in her room.
It was a blessing in disguise for her anyway. She had a lot of things to do. She was just grateful – well, a bit – because the Alpha’s family were asked not to communicate to anyone, even to the servant omegas like her.
With that, she was spared by Connor’s mockeries – even for that day. She heaved a deep sigh as she was choosing her own dress to welcome the King – and the newly assigned Alpha, which she didn’t know whether it was the truth or not.
She was looking at herself absentmindedly in the mirror when a loud knock from her door brought her back to reality.
“Shea, are you done?”
It was her mother who was calling her. She instantly opened the door for her. Sandra looked at her from head to toe. She saw the love and gentleness in her mother’s eyes.
“Mother, what is it?” She softly asked her.
Sandra swallowed hard as she tried to compose herself. She smiled at her mother’s reaction.
“You looked stunningly beautiful, my daughter.” Sandra gently said, as she moved towards her and held her head.
She was wearing her floral purple and white sundress that reached her knees. It emphasized her fair white skin. She paired it with a white slip-on strappy sandal. She braided half of her long dark chocolate-colored hair into a bun, letting some strands fall freely at the sides of her head. She wasn’t wearing any of the make-up except face powder and a cherry lip balm.
“Thank you, Mother.” She replied and gave her a small smile.
“You are so beautiful, too.” She honestly added.
Her mother was truly an epitome of beauty, regardless of her age. She still looked so gorgeous. She was wearing a simple midnight blue chemise dress that reached under her knees. She matched it with a simple black slip-on shoe. Her ash blonde curly hair was now tied into a high messy bun. She was wearing light pink lipstick and a natural light-colored blush on, to just give color to her pale face.
“Are you ready?” Her mother’s soft voice was making her feel at ease, but knowing what might happen later, she couldn’t find the real peace inside her.
Shea held her mother’s hands.
“M-Mother…” She nervously called her.
Her mother looked at her with the unspoken question plastered on her face.
“Uhmm…” She opened her mouth, but she couldn’t speak the words that were running through her mind.
She closed her lips and opened them again – but she couldn’t really find the right words. She just smiled at her mother.
“Uhm, nothing, Mother. Are we going now?” She carefully inquired.
Sandra heaved a deep sigh.
“I know that something is bugging you, Shea. What is it?” Her mother simply told her.
It was really true that her mother knew her in every way. She couldn’t even hide her uneasiness and curiosity from her.
Shea mentally let out a deep sigh before looking directly at her mother’s forest green eyes.
“Well, uhm, about that… I am t-thinking about what could possibly happen w-when the K-King arrives.” She nervously asked.
Shea bit her lower lip as she said the question that kept on popping into her mind. Sandra heaved a deep sigh.
“To be honest, I really don’t know, sweetheart. We are just servant omegas, and we aren’t allowed to talk about it, nor to mention any of it, either.” Sandra sadly stated.
Shea felt like her fear was intensifying.
“We are just hoping for the best now.” Sandra added.
Her face was also reflecting worry and nervousness like her.
“Hey, let’s go!”
They both heard Leandro call them. Sandra nodded at her and held her hand before closing her room. They saw Lexi, who was wearing a sexy black bodycon dress that only reached half of her thighs. While her stepfather was wearing his light blue button-down shirt and was tucked into his black pants. He was also dressed formally in his gleaming black shoes.
Lexi’s eft brow shot upwards and smirked mockingly at her. But before she could say anything, they all heard the loud clanking sound of the bell – alerting everyone to gather on the vast lawn near their Alpha’s house.
“They must be almost here. We must go.” Leandro seriously spoke before storming out of the house.
Lexi and her mother followed him. Shea heaved a deep sigh before she finally went out of the house. She immediately closed it and looked at the members of their pack who were gathering in the place where they were asked to wait for the King.
“Shea!” Carrie called her.
But her mind was drifting again because of nervousness. Her palms were already getting cold, and her heart was thumping so fast that it was as if it wanted to go out of its cage.
“Hey!” Carrie placed her arm on her shoulder as they walked towards where their parents were.
“You are really pretty.” Carrie smilingly commented, and she just gave her a small smile.
“You, too.” She replied.
Honestly, it was true. Her best friend was truly beautiful.
She was wearing a simple light blue shirtdress that reached her knees and matched it with the same-colored doll shoes. She let her blonde-colored curly hair flow freely behind her. Like her, she wasn’t wearing any make-up but face powder and lip balm.
Shea remained silent as Carrie started to talk about anything and everything under the sun. She just couldn’t comprehend what she was talking about. Her mind was preoccupied with something else – something about what might possibly happen to them.
“Hey, are you listening to me?” Carrie asked her as they stood beside their parents.
She was about to reply when the loud neighing of the horses resonated near them. It was the King’s royal carriage. She couldn’t believe that he had those. He might really be the Alpha King because having a carriage like this would instantly protect him from any possible attack.
Aside from that, four more carriages were with the royal carriage. She instantly felt the tension, especially when they saw how the sentinels – or the palace guards – opened one of the carriages and carried out a golden throne.
A man with a cold expression and burgundy hair stood in front of the golden throne. He was good-looking, and she would give that to him, but his aura was just so impossible to ignore that it was making her uneasiness grow.
Shea swallowed hard, and the royal carriage opened up.
“Give respect to the Alpha King, King Levi Storm.” His cold voice thundered – giving her a shiver down her spine.
Every one of them bowed their heads. She couldn’t deny how her legs trembled in fear, but she knew that it wasn’t just her – but everyone around her. No one dared to talk nor to create any sound as they felt a man with a glowing aura encircling the entire place.
Shea swallowed hard.
“You may now stand up.” The cold voice of the man with burgundy hair said and they all straightened out.
She bit her lower lip as she saw the man with long blonde hair was sitting on the golden throne. A golden crown was resting on his head, and he looked like a royalty, based on his luxurious clothes.
‘He must be the king.’ Shea mentally guessed.
His face was boredly looking at everyone, but when he saw the Beta of their pack, Beta Wilson, his face suddenly darkened.
Beta Wilson bowed his head to pay his respects before facing the King.
“Where are they?” The King’s low but menacing voice made everyone gasp in silence – including her.
Then, the sentinels followed. With them, were Alpha Conrad and his son, Connor. But what shocked them the most was that they both had bruises all over their faces and bodies. They truly looked awful.
“Y-Your M-Majesty…” Alpha Conrad whispered – fear was visibly heard in his tone of voice.
His tears began to flow from his eyes, but the King was just too merciless that he just smirked at him.
“So, you are the one who dared to break the rules, huh? I must say that you have guts.” King Levi mockingly stated – making the Hill trembled in terror.
He lifted his index finger and looked at the man with burgundy hair. And the sentinels instantly put Alpha Conrad and Connor in one of the carriages that had a prison inside. They were both sobbing uncontrollably.
Shea felt a sudden pity for the two. They might really break the rules and not be good people, but they were still the Alpha of their pack.
“But they must pay the consequences of their actions. That should remind you not to cross the line that I drew, okay?” King Levi ominously stated – making everyone agree with him.
“B-But who will lead the pack now, Your Majesty?” Beta Wilson politely inquired.
Shea mentally heaved a deep sigh. She knew that their Alpha was a bad person, but he was way worse than he was. He was a cunning and sly man who only thought of himself instead of the pack. But no one could ever contradict the King, especially when he finally designates him in the vacant position.
The King suddenly chuckled at the beta’s question and slightly shook his head.
“Why? Are you interested about it?” He mockingly asked.
Beta Wilson swallowed hard but the eagerness to get that power was visibly written all over her face.
“I-If you will grant me the position, Your Majesty, then, who am I to say ‘no.’” He acted so innocent, but Shea wanted to groan in disagreement because of how ungenuine he was.
Even her inner wolf – who was trying to hide inside her because of the fear, agreed with her, too.
“You could’ve said ‘no.’ I might have spared your life.” He mercilessly stated – making everyone gasp in shock.
“Y-Your M-Majesty…” Beta Wilson stammered and swallowed hard.
“You think I am that stupid? You might be the one who told us about your Alpha’s escapades, but I know what you are trying to do.” He wickedly said – making Beta Wilson’s eyes bulge in shock.
And before he could even utter another word, the man with burgundy hair instantly knocked their beta and was left unconscious before carrying him into the prison where Alpha Conrad and Connor were.
“Now, everyone must listen. Your Alpha, his son, and your beta will be executed in the palace after deliberation with the council. In the meantime, let me introduce to you, the new Alpha of your pack.” The King seriously announced.
Shea couldn’t help but to stare at their King, who seemed amused by something. But her eyes widened when she saw that he was staring directly at her!
Her legs instantly trembled and she bowed her head down.
No, it was impossible that he was looking at her. She might be dreaming.
“May I call in the new Alpha of your pack, Denvereaux Thorne.”
Shea felt something strange that her eyes move in front. But what’s more peculiar was her heart suddenly beat so fast the moment she took a glimpse of the man with tall man with a well-tone body and slightly tan skin. His dark brown hair was almost touching his nape. But what caught her attention more was his soulful gray eyes.
Right there and then, Shea felt so drown with her own emotions.
Chapter 24Present***Content Warning: This chapter is not suitable for very young readers. Read at your own risk.***POV: Shea Vestine - ThorneShe groaned as she felt the tickling feeling in her cheeks. It stopped a bit but continued until it reached her neck.It was slowly trying to awaken the burning sensation that was sleeping inside her.But then, when it was her lips that whoever that attacked her – she knew that she wasn’t dreaming.Her eyes instantly opened as she felt a hand holding her waist – a familiar touch that made her body hot.“D-Denver…” She sensually called him in a whisper as she moaned in pleasure – at his hand kneading her mound even though she was still wearing her soft and thin white silky nightdress.His darker shade of gray eyes sparkled amidst the darkness… it mirrored his unadulterated desire.That only made her more and more hot. She felt like she was going to burn all over. Most especially that she could feel him – skin to skin.“I smell you. I didn’t
Chapter 23Wish***POV: Shea Vestine - ThorneShe couldn’t smile, although a feast was already in front of her.Shea knew that she was starving – but she couldn’t find it in herself to crave in eating the food in front of her.She stared at her favorite dishes, which were being served by the servant omegas. She could hear the solemn music created by the musicians with their violins and piano. Rose petals were scattered, and its scent was mixed with the atmosphere – at least, it was making it more soothing. Candles were lit, creating a solemn and cozy environment.Everything happened so fast.And she didn’t know how to deal with it anymore.She mentally let out a deep sigh.It was finally her birthday. It was like it was yesterday since she was hoping for someone to save her from being thrown to the South. It was like yesterday when she fell for Denver. It was like yesterday when she married him. It was like yesterday when everything was just the happiest days of her life – being with
Chapter 22Changed ***POV: Shea Vestine - Thorne“Just tell me what happened to him?” She demanded as her voice turned to a higher pitch.Tristan heaved a deep sigh. He quickly went to the palace at King Levi’s command. She believed that it was related to Denver. She wanted to come, but she needed to meet with her mother and Carrie.“He is with the King, Miss.” Tristan courteously replied.Her inner wolf was becoming so restless inside her that she grunted at his obvious lie.She knew that something was happening, and she wanted to know the truth. She had all the right to know about what happened to Denver. She was just so worried already.“Please, I want to know what the hell is happening.” She sincerely pleaded – for she wanted answers and no other sugarcoating words.Tristan couldn’t look at her in the eyes. She swallowed hard as her eyes moistened in tears because of the frustration that she was feeling. She felt so helpless, and she didn’t want this kind of feeling.She had fel
Chapter 21Awakening***POV: Denvereaux Thorne“After running away from the other day and not finishing the meeting, you are indeed a cunning and courageous man for coming here today.” Levi raised his left eyebrow as he crossed his legs and gave him a sarcastic look.Denver just smirked at him – not bothered by the seriousness of his voice.It was as if it was new to him – but it wasn’t. He was already used to his sarcasm, and he didn’t care… at all. As if he would scare him out of his wits just because of the way he talks to him.He mentally scoffed at that thought.“Come on, it isn’t as if it is just for my sake.” He slightly shook his head – like he was amused at what his cousin was playing at right now.This time, he couldn’t stop himself from raising his left brow. He knew what he was trying to do now. He was surely trying so hard to manipulate him – but unluckily he knew him better.Besides, he couldn’t be Levi Storm if he wasn’t like this.A playful and sly man – if he wanted
Chapter 20Grave***POV: Shea Vestine - Thorne“Are you sure you will be fine?” Denver worriedly asked her.She felt a pang of pain in her heart. She wanted her husband to go with her on that very special day, but she also knew that she couldn’t stop him from going somewhere else – most especially that it was the King’s order for him to go to the palace.How could she refuse and begged him not to go?She knew that this was the only thing that she could do to be able to help him.Even if that meant that she had to sacrifice some of those special days with Denver – she would still do it.Shea just gave him a small smile before nodding her head – assuring him.She didn’t want him to be torn – whether to go or not. She didn’t want him to be put in an uncomfortable position.“Yea
Chapter 19Best Friend***POV: Shea Vestine - ThorneCarrie rolled her eyes for the nth time as she took a swift glance at Tristan, who was standing near them – watching her.Her forehead creased because of her best friend’s strange reaction towards the beta.Carrie then nudged her with her elbow.“What the heck is he doing here? This is supposed to be our girl’s night out.” Her voice was laced with both annoyance and anger – and she didn’t understand where it was coming from.Shea let out a deep sigh – as she stared at her best friend intensely.“Why is there a problem?” She curiously asked.Carrie blew a deep and exaggerated sigh before throwing a swift glance at Tristan again and rolling her eyes.Shea was becoming more and more curious of her reaction. It seemed like…However, that might be too advance of her.“You know what, Shea, you are already married and all, but still as innocent as a baby. I hate to say this, but is he a girl to you? Why do you have to bring him here?” Car