Chapter 3

Charlotte.

His chambers felt like a sanctuary after the horror of the council hall. I sank into one of the leather chairs by the fireplace, my hands shaking as the adrenaline finally hit me.

The image of Elder Vale's execution kept replaying in my mind. In my previous life, I had been powerless to stop any of it. But now, watching Jeffery's brutal display of authority, I realized something important: this man would protect what was his. And now, I was his.

"Why did you do that?" I asked quietly.

Jeffrey poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. His movements were controlled, but I could sense the rage still simmering beneath the surface.

"Emmalaine deserves to mourn for everything she's done to you. As for her father, he's been disrespectful for far too long. He had it coming."

"But to execute him in front of everyone..."

"I am the Alpha King of the Crystal Moon Pack," he said, turning to face me. "My authority cannot be questioned. If I show weakness, if I allow anyone to defy me, it opens the door for others to do the same. The pack structure would collapse."

He knelt in front of my chair and took my hands in his. The mate bond flared at the contact, sending warmth shooting up my arms.

"As long as I live, I will never let anyone treat you as anything less than you deserve. Do you understand that?"

I nodded, though my throat felt tight. In my previous life, I had been so powerless, so naive. But now, with Jeffrey's's protection and the authority that came with being his mate, I finally had the tools I needed to fight back.

To save my mother.

To destroy my enemies.

To claim my rightful place.

The way the king was looking at me made me become very still.

I edged my shoulder against the chair. His riveted gaze made me forget all that was troubling my mind.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly.

We were strangers, but the moment was magical and deeply intimate, and he compelled obedience. I obeyed. I sat very still, almost afraid to move, the thick, hot air wrapped around us like wet, crushed velvet. Everything seemed to have stopped, frozen in time: the air, the crickets, my heart. 

The air was very sticky, and a wet heat seemed to have risen all over my skin. There was a shortness to my breathing, making it difficult to fill my lungs, and I became aware of the strange tension, throbbing between us, mesmerizing me. 

“Don't be afraid.” He said softly. “I won't let anyone hurt. I will wage war with hell just to protect you.”

My heart stopped. He was so close, and his eyes commanded that I look at them. There was fire there, like the fire running through my veins. At this point I didn’t see the devil they all painted him to be, all I saw was my mate. I looked at his mouth, sensually sculpted, parted slightly, and I felt an insane desire to kiss him. Taste him. Claim him. I was already losing control of my wolf, as she longed for the one thing that was hers.

Before I could do the one thing on my mind, there was a sharp rapping on the door. “My king, we have a report from the borders and your attention is needed.”

****

That night, I couldn't sleep. After the king had left, images of Emmalaine’s dead father haunted me. I knew it wasn't my fault, but then this was all happening so fast. I need to come up with a plan to eliminate Emmalaine quickly, before she eliminates me for good. But what could I do? I need a good plan if I must get Emmalaine out of the picture.

I had been sitting in bed; now I tossed the sheet aside and threw my feet on the floor. I needed air, needed to clear my head before the memories of my past life overwhelmed me completely.

The palace gardens were quiet, moonlight filtering through the ancient oak trees. I was so lost in thought that I almost missed Emmalaine sitting by the fountain.

She looked broken, her expensive dress torn and dirty, her hair hanging in matted strands around her face. But when she saw me approaching, her eyes flashed with that familiar hatred.

"Come to gloat?" she asked, her voice raw from crying.

"I came for some air." I kept my distance, knowing how dangerous she could be even in grief.

"You killed him." She stood up slowly, swaying on her feet. "My father is dead because of you."

"Your father is dead because he challenged the Alpha King. That was his choice."

She laughed, but it sounded more like a sob. "His choice? He was trying to protect me! He was trying to save this pack from making a terrible mistake! And you, all because you're jealous of me you had to ruin everything.”

I bit back a bitter laugh. “Jealous of you?” I took a few steps forward. “Look at you, what is there to be jealous of? Your fake plastic butt? Or your face that's injected with all the Botox in the pack? Oh please, get down from your high horse! You've lost everything! And guess who took it from you, me. Deal with it! Your weak, desperate Omega surrogate, is now your Luna.”

Emmalaine was already fuming with rage, she staggered towards me with so much hatred in her eyes as she muttered. “Trust me, I will put you back where you belong. I brought you into this palace, and I promise to take you out myself.”

I rolled my eyes and let out a scoff. “Wake up Emmalaine, that girl is dead! The girl that you can manipulate, use and discard is dead. This one in front of you, is your nemesis.” I said with contempt.

Before she could respond, footsteps approached from behind me. Beta Jackson emerged from one of the hallways, his expression serious.

"Miss Charlotte," he said, nodding respectfully. "I need to speak with you. It's very urgent.”