CheckMate

Chapter Two

Alpha Gabriel’s POV

Rhys and I follow him back down the long hallway towards the main staircase of the palace.

“So… I have determined that the mole is part of the guard. The tactics and knowledge that the rebels have at their disposal tells me as much. I need someone fresh like yourself to come in and join the ranks at a higher level. Your skills and abilities make you more than qualified, so no one will question your presence here. Whilst you complete your mission, you might also teach my warriors a thing or two as well. Perhaps an added bonus for both them and myself.”

I nod my head as I listen to his reasoning.

“I understand that you have just recently become Alpha of your pack and being away from home may pose an issue. Of course, you will also be compensated for your time. Your pack will be rewarded greatly for your service to the crown.” he adds in appreciation.

“That won’t be necessary. I intent to protect the realm and that’s what I will do to the best of my ability. I don’t need anymore motivation than that.” I state assuredly.

He smiles in relief.

“It seems your military records do you justice, Alpha.” he states as we reach the bottom of the steps that lead out to the training grounds. “I will be introducing you as a Commander to my warriors. I need you to listen and learn as much as you can from them. It’s important we find this traitor sooner rather than later. I’m afraid that the safety of the kingdom and my daughter’s life depend on it.”

I nod my head seriously.

“I think he just dropped the princess bomb Gabriel. Ask him when you can meet her.” Rhys prods through the mindlink jokingly.

I ignore the distraction.

There’s a time and a place for everything and this isn’t it.

“If I’m going to do this, Your Majesty, I need all access. Every part of the castle. All records…historic and personal. I can’t have anything stand in my way.”

King Stefano nods in acceptance of my terms.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less. If you need anything else, you let me know. You report directly to me. At least until we know who we can trust.”

Just then, two men spot us from afar and make their way towards us.

“Are these two under suspicion?” Rhys asks quietly.

“Everyone is… I will not take any chances when my daughter’s life and the safety of my kingdom are concerned,” the king answers quickly in return.

“Your Majesty… we were not expecting you at training this morning. Would you like a walk through?” the first man asks, his eyes drifting towards me intermittently.

“Ahh not this morning Shane. I have matters to attend to. I just came to introduce you to our new Commander, Alpha Gabriel Knight. He will be joining us in the interim to share his knowledge and experience. I expect him to be afforded the opportunity to join training in any way he sees fit.”

The man nods his head respectfully.

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

It is then that the king turns to me in finality.

“I have had rooms prepared for you both inside the palace. My servants will show you when you are ready.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I answer in reply before he walks off back inside the castle.

I turn back around to the two men who are now looking over Rhys and I without any airs or graces.

“Okay, so why are you really here?” the older man asks, folding his arms over his chest.

I look back at him intently.

“It is as your king told you.” I reply, putting my hand out to shake his.

He takes it reluctantly.

“My name is Commander Henry Wade and this is Commander Shane Griffin.”

I nod at them both respectfully.

“Well, I am officially pulling rank here and letting the young one show you kids around.” Commander Henry states, slapping Commander Shane on the back before walking off towards the training field.

“Commander Shane, we appreciate this.” I state honestly as he leads us over towards a group of warriors who are busy training.

“Don’t worry about it. Now the old dog is away, there’s no need to be so formal either.” he smiles. “Call me Griff. Everyone else does.”

“Thanks. So this is some set up you have here.” I comment as I take in our surroundings again.

“The best that there is if I don’t say so myself.” he answers proudly.

“How many Commanders do you have?”

“There is one for each division. So six, including myself and Henry. Henry has final call on everything. He is the chief.”

He then proceeds to give Rhys and I a detailed run down of their training by schedule and other duties that the King’s Guard are responsible for around the Royal Region.

From everything he has told me so far, the place seems to run like a well oiled machine, but I guess a machine as big as this is bound to spring a leak at some point.

“We aren’t fools, you know. We know you are here because of the rebels.” Griff states, folding his arms over his chest after Rhys walks off to introduce himself to some guards on break.

I look at him blankly.

“I’ve heard of your troubles. I’m here to help in any way that I can.”

“So King Stefano told you about them and what they have been doing.”

“Vaguely,” I answer honestly.

He shakes in head in disgust.

“They are vile scum. They have attacked my guards on a number of occasions. Stolen from the crown when money stores or goods are transported. They have even threatened the life of the princess.”

I can hear the venom penetrate his words as he speaks, especially with regards to the princess.

“Have they managed to get close to her?” I ask carefully.

He looks at me with complete indignation.

“Her protection is my responsibility… so never and they never will.”

Something in the way he answers my question lets me know that his connection to her seems deeper than some random assignment.

“Hey Gabriel… these guys want to know if we will join in training today.” Rhys calls out from the other end of the field.

“Training will be finishing shortly.” Griff interjects. “There is a ball tonight for the Princess’ birthday and my guards have work to do.”

He then looks at me and spots the look on my face.

“What’s wrong, Alpha Gabriel? Did you forget to bring your tux? I’d say you could borrow mine, but I’m on protection duty for the princess so I’ll be needing it.” he grins.

“No… don’t worry about us. I have it covered. I just didn’t expect we would be attending any royal events.”

“All ranked members of the king’s guard are permitted to attend. Providing they aren’t on duty, of course.”

“Come on Gabriel!” Rhys calls out again encouragingly. “I’ve built you up now. You’ve got to at least show them something.” he grins as a few of the guards laugh along in response.

I look towards Griff and raised an eyebrow. He shrugs in acceptance.

“Okay then… let’s see what you’ve got.”

We both laugh as we shake hands before walking forward to take a fighting stance in front of one another.

A small crowd begins to form as we circle each other slowly.

He then makes his move, throwing his fist out towards me.

I dodge it easily and he smirks behind his balled up fists.

“You can move… but can you take a hit?” he jokes as he swings another punch at me.

I duck just in time before sinking my own fist into his side.

“Maybe land one on me and we will find out.” I reply confidently.

He laughs and nods his head, then just like that, caution is thrown out the window.

The crowd cheers enthusiastically as we battle against each other. Each of us managing to execute various combat moves expertly.

I have to admit he is a good fighter. It’s clear to see that, like myself, he has been highly trained.

I land a kick to his stomach that sends him stumbling backwards for a brief second. He leans his hands on his knees as both of us catch our breath and he looks up with a grin on his face.

“Alright then…” he smirks, taking a run at me, grabbing me around the waist and wrestling me to the ground.

I grab hold of his collar with all my strength, stifling his attack and kicking him off of me to land on the ground with a thud.

“Oooo” the crowd hums in tandem.

“Told you, my Alpha’s got this.” I hear Rhys state confidently to some guards around him.

“Come on Griff!!” a few of the others call out in return.

Despite their calls, I can tell that I have won already.

“No hard feeling Griff.” I smile as I stand up on the dusty ground, offering him my hand.

Suddenly, I am hit with the overwhelming scent of vanilla with a hint of citrus. It floods my nostrils in an instant and paralyses me temporarily. I stand completely still whilst my scrambled brain tries to comprehend exactly what the hell is going on.

My eyes dart around the crowd rapidly as the various faces look back at me confusion.

“Gabriel… what’s-“

Before Rhys can finish his sentence, my feet are swept from under me and I land flat on my back beside Griff who is laughing his ass off.

The crowd claps in response to his move and they begin to disperse as I lie there trying to catch my breath.

“f*****g get up you i***t!! It’s her!!! It’s our mate!! Mate is here!! She’s here!!!” Orion rages in my head, his words snapping me out of my trance.

“s**t, I thought you had me there for a second.” Griff laughs as he stands up, putting his hand out to help me to my feet.

I take his hand but I can’t reply.

I’m way too distracted and my mind is all over the place.

“Okay listen, I better wrap this up but I’ll see you both later.” he says, looking between Rhys and I.

“Yeah man. See you later.” Rhys answers for us as Griff nods and makes his way across the field.

“Go to mate!! Find mate now!!” Orion growls impatiently.

“Gabriel, what happened? You had him-“

“I don’t care.” I interrupt abruptly grabbing Rhys by the collar triumphantly.

“Gabriel? What-“

“She’s here Rhys… she’s here.” I answer excitedly, pushing him back a little and smiling widely.

His eyes widen in response before he lets out a loud laugh.

“No way! You’re joking! Well, what the hell are you waiting for?!”

He pats me on the back encouragingly before I take to my heels and make a run towards the heavenly scent.

“Yessss!!” he calls out after me, clapping his hands.

A smile spreads across my face as I sprint towards the palace and towards my mate.

The one that I’ve been dying to meet.

The woman that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.

I couldn’t be any more f*****g excited or elated than I am at this moment.