A Baby for the Alpha King

FOR SANITY'S SAKE

CLEO

I was brought to the infirmary, and the doctor with us calmly started questioning me about the specifics of my health in front of the king. It was a little embarrassing talking about my s****l health, but I understand my duties. I answered truthfully to the best of my abilities, even though some of the questions were very straightforward and almost demeaning, and she quietly jotted down important things.

“That’s all about it.” She said, looking at her notes again. “We’ll look into these, your majesty and will report to you as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.” Alpha Solan thanked the doctor before taking my hand again and quietly walking with me.

I simply followed, once again trying to cherish the rare moments we will be together, other than his bed. My heart ached at the thought. It’s demoralizing to be a mere baby maker for my own fated mate, but here we are.

Before I knew it, we were in the gardens of the pack house. He led me to sit on one of the benches with intricate designs carved on the wood. I turned to the side just to check the carvings and couldn’t help but feel amazed by the handiwork.

“Were you impressed by the craftsmanship?” He asked and even stood just so I could see the entirety of it.

My face tinted red in embarrassment, and I quickly stood as well to offer my apologies. “I apologize, your majesty. I didn’t mean to be distracted.”

Alpha Solan shook his head and approached me to slowly lift my gaze, “Cleo, you don’t have to be like this with me, especially if we’re alone like this. You’re my mate.”

My heart skipped a beat hearing his words. It felt so good being acknowledged by my mate… but I knew that I shouldn’t relish in this short-lived happiness. Not when I knew how it could never be us.

Solan was right with what he said about crossing the lines, but it doesn’t just apply to the queen, but also to us. We can’t keep crossing the lines, or this setup wouldn’t work. I politely took a step back and smiled.

“I can’t possibly call you casually, Alpha, but I still thank you that you don’t consider that at all. Also, thank you so much for helping us with the situation with the queen. I assure you, none of her assumptions and accusations were true. Theodore and I were merely talking when she arrived. He was one of the people who rescued my remaining pack members, that’s why I’m very thankful.”

Solan gave a small nod. “I know, Cleo. I also have to apologize for what she did. Vera didn’t hurt you, didn’t she?”

I quickly shook my head. “No. You came just in time, but I’m quite worried for Theodore. What if the queen hurts him again?” I expressed my worry for the first friend I made. I don’t know if he considers me one, but I do for sure.

He frowned a bit, eyes changing into his wolf for a second before going back to normal. My forehead crumpled. Did I say something wrong?

“You don’t have to worry about anyone else in here but yourself. The warrior will be fine. I won’t let Vera run around and hurt whoever she wants.” He said, letting me back on the seat. “Forget about unnecessary things and let’s talk about you.”

I pointed at myself, “Me? I’ve already told everything to the doctor, your majesty.”

He heaved a sigh. “Having a child with you isn’t the only thing I want from you, Cleo. I know I haven’t been in contact with you lately. I just got busy. But it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you.”

My heart skipped a beat with his remark. It’s true that we haven’t seen each other in a while. I already steeled myself at the thought that he didn’t care as much as I wished.

Alpha Solan glanced at the carvings on the bench, “My father especially commissioned those carvings. It’s based on my mother’s paintings. Each of these benches has different patterns, as my mom loved painting.”

I touched the intricate carvings with amazement. “They’re very beautiful, almost very realistic. I bet the late Luna’s paintings are as beautiful.”

I checked the other benches and found more designs. The one we’re sitting on earlier was with the image of wolves running in the woods under the full moon. It was wood carvings, but it felt so alive. The other one I checked was a man holding an infant. The man was smiling lovingly while looking at the child in his arms.

“Is that the late king and you as a baby?” I couldn’t help but ask.

He slowly nodded, “Yes. My mother said that memory is forever carved in her mind that she could paint it even with her eyes closed.”

I smiled, but couldn’t help but feel a little envious. I’m perfectly content with the family I grew up with, which is just my mother raising me alone. I was truly content with that, but now that I knew the truth, I couldn’t help but wonder about my real parents.

Who they are, why they abandoned me… or are they even alive?

“You have a lovely family, your majesty,” I commented.

He smiled, though there was familiar sadness to it. My eyes widened a bit, realizing there was a reason why I hadn’t seen either of his parents.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to open up the topic.” I said, knowing how painful it is.

Solan shook his head. “You have nothing to apologize for, Cleo. I’m the one who opened it up, and I’m truly happy you appreciate my mother’s art. It’s the only reminder I have… since my dad burned my mother’s paintings when he couldn’t take her death. It was a cruel time for me, but seeing you like this made me remember the good times. If you’re interested in art, I could supply you with anything you need in your place. I’d love to see the art you’ll create.”

My eyes widened. It would be really nice, but I’m afraid he’ll expect too much.

“That would be very nice, Alpha… but please don’t keep your expectations too high, okay? I’m a total novice, and I doubt I’d ever reach your mother’s level of expertise. I’ll enjoy it a lot, though.” I said politely.

He smiled, “You enjoying will be enough for me and don’t ever hesitate to tell your attendant if you need or want anything else. I’ll have it provided for you.”

“I appreciate what you provide. Thank you.” I said, but remembered something else. “Can I ask one question, though?”

Solan gave a small nod. “Of course, what is it?”

“The other omegas that were rescued with me. How are they? Are they in good condition?” I asked with worry. I know those people barely cared for me, but they’re still my pack members.

His eyes showed understanding. “They’re sent in different parts of the packs. They’re all given decent lodgings and jobs. I don’t condone treating omegas like trash just because they’re the lowest in our hierarchy. Trust me, they’re all in good condition.”

Solan’s assurance made me breathe in relief. “Thank the Goddess, I was really worried about them. Thank you, your majesty. We would have all been dead if you hadn’t sent out your warriors for aid, too.”

“It’s one of the reasons why I was very busy lately. I’m doing everything to eradicate the rogues’ black markets where they usually traffic omegas. I’ve been in talks with other packs, as well. Anyone who buys trafficked omegas instead of surrendering them answers to me.”

I gave a grateful smile, appreciating his efforts. “As an omega, I’m very grateful. We’re treated roughly. It’s a relief that the Alpha King cares for omegas.”

“I’m doing my best.”

We shifted the topic eventually, talking about random things to get to know each other. He was very endearing and listened to me attentively as much as I did. My wolf was literally celebrating in my mind, happy that I’m with my mate, though it’s short-lived.

“Yes, my mother did tell me I wasn’t hers when she was pushing me to escape. At first, I thought it was just to make me leave, but looking back… I think there’s truth to it. She never said who my father was after all. I’m guessing she couldn’t say because she didn’t know at all.”

Alpha Solan suddenly held my hand. “Do you want me to find your origin? I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll try my best.”

“I appreciate the offer, Alpha. But I’m good. I know you’re busy, and I didn’t want to add to any of that. I am curious, yes, but I’ve faced enough disappointment in my lifetime. I don’t want to add anything to that. I think I’d rather not know… for my sanity's sake.”