The Witches’ Most Wanted

CHAPTER 1: WHERE DO I START?

Valentina

My eyes fluttered open, staring down to my malnourished body. I pulled my hand to my face to wipe away the sweat from my forehead, before my hand fell lazily back to the ground. The chain clanking back to the floor just as my hand fell back to the concrete.

Welcome to my own personal hell. I’ve been here for the past 13 years. Ever since the day these scumbags, or should I say blood suckers took my mother. For whatever reason that it was deemed okay. I will forever hate them, and once I am free from this sh*t hole. I will make it my greatest honor to revenge my mother’s death.

You may be thinking? Well, why am I chained to the wall? I couldn’t tell you the exact reason besides that, the King, doesn’t trust that I will stay here. I wonder what would make him think that.

I’m currently waiting til Evan gets here to escort me to the King’s office. That is after the maids scrub me clean and dress me in designer clothes. Some may think that’s a great life. You’re surely mistaken. I’m only dressed proper to be his escort, to fill my mother’s spot, since the witches still haven’t heard of her death yet. Which I can explain better for you, my apologies. My mother was taken captive when the Vampire king needed help from the witches. My mother was one of the most powerful blood witches, her and my aunt in fact. On the way to Vampire City, my mother met her mate. She described him as the most handsome man in the world. She told me so much about him. I’m honestly sad I never met the man. My father. The Vampires were growing impatient and claimed to have killed my father, and in the mist took my mother captive. So nice right?

Anyways, when the King grew bored of my mother and fond of her heir. He eliminated her, leaving me to be his escort.

The old metal door flung open, making me shove my thoughts into a small box in the back of my brain. My darkened pupils narrowing to the figure. There he was, Evan. The famous prick. That was harsh, I should just say a*s sucker for the King. He craves power to the point of bearing his own life just to be important. How stupid can one be to do that? The thought made me roll my eyes.

“ Someone’s in a sassy mood, hm?” Evan mocked, smirking dryly, as he began undoing my chains.

I remained silent. I never wish to say a single word to these murderers. Especially after that day. I haven’t spoken to them once, and often I get the sh*t beat out of me for it. Though I’ve grown to not feel a thing when it comes to this hell.

“ I see you haven’t learned a thing, Miss Valentina.” He sighed, yanking my petite body from the ground. A surge of pain tearing threw the muscles in my wrists. A small hiss escaping my lips.

“ Ah, there’s something.” He smiled. God do I wish I could burn that smile off of his face at this moment. I lowered my eyes to the ground as my feet shifted along the cement floor.

Once I was led into the maid’s quarters. They went straight to work getting me cleaned up for today’s events. My face remained emotionless as my eyes remained hooded. Due to the lack of sleep and nutrition. Speaking of nutrition, I never got breakfast. I exhaled deeply, shooing the thought as far out of my mind as I could muster. There’s no point of even trying to ask. My throat always betrays me even when I do try to talk, even to the human maids. It must be something with how my brain is wired, just add it to the list.

After what seemed like hours, I was finally being led into the King’s office. Or so I thought. This isn’t the route to the King’s office. I lifted my eyes to look around me. Other Vampires staring right into my eyes as mine drifted over theirs. Where the hell are we going?

“ Come on.” Evan snarled, pulling me harshly which successfully snapped me out of my gaze.

I didn’t bother to fight. I stopped fighting 13 years ago. My heels clicking along the floor, as they followed behind Evan’s quick strides leading me out of the Palace to the huge horseshoe shaped driveway. My heart rate picked up, as my eyes danced around my surroundings frantically.

“ Thank you, Evan.” The King nodded, solemnly.

“ Of course, sir.” Evan nodded in return, turning on his heel to take his leave.

“ You aren’t joining us?” The King asked, his eyes staring to Evan.

Evan turned his head, c*cking a brow. “ I didn’t know I was allowed, sir. I would love too.” He smiled shortly, beginning to approach us again. The King offered him a short nod, gesturing his hand towards the blacked out Cadillac Escalade. Evan opened the Cadillac’s door, stepping into it’s cab. The King then shoved my frozen figure towards the SUV.

“ Get in, Valentina.” The King snapped, harshly.

My eyes lifted to his, before shifting to the SUV. I nodded shortly, gulping as I approached the door. I reached my hand onto the the grab handle, guiding my 5’5” self into the huge SUV. I nestled myself into the seat, watching as the King entered after me. Which left me sitting between both Evan and the King. This is going to be a very fun car ride I assume.

“ Put your seatbelt on, darling.” The King muttered, looking to me. I raised a brow, tilting my head. Seatbelt? What’s that?

“God, this thing.” Evan sighed, grabbing the belt like device, wrapping it over my slim figure, clicking it into the holder.

I raked my eyes over it, gently raising my hands to grab it. I pulled it forward, feeling it tighten over my abdomen. What? I left it free, feeling it release the tension. I’m so confused.

“ Careful, Valentina, I’m starting to see smoke coming out your ears.” Evan joked, laughing dryly.

I paid him no mind. This was all so new. I lifted my eyes to the windows, seeing the outside world. The beauty the nature held, all unfolding before my eyes. My mother was right, I would in-fact cherish nature.

The SUV continued to drive along the roads, while my eyes danced over each tree. Each flower. It was all so precious in it’s own little innocent way. It seemed almost as if they told a story. One that I really wanted to hear someday. I still had the small thought in the back of my head, wondering where on earth were we going but the other part of me. Couldn’t bare to waste this precious time worrying about all my questions that I could never ask.

——

After about 2, or maybe even 3 hours. We finally arrived at what I assume was our destination. The King’s door was opened by the chauffeur. He undid his seatbelt stepping out, adjusting his suit once his feet rooted to the ground. The chauffeur set his hand out to me. I looked to his hand, before down to the the seatbelt holder, I pushed the red button, flinching as I assumed the worst. It clicked, freeing the seatbelt from me. I opened my eyes slowly, reaching for his hand shyly. Just as I stepped out of the tall SUV, the King took my hand tucking it into the bend on his elbow.

“ You will stay by me all night, am I clear?” He demanded, watching my expression as if his life depended on it. I nodded slowly, letting my eyes take in my surroundings. If the palace was huge. This place was ginormous! It was such a beautiful shade of navy blue with floor to ceiling windows surrounding the whole front side of the building. It was so modern. So beautiful. I’m in love. A small smile played across my lips in awe, as I continued to admire this building’s beauty. I wasn’t even aware I was in fact being led into the building. We were greeted by a few men at the door, along with a tall, slim women. She was drop dead gorgeous, holy cow. Was she a model? She swung her long blonde pony tail over her shoulder, smiling brightly at me.

“ Hello! I’m so glad you could come, sir.” She bowed, respectfully, before her eyes danced down to me. She beamed at me, before her eyes snapped up to the King as he talked.

“ The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the invitation. This is Valentina, and my right hand man, Evan.” He tipped his chin as he introduced us, all whilst keeping his stoic presentation.

“ Pleasure to meet you. I’m Rebecca, Alpha Adam’s Gamma.” She spoke, beginning to lead us threw the ginormous building. Into a what seemed like a ballroom. That was filled with at least 1,000 people.

I was awestruck. The King stopped as Rebecca vanished into the crowd to assist others.

“ You will be on your best behavior, Valentina.” He reminded, turning his attention to Evan. “ You as well, do not make me regret this. If I feel the slightest bit embarrassed you both will be dead.” He said coldly, sending the hairs on my open back to stand. I slowly lifted my hand to comb a strand of my ebony hair behind my ear. I don’t believe I’ve ever been somewhere so elegant and God it is so gorgeous.

We continued to make our way threw the beautifully made up ball room. The King sipping on a glass of champagne, as he spoke to different people that reeked importance. He led us to the bar stand, ordering another glass. The bartender ogling at the King. He didn’t pay any mind, keeping me in the sight from the corner of his eye.

“ Would you like one, darling?” He turned his attention to me, keeping his stoic look. I wasn’t sure how to respond to something of the sort. I nodded shortly, watching as the bartender handed him two glasses. The King held unto one, offering the other to me.

I reached from the glass, holding it as I saw the other women here holding their glasses. I slowly brought it to my lips taking a small sip. The mix of sweetness and dryness coating my throat. It was somewhat pleasure-able, I suppose I could understand why everyone here is enjoying one. My thoughts came to a close as I listened to a man’s voice boom threw the whole ballroom, everyone turning their attention to this figure. I couldn’t quit make out his exact features, but he was certainly good looking. Maybe even, to good looking.

“ Good Evening! Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to have you all here and am so grateful to have everyone here to join together on this beautiful night. Tonight marks my 6th anniversary of being Alpha of this pack. I took over this pack after the Witches’ took it upon themselves to assassinate my parents. At the age of 18, with little to no confidence in running a pack all on my own. We are here today as one of the biggest packs on the southern coast. With pack members that are not only loyal, but cherish the opportunities we were given with salvation. To my Beta, and to my Gamma. I will never be able to repay you both, but believe me when I tell you. I will do whatever I can to one day repay you for all the love and support you both honored me with. So here in this beautiful kingdom we have fought so dearly to keep, let’s take advantage of this beautiful night. Let’s celebrate while the night is still bright with my best allies!” He rose his champagne glass. “ Cheers to many more years of peace throughout the lands and to the glories this night will hold!” He boomed to the crowd, everyone cheered , howled, and whistled,clinging their glasses together.

I watched each glass cling, smiling softly. My eyes spotting Rebecca, tears lining her eyes. She smiled threw the tears sipping her champagne, after clinging glasses with the man beside her. Everyone fell silent for a few minutes, before the man on stage continued.

“Everyone please be seated, and enjoy each other’s company! Dinner will be served to each table shortly.” He smiled, setting the mic back into the stand, taking three long strides off the stage. He made his way to each table sharing a few words.

The King pulled me slightly, knocking me out of my gaze for what felt like 12th time. He pulled out a chair, tipping his chin, gesturing for me to sit. I did as I was asked, flattening the silk material of my dress over my legs. I gently scooted in the chair, taking another sip of the champagne. Evan and the King both seated themselves beside me, as other’s from the palace filled the other five seats across from us. I remained silent as they shared a conversation.

My attention was brought back to, whom I assume is Alpha Adam. It was something about the way he carried himself, or maybe even just his mouthwatering looks. A sudden feeling bubbled in my stomach, almost like butterflies were swarming in my stomach, as I watched his tall figure approach the table. It seemed he was too busy sniffing the air, like a dog, or wolf? Duh, he’s the Alpha. He must be a werewolf. It was then that his eyes searched threw the crowd, before Evan tapped my shoulder.

“ Valentina, if you keep ignoring the King he is going to grow angry with you.” Evan snarled quietly. I snapped my head to the King, who rolled his eyes while shaking his head.

The King’s personality changed as Alpha Adam approached. I watched as he rose to his feet, slicking down his suit, reaching his hand out to the Alpha, but the Alpha’s attention was somewhere else. It wasn’t on the King, but instead was on me.