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

Yulissa gritó de miedo. 

Chapter 97 

AMARIS 

“Why are we leaving?” Ross was the first one to ask that when I gathered everyone in the courtyard to get ready to go back. “Where is Raine?” 

I didn’t feel like talking. Shouldering past him to Lord Greyson. “My brother has gotten help from the Dragon shifters to usurp me. We must hurry back.” Sorin had to be dealt with speedily. I’ve had enough of his meddling. 

“Without the queen?” Lord Greyson turned to look back at the witches watching us from the doorway. They lowered the drawbridge for us to exit. 

“She’s staying with her father.” Without explaining further, I strode away. The griffins circled above us in the darkening sky as we made our way over the moat. I turned back once to glance at the gray stone fortress where I left my heart behind. 

“What happened there, Amaris? You don’t seem like a man willing to give up the woman he loves?” Egnor fell into step with me.. 

“She has her reasons to stay.” I threw down the cloak that covered me and shifted into my wolf. He needed. the run as much as I did. 

The last thing I wanted to do was talk about how Quindin forced Raine to reject me. As she kneeled between my legs, her warm hands pressed against my knees, I had an overwhelming desire to pull her onto my lap and never let her go. But I was immobile, thanks to that sorcerer’s spell. Her eyes held a warning; it was unmistakable. She was faking the rejection. How the hell did she pull it off? 

Yes, Egnor was right. I wasn’t about to give up. After I’ve dealt with my brother and whoever he has in his corner, I will be back for my mate and pup. No sorcerer was going to stop me. 

Ross‘ brown wolf came loping towards me and I picked up the pace. He was just as disappointed as the rest of them. All the sacrifices we’ve made, all the lives lost, and we’re going back empty–handed. 

I knew I owed them an explanation, but I wasn’t ready. 

‘Damn you, Amaris! Stop running away from me, his angry voice rang in my head through the link. 

I paused, letting his wolf collide with me. Snarling, I turned to him. “What part of I don’t want to talk about it, don’t you get, Ross? Don’t you think it  broke me to leave her there?” 

He stood his ground, the hair on his back raised, head lowered. ‘So, why did you? What kind of king are you? You should have snapped his neck and taken her. 

Rage barreled into him, forcing him to the ground. Friend or not, I won’t take insults from him. With fangs bared, my giant black wolf stood over his brown one. 

‘Enough!‘ 

He bared his neck in submission, and I let him 

1. go. 

Chapter 97 

“Our kingdom is under attack. That is what I have to focus on now. Spare me your judgement, Beta Ross. 

‘Alright, I’m sorry, Your Majesty, he shook himself and slinked away into the forest. 

The grillins circled us like vultures until we were well outside Quindin’s borders, where we set up camp to rest and eat. Egnor’s archers stood guard, expecting them to attack, but they never did. 

Egnor came to tell me he was leaving at sunrise. “We cannot accompany you any further, King Amaris. I need to focus on my domain.” 

“Thank you. King Egnor.” I shook his hand. “I appreciate your help.” 

“Can you at least take me into your confidence and tell me why we left in such great haste?” He joined me at the fire. I noticed Lord Greyson and my warriors nearby, and the older man’s head lifted as if he wasn’t paying attention, but I knew better. Ross kept his distance, his body language closed off and defensive, still pissed off at me. 

I told Egnor what happened, and that Raine wanted Quindin to believe that she had rejected me. Ross scowled at me. Clearly, he didn’t approve of my actions. Well, he’ll just have to get over it. 

Egnor raised his eyebrows. “She probably did that to save your life, King Amaris. Like I warned you, Quindin is not someone to trifle with.” 

“Sire, if I may?” Lord Greyson joined in our conversation. “If the council gets word of this, they will remove you from your throne. Unless you take a chosen mate.” 

“Are you  kidding me? She faked the rejection Lord Greyson. Our mate bond is still intact.” 

“But as far as the rest of the supernatural world is concerned, especially Quindin, it is very real.” Lord Greyson went on calmly, “Do you see the dilemma?” 

“Not that it matters, seeing as the prince might already have taken over in our absence,” Ross drawled, joining us at the fire. 

“Which is why we’re on our way home.” The constant back and forth was frustrating. “As soon as I’ve dealt. with Sorin and his allies, we will return to get my queen back.” 

“So, are you planning to take down the Dragon Lords?” Egnor said, stroking his chin. “Then you must count us in. I have a bone to pick with that arrogant Pendragon.” 

“Done.” I finally cracked a smile. “Think you can handle them?” 

“Oh, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, Amaris. But I will meet up with you in a few days. Give me some time to rally my soldiers.” 

I nodded. First Sorin and then that bloodsucker Athan. The Dragon Lords were the least of my concern. What concerned me was that Quindin and the Dragon Lords were likely allies. We spent the entire night discussing our plans in great detail, with debates and compromises made until the sun peeked over the horizon, signaling the end of our conversation and the departure of the elves. 

V3.34 

10, 16 API 

Chapter 97 

Fortunately, the cars were exactly where we had left them at the border of the Fac Realm. I was driven by an urgency to get to my castle and urged my driver to get moving. 

It was such an inexplicable, intense feeling that I could only describe it as a gut feeling. Something was wrong, very wrong, and the closer we got, the stronger the feeling grew. 

Until we reached the mountain road and I saw it–smoke swirling up into the late afternoon sky.