The Alpha King’s Virgin by Charmeleon (Raine & Amari)

Chapter 16

RAINE

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I was so relieved to see Amaris. But as soon as embraced him, I felt his muscles stiffen under my touch.

“Raine? Why is my brother’s scent all over you? Answer me!”

!” the tone of his voice froze my blood.

I lifted my face up to him. Dark eyes flashed angrily, and his lips were drawn in a tight white line.

My vocal cords refused to work. His anger washed over me like a tidal wave and my legs threatened to fold under me.

He shook me. “Speak, dam mit.”

“It’s nothing. I bumped into him. By accident. I swear,” The words burst from my lips, in a torrent, terrified that he would hurt me. “Please don’t hit me. I didn’t mean to go with him.”

“What?!” He released me and I sank to the floor.

When I dared to look up, his back was to me. He was leaning against the stone wall, his hands pressed to it as if to support himself. I knew I had disobeyed him. He warned me to stay away from Sorin.

“Get up, Raine” Amaris said in a low voice. He turned around and held out his hand to me. The expression on his face was unreadable.

My hand shook as I reached for his. Not saying a word, he pulled me after him down the hallway and I was relieved to see we were heading in the direction of his rooms.

“Amaris…” | had to say something. I had to try and make it right, to explain what happened, without getting him angry at his brother.

“Not now”

We reached the bedroom, and he pushed me inside. “Wash my brother’s stench of you, I will be back.”

He turned to go, but I grabbed his arm. “Please, don’t go, Amaris. Nothing happened. Please, I got lost and I bumped into Sorin. Nothing happened.*

He slammed the door shut behind him and pushed me against it.

“If nothing happened, Raine, then tell me why you are so upset?” He caged me in between the door and his hard body. There was no escape. Dark eyes bored into mine. “Tell me.”

I

“…I was lost and I… I was afraid.” I prayed that he would let it go. “I’m sorry, Amaris. I should have waited for you. But I just wanted to explore…

His hand cupping my jaw made me fall silent. “Did he touch you?” I heard his heart booming in his chest. “Did he touch, Raine? Did he try anything with you?” his breath became ragged,

I shook my head vehemently and he released my face.

“Don’t ever lie to me, Raine. If anyone does something inappropriate to you, you have to tell me immediately, I don’t care who it is. I will end them.” His breathing slowed as he pressed his forehead to mine.

I closed my eyes. “Amaris, nothing happened. I won’t lie to you.”

“Look at me.”

I forced myself to look into his brooding eyes.

“Why did you think I would hurt you, Raine? Don’t you know I could never do that?” I saw his lips tremble slightly and I reached up and touched.

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Chapter 16

them.

“I’m sorry.” Tears filmed my eyes. I was so used to being punished that it was the first thing on my mind. Even Tasha had cringed under the weight of his anger, fleeing to the back of my mind.

“I would rather cut off my own hand than to strike you, you have to believe me.” Amaris leaned his chin into my palm. “You have to learn to trust me. I’m sorry I frightened you.”

I pressed my face against the lapels of his woolen jacket. “It’s difficult for me, Amaris. Please be patient.”

Strong arms surrounded me, and he held me so tenderly against him, leaning his chin on my head. “I’m not a patient man, Raine, but for your sake I will try.”

Having showered and dressed in a long sleeved, high-necked emerald, green dress that covered my legs mid-calf, I felt satisfied with my appearance as I waited for Amaris to come for me.

“You should have told him that you felt threatened by his brother, Raine. Tasha finally woke up.

I didn’t want to cause trouble. “He was just being obnoxious. It won’t go any further than that, Tasha. We’ve managed to deal with bullies our whole lives.” I combed out my hair and started to plait it to pin it up.

Raine. Tasha huffed in frustration. “We have to stand up to them.”

“You mean we’ve just taken the abuse our whole lives. We haven’t dealt with it, Rail

“I don’t think I know how, Tasha. I am an Omega. It’s in our DNA to be submissive.” I hated that part of me that always wanted to please others, finding it hard to fight back

“You can do this. We can do this. Tasha’s yellow eyes shone back at me through my reflection in the mirror and I wanted to believe her.

Amaris linked my arm through his and stopped before we entered the dining room where I caught the strong scent of several Alphas

“Hold your head high, my beauty, square your shoulders. I want to them to see you shine.” Amaris whispered into my ear. “I couldn’t refuse them. These are my strongest allies, and they are very curious to meet you.”

“Amaris, you should have warned me. I don’t think I can do this.” My voice sounded squeaky. I was ready to bolt

“Raine, look at me. I am here with you. You have nothing to be afraid of. You are mine. We don’t need to apologize to anyone.” He took my hand and kissed my fingers, sending tingles up my arm right down to my core.

“Oh, dear Moon Goddess, why are you doing this to me,” I asked in a silent prayer, but she has yet to answer me through all these years.

They all rose when we entered the dining room. Besides Sorin and Helen there were four of them with their Lunas.

As we took our seats, I caught Sorin’s eye and he smirked at me, inclining his head in my direction. Tasha growled low at the back of my mind, despite the overwhelming aura of the Alpha’s surrounding us. Helen’s face looked impassively back at me. I took a deep breath and Amaris held my hand underneath the table and pressed my fingers lightly.

“Thank you for attending. I am sure you are e

eager to meet my intended queen, Raine Grey of the Howling

wling Wolf pack” Amaris looked at me and I forced a smile on my face, but kept my eyes averted. My cheeks felt hot under their scrutiny.

“Your Majesty, if I may be so forward.”

I peeked under my lashes to see who the speaker was.

“Of course, Alpha Moore. You are free to speak. This is a friendly dinner, is it not?” There was a note of warning in Amaris’ tone which didn’t.

escape me.

✔ M

Chapter 16

Z

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The young Alpha chuckled, lifting his wine glass in salute to the king. I want to offer my congratulations for not conforming to tradition.”

Amaris nodded at him, a small smile ghosting his lips, but his eyes remained guarded when I glanced at him.

“Although this poses a huge strain on your rule,” the Alpha added.

Amaris’ hand tightened on mine. “Fortunately, I am the one that has to deal with it, not so?” he motioned to the servers to start serving the food.

“We are only concerned about you, your Majesty,” one of the Lunas, a beautiful redhead, gave her opinion.

“I’m sure my brother appreciates everyone’s concern, but he’s quite capable of looking after himself.” Sorin looked directly at Amaris and if he was just as surprised as I was by what he said, he didn’t show it.

The Alpha sitting beside the redhaired Luna, smiled at Sorin. “Of course, your Highness. We would never imply that your Majesty is incapable. I’m sure an heir is underway. We all know that Omegas make good breeders.”

“Are you saying that I chose her just to breed?” Amaris rose slightly from his seat and his eyes blazed.

The Alpha didn’t seem worried that he had offended the king. He smiled. “No, no, but the kingdom needs an heir, I’m just saying

“I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself, Alpha Delaney. Do not test me.” Amaris sank back in his chair.

“I’m more than willing to give the king what he needs.” I don’t know where it came from, but the words just flew out of my mouth. I kept my eyes levelled at the Alpha, feeling Tasha’s irritation strengthening me.

Amaris smiled at me, took my hand and kissed it right there in front of everyone.

“Unusual.” I heard one of the Alphas mutter under their breath.

The food being served, it kept them busy for the time being. I tried my best to enjoy the food because I caught many a look from the Lunas, a smile here and there, but mostly a cold, calculating stare that made shivers run up and down my spine. Some of the Alphas, especially Delaney was much too interested in me

Amaris sensed my discomfort and steered the conversation into more relaxed routes. I just prayed the night would end.