The Alpha King’s Last Regret

34

Pearl Gem

My eyes flutter open, and I lay still for a long time, wondering where I am and how I got here. Slowly, I try to rise, but I can’t move a muscle, so I remain where I am, fighting to get energy back into my veins, fighting to remember what happened.

I had seen Drizzel in the arms of His Majesty, and a sharp pain had clawed through my chest, stealing my breath. Somehow, I managed to return to my office, sit before my computer, and pretend to work while the sound of them kissing echoed through the walls like poison in my ears.

I don’t know what he was trying to achieve. If it was payback for speaking to Prince Xerox, or to punish me for lingering too long with him in the cafeteria or maybe it was both. But whatever his reason, whatever my sin to Kade King, the punishment was far worse.

Drizzel and he had spoken openly about the dinner with her parents and brother, and I sat there like a fool, listening as each word sliced into my soul.

It was the longest hour I have ever endured as an omega.

When the bell finally chimed and the clock struck five, signaling the end of the day, I grabbed my bag and bolted for the bus station, ignoring the stares, ignoring everything. I knew I needed to pull myself together. But luck, as always, was not on my side.

I got home under the weight of the late evening sky. I fit my key into the lock, but the pain in my heart surged so violently that I collapsed, tumbling down and rolling into the backyard. That’s where I passed out.

Now, slowly, I rise from the spot I had lain in for hours. I fight against the fatigue, the dizziness, and the lingering ache in my chest. I grab my bag, dust off my shirt, and head inside. Night has already fallen.

I walk sluggishly to my bedroom and undress, heading to the bathroom. I take my time to bath. I allowed the cold water soothe my aching muscles, slide down my hair, and ease the sting of my thoughts.

When I finally step out, I dress casually. I’m still drying my hair with a towel when a knock comes at the door. I assume it’s Royce, likely here to discuss the day’s sales or offer me dinner like he always does.

I grab the door handle and open it with a soft, tired smile only for reality to shock me to my core.

Kade King Majesty stands before me, all regal and majestic. I shift my gaze past him. He’s alone, save for the bodyguard who typically lingers at a distance.

“Pearl Gem…” My name rolls from his lips like honey, deep and smooth, the kind of voice that once made my heart flutter. I turn to face him. His golden eyes are wide with concern. “Are you okay?”

At his question, I swallow hard and drop my gaze, bowing my head formally.

“Your Majesty.”

“Pear Gem.…” He begins again, but I slam the door in his face, leaning against it as hot, scalding tears burn my eyes.

For a moment, I pray he will go away. But deep down, I know he won’t.

The knock comes again, softer this time.

“Pearl Gem?” He calls. “I know you are there. Let’s talk, please. Pearl Gem?”

He is begging and there is only little my heart could endure when His Majesty says ‘please.’

Slowly, I open the door just as he lifts his hand to knock again. His gaze meets mine, and he steps in gently. I leave the door to swing shut behind him.

We stand there in silence for a long time, eyes locked, the quiet between us heavier than words.

Finally, he exhales softly.

“Come here.”

He reaches for me, but I take a step back, doing exactly what he hates.

“Don’t you dare lay your hands on me,” I snap.

He stares at me, silent.

“Pearl…”

“Don’t. Don’t say my name. Call me omega. Insult me like the other nobles do. Treat me like I’m meant to be treated, right? Don’t confuse me, Kade King.”

The tension spikes between us. He swallows hard, shaking his head.

“Confuse you? I do?”

I meet his gaze, letting the tears fall freely. The weight in my chest is unbearable.

“You think I don’t have a soul because I’m an omega?” I whisper, voice trembling. He shakes his head again, disbelieving I am even saying such words.

“My goodness, no.”

“You think I don’t have a heart because I’m a Valley?”

“Stop,” He grits out suddenly.

“You should stop too!” I yell. “You should be the one to stop!”

I hit his chest, fists small and trembling. It doesn’t move him. He is solid as stone while I’m weak and breaking. I sniff, stepping back.

“One minute you kiss me, and the next you kiss another right in front of me. Do you think that doesn’t confuse me? What if I did that? What if I kissed another man in front of you? What if…”

I’m speaking too fast, tears mixing with my words, when he suddenly closes the distance and shuts me up with a kiss, stealing my breath away..

Kade King always finds a way to speak without words, and this time, his kiss is loud and clear. It’s fierce, tender, and possessive. When he finally pulls back, I see it in his eyes. Primal, jealous, unforgiving.

“You will have blood on your hands that day, Pearl,” He vow. “Your lips are mine. You don’t share them.”

I swallow hard, still trembling.

“And what do I gain in return, Your Majesty?”

His gaze softens, golden and surprised.

“My presence right now… means nothing to you?”

I don’t answer. Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back, deeply, desperately. Even if it’s just for tonight, I won.

I win him over Drizzel. And for now… that’s enough.