CHAPTER 15

Darius.

There was a cacophony of noise coming out from the gym room on my way back to the palace. Usually, I don’t intervene as my presence may be awkward or dampen the mood. Meanwhile, the noise intensified so much I couldn’t ignore any longer. My wolf grunted as we approached closer. The soldiers were so into the excitement that they didn’t even realize my arrival. 

My beta Cameron tried to alert them but I gestured him to be quiet. “Shh” I placed my finger on my lips for him to keep mute. I quietly walked behind them to see what the fuss was all about. Raven has just taken down one of my biggest warriors without any hassle.

“He didn’t see her coming.” I muttered to myself. I had a broad smile of my face feeling impressed on my strongest warrior Raven. She fought beside me as me second-in-command in various battles and instilled an element of fear both in our enemies and also fellow soldiers as someone who wasn’t to be trifled with. There was a sense of confidence I had when she was around, she always remained loyal and ready to act on my every order. Apart from my beta, she was the second person I trusted in my army the most. She  became more like a younger sister to me.

“Aurora step forward…” My breath was caught in my throat. I haven’t seen her for days, but I was informed she recovered swiftly and was already on her feet. Yet, seeing her smooth porcelain skin ignited a passion within from my wolf. It huffed and scowled as I watched her in sport gear which accentuated her figure. I fantasized on various ways I can claim her as my mate, but I managed to calm my wolf down barely.

I snapped back quickly to see Raven teaching Aurora on a defence stance which was done without any hassle. My eyes widened in shock, I watched raven trying to unbalance her. Surprisingly, she didn’t seem to budge. For a lady without a wolf, she was like a twig compared to Raven. Yet, she held her own to the best of her strength.

“That’s impressive.” I mumbled to myself. The frenzy were dwindling down, while some of the soldiers froze seeing me in their midst. I also signaled them to be quiet.

Eventually, my wolf grew restless that I could no longer restrain it. My skin felt like it was burning up. I knew the only way to appease my wolf was I got close to her.

“What about me?” I asked in a sarcastic tone. The whole hall gasped at my sudden pronouncement. Both Raven and Aurora widened their eyes in shock. As alpha, no one will dare challenge me except to the right to rule. Any spar was considered lethal. It’s been ages since I stepped on the training mat. I used it to train before I came alpha, so there was no more need to appear there especially since the soldiers used it for practice.

Cameron tried to halt my movement. “Alpha-” He nervously called. I knew exactly what he was trying to avoid. It will be an unfair challenge to Aurora since she’s without wolf. She also just barely recovered from a gruesome attack. I have to be careful not to use my full strength with her.

I signaled both to Cameron and Raven not to alarmed as I approached the center of the mat. A wide space was made as soon as I walked through to enter the group. To my surprise, Aurora’s eyes flickered with joy as I moved closer to her. Each step made my wolf growled deeper. My heart beat paced faster as I closed the gap with her.

“Try your best to take me down, I promise to go easy on you..” I taunted her standing upright. Aurora had a cheeky smile on her face as she readied herself which an impressive stance. Raven slowly stepped back, with a smug on her face. At first, I thought my challenge will intimidate Aurora, but I saw defiance in her eyes which I had never seen before. Like, she has been waiting for this opportunity. 

Quickly, she moved swiftly towards me, she wrapped her arms around me and tried to push me back. My wolf scuffed on her attempt, her push became more intense, even though I barely moved an inch, I could feel some sense of strength from her. The type of strength only a fierce she-wolf will have. I had to apply some resistance just to appear immovable. It was only Raven who caught up to it, she had a puzzled look on her face. But, she snapped back to reality quickly. After several minutes, Aurora finally let go off me with exasperation.

“I give up…you win.” She said with a tired voice. The soldiers cheered for me in admiration. I nodded to them and signaled for them to carry on with their exercise. I could her cold gaze watching my retreating figure which gave my wolf a satisfying feeling. I proceeded to my bedroom chambers.

Later in the day, just as the sun was finally setting. I heard a knock on my door. 

“Tap.”

I yelled for the person to enter, a familiar figure stood at the door.

“My Alpha, I wanted to formally congratulate you on your win on the mat. And also, formally apologize was my reckless behaviour which made you..your pack to worry. It wont happen again.” Aurora said in a calm voice. She wore a flowery gown accentuated her curves nicely. I regained my composure quickly.

“No need to apologize, you can call me Darius when we are alone. There is no need to be so formal.” I replied back. Her facial expression morphed from happiness to sadness immediately which piqued the curiosity of both me and my wolf.

“What’s the matter Aurora?” I asked in a befuddled look. She took a weary sigh before she spoke back.

“My Alpha…Darius, I’m scared if my attackers will come back again for me.” She replied in a hoarse voice. My wolf whimpered at her sadness. A wave of guilt washed over me as I failed to protect her in my own kingdom. After a brief investigation, I deduced a rivaled gang wanted to hurt her. But, I wasn’t sure who yet.

“I will definitely get to the bottom of it, but I promise no harm will reach you again.” I replied in a re-assuring voice. She met my gaze with a cheerful smile which brought relief to my wolf.