Taming the Rogue King

Inner Monster Unleashed

Liam

He was shocked with Luna Em’s question about Ira. How could someone ask such a personal question in their first meeting? Was it that obvious?

He replied diplomatically. “I prefer not to answer that.” But he might have as well agreed.

What a despicable way to corner someone. He scowled.

‘Real cute and cuddly boss!’ Ben interrupted his thoughts by peaking into his mind link while the omega’s served food.

So he relaxed his scowl and tried to smile at his guests.

The rest of the group was chatting away to glory. Dr Maggie, the head of Liam’s infirmary, was also invited. She had gotten delayed because of a patient in labour who was waiting for her delivery, but she arrived just as the food was getting served. Her patient had delivered twins. It had been easy labour and although she was tired, she was happy with the outcome.

Liam raised a toast to new collaborations, and the wolves dug into their food. Liam smiled as he saw appreciation and satisfaction on every guest’s face. His omegas were excellent cooks. His chest swelled with happiness as Dr Fatima and Dr Maggie got along like a house on fire.

He and Ben continued casual conversation with Leo on Em, giving them more information on how they rescued rogues.

Ben elaborated on their strong rehab program with a full time psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist. Most rogues suffered from various levels of mental issues due to their past and what they faced after they were branded 'rogues'.

Emily had asked him to drop using titles. She was so different from the people he had met! So friendly. Alpha Leo was a lucky man.

So are we! His wolf chided, and he mentally rolled his eyes. His wolf was totally smitten with Ira.

Leo was a little guarded in conversation while Em shot off talking about James and Kiki. Liam scowled at the nickname that she had given to Kirra while Ben laughed at it and at Liam’s reaction to it.

“I would so like to see Kirra's face when you call her that in front of a room full of Alphas!” Ben chuckled.

“Oh, she already did. The first time Kirra addressed the alliance! Kirra just swallowed and continued. I was afraid she might lash out, but that little girl is a sport!” Leo added, taking a sip of his whiskey.

Em had opted for a sauvignon blanc, while men preferred whiskey.

Ben was off alcohol because his mate was pregnant. He wanted Brianna to feel supported, so he was going to do all the diet and lifestyle modifications that she had to do.

Liam found that very endearing, but did not comment. He did not want to come across as soft and emotional. Our mate is making you emotional. His wolf sniggered and Liam shut him up. His wolf had become intolerable since they had met Ira.

Somewhere towards the end of the meal Bella mid linked him, ‘err, boss? Sorry to disturb!’ Bella stammered with hesitation.

‘Is it urgent?’ Liam asked, trying to continue to pay attention to the conversation around the table.

‘Kind of! Monike says that you mentioned some party that she and I are to plan? Which party is that? She wants an excuse to enter your meeting again,’ Bella asked quickly

He had just wanted Monike out of the room. He hadn’t thought through it when he mentioned the stupid party. Monike was a socialite, so planning a party was her top distraction. He would need to give something convincing, otherwise, she would be back here. He needed this time to build a rapport with Leo.

If Leo saw that they weren’t a threat, the alliance could be convinced into this truce very easily. He wouldn’t need the pact with Co Ma anymore.

‘Say it’s the engagement party. Might happen after four weeks.’ Liam replied and closed the mind link.

Bella would want to give him a piece of her mind for ignoring his mate bond with Ira. He didn’t want that crap right now. Anyway, if the truce worked, he would be out of this within a week’s time. If it failed he would have to go ahead with the engagement.

A dull feeling of gloominess started taking over his mood. To concentrate on the meeting, he had blocked out Ira’s feelings before the meeting, but the feelings were still reaching him.

Is she so overwhelmed that her mind is subconsciously reaching out to me? How can this be? In werewolves, it was possible. Their wolves are connected magically. Ira is just a human. Then how?

He thought and a sharp pain shot through his chest, as if someone with sharp nails was squeezing his heart ruthlessly. Each breath became more and more difficult. He tried to dissociate from Ira’s feelings, but the dark waves pulled him in. He felt like he was drowning in a bottomless pit.

Somewhere in the distance, he heard people laugh without a worry in the world, but his world was crashing.

He tried to focus on his surroundings, glancing around the room. The two doctors were oblivious to his pain while chatting to each other. Ben, Leo and Em were involved in a laughter. Lucas was the only other person who looked sad in the room.

Liam got up. His wolf couldn’t take this anymore. Their mate was in pain and they were the reason behind it. He was sure that she had heard about the engagement.

“Sorry guys. It's an emergency. I need to leave. Ben, please take care of the guests. I will meet you all in the office at four in the evening.” He sprinted towards the exit.

Ron stopped him. “Where are you off to, boss? You look terrible.”

“Ron! Was Ira here? Did she eat anything?”

“She was with Bella and Monike. They left for Monike's place. I think Ira went to your… I mean, her chambers. I don’t think she ate. She gave me a beautiful smile and left.” Ron blurted, with dreamy eyes.

“Ron! She is a human!” Liam growled.

“I don’t mind. Do you think she will go out with me?” Ron asked.

“I don’t know!” Liam grumbled and dashed off before his wolf went berserk and killed his own Gamma.

He could feel overwhelming embarrassment. It just made the sadness darker. It was because of their morning adventure.

He hated that she felt ashamed of it. For him, it was the most beautiful memory. His wolf howled in agony as Ira’s dark feelings engulfed his mind.

He lost control, and his wolf took over. Shredding his clothes off in a leap, he turned into his enormous wolf and ran towards his room.

He first entered her room. Her fragrance was strong here, but she wasn’t here. He slowly padded towards the library.

He could still smell her, but both the pain and the fragrance were way milder. Scared to the bones, he pushed his wolf back and came forward.

Walking naked into the room, he saw a flashing movement on top of an open book on the couch, but otherwise, the room was completely empty.

Ira’s fragrance was very mild as if she was far away. He couldn’t feel her emotions any more. Suddenly devoid of their connection, his wolf howled and tried to take over, but he controlled. Resulting in half transformation. His standing body grew white fur all over, his face changed into a snout, his body hurt as limbs turned into paws and bushy tail hung behind, but he stood on two legs without losing balance.

Both he and his wolf howled together letting out their own pain in their voice and supporting each other.

Where had their mate gone and who had helped her leave his land without his permission?

Along with his formidable howl, as if in sync with his voice and its pitch, all the books, paperweights and other solid substances that were on the table and the couch rose up.

He stopped howling, and everything landed back in their places.

*****