Protect Me, Alpha King

I knew that people would never respect me because of my past because I was an omega and slave of the Haverstone Pack who rose to rank because of the alpha king.

No matter how many fancy dresses I wore and the diamonds and gold I owned, they would still refuse to honor me as their future queen.

I yanked at the alpha king's clothes, silently telling him that it was no longer needed to force it on them.

I understood he wanted to help me with my so-called revenge against Alpha Erik, and I appreciated him for that. However, there was something I could no longer do which was beyond my reach— acceptance from them.

However, if I wanted to let it go, the alpha king declined to let it slide.

"You refuse to honor the alpha king's order?" he growled, baring his teeth at everyone. "How dare all of you! Do you want me to punish you until you beg for my mercy?" he barked.

My packmates retreated.

I was satisfied seeing the fear in their eyes and how they cowered on the alpha king's threatening glares.

Angering the alpha king was their mistake. Angering him further would be their death.

The alpha king let out a guttural growl.

The women gasped and shivered in fear and hastily fell to their knees. That was how powerful the alpha king was. The rest followed one-by-one, heeded by Alpha Erik until the only one standing was Alpha Wade.

Alpha Wade grinned at me.

"Father," Alpha Erik warned, watching him.

Alpha Wade smiled again, bringing nothing but shivers down my spine. It was true he never respected anyone's authority.

However, to my surprise, he followed his son and bowed his head.

"Hail to the future queen of the kingdom of Vernice!" Alpha Wade shouted. The other followed, chanting those words.

Did their chants feel like music in my ears? It was not. Instead, my skin felt like something was crawling as I continued listening to them.

Those were not victorious chants.

It feels like something terrible will happen soon.

Satisfied, the alpha king held his hand, and my packmates stopped.

"Now. That's better.. that's the kind of warm welcome I want from this pack, Alpha Wade. Enough of that. Let us know where our room is, and we will retire for the day: rise, servants of the kingdom of Vernice. My people,” the alpha king ordered, emphasizing the word servants.

They stood.

"The slaves already prepared your room, Your Majesty and River.” Glancing at me, he asked, "Or do you want me to address you as Your Grace? How about Queen River of the kingdom of Vernice?" Alpha Wade interrogated.

He was taunting me. There was no way he would accept his past slave to be his future queen. His pride wouldn't allow it. That would be a blow to his ego.

I cleared my throat and gave back his smile—that sickening smile that did not reach his eyes. Bastard.

I put one hand on my chin as if deep in thought.

"Alpha Wade. You humor me. I did not know you are now soliciting suggestions from your servants." "I have to respect the authority and be on good terms with the kingdom."

Liar, my mind spat.

I extended my hand in front. "Kiss my hand, Alpha Wade. And while you do it, call me Queen River, or you can call me Your Grace. Any of the two will do. I like it when you call me that, Alpha Wade. Pleasant to my ears. Something new. I never thought I would come back here being your queen.” He did not move.

Alpha Erik gulped beside Alpha Wade.

Pouting my lips, I glanced at the alpha king.

"See that, Your Majesty? Alpha Wade is only good with his—"

Alpha Wade held my hand and implanted a kiss. "Who says I will not honor the future queen? Not me, Your Grace.”

I yanked away my hand, not showing him how disgusted I was. However, I have to maintain my calm.

Alpha Wade stepped aside. "Do you want me to help you get to your room? But I am sure, even if I tell you where you would easily know the location. You know every corner of the packhouse after being a slave here, right, Your Grace?"

Damn him to hell!

I leaned on the alpha king. "Ah. The memories. Back then, it was I who was groveling in your feet but now, it is you who is eating the dust off my feet. The world, indeed, is round, Alpha Wade. Right, Your Majesty?" I asked the alpha king.

I was thankful he was going with the flow. He allowed me to handle Alpha Wade and never scolded me. This was my unfinished battle between him and me.

I refused to return here as a coward and a pathetic loser. I did not want them to have that satisfaction.

"And you learn a lot, Your Grace. I bet you also know how to read and write now?"

The alpha king glanced at me, and his eyes told me he wanted to ask if it was correct.

Suddenly, something felt as if someone wanted to intrude on my mind. I opened it and felt the alpha king's presence.

'Is that right?" he asked, using a mind link. "You're illiterate?"

The alpha king inside my mind was...how do I put it in words? Intimate.

I felt all his emotions inside my mind.

Confusion. Betrayal?

I stumbled on my feet, but he was there instantly, catching me and helping me stand.

Alpha Wade motioned for us to follow him. The crowd parted for us to give way.

“River. You're not answering my question."

'Is that a big deal, Maxxwell?"

Surprise. That was his reaction when I called him by his first name, and it felt natural, rolling out from my mouth.

Yes.

"Then, you will now reject me after this?

'l did not say I will reject you. Why do you keep on forcing that on me?"

Because, most likely, that would happen next. He will get tired of the others not wanting to accept me until he gives up.

“Let's move, Your Majesty.’

'We will continue talking after this."

Our chamber turned out to be situated right in front of the room I had occupied before.

"This is where you will be staying, Your Majesty and Your Grace."

He knew this was my room and chose to give us this room to remind me of my past. That I was nothing but a slave, and even if I was the alpha king's mate, it won't remove the history.

"Do you like this room, Your Grace?" Alpha Wade asked.

Damn you! I will curse you as long as I live!

"The other rooms are fully occupied because of the upcoming party, Your Majesty and Your Grace. I hope you are not offended,” Alpha Erik said.

Alpha Wade occupied my mind, and I forgot Alpha Erik's presence.

"This room is fine," the alpha king answered.

Eyes widening, I glanced at the aloha king. "No, Your Majesty.” He cocked an eyebrow. "I don't like the room.” To the two alphas, I said, "Is this how you treat your king and queen?" My lips pressed in a thin line. "Pathetic. Give us the best room. No. Scratch that. I want your room, Alpha Wade. I have been staying here for eighteen years, and I guarantee you have the best room. So will you give it to me or not?"

“My, my. I did not know you could be evil like that, River,’ the alpha king commented.