In The Shadows Of Two Alphas

Somewhere safe.

Andrea

Ronan’s words resonated in my being, making me tremble. I lowered my gaze, unable to meet his eyes. How did I not know he was the Alpha King of the North? With such intimidating aura, it’s no surprise at who he is.

Ronan led me out of the room, and my jaw dropped at the sight of opulence. I glanced around as I'm taken from room to room, until we arrived at what appeared to be a dining hall. It is graced with only a single large mahogany table, around which five or six chairs were arranged. Above the table, a large chandelier was suspended, each crystal bulb gleaming and reflecting light that danced around the warm room.

My gut churned, anxiety, awe and confusion lingering in my mind. This was the first time that I had ever been in such a room. Even when Garrett often hosted delegates and Alphas from other regions, I was never allowed to serve them.

‘You’d rub your filth on the place,’ he would spit at me, hurting me with his words.

I didn't know why, but I endured it, unable to see a way out.

I still felt like I was dreaming, being in the arms of another man, one who was capable of rescuing me.

Thinking of Garrett’s intimidation made me shiver. Unwittingly I asked softly, afraid to raise my voice too high, “Where are we?”

Ronan was silent for a few seconds but then answered in a steely tone.

“Somewhere safe.”

“But he’s dangerous. He’ll come after me and…” I was about to continue but Ronan’s golden-eyed gaze, burning with intensity, made me swallow the question I wanted to ask. He leaned in and pressed his nose against my neck. I froze, my chest heaving with pants.

“He will not touch you, Andrea. I’ll rip the hearts out of anyone who dares to.” His voice was low, dauntless, and utterly terrifying to listen to. As his breath fanned my throat I felt a vice grip my heart, squeezing it painfully.

Was he truly capable of such? I thought about the rumors I had heard about the Alpha King of the North, those tales that were seemingly out of a horror fiction. I was terrified. I should have run, should have done more than trembling in place, but not only was Ronan’s cool grip on me too firm, but I found a part of me, my wolf, resonated with those words. As if they made the most sense As if Ronan hadn’t the aura of a bloodthirsty monster.

“That’s enough, Ronan. You don't get to threaten the Alpha of a well-known pack without consequences.”

Kael’s voice made me look up, and as I met his silver-eyed gaze, relief washed over me. Ronan let out a growl, turning to face him.

“If they come after her, it’s our duty to protect,” Ronan argued, his tone snide as he gazed at Kael. “Your desires to foster peace would be your downfall one day, Kael.”

“And your bloodlust wont,” Kael scoffed openly before glancing at me. Our eyes met, and his tone softened. “It doesn't matter. Andrea is ours, and we have to keep that in mind. Too many variables still stand.”

“What variables?” I asked aloud, to which both men fell silent. A sure sign that they weren't going to say anything. “Tell me. I have the right to know.”

A lot of questions churned in my head as I glanced between Kael and Ronan, and both of them exchanged a glance, before Kael sighed and simply said to me, “Andrea, both our positions put you at risk. We cannot guarantee anything without you getting stronger.”

Is that it?

Discontent must have shown in my eyes for Ronan snapped suddenly.

“Where are the maids? It’s about time for breakfast.”

Suddenly three maids bearing trays of food entered, one after the other. Kael sighed, in what came off like relief. I pursed my lips.

They were indeed hiding something from me.

Did it have to do with the mate bond? Why did my wolf perceive both of them as my mate? I couldn't for the life of me, fathom it.

I recalled the mark that had appeared on my arm last night, one that still left a slight ache as I raised my arms to begin eating.

Too many variables indeed.

Lowering my gaze, I found myself unable to stomach more than a couple bites of the rich breakfast. It was simply too much. My grip on the fork and knife was tight, and I was afraid of making a fool of myself.

This was one of the best meals I ever had in my life. Even as the daughter of a Beta in Garrett’s pack, way before my father died, I still never enjoyed the type of luxury that was afforded to me now.

Thinking of my father and how Garrett had killed him mercilessly right in front of me, tears sprang to my eyes, stinging and hot.

My vision blurred, right as out of seemingly nowhere, a hand placed something on my plate. A large portion of sausages and eggs, the delicious aroma wafting through the air and catching me unawares.

“You’ve barely eaten. You’re all skin and bones,” Kael said by my left.

Ronan snorted by my right, and he shoved a glass of orange juice in front of me.

“You’d need the energy. Eat,” another command, which sounded like a threat.

I sniffled, unable to contain my emotions.

“O-Okay,” I murmured in assent, as a tear spilled down my cheek.

A warm thumb caught it, and gently wiped it away, leaving tingles running down my spine.

Suddenly the air felt a little bit too hot, my cheeks flushing as I gazed to meet Kael’s eyes. Unlike Ronan, his aura was full of warmth, one that enveloped me and made me wish for more. My wolf stirred within, that one word full of desire ringing through my head.

‘Mate’.

But before anything else could happen, the daze was broken by the loud slam of a door. I jumped, my heart in my throat as a female voice rang out.

“Your Majesty, I have searched for you for so long.”

…