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

Chapter 22 

Tasha snickered gleefully at my attempt at sarcasm. I surprised myself normally I would have nothing to say to an insult, I would just take it in my stride with my head down. But seeing that poor server girl on her knees and looking at me like I would break her, it reminded me too much of myself and I knew I had to change. I wouldn’t allow Helen or anyone else to walk all over me. 

And to add d to it, Helen snorted in disgust and walked away with her fair hair bobbing after her. 

girl.” She turned her attention to the food. There was enough to feed an army and such a “Serves her right.” Rachael smirked. “I saw her trip that g variety that one didn’t know where to start. “Ooh.. steak tartare… my favorite.” 

Still self–conscious about eating while being so closely watched I nibbled on a pastry. 

“You need some meat on your bones if you are going to carry a pup or two.” Rachael winked at me, “Here, try this.” She offered me a taste of her raw steak. 

Not wanting to offend her I took a bite. It melted in my mouth and my stomach growled appreciatively. 

Racheal grinned widely. 

While we ate and laughed, I became aware of the fact that most of the guests gave me a wide berth. They made no attempt to talk to me. instead they clustered together in little groups talking amongst themselves in low voices and stealing glances at me. It made me feel like a goldfish in a bowl or some strange alien creature on display and the urge to run and hide became stronger, 

“We must go over and speak to your guests, fill introduce you to one or two she wolves I think would be less prejudiced.” Rachael touched my arm, noticing my discomfort and weirdly her touch made the tension melt away. 

As we made our way through the groups, I heard someone say, “Huh! Who does she think she is? So brazen!” 

Another agreed. “Disgusting. But you know what they say, birds of a feather.” They laughed. 

“Don’t mind them, Raine. They’re gossiping about me “She linked our arms together, never sparing them a glanc 

Amaris and Mark joined us later on, and together we mingled with the guests. Sorin and Helen had quite a following I noticed, watching them talking and laughing like it was their wedding feast. There was a noticeable divide between the guests, one being on Amaris‘ side and the other on Sorin’s. It was obvious that Sorin was more popular, being more charming and less threatening. 

Amaris lured me away from the partying guests to the garden where the caterers were busy setting up tables in the marquee tents for the following day’s ceremony. The trees and shrubbery in the garden were aglow with fairy lights. It looked like a scene from a fairy tale. 

“Oh, it’s gorgeous, Amaris.” I smiled up at his serious face. “Is something bothering you?” 

He didn’t answer immediately and that made me worry. We walked to the enormous fountain in the middle of the garden, and he sat down on the edge, pulling me onto his lap. 

“I shouldn’t trouble you with it, Raine.” He sighed, curling our fingers together. “But I have to caution you. I have many enemies and they seem to grow in number. You have to be careful who you trust,” 

“I will my king.” I laid my cheek against his shoulder. “What makes Sorin so popular with the packs? Did he fight with you in the war?” 

Amaris chuckled at that. “No, he is not a strong 

trong warrior. Father never took the time to train him as he was always at our mother’s side, and she defended him with her life. He was her favorite.” Amaris sighed, “But give the devil his due, he has a way with people, telling them what they wanted to hear, not always what needed to be said.” 

“You are so different from him. Like two sides to a coin.” I thought it was a shame that they didn’t get along. They could have made a formidable team. 

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Chapter 22 

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“We have a long history of bad blood between us, Raine. He despises me and the feeling is entirely mutual.” Amaris got up from his perch and pulled me to his chest, hard. “Now, stop talking and kiss me, woman. I’ve been waiting too long.” 

His lips crashed down onto mine, possessive and demanding and I had no power to resist him and why would I want to. 

“There you are!” Beta Ross came running down the path. “Your Majesties, now is not the time to go off disappearing like this.” He reminded me of my math teacher when I forgot to turn in an assignment, scowling and stern–faced. 

Amaris gave a wicked snigger. “I think now is the perfect time.” He winked at me, and I stifled a giggle. 

“Stop fooling around.” Beta Ross huffed. It surprised me at the way he dared speak to Amaris, “Your brother is hogging the limelight and gaining popularity as we speak. You should hurry back to your guests.” 

“Hurry back?” Amaris rolled his eyes. “Do you think we should hurry back, my queen?” He took my hand and brought it to his lips. 

“I think we should open the dancefloor, don’t you, my king?” I smiled at Beta Ross who stood impatiently tapping his foot on the cobbled pathway 

“Indeed Anything to hold you in my arms.” Amaris led the way back to the hall where soft music welcomed us back. 

The crowd made way for us, bowing respectfully as we took our stance on the dancefloor. Soon more couples joined us in the slow dance. Midway through the dance, Sorin and Helen danced close to us and Sorin asked to change partners. 

“You wouldn’t mind me taking your queen for a spin, do you brother? After all, everyone is watching.” The smile on his face dared Amaris to refuse. 

Amaris looked at me. “If Raine accepts.” 

I dared not insult the prince, so I took his hand, and he danced me away from Amaris. 

“I apologize for that little incident with the champagne earlier on, Raine. Helen’s hormones are all over the place at the moment.” His smile was set to charm me, and I could easily see why most she–wolves would fall for him. He was devastatingly handsome with his fair hair combed back and his dazzling blue eyes. 

“It was nothing” Of course, it was payback for me slapping her. 

“You are much too kind.” His lips moved closer to my ear and his hand on