Protect Me, Alpha King

But, of course, Elijah was the total opposite of an asshole. It was difficult to hate him. And if he continued showing me this kind of luxury, it would become more complex.

After a couple seconds, I said, "Can I say something, Elijah?" I asked while clutching the pendant. "Yes. You may. Do not hesitate to say what is in your mind, River."

"Why are you doing this?"

His forehead knotted. "Doing what? I don't follow you."

I sighed. "Why are you being good to me? It's confusing on my part. Is that because you also see that woman in me? If we don't have the same similarity, will you still treat me like this?"

What was the point of not saying it out loud? If he wanted honesty, he should be able to handle my question.

My gaze went back to the servants. They were still looking at us while pretending to sweep the ground.

"Are we thinking about the same woman?"

"None other than."

He fell into deep thought and confessed, "I never liked that woman, to begin with. If you resembled her attitude, I wouldn't be approaching you like this."

My ears perked. I smell fishy.

My brows furrowed. "Why? What did she do?" I urged.

Leah licked Elijah's hand, and the man scratched her neck.

"She nearly kissed me once.”

I felt like I had become deaf.

"Kissed? Even if she knew she was mated to the alpha king?" I whispered.

"Let's not talk about her, alright? I thought you would not be talking about her anymore."

Zenith? Seducing Elijah? Did the alpha king know about that?

"The alpha king did not know if that is what you are thinking, River." He let out a sigh. "Let's stop this talk before the alpha king knows about it. I've been hiding it from him."

"You should tell him what happened,” I advised. Was I that evil? Perhaps I was. "He still could not get over his love for Zenith. If you tell him that she had been unfaithful once in their relationship, he will let go of that woman."

Elijah absentmindedly patted Leah's neck, and the horse leaned on his touch.

"Do you think that's easy? I don't want to ruin his memories of that woman. I wanted him to think that she was the best woman."

Elijah seemed like he was telling the truth. Moreover, what would he get in return if he lied to me? Nothing.

"Are you sure she was trying to seduce you? Maybe you are wrong, Elijah," I said softly. "You may have misunderstood it."

"Is stripping naked in front of me not seducing, River? Tell me what you call that so that I will know.” Stripping? I never thought the alpha king's beloved Zenith could do that.

Hmm...Everything was suddenly becoming Interesting. Zenith was not the angel the alpha king had known.

"You have a point there. She liked you?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Only that woman can tell. Let's drop the topic about her, woman. It will not benefit you at all. Knowing her more will only endanger you. The alpha king will get mad.”

"He will not know."

He shook his head. "Let it go. Okay? Hurry. Get inside. The alpha king may be waiting for you.”

The alpha king was not inside his chamber nor in the palace. I checked him everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found. These past few days, he got busier than usual. He also rarely eats and sleeps less.

If he continues doing that, his body will give up. Even with his werewolf ability, he could still get sick. And as usual, I couldn't help but wait for him. Again. It already became my routine, even if I was unaware it was becoming my habit.

When the clock struck three o'clock, the door creaked, and the foul scent of blood wafted through the air.

I nearly puked but stopped myself.

The alpha king's footsteps were light. If last time, I pretended to sleep, this time, I was already at my feet, welcoming him while making sure to fasten my robe.

His eyes widened and staggered upon finding I was still awake.

I smiled at him. "Your Majesty. Welcome back."

"Why are you still awake, River?" he asked. "Did you wait for me? You do not have to."

I lit the candles even if we could still see in the dark.

"I...I can't sleep if you are still outside, Your Majesty. May I know where you have been?"

Long silence.

"Outside," was the answer I only got from him. He staggered again, nearly falling forward, and I was at his side.

"Lean at me, Your Majesty,” I instructed.

I wrapped my arms around his waist while he also did the same.

I winced when his weight was all over me. Gritting my teeth, I forced my feet to move forward.

"You can let me go, River. I am heavy."

Breathed in. Out. "N-no, Your Majesty. I can handle it. This is nothing compared to the hardships back at Haverstone Pack."

"I'm full of blood, River," he whispered. Even his voice lacked energy. "I carried the blood of the fallen rogues who dared to break the kingdom's peace. Even now, their fallen bodies and blood are still fresh in my memories.” He shuddered. "It seemed like I am slowly losing myself," he announced. "If war continues, I will lose my humanity.”

"You won't, Your Majesty," I retorted. I pushed the door of his bathing area and entered. “What do you want me to do, Your Majesty, to ease the tension of your muscles? You have a rough day. Fighting them drained all your energy.” Perhaps I could offer him a massage. Elijah loved it. Maybe he would also.

“I have to do it, River." His voice shook.

I stopped but continued again. A couple of inches, and we will reach his tub.

Sweat was already forming on my forehead.

"Will war solve anything, Your Majesty? Because, for me, it would only shed more blood than ever. I did not want for the day to come that the children will be crying for their parent's death just for the sake of fighting an endless war.”

“It cannot be helped.”

I scrunched my nose when the stench of blood became stronger.

Please do not faint.

I drew a couple of breaths and tried to act casually. If the alpha king found out my stomach somersaulted, he would insist on taking a bath alone. It should not happen.

I already had a plan.

He had to mark me before we headed back to my pack. I wanted to show them, especially Alpha Erik, that someone would accept me despite my lowly status in the pack. I would flaunt my mark to everyone, and I would rejoice at the envy I would see on their faces. They will die of jealousy.

I did some thinking while the alpha king was absent. I was ready to give myself in exchange for marking me.

We entered his bath and helped him sit while I turned on the tap—lukewarm water. I made sure it was warm so he could relax a little bit.

“If you are done, you can return to your bed, River.”

“I can handle this, Your Majesty. It is the rightful duty of me, your personal attendant.”

"How was your preparation for our trip?”

Using my palm, I tested the temperature of the water. Not too hot or cold. Just perfect.

“I am already done with the preparations, Your Majesty. If you have anything to add, please tell me.” “You're okay returning to Haverstone Pack now?”

I added some water to fill the tub and faced the alpha king.

“I cannot run away forever, Your Majesty. Besides, you promised to ask Alpha Wade about what happened when he found me at the river.” But not before you mark me.

He nodded. “I did. It will be done. I will not forget about it, River. You can go back now.” He waved his hand, dismissing me. "Sleep now. It's already dawn.”

“I will tend to your needs, Your Majesty. That's the least I can do for you. Please allow me to serve you now."

He stood and strolled towards the tub. He held his hand in the air.

"If that's the case, remove my clothes.”

I smirked inwardly. This time, I will make him mark me.