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

Chapter 26

AMARIS

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Together we stood before our guests, the Alphas and Lunas of the most prominent packs. Of course there were some among them who were not so eager to cheer us on. I held my hand up to silence the cheering and clapping. Sorin and Helen were in the front row. He smirked at me, a smile I knew too well as being as fake as he

was.

“Thank you for attending our wedding.” I scanned over the crowd. “I know that some of you are not in favor of my choice. It is your right. But as your king it is also my right and my choice.” I held Raine’s hand tightly in mine. “In time I know you will come to accept Queen Raine and come to love her as I do.”

“When will you announce the birth of a royal heir, your Majesty?” someone called out. I recognized the voice. It was the Alpha of the Blood Fang pack, one of the packs that was opposed to my rule.

“Alpha Garth, seeing as it is a matter of such great concern let me assure you, Queen Raine and I are working on it. Diligently.” I took her hand and kissed her knuckles and she smiled, blushing furiously.

Some laughter followed and Alpha Garth smirked and sat down again.

“But enough of that. It is time to celebrate.” I nodded at Elder Mattias.

“All rise for the King and Queen.” Elder Mattias shouted out as we moved down from the podium. The guests. rose, bowing as we moved down the aisle towards the doors.

It was time for the feast to begin. But first we had to make an appearance at the marquis tents where the rest of the members of the various packs congregated.

“So many people.” Raine clung to my hand as if afraid that I would disappear. But she held her head high and smiled, albeit a bit stiffly.

“Yes, I didn’t invite all of them.” Especially not the alpha of the Blood Fang pack. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look?”

She smiled at me. “I’m glad I meet with your approval.”

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Emergency calls only***

Chapter 26

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I pulled her arm through mine, wanting her closer. “You do not need anyone else’s, my sweet Raine.”

A fanfare of trumpets announced our arrival in the garden on our way to the ballroom. There, outside the marquis tents the others waited to get a glimpse of their new queen.

Roses and other flowers were strewn in our path, red and white petals raining down on us. Until….

Black roses landed on Raine’s dress, and one hit her square in the face. Shocked gasps from the guests. I stopped dead in my tracks, pulling her to my chest.

“Who threw these?! I roared at the onlookers who shrunk back from the anger in my voice. “I demand you to come forward!” I used my alpha aura to bring them to their knees. Raine shivered against my body, and I held her tighter against me.

No one dared to speak.

“It’s just flowers, Amaris.” Raine spoke underneath my chin.

“No, it is not! A black rose is a death threat! This is treason.” I snarled at the cowering mass. “If you do not come forward, innocent blood will be spilled here today.”

I waited. Minutes later, a young wolf was pushed forward.

“He did it, Sire! I saw him!” an older male pointed at the young man. The crowd around him made way so that he stood alone in front of us. My guards came running to arrest him. I held my hand up

to stop

“Who are you?” I looked down onto his bowed head. Rage clawed at me to rip his head from his body and the goddess knows, I wanted to, but I was not going to spoil our celebration.

The young man didn’t answer.

I called the guards. “Take him to the tower. I will deal with him later.” With one final glare at the crowd, I took Raine’s hand and led her down the path to the ballroom. My blood boiled. I vowed to find out who put that young man up to throwing those black roses and I will destroy their pack.

“Amaris, please don’t kill that boy.” Raine tugged at my sleeve. “I know you’re angry, but show mercy, please. He’s just a child.”

“He’s your age.” I snapped at her. “I will not tolerate threats to my mate.”

Emergency calls onlyM

Chapter 26

She looked down at her feet and I felt ashamed for my harsh words to her.

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+5

“Raine, I have to lay down the law. You have to accept that.” I said, softening my tone. “But I promise, I won’t do anything today. Maybe a day or two in the tower will make the young wolf more approachable.”

She lifted her head, her golden-brown eyes shimmering. “I do understand. Thank you, my lord.”

I bent down to kiss her lightly. The doors to the ballroom opened and we stepped inside where the most esteemed guests were already waiting for us.

“Thank the g ods,” I whispered to Raine after all the speeches were done, “I am starving.” I lifted my glass to signify that the feast could begin. The tables were groaning under an assortment of roasted meat and other delicacies, enough to feed an army. As tradition would have it, Sorin and Helen shared a table with us. I would have preferred to be alone, but we can’t always get what we want.

“You look lovely, your Majesty.” Sorin smiled at Raine. “Don’t you agree, Helen?”

“Yes, of course.” Helen nibbled on a chicken wing. “Pity about that incident with the black roses. I heard you caught the offender, Amaris?”

“News travels fast.” I had no desire to speak to my brother or his mate about it, “Raine, try some of the beef. It’s very good.” I fed her a slice.

She had no choice but to open her mouth and take it. I grinned, watching her eat.

“Raine, you really should eat more. You are so delicate. Especially if you want to have a strong, healthy baby.” Helen had to give her opinion.

“There’s nothing wrong with Raine.” I was quick to defend her.

But Raine smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Helen. I appreciate your concern, but the way Amaris spoils me, I’m afraid I will be as big as a house one of these days.”

Sorin smirked at me. “Maybe you’d be the lucky one to have twins, Amaris. Wouldn’t that be something?”

“Well, that’s not up to us. It’s in the hands of the Goddess.” I kissed Raine’s cheek. “I want to dance with my queen.”

Emergency calls only

Chapter 26

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The music started and the lights dimmed when we approached the dance floor. A single spotlight shone on us as we opened the dance, and everyone watched us.

“I’ll never get used to all this attention.” Raine gripped my shoulder as I led her in a slow waltz.

“Forget about them. Just keep your eyes on me.” She felt soft and warm in my hands. Everything else faded into the background, there was only us as I lost myself in her eyes and her smile.

Then suddenly the music changed from a waltz to a funeral march, the same music that played at my parents’ funeral.