Demoted Protector: The Lycan King’s Mate

Chapter Nine

Alexander's POV

“Thank the moon goddess for sending Gabriel to distract me,” I muttered under my breath. I had promised myself not to touch her again until she knew the truth, that she was my mate. But with her being around me all the time, it was getting harder to keep that promise. And then, a few minutes ago, I almost broke it.

“Are you really letting that girl….the wolfless girl stay here?” He asked angrily. Gabriel’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“She’s not just any girl, and she’s definitely not wolfless,” I said firmly, meeting his glare. “There is something so special about her and I can’t explain it now, but I need her here.”

I can't tell him that she was my mate…something is wrong with her. And even if he knew he would push it for me to do the necessary things for my wolf to get healed, which I can't bring myself to do now after knowing the painful life she had lived…. No, I can't.

“And she saved my life,” I added quickly, hoping to make him understand.

Gabriel’s expression darkened. “Even if she’s a wolf, Alex, you know our history with them. Werewolves and Lycans have a bad history. We haven’t lived in peace and harmony for centuries. If you let her stay, you’re breaking an ancient law that has lived before we were born. The pack won’t accept her. I don’t accept her,” his voice laced with anger and frustration.

"I understand," I muttered, looking him in the eyes. "But I can't throw her out. She's important to me and to the pack."

"How is she important?" Gabriel pressed on. "What are you not telling me?"

"I need to keep her safe," I thought internally, avoiding a direct answer.

He exhaled, shaking his head in frustration. "The only reason I helped you to rescue her was to repay a debt of saving your life. If I had known you were bringing her here to live with us, I would have stopped you from the start!" His voice rose with each word.

"Watch your tongue," I roared, my patience gone. "You're only standing here because you're my best friend and Beta. I am still your King. If I want her here, she stays!"

“End this discussion now”. The room seemed to be filled with my anger.

Gabriel lowered his head immediately. “I'm sorry, forgive me, Your Highness. I was just worried about how the pack would be treating her and how it might affect her."

I nodded, understanding his worries, but I needed to set boundaries. I was about to walk away when he stopped me to inform me that the elders had scheduled a meeting with me at 9:00 p.m. I didn't ask him the agenda of the meeting as I already knew that it would be centered on one person… Ella.

I walked straight to my office because I needed some time to prepare. I had already sat down at my desk, but barely a minute passed before someone knocked on the door. I groaned, already knowing who it was.

“Come in," I called out. The door opened, and Sonia's scent filled the room.

“What now?” I thought, annoyed.

“Alex,” Sonia began, “who is that woman you brought back with you?” She tried to look casual, but I could sense her jealousy.

“She’s none of your concern,” I replied without looking up.

“Alex, am I still going to be your Luna?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"Are you still going to make me Luna?"

I signed internally not liking the idea.

Sonia was Gabriel's sister, and she had been in love with me for years. Earlier last month, I had finally agreed to make her my Luna...Queen, but on the condition that it would be done once I fully recovered.

The pack was desperately in need of a Luna and I thought she would be a good choice because she loved me, and she would never hurt me. And I am indebted to her because she has been giving me her blood to calm down my monstrous being.

But at this point in time, I wasn't sure if I had made the right decision.

“Sonia, I”.... I hesitated.

I looked up to see her, no doubt with her red hair, green eyes, perfect skin and 5'6 in height. She is absolutely beautiful. But she wasn't my type. I couldn't love her, no matter how hard I tried.

“You are having second thoughts, aren't you?” She snapped. "Is she going to be your Luna?" Sonia pressed on, anger rising in her voice.

"The pack won't accept her, Alex. She is not a Lycan. She is even wolfless…she smells more like a human!"

"Shut up!" I growled, standing and hitting my desk so hard it cracked. “You will not speak of her that way!” My anger increased and the painful prophecy about my mate rushed through my mind, crushing my hope of keeping her forever.

Hours ago, I'd been having the thoughts of keeping Ella. Now I knew how dangerous that was. We were destined to part ways in this life. I knew all this before making the decision to bring her to my palace.

The prophecy and Sienna were true and right because, ever since Ella came closer to me, my wolf, Tor, started stirring and the pains I was having had reduced. Indeed, Ella was the key to something important. But I couldn't keep her, no matter how much I wanted to.

Sonia backed away at my reaction, fear flashing in her eyes. “I'm sorry,” she murmured before quickly leaving the room to avoid my rage.

As the clock neared 9:00 p.m, I made my way to the meeting hall. The guards at the entrance yanked the door open for me. The elders were in complete number, they stood and bowed as I took my seat and them in turns. My expression was cold and unapproachable.

“What’s the reason for this meeting?” I asked sharply. “Make it quick.”

One of the elders cleared his throat. “Your Highness, we heard… rumors. Is it true you brought a human to the kingdom?”

I smiled coldly. “Yes, I did. Is that a problem?”

They didn't need any of my explanation as I fully knew that they wouldn't accept it. It is better they perceived her as a human than a wolf.

The elder shifted uncomfortably. “It’s against tradition. We’ve never allowed outsiders, especially someone so… weak.”

“I don't need to explain myself to you. I'm the King. She is under my protection and anyone who dares to harm her will face me. Do I make myself clear?” I dismissed them and left the hall.

As I walked down the hall, the nurse I asked to check upon Ella stopped me. “Your Highness, that girl… is already asleep,” she said softly.

“She has a name,” I growled, “Use it.”

The nurse flinched. Y..yes ,Your Highness.

I headed to my room, torn between my duty and my feelings. The choice I had to make was going to hurt her, but it was the only means to keep her safe.

The next morning, I was in my office when I caught her scent. She knocked, and I called out for her to enter. My heart raced as I looked up to see her standing right in front of me, her face plastered with amazing smiles. She looks so beautiful.

Her smile filled up the room. “I waited for you last night,” she said softly. “The nurse directed me to your office.”

I nodded. “I had several meetings, I was very busy. How are you feeling?”

“Better than yesterday,” she replied.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy her presence. But then, I looked away facing the paperwork on my table, my expression turning cold.

“Ella! I have rules," I said coldly. "Follow them if you want to stay here."

Her smile faded.

"What?" she asked, shocked.

“First,” I said harshly, “I don’t know you.”