Fated is overrated

Lola POV

The last few days have gone by in a blur. Zeke and Zane have left after I last saw them. I have eaten a little here and there, and have actually left my room for a bit each day. Drake, or should I say dad, and Damon have been with me every day for as long as I could muster the strength. They have showed me around the castle and told me about their lives thus far, and we have even begun training. It's good to keep my mind off of things, and I really need to start training Justice as well. I have really grown to appreciate both of them in the short amount of time already.

They have both been extremely patient and kind with me. Damon even asked me to attend some clubs with him and his friends in the future, and I like the fact that he is trying to include me in his life. I have even went to the dining hall to eat a few times, although that was quite overwhelming at first.

Not a single person there wasn't either gawking at me or talking about me. My father formally introduced me the first time I joined and everybody welcomed me, but I can tell many of them are wary of me and Justice.

Although they probably wouldn't ever say it aloud, as my father has made it abundantly clear in his speech that he will not tolerate any negative energy around or towards me. Bless him for trying. I am an outcast everywhere I go though, it is not his fault. Today is the day of the Alpha meeting already and although I am reluctant, I agreed to coming for my father's sake, as it means a lot to him. I am wearing a black form fitting dress with a straight neckline and a split in the middle.

The dress reaches my knees and has a split at the bottom in the middle as well. Damon had a hand in picking out my wardrobe, and I can't help but wonder what he is trying to reach.

Aren't brothers usually opposed to their sister dressing sexy and showing skin? My entire wardrobe here seems to suggest otherwise.

Everything is pretty revealing and I can't wait to go shopping for some comfortable clothes myself. Dad, Damon and I have gathered together outside the meeting room, and my palms are sweaty in anticipation already.

As I saunter into the room behind my dad, Damon following close behind me, I see a hall filled with bulky looking males and for some of them, their companions.

There must be about 40 Alphas here. I am getting a lot of curious and confused looks, as it's clear I'm not Damon's mate, since I am walking ahead of him. I have to admit I am shaking with nervousness, I don't do well with a lot of attention on me. Something I may have to get used to from now on. But, I hold my head up high and keep a stoic expression.

My girls and I have hidden our scent as we always do, because we want to know what these Alphas are really like. It takes true good people to be kind and respectful even when they think you are harmless, rather than only falling in line because they fear you.

If I am to lead the kingdom, I need to know who I can trust and who will overthrow me the first chance they get. I told my dad about my "plan" for that, and he has agreed to play along and let me handle it as I see fit. I'm grateful for that. It will be quite the spectacle as it is as there are no female Alphas, just like in the Lycan kingdom, let alone a Queen to rule herself - it's unprecedented.

And it will surely face some rebellion, which is why I'm not showing my hand until after I have figured out who is trustworthy.

There is an elevated podium with the main throne on top and two smaller thrones on the side, where Damon and I take our seats as dad addresses the crowd.

'Relax sis, you'll do great' Damon sounds in my head. Despite our rocky start, we are getting along great now. I smile at him and wink, 'Thanks, baby bro.' I have come to learn very quickly that he hates it when I call him that. Which is exactly my reason for doing it. He grimaces at my reply and I can't help but smirk. "Welcome all and thank you for joining us tonight. This is a very, very special occasion and an imperative moment for our kingdom" my dad booms out, with his arms spread wide and a big smile on his face. He turns his front to me and holds out his hand for me to join him by his side. As I do, he continues his speech "as many of you might know, I have lost my wife 20 years ago. It was believed my firstborn had also perished that day, but the flame god had other plans. To my absolute joy, I have found my long-lost daughter after 20 long years!". The room erupts in gasps and some cheers, I watch the Alphas intently but discretely, and I already notice a few that don't respond altogether. Some of them look bored, some of them seem angered. Wait until the bomb drops.

"And since she is the rightful heir to the throne, she will take over in due time". There it is. The few cheers fall silent and are replaced with only gasps. For a few seconds the entire hall is silent, until the murmuring starts and I hear a few cuss words here and there, I make a mental note to remember who they were exactly, which I'm sure my dad is doing as well. Then, chaos breaks loose. "She doesn't even have a dragon!" "Blasphemy!"

"How is she fit to lead?". And my personal favorite "how can she lead, she is a woman!". Which is not surprisingly coming from a guy who is so big, he looks like he bathed in steroids. And of course there is a plastic fake-boobs barbie sitting next to him. Surprise, surprise.

The guy has pitch black hair and grey eyes, a sharp jawline and he is admittedly handsome on the outside, but another brainless misogynistic *sshole on the inside. I can feel my dad's anger bubbling, but surprisingly I am still doing ok. Perhaps I am growing and have control of my temper now.

Liberty and Justice snort in my mind, but I pretend not to hear. "Silence! May I remind you all whom you are speaking to" my dad seethes, his eyes becoming pitch black. Steroids stands up to my surprise.

He moves closer and speaks "my king, surely you cannot expect the most powerful kingdom to be led by a woman?

And a dragonless one at that?" he spits as if I am the dirt beneath his shoe. Just as he got closer, I smell the most mouthwatering scent of freshly baked cookies. Oh goddess, no. No, no! You are f*cking kidding me now, right?!