AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I believe him. I feel it deep in my soul that what he says is what will happen. He’ll fight for it. He will fight for me.
“I always thought that I was cursed. That I was unlucky. I had no idea that all those things had to happen to bring me to you and your brothers.” I rub my fingers over his cheeks, cupping his face between my palms.
“Except for Wilder.” Enzo beams with a smile, his face lighting up once more.
“He just needs a little punishment. A little push. I don’t think he’s a bad guy anymore. I know what it’s like to have a duty to fulfill and not really getting a say in anything.” Am I defending Wilder to his brother? Maybe. But I know that Enzo appreciates it. He might be annoyed with his brother, but he does love him. They are a pack, and they do have plans to change everything.
Even me.
“I can’t fucking wait. I’ll help you. I already know he’s going crazy that he couldn’t spend more time with you and that you abandoned him to hang out with Holly. All he wanted to do was hold you and show you what he was capable of. But he knows that he has to earn the chance.” Enzo lifts me higher, cuddling me and hugging me. “I think he’ll be capable. We just have to make it hell on him until then.”
I nod my head. “Gladly. I mean, if we can even make it out of this lunch thing. You need to tell me more about your father. About betas here.”
Enzo nuzzles his nose to mine, kissing me. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly. I’ll protect you. Always.”
I rub my hands down the tight satin dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places and accentuates my cleavage. I didn’t expect to have to wear a gown, but I guess that everyone always must dress up in the presence of King Winston. Which is funny, considering that he just saw me in a towel.
My hair hangs over my shoulders, and I push it back, showing off my throat. I know that the guys like it, and I can’t help wanting to tease their nature. I’ve taken a second suppressant pill just to be safe, because the last thing I need is for the king to suddenly realize that I’m an omega in his presence. If that were to happen? I’d be fucking screwed. Enzo would try to murder him, which wouldn’t go over too well with the others, considering they have a plan.
If only I wasn’t growing impatient. It hasn’t been long, but I just want to know exactly what to expect. I need to be prepared for everything. Like today? I hated being thrown off, and now I’m nervous as hell as Enzo escorts me into a grand dining room.
A sparkling chandelier glows overhead, casting fractals of light prisms through the crystals, and rainbows pepper the taupe wallpaper. The warm, dark wooden table expands to accommodate at least fifty people, and I question whether so many people have ever even sat here. The king looks tiny, sitting at the head of the table, especially with Wilder positioned straight-backed in the chair to his right with Arsenio and Desmond to his left.
All four of them look at me, and I try to keep my gaze averted, so I don’t risk meeting King Winston’s brown eyes. They all must take after their mother with their features.
I can feel the heat of the king’s gaze penetrating my skin, prickling the hairs on my arms. His order might not set mine off, but he’s undeniably an alpha—one who gives me more attention than I want. I don’t know what kind of dirty thoughts go through his head, but I know that he must think something. Enzo said that he’s known to sleep around with all the women in his fortress, and he wouldn’t put it past him to try to hit on me. And no one denies the king.
So gross. But also, Enzo swore that he would protect me. They will not let their dad do anything to jeopardize my health and safety. Physically and mentally.
“My baby boy. It’s nice of you to finally join us. I suspect you decided to have just a bit more fun, am I right?” The king chuckles and whacks Wilder on the shoulder, trying to get under his skin with his words. “At least one of you knows how to relax and have fun.”
Wilder remains expressionless, composed and refusing to take the king’s bait. I appreciate his ability to remain stoic and unfazed. Because if I were in his place, I’d probably punch him. I’d end up losing my hand or some shit. I don’t know what kind of consequences there are for punching a king. Maybe death.
Damn, I have to get these thoughts out of my head. Murder shouldn’t be a part of my fantasy. I’m totally fucked up.
“You know it, Dad. I wanted to also pick out the perfect dress for her. You know, practicing.” Enzo wags his eyebrows, acting the part of a bachelor alpha, egging his father on unlike his brothers. And he’s known for it. He admitted as much, but I don’t need any of the details. He didn’t ask any more about mine either. Which is fine.
King Winston claps his hands, chuckling, and a server in a bow-tie struts in from the back arched doorway and crosses the room, carrying a silver tray. Three others join them, and I watch as the three guys and the one woman, all betas, set up a meal on the table. They pour everyone a glass of wine, and one of the men holds out a chair for me, not next to Enzo but a couple of seats away. It’s obvious that I am not worthy enough to be dining so close in the presence of royalty.
I feel like crap.
Enzo quickly gets up, pulls out the chair next to him, and walks to me before tugging me along to sit me down beside him, defying whatever expectations the staff thought of me. I swallow and remain stiff and quiet, afraid to even look around. I don’t want to see what King Winston thinks about the whole situation, but I hear Wilder grumble under his breath about being disrespectful.
“My eldest son, do I hear jealousy in your voice? You know, you’re not bound to be virginal during this time. I’m sure your brother will happily share the beta with you.” King Winston leans on his elbows, not bothering with etiquette.
Wilder groans again, grabbing his glass of wine and downing the whole thing.
Enzo lifts his glass and tips it toward his father, offering him a silent cheers. He then proceeds to hand me mine, and we clink ours together as if this is just a normal part of the day.
One glass turns into two, and I zone out, my head spinning. I don’t drink alcohol very often, and I haven’t been able to afford it over the last year or so, and now I’m regretting busying myself by sipping the red liquid.
“So, you’re absolutely sure it was a threat from the Gutter District?” King Winston asks, his face greasy from eating a piece of chicken with his fingers.
“Was either of them someone from Platinum Shores? They have been caught traveling our roads to get in and out. I think they are either trafficking omegas or drugs for Calico Proper. We’re not exactly sure. We don’t have the evidence to back us up, but I have a couple sources that have offered surveillance as proof. We just need to pay them.” Wilder keeps his voice low, though the softness of his tone does nothing for my suddenly racing heart.
“How much? You tell him what happens to them if it turns out to be unreliable? I don’t take these sorts of threats lightly.” King Winston drops his half-eaten wing on his plate. He picks up his fork and clinks it into his massive pile of steamed vegetables.
I nearly knock my wine glass over as I try to take another sip. It’s as if he might’ve forgotten I was here, because his attention zones in on me, and he doesn’t continue right away.
