Mating The Alpha King Kairos

The Alpha King

Aelys’s POV

“Scrub the floors clean. If you leave back any stains, I’ll see to it that you begin all over again.”

One of Sylira’s minions barked out his orders as he tossed me to the floor, kicking the cleaning tools in my direction. I let out a small whimper when my sore body almost gave up its function while my insides churned. He glared at me one last time before letting out a growl.

“The Alpha says to remind you not to try anything stupid. He has eyes watching you all day, just in case you get any dumb ideas to run, or hurt yourself.”

Letting out a scoff, I pulled myself back to my feet, grabbing the bucket when I spoke. “Tell Kieran he has nothing to worry about. How could I think of dying yet? When I do, I'll make sure I take all two of them along with me to hell.”

Maybe it was the sinister chuckle that followed the words that I spoke, or if it was the frigid voice that chilled the guard because he froze for a moment, staring at me with fear-filled eyes when he faltered. He fidgeted, walking away as fast as he could.

•—-----•

I couldn’t tell how long I’d spent polishing the floors of the Alpha’s bedroom. I knew this was Kieran’s way to spite me. Having me clean the room that was once mine. I couldn’t cry. No more. Not when I’d run out of tears. I could barely feel pain at this point, all that was left was hate and self-loathing. The collar bit into my skin with every stroke as I kept scrubbing until my fingers bled.

“Enough.” the guard who’d made it clear a while ago that I wasn’t allowed to die, returned. This time, with another guard. I couldn’t tell if he was scared I'd go rabid and try to maul him to death. It was useless anyway. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. Not when my wolf has been caged down. “The Alpha wants you in the kitchen.”

Nodding my head in response, I followed behind them without uttering a word. Once we’d gotten to the kitchen, the maid mistress stared at me with pity in her eyes before quickly masking it with a glare.

“Have this wine served to the guest.” She began, “The Alpha specifically ordered that you bring this yourself. This is an important guest, so make no mistake.”

“Yes, mistress.” I responded weakly, taking the tray holding the glass jug she handed over. What use was having me serve wine anyway? What games of humiliation were Kieran and my sister playing this time?

“And, for your sake, try not to piss him off.” She added brusquely.

I had no idea if this was a warning, or concern. Who was I not to piss off? Kieran? Or the important guest she spoke of? Before I could ask, the guard whisked me out of the room abruptly, leading me towards the hallways. Once we’d gotten right in front of a huge mahogany door, he tugged it open, shoving me into the grand dining hall with the wine jug clutched to my chest. Barefoot. Hair matted. Collar glowing faintly under the chandelier light.

Kieran and Sylira sat at the head table in my parents’ chairs, hands entwined, laughing excitedly. They paid no attention in my direction, even as I nearly stumbled over. They had no guard in here, and for some reason, I had the momentary thought to slam the jug in my hand on one of them, but on second thought, I reminded myself that it was an equally bad idea.

My gaze shifted to the two strangers sitting opposite them as I walked in. One of them leaned forward, his shoulders hunched, almost like he could shift at any time. I couldn't tell if it was instincts, or if he could sense that he was seated in front of vile creatures.

The other one wore a nonchalant look on his face, his aura suffocating. I could feel it even through my weakened state. Broad shoulders that strained against a collared shirt half unbuttoned. Midnight hair, black leather shoes, stormy eyes and an angered look on his perfectly sculpted face.

What was wrong with their vicious looks anyway? Had Kieran and Sylira managed to piss them off? Was this who the maid mistress warned about? Or was that expression just their default look? His scent slammed into me; pine, smoke, and something feral that made my wolf shrink and whine.

“Are you just going to stand there like a total fool?” Sylira snarled, her gaze snapping in my direction. “Or perhaps the maid mistress forgot to mention what you’ve been ordered to do?”

I stumbled forward, hands trembling as I poured out the contents of the jug into the goblets now positioned on the table. Dropping what was left and turning to flee as fast as I could, Sylira growled out.

“You’re not allowed to leave until this feast is over, maid.” She hissed, “Keep the glasses refilled, and see to the Alpha’s need. If he has any.”

Dragging my teeth over my bottom lip, I bit hard, muttering a “Yes, Luna.” Since she’d so shamelessly assumed the position as Kieran’s mate.

“Your Majesty,” Kieran muttered, “We were not expecting the Alpha King himself. We thought your Beta was the only one coming to us tonight, else we would have prepared a feast fitting for a king instead.”

Alpha King?!

Oh, s**t!

I’d never attended a single summit. Father always went alone, and all I knew of Kairos Vargan were nightmares whispered around campfires; of packs erased overnight, Alphas torn apart for looking at him wrong, and clans razed to the ground because he felt an itch to kill.

He was a man who was unhinged and highly unstable. And said man was seated right in front of me, his frigid gaze transfixed on me.

The man beside him clearly had to be his Beta, Lysander Kaine, and he was just as equally ruthless.

“Do you think yourselves worth his time?” The Beta scoffed,

“We wouldn’t,” Sylira responded, her lips pursed in a grim line. “We’re surprised the Alpha King chooses to grace our pack with his presence.”

The Alpha king is only passing through your pack on Council business,” Lysander said, his gaze narrowed in scorn. “He will listen to your petition tomorrow morning, Alpha Kieran. That is, if it is worth the Alpha’s time. If he approves, the Council will discuss a fitting solution at the Summit. You’ll get the verdict you desire in two days from now.”