Protect Me, Alpha King

"Tell me something about that woman," I pressed, not wanting to be left behind. "It's too late to retreat, Nora. You already mentioned the name of someone who shouldn't be named. If you won't tell me, 1 will inform the alpha king that you spread gossip about the woman,” I threatened. I wouldn't tell the alpha king about what Nora did, but using it to gain some information would be a great help.

Nora's breathing accelerated. I felt sorry for what I said, but this was also for my benefit.

"Nora. Tell me what you know."

Nora glanced at each side, on the quiet hallway of the palace, and gulped. Her face went ashen, as she played with her hands mumbling some incoherent words. The only words I was able to decipher were punishment and death.

"I never say anything,” Nora denied, turning her back and walking faster. "Let's not talk about this if you value your life. Even if you are his personal slave, he will not spare you!" One time she looked horrified and the next thing she was laughing as if she had gone mad. "Black Heart. That's what they say is mad."

"Nora!" I said, getting her attention. "Focus on me, will you?"

She faced me, recognized me, and said, "I don't want to die!" she exclaimed, trembling. Her eyes watered. "The alpha king has ears. He knows every movement inside the palace— from the East, West, North, and South wing. Nothing is hidden from him. If he found out that I was talking about that woman, he would order his guards to kill me!" she said with an alarmed look on her face.

"I will not let that happen,” I said, in an attempt to comfort her. "Believe me."

I did not think I had the power to protect her, but I can try.

She laughed and her eyes glinted. "You won't. When the alpha king got mad because of what you did, consider yourself dead.” And Nora ran, losing the dignity she was trying to keep, and went to the alpha king's chamber.

"Nora! There are a lot of things I want to ask!" I said, but the only thing that answered me was the echo of my voice along the eerie silent hallway.

The alpha king was impatiently waiting for Nora and us when we reached the chamber.

He folded his arms in front of his chest, wearing his wardrobe but underneath that fabric, he was nude.

"Your Majesty. Sorry to keep you waiting,” Nora exclaimed, and bowed. Her voice quivered, still shaken at what she had said earlier.

"It's all my fault, Your Majesty. Please don't blame her," I said, grinning and trying to calm the woman beside me.

Poor Nora.

He tapped his foot on the cold floor while looking at Nora and me. The former looked like she will have a heart attack later, while I never let the alpha king know my real emotions.

I continued showing him my smile, hoping it would somewhat remove his anger. Even for a little. "Your Majesty, this is Nora—"

"I know her, River. I know the names of every single one of my slaves.”

"Ow. Impressive, Your Majesty!"

"Don't smile when I am not in the mood."

I cleared my throat, erasing my smile.

"My apologies, Your Majesty."

"What I am wondering is how you manage to make me wait for almost an hour. Why does it take longer for you to return, River? Their quarter is only a couple of minutes of walking.”

Nora and I looked at each other, the former getting paler.

It was because I forced Nora to talk about Zenith. However, I could not tell him about that.

Instead, I said, “It's only twenty minutes, Your—"

He glared at me, making me seal my mouth.

Why? I was only telling him that I watched the time.

It would be better if I would just keep them shut. I acted to seal my mouth

I elbowed Nora, asking her to help me, in hope that the alpha king's annoyance would disappear. The woman glared at me, not realizing what I wanted.

I rolled my eyes. Oh, please.

“Your Majesty,” I said when the other woman was scared to open her mouth.

The alpha king shook his head and said, "You never learn your lesson, do you, River?"

I pretended to be shocked. "I already did learn my lesson, Your Majesty. I only chose the best for you. Someone who would make your bed hotter than hell but would also make your night exciting. Nora is the best job for that.”

"Leave us."

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty?" I asked.

"Why? Do you want to join us, River? Threesome is not new to me."

It was my turn to feel as if I was burning in lava. My cheeks flushed as images of the alpha king writhing in pleasure flashed like lightning in my mind.

I shook my head, erasing those sinful thoughts, and pretended I never thought of those.

I gave my courtesy bow and stepped back. "Thank you, but I don't want to, Your Majesty. Enjoy your night and sex?" I said and before he could say anything, I closed the door between them.

I knew I should sleep now, but my mind wouldn't allow me. I was in the next room, the vacant room next to the alpha king's chamber. This room turned out to be my room, but since the alpha king wanted me to join him in his chamber, this room was vacant.

I craned my neck to the wall, trying my best to listen to what was going on inside the next room. But I was only greeted by silence.

Did the two sleep? Without having any intercourse?

And what does it have to do with you? the other part of me asked.

Nothing. Just plain curiosity? Or perhaps they would talk about something that I could use during my stay here. I needed to survive in the palace, and I will never do that if I continue to be the weak River just like what happened in my previous pack.

Giving up, I fell on the bed. This was not good. Eavesdropping them while they were having sex was too much. Perhaps I should roam around first and perhaps that time, the two would be done.

With that in mind, I bolted upright and went to the door only to halt when I heard moans and whimpers from the alpha king's chamber.

I clenched my fist as I heard the pounding of flesh against flesh and Nora's moans of pleasure.

My breathing quickened as Nora called the alpha king's name.

I thought I was prepared for this, but I was not. And before I could do something I would regret, I opened the door, and slammed it shut, wanting a new fresh air. It felt like I was burning in hot magma.