THE ALPHA KING'S SPECIAL LUNA

Celine..

Did not return to Kaiden’s room. Instead, I made my way back to my own small bedroom, shutting the door behind me with a shaky breath. Goddess , today has been hectic. First Anya, then Liam and Spencer, and then my parents... I couldn’t catch a break.

Just yesterday, I was on my way out of this pack and now, I am the King’s mistress, like Mother said.

Aren’t you forgetting someone? My wolf asked. I gasped. How could I forget the guard who helped me yesterday? Guilt settled heavily in my chest. He had risked everything for me, and I didn’t even think about him. Had Kaiden punished him? I begged him not to, but did begging mean anything? Was he even still alive?

I needed to know.

I moved to get out of my room, but I remembered my family was still in the palace, so I decided to shift into my wolf instead. Like a ghost, I could slip through the walls and avoid being seen.

Shifting into my wolf form, I silently slipped out of my room and into the darkened halls. My wolf was happy to be in control and was tempted to break into a run but I controlled her, knowing the sort of trouble it may bring if I was spotted.

My paws barely made a sound as I moved cautiously, avoiding the night guards and slipping through hidden paths I had memorized long ago. I passed through the great stone corridors, moving swiftly toward the dungeon. If Kaiden had punished Neil, that was where he would be.

Rut after carefully checking, Neil wasn’t in the dungeons.

A ball of worry sunk into the pit of my stomach. If he wasn’t here, does that mean Kaiden had banished him, or worse, killed him? I barely knew Kaiden, but surely he couldn’t be such a monster?

Hiding in the shadows deep in thought, I spotted a familiar figure from afar.

A smile widened my lips as I changed back into my human form. Goo to know Kaiden didn’t get rid of him. He spotted me from afar and waved at me, before breaking into a sprint.

“You’re alive?” I blurted out.

Neil smiled at me, looking not only unharmed but actually... happy. “Of course I am, “ he said, his voice filled with something I didn’t expect, relief. “Oh, you thought I could die that easily? The Alpha King didn’t kill me, thank goddess.”

I stared at him, confusion written all over my face. “But how? Why? Not that I want you dead, I am just confused.”

A chuckle came from Neil. “I was also shocked. But I was scared for you the most. It was all confusing, especially the promotion part.”

I blinked, “What?”

He nodded, his grin widening “He said I was brave and smart. That I had the guts to stand against the odds. So instead of punishing me, he rewarded me. By giving me promotion.”

I stared at him, unable to process what I was hearing. Kaiden had done the exact opposite of what I had expected. Why was he so unpredictable?

After yesterday I was sure he was going to rip Neil to shreds. He committed treason.

How on earth does that lead to a promotion?

“Don’t think too much about it, little one. We should both be glad we came out unscathed. Treason is a really big deal and if you didn’t have him wrapped around your finger neither of us would be here right now.”

My face reddened at the comment of me having Kaiden wrapped around my finger and I hid my face away. “He could have his reasons, I am worried.”

“I don know what you were expecting, but the Alpha king isn’t as predictable as people think.”

No, he certainly wasn’t. And that terrified me more than anything.

I nodded slowly, forcing a small smile. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

Neil’s expression softened. “You were worried about me?

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. “of course. You helped me. If something had happened to you because of that...” I trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Neil’s grin returned, this time warmer. “Well, I guess I owe you thanks too, If you hadn’t spoken up for me, maybe things would have turned out differently.”

I swallowed, unsure how to feel. Did Kaiden spare him because of me? Or did he see something in Neil that made him worthy of reward? The more I thought about it, the more questions I had.

“What will you do now?” I asked.

Neil straightened. “My new post is within the royal guard. Il be stationed close to the palace, so I guess you’ll be seeing more of me.”

That surprised me even more. Kaiden had not only spared him but had kept him close. Was this a test? A warning?

I forced a small smile. “That’s.. good. I’m happy for you.”

Neil nodded. “And what about you? You okay?”

I hesitated. “I don’t know.” He may have tried to break me out of the pack and risk his life for me but he was still a stranger. It was too early to dump trauma on him.

He frowned. “Celine, if you ever need help again...”

“No,” I cut in quickly. “I don’t want you risking anything else for me. You have a future now. Don’t throw it away.”

He studied me for a moment before nodding. “Alright. But if you ever change your mind...”

I gave him a weak smile before stepping away. “Goodbye, Neil. Whenever you are close by, come say hi.”

He nodded before returning my smile, and I headed back to my room, my thoughts swarming my head.

Kaiden’s actions confused me, and made me question everything I thought I knew about him.

And worst of all, they made me wonder what else he was planning..