The Alpha King’s Last Regret

40

Pearl Gem

I wouldn’t have woken up. I had no reason to. But the soft knock at the door forced my eyes open, and for a long moment, I lay still, trying to figure out where I was.

“Your Majesty?” Riven’s voice came through the door, pulling me back to reality. Slowly, I looked up to take in my surroundings and the man lying beside me.

I was curled against His Majesty, the Alpha King of the Wolf Empire. My head rested on his chest, his breathing slow and steady. His arm was wrapped around me protectively, and my bare breasts were pressed against his warm skin.

I had seen Kade King in many lights, but never like this, peaceful, vulnerable. There was such calm etched on his face, it warmed something in my chest. He looked like a man who had finally found his haven.

Even the knock didn’t stir him. I found myself smiling softly at his handsome face. Gently, out of curiosity, I reached up to touch his hair, soft and silky beneath my fingers. My hand moved to his thick brows, tracing their shape, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I was about to move to his lips, those perfect, plump lips, when another knock dragged me out of my quiet fantasy.

I looked at him again. I hated to wake him, but I had no choice.

“Your Majesty?” I called gently, giving him a soft shake. No response.

“Your Majesty?” I tried again.

Still nothing.

My heart skipped a beat. I hesitated, then whispered his name, just as he once instructed me to, just as I secretly longed to.

“Kade?”

There was no movement at first, but then his brows shifted ever so slightly. Slowly, his golden eyes fluttered open, and for a heartbeat, I forgot how to breathe. Nothing in this world could compare to the beauty of that moment.

The Moon Goddess must be the greatest sculptor to have carved such a man.

“Your Majesty?” Riven’s voice came again, but Kade didn’t look away from me. His gaze was unwavering, like I was the only thing that mattered in his world.

“Your Majesty?” Riven called once more, finally pulling Kade’s attention.

“Come in,” He said softly, his morning voice low and rough.

I had heard that voice over the phone, but hearing it in person sent a tremor through me, something I couldn’t name or understand. I wouldn’t dare say I loved him. Not when I hated him too.

I remained under the duvet, bare shoulders peeking out as I lay beside him when the door opened and Riven stepped in.

“Your Majesty,” He bowed slightly, eyes politely averted. “I have an update.”

Of course. That usual update that always meant Kade was needed elsewhere.

“Tell me.”

“Her Grace has sent out a research team. If they search thoroughly, they may find your car but not here.”

Kade let out a low groan and rolled his eyes.

“One of the many reasons I hate being king. I can’t have a moment to myself.” He sighed, then looked back at Riven. “Get the car ready. We will leave soon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Riven bowed and excused himself, never once glancing at the bed. Their discipline amazed me. I was certain no one would ever hear from him that the King and I had shared a bed.

“He’s your loyal man, after all,” I muttered, not realizing I’d said it aloud until Kade responded.

“He alone is.”

I turned to face him, resting my chin on his chest. He smiled, brushing a hand across my cheek. But then the smile faded, replaced by something darker, sadder. It passed quickly, covered by his usual unreadable mask.

“How I wish I could sleep beside you every night,” He whispered, sadness heavy in his voice. “The weight of the Empire wouldn’t feel so heavy. I had the best sleep I have had in years… thanks to you, my omega.”

Emotion swelled in my throat as he gently pulled me on top of him. Then he rolled me under him, his body pressed to mine as he leaned in for a kiss. Slow, soft, intimate. A kiss that felt like morning light.

Nothing was supposed to be this perfect. And yet, here we were. I loved being in Kade King’s arms. I loved how his eyes stayed on me as I got dressed, as if I were the most beautiful woman in his entire empire.

After washing my face, we were ready to leave. Zephan was still asleep, but Lovemore was waiting in the living room.

She wrapped her arms around His Majesty and lingered.

“You have nothing to worry about, Lovemore. Nothing at all,” He whispered. “Call me if anything happens, if you feel the slightest discomfort. I will come rushing like lightning.”

“I know you will,” She said with a soft, sad smile.

Lovemore turned to me and offered a small smile of her own.

“I look forward to seeing you again, Pearl.”

I smiled, but gave no reply. I wouldn’t dare make a promise. Whatever this was between Kade King and me, it was fragile. I might never return here again.

She hugged me gently before stepping back. When Kade opened the door, she waved us goodbye. He didn’t turn back as he walked out into the grass and garden.

That’s when I noticed it. It was morning, but there was no sun, no bright sky. Only darkness, like night.

What kind of place was this?

I followed Kade out of the mountain, the path sealing behind us the moment we stepped out.

He stood still for a moment, staring at the mountain. Then he turned and headed toward the waiting car.