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

Chapter 60 

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It took them long enough to notice my absence. But yet again, ever vigilant Ross had come to find me. I guess I had to be grateful for that. I went out to confront him. 

“Your Majesty, thank the Goddess you’re alright.” Ross had a dozen or so guards with him, including Lord Greyson who regarded me with less joy, but more irritation. 

“That was extremely reckless of you, Your Majesty.” Lord Greyson said, hands on his narrow hips, his foot tapping the earth like he was scolding a disobedient child. “The forest is full of dangers. What on earth were you thinking?” 

I chose to ignore Lord Greyson and focused on Ross. The guards bowed their heads when I drew near. I walked right up to Beta Ross and took both his hands in mine. 

“Oh, Beta Ross, I saw him! He’s alive. We have to save him.” I let my eyes fill with tears to appeal to the man. “Please,” I let my gaze flit to Lord Greyson, “there are others with him, Lord Greyson. All held captive by the vampires. He is trying to save them.” 

“And we will, Raine. We will.” Ross pressed my hands softly and released them. “But we have to take you back to the castle.” 

I shook my head. “No, no, no. I’m staying. We have to act now!” I turned to Lord Greyson. “Joanna will ask her coven for help to keep the portal open. You have to get your army in there.” 

Lord Greyson stepped forward. “This is not negotiable. For your own safety, Your Majesty.” He motioned to the guards. “Take Her Majesty back to the castle.” 

“You’re going to use force on the queen?” Ross intervened, his dark eyes ablaze. “Be reasonable, Lord Greyson.” 

connection with your king: 

“If I may interrupt,” Joanna’s soft voice soared above our heads. “I need Her Majesty to stay. Her 

strong. It will help us locate his position. Besides, she is safer here than in the castle.” She stepped out of the hut and linked her arms with mine. I clasped my hand over hers, grateful for her support. 

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“I agree.” Ross said and our eyes met for a brief second. Heat rose to my cheeks remembering the embarrassing scene with Sorin. “We can post the guards here for extra protection.” 

Lord Greyson’s nostrils flared as the two men stared each other down. “Fine! But it will be on your head if something were to happen to her.” he said at last. 

“I’ve sworn to protect the queen with my life.” Ross said never taking his eyes off me. “I will remain here with the guards.” 

“What about your mate, Beta Ross?” Lord Greyson sneered, “Does she not need you equally?” 

Ross turned around abruptly to come face to face with the older man. “My loyalty to the crown comes first, Lord Greyson. Your daughter understands that.” His voice turned to ice. “Don’t make this into more than what it is.” 

“Good. It’s settled then. The queen will stay with me in the interim.” Joanna smiled sweetly at the men “I will contact my coven sisters immediately. Be here at the crack of dawn with your army, Lord Greyson and we will open the portal for you to rescue your king and the others.” 

With one final scathing look at Ross, Lord Greyson turned on his heel, and called to three of his men to return with him to the castle. The rest were tasked to stay behind to guard the perimeter. 

Ross followed us into Joanna’s hut. His presence seemed to overwhelm the space as he shifted around uncomfortably. 

“Do sit down, Beta Ross.” Joanna held a chair for him. “Rhona, be a dear and help me prepare food for our guests.” 

It struck me once more that Rhona was far too comfortable in the witch’s house. She began to busy herself in the kitchen and soon the mouthwatering aroma of braised meat filled the room. My stomach rumbled expectantly. Has it been that long since I’ve eaten? 

“I’m so sorry, Raine. We’ve been starving you.” Joanna chuckled good–naturedly and patted my shoulder. Rhona smiled at me over her shoulder where she peeled vegetables. “It won’t take long, Milady.” 

The more I looked at the two of them I was sure that they were related. Friend of her mother’s? I think 

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not. They probably had their reasons for keeping their relationship secret, but I felt she should have trusted me with that knowledge. I regarded her more like a friend than a personal maid. Heaven knows, I have never had a true friend. 

Joanna disappeared behind her curtain and left me alone with Ross. He needed to know how much I valued his loyalty. “I am so grateful to you, Ross, for standing up to Lord Greyson. I never knew you were related to him.” 

A smile ghosted his lips. “My father–in–law. It might seem that we are at odds with each other, but I know where his loyalty lies. He loves Amaris like a son, and he understands my position as Beta.” 

“Then I am glad, because I don’t want to cause a problem for you, Ross.” I smiled at him, but he just nodded. 

“No need to concern yourself. I know my duties.” 

We ate in comfortable silence the three of us. Rhona had gone outside to take food to the guards. Maybe her Gareth was among them. Despite being so hungry I thought I could eat a whole deer; I couldn’t eat more than a few mouthfuls. 

Joanna noticed my picking at the food. “I’ll brew you something for your appetite. You need to eat more to strengthen your pup.” 

Again, I found Ross‘ eyes on me, scrutinizing, judging. Did he still have doubts that Amaris was the father? I glared back at him, and he averted his gaze. He excused himself to join his men outside. 

“What is with you two?” Joanna asked once Ross was gone. 

“I don’t know what you mean.” I sipped some water. “If you don’t mind me asking, why hide the fact that Rhona is your daughter?” 

Joanna shrugged her delicate shoulders. “I didn’t want her to be judged by the werewolf community. A union between a witch and a werewolf wasn’t something they condoned. We didn’t want her to be cast out.” she smiled a little sadly. “She has her father.” 

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I didn’t press further. “I’m sorry.” I hated that our kind was so prejudiced. 

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“What’s done is done.” She leaned forward so that her face was near mine. I couldn’t look away from he emerald eyes. “You have quite the allure, don’t you. Men will fight to the death for you, Raine. Be carefu how you use that power.” I didn’t see her lips move at all, but her voice was crystal clear in my head. 

“What…?” It took me by surprise, I could hardly form a coherent sentence. What did that mean? 

“Come, let me show you where you can rest.” Smiling like nothing happened, she held the beaded curtain back for me to walk through.