Chapter 5 You Don't Even Love Her.

Kaelen.

I entered the Alpha's chamber and took a deep breath. I didn't know what was going to happen, or how I was going to explain my behavior.

He was already seated, seriousness all over his face. I had never seen him smile.

My ears twitched toward the door behind me, and I turned.

Curious.

It felt as if I could hear every heartbeat in the courtyard, behind that closed door.

Every frightened breath.

Every paw scraping against the ground.

And then, a particular heartbeat stood out with Morwen's scent. It resonated above everything else.

Slow.

Terrified.

Before I had time to think it through, a subtle knock came from that door.

An entire troop of Gammas entered, escorting Morwen in.

When she got closer, I looked at her. It felt as if I could hear the turmoil inside her. She cast one simple glance at me and looked away almost immediately.

“You two must have figured out why I summoned you here” Father cleared his throat and I quickly broke free from my daze.

“Since this pack was founded. We have upheld the sacred vow of one husband and one wife. But tonight under the blue moon—”

He paused and I felt his eyes ripping straight for my soul. “Under the blue moon, you claimed the controversial whore as a mate.”

Something heavier than disappointment moved inside me. Something that feels wrong about him calling Morwen a controversial whore.

“I need to curb this before it escalates.” He continued like a God laying judgement.

“Kaelen! Morwen! You have to reject each other right now. Does anyone have a problem with it?”

“I don't have a problem with it”

I heard Morwen yield impatiently, like she had been waiting for that suggestion.

A cold snort came from my father and I realized they were waiting for me. I just turned and faced Morwen.

Standing straight.

“I, Kaelen Thorne—”

The words choked me. I cleared my throat and began again. “I Kaelen Thorne—”

I turned to my father and shook my head. The words were there. I knew them. To cut a long story short every wolf knew them, even cubs.

All I had to do was finish the sentence. My mouth refused to cooperate. It felt as though something had wrapped around my throat, squeezing tighter every time I tried to force the words out.

“How about she go first?”

……

Morwen

“I, Morwen of Thrall ancestry—"

The rest of the words got swallowed down my throat.

‘Try all you can’

Veyra mocked, throwing a grip over my voice cord.

I swallowed once and tried again, this time more vehemently yet the word still refused to come out.

‘You seem to be doing an excellent job’

“Shut up”

I rebuked her, but the word slipped louder than I had intended.

“Who is that for?”

Alpha Brannock's expression shifted imperceptibly. His Alpha authority pressed through the words with enough force that made my skin prickle.

“Forgive me Alpha” I cowered on the floor, “My mouth isn't just co-operating with me.”

“Same here”

Sir Kaelen throated with the calm certainty he used for everything since I knew him. “That's why I asked that she go first.”

The Alpha stared at us for a while before letting out a sigh. “Return to your quarters. I will get back to you.”

I bowed once and straightened. Turning at the same time as Sir Kaelen. We barely crossed half the room when Alpha Brannock echoed an order.

“Stop”

Veyra prowled softly, but I pushed her down before her possessiveness slipped into my expression. My pressure must have shown because Sir Kaelen gaze flickered to my face as though hoping to catch something hidden.

Did he also feel Veyra possessiveness? Something hot and indignant flared in my chest but I brushed it off and turned towards the Alpha.

“Girl, you're not needed anymore”

Alpha Brannock looked at me with smoldering eyes.

I turned once and resumed walking, though Veyra remained focused behind us.

‘Too far’

‘Don’t even think of it. Alpha's order.’

The distinction meant nothing to Veyra, but I continued until I was out of the door.

I crossed the open corridor and suddenly a hand grabbed me from behind one of the statues. Another closed in over my mouth.

I turned defensively and it was. Leoric.

“You—”

“Come with me, we need to talk” he cut me off, his eyes darting around every corner.

I stood perfectly still, spine straight. Inside, my pulse thundered. Memories from the ceremony rushed back in waves.

He started pulling away when faint footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.

“Not tonight.”

My jaw tightened as I pulled away from his grip. I had seen and experienced his betrayal.

“No more hiding. Say whatever you need to say here”

His expression turned composed, but the spark in it thinned into something more watchful.

“Morwen?”

He called, his eyes locked on me with an intensity that burned. Veyra pressed against me. Angry and agitated.

‘Don’t fall for it’

“After what happened at my coronation” he flexed his jaw. “I know I have a lot to explain. I owe it to you.”

“How convenient”

His eyebrows rose. “That may be the most childish thing I've ever heard from you. Look. Morwen, I'm trying to prevent someone from being hurt here.”

“Elara?”

Leoric's expression tightened slightly, but the damage was done. And I only realized how Elara’s name affected him after it was too late.

“Elara is temporary. Do you hear that?”

I studied him for a while. Yes I was thinking several things but Leoric only showed this reaction whenever he's trying hard to prove something and nobody is listening.

‘Pathetic liar’

‘He must have his reasons.’

'Still stay away from him'

Veyra isn't really pleased with his presence. She surged so hard that my chest ached. I braced one hand against the statue and forced her down.

“Let's go”

I followed him down to the store room, not just because he convinced me, but because I also want to make it painfully clear to Veyra that I'm still in charge of my decision.

“What do you mean by Elara is temporary?”

My question struck him even before he fully closed the door.

He rubbed a hand over his face and took several steps farther into the room.

“She's my key to taking over the throne.”

The bluntness of his reply startled me. I had known Leoric would have to explain why he humiliated me at his coronation.

But

I had not expected him to hand Elara so quickly. I should have been relieved. Instead a sour ache formed beneath my ribs.

“You don't even love her?”