The Alpha's Revenge

Chapter 41

Annalisa’s POV

I jump out the window and climb to the roof. I then jump from rooftop to rooftop then onto the treetops to get out the King’s territory. That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Who would have guessed that the King would be my second chance mate? I am excited about getting a new mate but not sure I am happy about it being the King. Is he a bad guy and in with the council? Or is he just a weak man, who accepts and believes whatever he is told? I understand the grief of losing his parents led to him making choices he probably regrets at this time. And I believe his intentions were good and genuine. His acceptance of their help was honest and at a time of vulnerability for him. I just don’t know what category he goes into yet. I don't trust him yet. Also, what are his expectations? As a king, does he want a docile, submissive mate? Because Ruby, that is not us! He is cute though.

“Just cute?” Ruby asks

“No, he’s absolutely stunning and sexy as hell”

He is tall with jet black hair that he keeps longer at the top and shaved on the sides. He has amber-colored eyes that are clear and hypnotic. His voice is the most soothing thing I have ever heard. Keeping my emotions away while talking to him was very difficult, especially with Ruby in my head. She spent the whole time telling me to jump his bones and to mark him, to make him ours and what she wants to do to him. She wanted me to ask about his wolf and to stay with him. She’s still upset with me and only talks to me about Nicholas. I remind her that I did not reject him, but he needs to get his s**t together. I see the person he can be, but I am not okay with the person he is right now. We also have a job to do before we can accept anyone as our mate. Along we the fact, that we are still 16. She shuts up after that. We head back to Crystal Lake, the meeting with the allied alphas is next week and I want to help get ready. After the meeting we are putting an end to this trafficking ring.

King Nicholas’s POV

Two days. I have reviewed all the files and information multiple times, and it took me two days to truly comprehend and process everything. My Kingdom is in ruins, and I am sitting in this f*****g castle. I am an i***t! It’s true I was young and not ready to rule when my parents died, but that was four years ago. If my father was here and saw me now, he would kick my ass. I have to do something. The thing is, I don’t know who to trust around here. The Council has taken over, I have guards following me in my own home. Who is just following orders or in leigh with the Elders? I don’t know, and the people I feel I can trust are not here. I head to the conference room to have the monthly meeting with my advisors/the council. I have the start of a plan. Let’s see how it goes.

“Morning King Nicholas” Elder Peters welcomes me to the meeting

“This morning’s meeting will consist of myself, Elder Crawford, Elder James, Elder Lincoln and Elder Edwards”

“So, Elder Jacks and Elder Rhanes are missing today? May I ask why?”

“They had meetings in packs today”

“Which packs?”

“Dark Hollow and Clear Moon. Is there a problem King Nicholas?” Elder Peters asks

“No, but as the King I should be aware of this. No?”

“Yes, sir”

“There is not much to discuss today. There was a change in leadership at the Crystal Lake pack. Elder Crawford witnessed the swearing in of all newly ranked members. And a new class of elite warriors recently graduated from the program at Full Moon” Elder Lincoln states

“Is there nothing else going on?”

“No, sir. Things have been running smoothly” Elder Peters states

“I just find it odd that when my father was King he was always dealing with pack issues and going to visit packs. I have been in this position for four years and there have been no issues. Not one task for me to address”

“We have tried to help with these things for you sir. Four years ago, you said you were not ready and needed help. If you are ready to start taking on these responsibilities, we would be happy to hand them over” Elder Crawford said

I observe him and he seemed genuine. Actually, excited about me taking on more of the role. Elder Edwards and Lincoln not so much. I already know Elder Peters loves telling me what to do and ruling in my stead. I don’t know about the other elders yet. Elder James gives me no vibes either which way and the other two are always conveniently out in packs when we have meetings.

“I appreciate your help, and it was needed while I was dealing with my parents' death, but I think it’s time I got a bit more involved. Don’t you?”

“I like that idea” Elder Crawford says

“Me too, the Council is here to aid, not run the kingdom or take over the duties of the king” Elder James says

“We don’t want to push you to do something you are not ready for” Elder Edwards states

“Yeah, we have no problems taking on these roles for you and things have been going well the last four years” Elder Peters states

“But as Elder James states, this is not the role of the Council. We are here to help King Nicholas, not do his job for him" Elder Crawford commented

“How about we take any changes slowly on a day-by-day basis. We can talk about them again at our meeting next month” Elder Lincoln says

The smile on his face is supposed to be one of comfort. Like he is being diplomatic and settling this issue amicably, but I get a weird feeling from him. My wolf Fury is also making comments about him being deceitful.

“Okay, we will discuss this further next month. But there is one thing I want to stop now. I don’t need guards following me around the palace. This is my home. I don’t need security in my home. If there is a concern, then we need to review our security measures”

“Agreed. That makes total sense” Elder Crawford states

“And I will be going to my cousins cousin's pack to visit next week for a few days”

“I don’t think that is a good idea Sir” Elder Edwards states

“Why not? He hasn’t been out of this house in years. He should go see his family, start building relationships with packs” Elder James states

“There could be a security issue” Elder Peters states

“If you are so concerned about the security of the King’s guards then we need to investigate this. This is the second time you mentioned my security. I will be going to Full Moon and to ensure my security, I will have my cousin send elite warriors to escort me there and back. Then, when I get back, we can start re-evaluating my guards and security detail if there seems to be an issue. Elder James, Crawford and Lincoln will help me with this. Any questions?”

“No Sir” they all say in unison

“Are there any other issues to discuss?”

“No Sir” Elder Peters states

“Wonderful. Thank you for your time, gentlemen”

I leave the meeting and head to the gym. I haven’t been working out on a regular basis and this has to change also. The other people I have not seen are Abel and Wilson, my best friends and, the men who were to be my Royal Beta and Gamma when I took over. But no one has been occupying these positions that I am aware of. I link them.

“Abel, Wilson?”

“Nicholas?”

“Yeah, where are you guys?”

“Right now, we have just finished training. We were told you are in a fragile state since your parent’s death and to leave you alone. No one will let us see you or talk to you”

“We need to talk. I believe some of the Elders are trying to take over the Kingdom”

“WHAT THE f**k” they both yell in my head

“The thing is, there is no place safe to discuss this here. I recently found out there are bugs and cameras around the palace”

“What do you need us to do?”

“Meet me at the gym. We will have to mindlink a lot, but I need your help. I also need a phone”

“On our way”