Alpha of the Dead

Chapter 16

(Preston’s P.O.V)

Using the portal at the Hallowed Manes Pack to enter the Lunar Realm in the Kingdom of Màni was going to be a highlight of my life because I get to meet the Luna Queen and Alpha King. I couldn’t help the giddy feeling and the almost girlish squeal that left my lips when Luna Queen Morrigan, belly round with their heir, greeted me with a warm smile and a handshake.

“Oh, my apologies Your Majesty, I forget myself,” I state as I pull my hand from hers and quickly give a bow.

“No worries, Preston, and please no formalities, it’s really annoying.” She giggles.

“I’m so honored and humbled that you would be willing to escort me to Eferhile, it’s been a few years since I was last there,” I state as I offer her my arm, to walk up the stairs from the portal.

“Oh please! I’m just excited to go back home and see my family. Between you and me, Rian has gone absolutely ape s**t with this pregnancy.” She whispers conspiratorially in my ear.

“I heard that mo grà.” A voice growls out behind us, making me jump.

“That was the point mo rí,” She giggles at her mate, who is standing at the top of the stairs.

“Your Majesty, it’s an honor to meet you,” I say, bowing my head to him.

“I’m sure it is, now why are you touching my mate?” He growls.

I blanch, not realizing that my helping the Luna Queen up the stairs would cause an issue with her mate. I should have known better though, shifters are possessive and protective of their mates, even more so when the mate is an Alpha.

“Rian, stop it. He was helping me up the stairs unless you want me to lose my balance and fall down the stairs and die.” She counters, her eyes wide with fake innocence.

Rian juts out his lip in a pout fit for a three-year-old who had their favorite toy taken away, before Morrigan leans up and places a soft kiss on his lips. It was such a sweet exchange that I felt a pang in my chest, the ache that happens when I see mates together. I really hope that I find my mate soon.

“Rian, I’m going to teleport Preston and I to Eferhile, we’ll be back in a few hours.” Morrigan states, as we step out of the portal building and into the front grounds of the palace.

“I don’t want you teleporting while pregnant. It’s bad enough that you do it by yourself. I don’t want you doing it with a passenger.”

“No worries Rian, I’ll be helping her.” A tall, slender man states with a chuckle.

His hair is long and white, he has Elven ruins tattooed on his chest and neck.

“Hi Alstin! Thanks for coming.” Morrigan squeals, hugging the elf king.

“King Alstin, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I bow.

“No need for formalities, I’m on vacation. Now, let’s get to Eferhile.” He states, taking my hand and Morrigan’s.

I feel a pull behind my navel, and we are teleported into the throne room of the palace in Eferhile. King Bayard and Queen Constance were sitting on their thrones on a dais, waiting for our arrival, along with the former Queen Raya and her two other sons, Princes Olivier and Rainier.

“Morrigan! Hello my baby!” Her mother squeals before running down the dais, embracing Morrigan in a hug.

“We can catch up in a minute mom, I’m here for a few hours. Bayard, Constance, this is Preston, an agent of the FBI in the Human Realm.”

King Bayard and Queen Constance level their stares at me, and suddenly I’m extremely nervous.

“Your Majesties, as Luna Queen Morrigan stated, my name is Preston Thompson and I’m currently working on a case where thirteen children have been kidnapped. When we were questioning one of the families, I went into their backyard and felt for magic. I found it. It’s eons old and dark. I wield green magic and I have learned about many kinds of magic, including ancient kinds. I humbly request access to the Royal Archives to see if there is any information about this magic.” I state, bowing in respect.

“Are these children from human families?” Queen Constance asks.

“Only three are human children, five are pups and cubs from different packs and sleuths, and then the last five are spell caster children from two separate covens. They have left the vampire and Fae’s children alone. We aren’t sure the reason they are leaving the Fae and vampires out but, I’m hoping that the archives can help me.”

“That’s terrible. If you or your team need anything, please don’t hesitate to have Alpha Tiernan reach out to my mate. We will send warriors to the Human Realm if needed.” Morrigan states, squeezing my arm in comfort.

“Yes, you will have warriors from us as well if and when they are needed. You have my permission to view the Royal Archives. Julia will escort you down there, she is one of the keepers of the Archives.” King Bayard says, motioning to a woman standing next to the dais.

“Please, follow me, Mr. Thompson.” She says quietly as I fall in line behind her.

“Thank you, Miss. Julia. I appreciate your assistance.” I murmur.

Her scent is like chamomile tea and honey, calming me and soothing the ache in my heart. This is odd. I had never felt this way before. Wait, could she be my mate!? I reached my hand out and grabbed hers, and then I felt it, the most wonderful feeling in the world: sparks! My mate! Julia looks at me, eyes wide and the world clicks into place, those pale blue eyes filled with wonder and love.

“Mr. Thompson—”

“Preston, please. Call me Preston. No formalities between mates.” I murmur as I bring my lips to hers.