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

Summons to the King’s Ball

AMARIS

‘We should have followed her and taken her back to the castle.’ Rage was agitated that we let her get away.

“We will be back for her, Rage.” I promised him. I remember one of the wolves that attacked her saying that she had been rejected and my heart ached for her, but at the same time I was happy. She was mine, no one else was getting her. The only slight problem was that she was an Omega, they were no better than slaves or servants because of their low rank.

‘Rank doesn’t matter!’ Rage snarled in my head. ‘If anyone has a problem with that, I will rip them to shreds.’

I grinned at my wolf’s attitude, much like my own. My word was law.

“Your Majesty? Would you like us to go after those insolent wolves?” Richard, my closest guard asked.

“No, it’s fine. I’m sure they learned their lesson. Let’s go back.” I was determined to bring my mate back to the castle and claim her, but her heart belonged to someone else, and I wanted to find out who and get rid of him, if it calls for that.

***

I hardly slept that night thinking about her. She never told me her name. If I had to summon every omega in their pack to the castle, I would do it. But when the elders appeared before me early the next morning, I had an idea.

“Your Majesty, this is a matter of the utmost importance.” Elder Mattias bowed before me, followed by Elder Jonas.

“Speak.” By the look of their drawn faces, it could only mean Sorin had told everyone about their pregnancy.

“As I’m sure you’re aware the consort Princess Helen is expecting. Your Majesty, your throne…” Elder Mattias began, but I held up a hand to silence him.

“I know what it means. I have decided to throw a ball to choose a mate.” I wasn’t about to tell them I’ve found my mate. No one had to know before she was safely back in the castle.

‘Yes, you never know what devious plans Sorin could come up to stop you.’ Rage growled low at the back of my mind.

The expression on their faces were priceless. “Goddess be praised!” Elder Mattias threw up his hands.

“Finally, Sire!” Elder Jonas sighed, his face breaking out in a smile.

“I want all the unmated she-wolves of eighteen but not older than twenty of the nearby packs to be summoned to the ball. I’ll hand you a list of the packs I’m considering. Make it happen soon, I am relying on you. And no exceptions, no excuses will be tolerated.”

“Only a pleasure, your Majesty. We will arrange everything.” The two elders left the throne room, chatting excitedly all the way.

‘You’ve just made their day, Amaris.’ Rage chuckled. ‘I suppose the Howling Wolf pack is at the top of your list.’

“Indeed, Rage, indeed.”

***

The next few days the castle buzzed with activity and an air of excitement reigned over the kingdom. I sent out spies to the packs that were supposedly planning to overthrow my throne to gather intelligence. If the rumors were true, I would deal with those packs severally after the ball. I sent Richard, my royal bodyguard, to the Howling Moon pack to find out who the she-wolf was that had been rejected and who did it. I think I needed to send the idiot an expensive gift to show him my gratitude.

“Brother,” my twin and his other half came to darken my door. “Your ball is all everyone is raving about. There isn’t a skein of silk or lace available in the country. Seems like all the she-wolves have gone mad trying to dress to impress you.”

“I suppose it’s good for commerce. To what do I owe the displeasure?” I stifled a yawn. Sleep had eluded me of late.

“You must feel extremely threatened to have changed your mind out of the blue to take a chosen mate, Amaris.” Helen scoffed, her hands over her flat belly.

I ignored her pointedly. She hated that. I saw her jaw tighten.

Sorin placed an arm around her narrow shoulders, smiling coldly at me. “Forgive my brother, Helen, Father indulged him too much, that is why he is so unmannered.” He pulled out a chair for her to sit in and she smiled up at him. I heard Rage huff, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

“I do not have to justify my decision to you, do I Sorin?”

“Of course not, of course not. We just came to wish you all the best, Amaris. Although you left it somewhat late.” Sorin said. “I saw your list and was wondering why you omitted to invite the she-wolves of the Sickle Moon and the Blood Fang pack? Seems a little suspicious, don’t you think?”

I narrowed my eyes at him and frowned, “Oh, I don’t think so. They weren’t the only one’s not invited.”

Sorin chuckled, “If I were you, I would try to get into their good graces, not alienate them.”

“Have you turned into a royal advisor now all of a sudden, Sorin?” I steepled my fingers in front of my face, peering at the two of them over it.

His smile faltered. “I’m concerned, is all. You don’t need to make enemies right now, Amaris.”

Helen rose from her seat and smoothed her dress. “Let’s just go, Sorin. Your brother doesn’t appreciate your advice.” She turned around to face me, her sharp features reminded me of a ferret. “You are such an ungrateful man, Amaris. Sorin and I put up with a lot from you. I pity the poor wretch you are choosing as your mate. I really do.” And with that said, she huffed out of the study. Sorin followed promptly.

“We can’t please everyone.” I told the closed door.

***

“As you requested, your Majesty, everything is set for this Saturday, which coincides with the mating moon.” Elder Mattias smiled knowingly. “The moon would surely bless your union with whomever you choose with pups.”

That was the least of my concerns at the moment. I just wanted her here with me. Richard came back with the information I so desired. Her name was Raine Grey, an Omega and she was rejected by none other than the Alpha’s son. I grinned like a fool after hearing that. His loss was my gain. But what upset me the most was that her stepfather was a useless drunk who treated her unkindly.

“Your Majesty, what would you like me to do? Should I go and take her away?” Richard asked and I was sorely tempted.

But no, I wanted her to shine at the ball.

‘He is a dead wolf.’ Rage roared out. I calmed him down. We had to be patient. He will be punished, that is certain.

“No, Richard. I want you to take her a gift. The most exquisite dress you can find, with all the accessories and shoes. Do not tell her who it is from. If she asks, tell her it’s from someone who admires her.”

Richard smiled, “It will be my pleasure, Sire.” He bowed and went to do my bidding.

I sat back in my chair feeling satisfied, dreaming of how beautiful she would look, my Queen. I couldn’t wait to get her into my bed. My body burned at the thought of her in my arms.

“Two more nights, Raine Grey, and you will be all mine.” I thought to myself, and Rage purred like a cat at the back of my mind.

***

“So sorry to bother you, your Majesty. You have visitors.” My private secretary Beta Ross broke into my thoughts of a certain n*ked angel bathed in moonlight.

Slightly irritated I looked up at the older man. “By the look on your face, Beta Ross, I gather it’s one of the royals.”

Beta Ross expelled a harsh breath. “Indeed Sire. The news of your intended ball has spread like wildfire.”

I groaned loudly, massaging the sudden throbbing in my temples. Alpha Hector Samuels had four daughters of which two haven’t been mated. He was also my uncle on my mother’s side.  It wasn’t uncommon for family to mate, especially in the case of the royals.

I had no desire to take one of his daughters, never had and never will. I wanted Raine Grey, and no one was going to stop me.

“Send him in.”

Beta Ross bowed low and Alpha Samuels breezed into my throne room followed by his twin daughters.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed slightly and the two females followed suit.

I rose from the throne to greet him with a handshake. Not that I liked the man, but he was family after all.

“Uncle. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I smiled briefly at my twin cousins who blushed and turned their gazes to the floor.  They had grown up since the last time I’d seen them. They had grown into beautiful young women.

“Amaris, I must say I am somewhat disappointed. The talk is all over the country that you are going to take a mate. Why didn’t you invite Nerine and Celine to your ball?” Although he smiled at me, his eyes were cold.

“Well, Uncle, I have my reasons. But seeing as you are here, you might as well attend.” Not that it would make a difference, I thought to myself. I linked Beta Ross, and he hurried back into the throne room.

“You called, Sire?”

“Arrange a room for my uncle and cousins. They will be attending the ball. Ensure they are well tended to.” I caught my uncle’s dark gaze. He wasn’t going to forgive me easily for this insult. But I didn’t care, he was too ambitious for his own good.