Chapter 1 - The Rogue King

Alina's Pov: 

Rule number one for anyone who came in contact with the Raven Fang Pack— Never humiliate the Alpha. 

Rule number two? 

If you do, don't remain around to get caught. 

If you get caught, you might as well just end your life with your hands. 

The procession was going on well as planned. Everything had already been put in place to welcome our foreign guests. 

The elders and all the important ministers were seated, and silent discussions were going on between them. 

The music players stood ready at the left corner of the room, ready to sing praises of the Rogue king whose carriage was only a few meters away. 

But the more he drew closer, the more my heartbeat rate spiked. 

Where was Claire at this very important time? This wasn't the perfect time to start putting on heavy makeup. 

I looked around. It seemed I was the only one bothered about the disappearance of the would-be Bride of the Rogue king. Was there some kind of memo that I didn't get? 

Even Darius, my mate and soon-to-be Alpha was nowhere to be found. Having the Rogue Alpha here was enough to scare the hell out of me and I needed him by my side. 

If Claire didn't show up, the Alpha would likely declare war on our pack, after all the effort we put into making sure he didn't burn down our last rice barn. 

My eyes darted to my father. 

He was calm, in a dangerous way. It was almost as though he was ready to declare war on the Alpha if he ever went near his precious daughter. 

Claire's mother, who was seated beside my father, fanned herself with eloquence. Since servants weren't allowed in the hall, she had to take care of herself. 

I wanted to ask her about the whereabouts of Claire but I refrained from doing so when I saw how displeased the woman looked. Besides, what mother would be happy marrying off her daughter to a man who was widely known as a killing machine? 

I looked down at the red carpet, my heart racing. For a moment there, I thought I was going to pass out from anxiety. 

Claire not showing up meant she was dishonoring the Alpha King. I heard he was a man of very thin patience and could snap someone's neck in the blink of an eye. He even killed his own father, so who are we that he wouldn't destroy in minutes? 

The carriage drew closer and closer, until it stopped in front of the hall. Immediately, the band started their sweet but solemn music. Guards were situated in pairs in front of the hall, all saluting to the Alpha. 

I pushed back my fear and clasped the sides of my dress. As soon as the Alpha King stepped down from his carriage, I curtsied. As a Princess Royal, I wasn't supposed to bow to anyone but this was the Rogue King. I would do anything to save my pack from further destruction. 

Unlike some people...

With my gaze still on the carpet, a pair of shiny black boots stopped by my side.

For a second, I forgot how to breathe. I was standing beside the most feared man in history. The one and only Alpha Kain Draven. 

"Welcome, Alpha Kain Draven of the Raven Fang Pack. It's a pleasure to host you in our pack." 

I could feel my sweaty palms slipping off my silk dress. I was too scared to look up. 

"Look at me," I heard his rough voice. 

Oh no! Did I say something wrong?

I didn't realize how heavy my head felt until I tried to raise it. When I finally looked up, I met his eyes. They shone like glass, glistening under the sun. I only caught a glimpse of them before he looked away. 

“I'm sorry for being rude.” My gaze fell to the ground. His appearance was different from the rumors that had been circulating around our community and beyond.

I thought he would have red eyes like a vampire and dirty fangs and very dark lips because he breathes fire —allegedly. 

Nothing prepared me for the handsome light-skinned, hot demigod in front of me. And he knew he was fine because he exuded so much arrogance that it made me want to vomit. 

He ignored my apology like it was nothing. 

“And my bride?” He asked, his voice gruff as though he wanted to get things done immediately and leave. Too bad, the wedding would take place in three days as per our tradition. There was no escaping that. 

“She’ll be here any moment now, Alpha.” I carefully answered. He was already on the edge. I didn’t want to tip him over with a careless answer. 

As he walked inside the hall with his personal guard, everyone stood up to welcome him. 

The weight of his presence was telling on me. I couldn’t stand in his presence without looking for ways to escape. And I could tell I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. 

He was led to his seat while his personal attendant sat beside him. When our eyes met, he winked.

Charming, yes. But no thanks, I love my mate. 

Speaking of him, I hadn’t seen him all day. He promised to be with me. And now, both he and Claire were missing from the ceremony. 

“Can we just get this over with already?” Alpha Kain groaned. “Why haven’t I seen my bride already? Do you think I’m here to play formalities?!” He wasn’t rash but his voice dripped with danger. I could feel the hairs on my body standing on end. 

“Please, be patient, Alpha. She’ll be here.” Just as one of the elders was responding, a guard came in and announced that Claire was down with an illness and couldn’t come to the introduction ceremony. 

Alpha Kain stood up abruptly and started heading for the exit. I ran after him, hoping to pacify him and then take him to the quarters I had personally prepared for him, since Claire refused to do it. 

He stopped only when he was near his carriage. 

“You lied to me.” He simply said. In a split second, he turned and grabbed my chin, his fingers digging into my jaw. 

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I felt paralyzed. I couldn’t even stop him from hurting me. 

“I hate lies, Princess. I don’t even know what’s stopping me from ripping you apart.” He growled, his breath fanning my face. Our faces were only inches apart. 

“I’ll be out again in three days, and I’m not leaving here without a bride. If you want to play coy with me and waste my time, fine. Two can play.” 

He let go of me, causing me to stagger backwards. 

Feeling annoyed, I waltzed into the house to confront Claire about her misconduct. Why did she wait until the last minute to say she was sick? 

“I don’t want to marry that monster, Darius.” It came with sobs. 

“I know and I won’t let that happen. Not when I’m still alive.” 

Was I hearing clearly or was that Darius, my mate, and my stepsister Claire?