A Final Plea

*Rafe*

“Are you ready?” Percival asks.

The man looks ragged. Whatever he does to make sure I don’t keel over is really taking its toll. For that reason alone, I need to make sure Howard sees the light. I’m afraid Percival is going to die instead of me.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” I admit. I step out of the carriage as it rolls to a stop in front of Howard’s very luxurious looking home.

Karl is there to greet me with a wide smile and a warm arm clasp. “Rafe. You look like shit.”

“Thanks,” I reply with a laugh. “You look great.”

Howard stands off to the side, eyeing me contemptuously.

We are already off to a bad start, it would seem. “Alpha King Howard,” I say with a slight nod.

“King Rafe.” He responds coolly. “Shall we retire to the conference room? It seems we have a lot to discuss.”

“Where is Ainslee?” I ask.

“In her bedroom. Lying down. I didn’t think she needed to be here for this,” he replies.

My heart thumps in my chest, screaming to tear past the two Alpha Kings and find he