The Sun God Diaries

“What the fucking hell is she doing here?!” Gavin boomed angrily as Alyssa sat across from Dad, Raisha, Renatha, and Aunt Lailani in the giant parlor meant for formal meetings. He, Ferdinand, Anis, and Zechariah got word of the female Omega phoenix seeking an audience and everyone in the palace was NOT happy to see her here. “Hasn’t she learned her lesson from her stint at the Formal?”

The blonde, who was now dressed in a casual sweater and jeans (a far cry from the scantily-clad and made-up party girl), hung her head down in shame. “I just came to offer peace,” she replied.

“She tells the truth,” Raisha said firmly. “Her aura is no longer of the brash and arrogant type, but more contrite and apprehensive, Your Graces.”

Ferdinand growled lowly, his eyes glowing gold to let his jaguar Antoni show power. “The moment she tries anything brash, she is dead,” he snarled, glaring at the femme-fatale. “You hear that, harlot?! You try to break my son when he’s with child, you will die tonight.”

“Father,” I said formally, letting a bit of Salgiel show in my voice. To Alyssa, “What are you doing here, Cunningham?”

She looked up, her eyes no longer showing arrogance as Raisha said but now full of regret. “Well, I’ll just cut straight to the chase,” she sighed. “Your Majesty, I’m come begging for forgiveness even though I do NOT deserve it.”

“Got that right,” muttered Anis in the background.

Dad shushed him.

“Anyway, since that night when I saw you shift into the Sun God Wolf in your beast form, I have been doing a lot of heavy thinking- and I mean, A LOT,” Alyssa continued. “The moment I show you go off on Ryker Howell was when I finally saw that I was playing a fool’s game to try to take what’s rightfully yours. I thought I was talking to some homewrecking and bratty Omega prince who was living too high and mighty. Apparently, I was the one playing that role a little too well for my taste.

“Anyway, after that night when Ryker and I returned to his hotel, I listen to him rant and rave on and on about how he was still planning to make you his mate and I saw that he was a lost cause. I could see why Dawson was right to defect from the start. I couldn’t blame him since he knew that going against the Moon Goddess- your direct Ancestor- was like trying to hit a hockey puck with a toothpick: it’s impossible. And as I saw him go deeper and deeper into his madness, I knew damn well that Ryker Howell was damning his soul to the devil. I had to cut him loose or I’d be on the same path. With a gunshot aimed for his already-injured arm and a curt farewell, I left him to rot and I prayed for forgiveness, hoping to seek mercy and clemency from your Great-Grandmother and your family. Your Majesty, I’m so sorry for acting like a total bitch from hell when you didn’t deserve it. You earned your mates by Her design- all thirteen of them. And I was wrong for trying to claim them like they were nothing but toys.”

“What if Malachi decides that you are not worthy of his forgiveness?” Dad asked her, his Moon Wolf Prince persona in full display. “What then, Cunningham?”

“Then I’d gladly leave here and live out my days as a lone phoenix,” she answered confidently. “But I would not rest unless I’m in my grave knowing that I had finally been atoned for my sins. It took a lot for me to realize that I was playing with fire, Your Grace. And I’ve been eating the stringy and bitter morsels of crow since that night. I’ve been acting like a diva for far too long and I’ve ruined my family because of it. Pride is a bitch. And I don’t want to be anymore.”

I nodded. “Stand up,” I said as I did so, taking a deep breath.

She did, looking uneasy.

SLAP!

“That’s for all the hell you emotionally put me through,” I said firmly.

“I deserved that,” she replied, looking down at her feet.

And then...I hugged. “And this is for owning your mistakes,” I said softly. “You’re not too far gone yet, girl.”

“Thank you,” Alyssa replied, stifling a sob. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

We broke away, tears threatening to spill. “So, what are you doing now?” I asked.

“I’ve been keeping under the radar,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to find my parents since I know they disowned me as did my brother. I’m hoping to find a job these days or try to find a convent to absolve my sins.”

“Wanna have a job here?”

Alyssa looked stunned. “Me? Are you sure?” she asked, looking around at my family who looked more at ease. “I don’t want to impose.”

“You found forgiveness in all,” Gavin replied, “and that’s all that matters.”

“And we could use a new escort,” I replied. “More so, given the news that I’m pregnant!”

“Wow,” Alyssa said. “Congratulations. Well, I accept! If Dawson can have a second chance, so can I. And you can count on me to-”

“MINE!” boomed a stocky male guard as he stormed inside, setting his gaze on a now-spooked Alyssa. “My girl, you are mine!”

“Yours,” she breathed, letting her eyes glow gold. “Alpha.”

“Omega,” grinned the male guard.

I smirked. “Cunningham, welcome to the family,” I replied as I led the applause.

“Thank you,” she breathed. “But Malachi- I mean, Your Majesty, you still need to look out for Ryker. He’s still out there looking for supporters. But everyone’s too afraid to join him thanks to the order your parents sent out.”

I nodded. “Have you contacted him? Has he contacted you?”

She nodded. “Tried to get me to join him on two different phone calls,” she admitted. “He even stopped by my hotel where I was working as a temporary maid. I had the guards throw him out. But he’s not giving up, Malachi.”

“She tells the truth,” Raisha intoned. To me, “Malachi, you’ll need to prepare for the inevitable. Remember the words of the Moon Goddess: trust in Her plan and all of us. And most of all, trust yourself.”

I nodded. “Oliver, show Alyssa to your quarters,” I said. To Aunt Lailani, “Tell Uncle Clay to make sure that our training is still on. I may be expecting kids, but I’m still going to work hard.”

And that was the truth! All right, Ryker Howell. If it’s a game you want to play, then game on! But you will lose.