Alpha King Of The Heavens (Heavenly Alphas Book One)

Rumors Of A Rebellion

EMORY’S POV:

I walked into my packhouse as I arrived home with my beta, Lyall, flanked my heels every step of the way as usual. As we walked in, the rest of my pack were like eager children on Christmas morn waiting for me to tell them what happened during the meeting with the child king. I rolled my eyes. The last thing I wanted to do was to deal with any of them right now. I walked into my office and slammed the door.

How could he let someone...someone like her rule. I had a perfectly good daughter he could just as easily choose. But he didn’t even blink an eye in consideration to removing that...that brat from his side. I slammed my fist against the table so hard it shook beneath the pressure.

Lyall flinched at my side. “Surely he is bound to come to his senses, my Alpha.”

“Of course he will. It just may have to be by force if he isn’t willing to do it the easy way.” I grit my teeth as I spoke.

I could feel the tension coursing through Lyall’s body. He was always such a softy toward the royal family. Maybe I should look for a replacement as my beta when I got what I wanted. “Sir, maybe force isn’t the best way to handle this right now. I mean...he is a new king. He can’t be that hard to persuade.”

“Oh, maybe you are right.” I smirked as thoughts coursed through my anger-filled brain. “Maybe...maybe I can do what Primordial did. Make him think he is backed into a corner with his tail between his legs. The new king wouldn’t want to look bad for his subjects.”

“That’s not…” Lyall said nervously before I cut him off.

“That’s not what? What is it you have to say, Lyall? Are you already doubting me? You have been by my side for years, yet...you always seem on a different page than I am. Should I be concerned?” I said standing slowly and watching his ever move.

“N...no, my Alpha. My loyalty lies with you. Only you.” He stuttered a bit as he backed away.

“That is so good to hear. Need I remind you how easily you could be replaced?” I warned as I walked to him threateningly. I snarled coming face to face with him letting a low growl escape.

“No, of course not sir. I know there are many wolves in your pack alone killing to be where I am. I am grateful to serve as your second in command. Forgive me for making you think otherwise.” He apologized quickly recanting his earlier actions.

“Good. You should be. Don’t let it happen again.” I warned as I faked a smile and pat my hand against his shoulder. “Now help me make a plan on how to get Leo to turn on his bride.”

LEO’S POV:

I walked down the hall quickly trying to find Adria. If anyone could get the previous scene that unfolded off of my mind...it would be her. As I walked around the palace I noticed one thing. I never really knew how big it was...until I was trying to find one person in particular. Emory always had a way of getting on my nerves. But he was normally never this disrespectful. Then again...dad knew how to keep the old man in his place.

I walked into the huge parlor to find the one person I was looking for looking around at the bookshelves full of books. “Adria, my love.” I couldn’t help but smile. Upon seeing her all of my worries faded away. “Did you find a book that you would like to read?”

She jumped a little startled by me suddenly being behind her. “We never kept many books back home. But I love to read. The collection here is amazing.” She smiled in awe as she trailed her fingers across the spines of each book.

“If anything catches your attention, by all means please feel free to take it. This is your home now too.” I smiled and placed my hand on the small of her back. She seemed so happy in this moment.

She smiled kindly and picked a book up instantly. The book had caught me off guard though, considering how many other books there were surrounding her. “This is the book your parents wrote if I am not mistaken. It talks about the beginning of Lycansbane...and the birth of their heir.” She ran her fingers across the cover as she spoke. “I can’t wait to read how it all began. How this beautiful place came to be.”

I laughed a little shocked at her sudden excitement. “Now why would you want to learn about something like that?”

She smiled and stared at the cover. “We always have heard legend of the Moon Goddess and how this place comes to be...but rumors can be so wrong sometimes. It is hard to get a clear picture from word of mouth. I want to read it from the first King’s perspective.”

I smiled and watched her as she scanned every inch of the book as if it were the best thing she would ever see. “Of course. Once you are finished with the book, I am sure Mom and Dad will be happy to discuss it with you.”

Her face lit up as she looked up at me. “What a dream come true.” She paused for a moment in deep thought. “How did your meeting go?”

I tensed up slightly and tried to brush off the feeling before she could notice. “The same old boring stuff, my dear. I would much rather be here with you.”

She seemed to have noticed my tension, but thankfully she let it go. “I see. Well...if you ever need to talk about it, my ears are open.” She blushed a little this time as she spoke.

I smiled and brushed her hair out of her face. “Thank you. So, tell me...what do you want to do today?”

She thought for what seemed like forever as I tried to decipher what could be going on in her head. “It has been an exhausting day already, can we just relax and spend time together?”

I laughed at how she thought she had to ask. “Of course, my love. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.”

As I walked her over to the couch, I heard footsteps walking into the room and the front door closing. My body tensed up as I prepared for the worst...but part of me grew aggravated at the constant interruptions. “Whoever it is, it can wait until tomorrow. I am a bit preoccupied right now.”

“Oh, come on now. That isn’t the way to greet your old man now is it?” Dad laughed as he walked into the parlor.

I laughed a little and felt some of the tension fade. “No, I suppose it isn’t. What brings you here, Dad?”

He faked a shocked expression as he smiled. “Besides the fact that you are my son, I came to see my new daughter in law while your mother is enjoying some quality rest and relaxation with Jaylene.”

I laughed as I stood again. “Of course. Dad, I would like you to meet Adria. Adria, this is my father.”

Adria stood and extended her hand for a proper handshake. “It is so nice to meet you.”

Dad laughed and pushed her extended hand away pulling her in for a hug. “It is lovely to meet you, dear. No need to act so formal. We are family here.”

I laughed and nudged her playfully. “I told you so.”

Dad laughed and pulled away quickly turning his attention to me. “I am so sorry, but I must temporarily steal my son’s attention for a moment if you don’t mind.”

She smiled kindly and laughed a little. “I suppose that will be alright.”

He laughed and quickly ushered me out of the room as I glanced back at Adria apologetically. Dad led me to the board room and shut the door quietly behind him.

He looked at me with a worried expression. “So, I take it the meeting with Emory didn’t go well.”

I looked at him a little shocked that he knew already. “Dad, he wanted me to turn against her family and kill them.”

Dad sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Leave it to Emory to try to start a war.” He heaved a long heavy sigh. “Listen very closely. Emory is wanting to start a war.”

I rolled my eyes and placed my hand on the back of my head. “Yes, we just established that.”

He shook his head quickly. “No, I mean he wants to start a war with you to force your hand.”

I felt my body tense up again as I processed what was being said. “How do you know?”

“I have my sources, son. It is just a rumor for now. I am not sure how far he is willing to take this tantrum of his,” Dad said as he watched me.

“I am not giving her up if that is what you are hinting at,” I warned as I watched his expression soften again.

“Of course not. But, it may be wise to prepare for a rebellion if he takes this fit of his that far.” Dad advised as he watched my movements. “I thought you should know. Your mother and I stand by you as always.”

 I nodded silently as he left me to my thoughts. A rebellion. Already? How can I keep my kingdom united...and still keep the girl of my dreams? I couldn’t help but silently wonder how far rumors of a rebellion would spread. I evaded one war...to face another.