Claimed By The Wolf King

Chapter 8

Alyssa's POV

Mrs. Cobb left fairly shortly after we finished up our conversation. She had given me a couple of dresses to get me through the next couple of days before she could get me some extra made up. She had noted that tonight's dinner was an important one for the King. He would be trying to make a good first impression. Mrs. Cobb had chuckled at how her son had tried to do the same thing and his mate had thrown dinner at him. She wished us luck and she was on her way. Which left me alone again. I didn't like being alone here. It made me uncomfortable.

Mister Meow occupied my day with his unwavering affections and I managed to get a glimpse of the grounds from the windows. There were grassy areas all around the castle with people doing various activities. I assumed there were people training for some reason as they ran laps and others practiced hand to hand combat. They all seemed to be wearing the same black shirts and black pants.

Although everyone talked about them being able to shapeshift into wolves, I had yet to see that happen. It was strange that for a society made up of supposed werewolves, not one of them had shifted, at least outside. Then the realisation hit me, maybe they could only turn on full moons. Like in the movies. It seemed ridiculous, but these movies and books had to have an element of truth to them.

I would be sure to ask the king tonight.

Another knock sounded at the door and an elegant woman about my age entered. She had blonde hair that was tied back in intricate braids. She was tall, taller than I was and thinner. She gave me a warm smile and walked towards me, she had a wonderful presence that made me feel calm.

"Hello," she said, sticking out her hand. "I'm Elianna."

"Hi," I said slowly. Taking her hand in mine and shaking it. "Are you Mrs. Cobb's granddaughter?"

"One and the same," she said, smiling. "Since I'm half human, she thought maybe I could come introduce myself and I could help you transition a little easier."

"Everybody here looks human."

"Only because the King said we are not to shift for a couple of days until you get used to the idea. He didn't want you to think you'd lost your mind."

"Its a bit too late for that," I chuckled. "I haven't left this stupid room since I got here and I'm tired of nobody talking to me."

"Oh thats easy," she said smiling. "Let's go."

"Where?"

"Outside silly." I stared at her confused. "I'm part of your ladies, and as long as I am here we can go pretty much wherever you want on the grounds."

"No way."

"Yes way." We stared at each other for a few moments and then she smiled and I went to go get dressed. There was a beautiful summer dress that I went to go get from the cupboard, and I slipped on a pair of flats. When I came back out dressed, Elianna gave me a nod of approval. "Come on, let's go get some fresh air."

She looped her arm through mine and led me out through the door. The guards nodded at her and we went on our way towards a different doorway. She winked at me and pushed it open to reveal a hidden staircase. We went down the stairs and came to a back door just down the hall from a servants' quarter. When she pushed open the door, I could feel the wind aganst my face and fresh air fill my nostrils. It wasn't terrible in the room, but it wasn't like this.

She giggled as she gauged my reaction to being outside.

"It's beautiful, huh," she said.

I nodded in agreement and we went on a lovely stroll around the courtyard. Elianna was so knowledgeable about the history of the castle and how it was made. She seemed to be a little bit of a history student and she made me smile. She pulled me around the different paths and gardens that were hidden and started telling me about when the previous king made an entire garden just for his queen. Because she loved flowers, and when she passed away he made a huge lifelike statue of her and set it in her garden. So she could forever keep watch over the flowers.

The current king kept up the garden, making sure his mother's garden was always in bloom for her. We stood before the statue looking up at her. She had a gentle face, she seemed kind. Elianna bowed before it, and so, in respect, I followed suit. We looked up at her and Elianna laid a flower before her statue before we had to venture back inside.

Later that evening, I got the knock that the king would like my presence at dinner. Elianna had made sure my hair was pinned up carefully and she helped me get into a lovely evening dress. She had mentioned something about red and green being his favorite colours and, funnily enough, here I was. In a green dress. It was a pretty emerald green and it fit me nicely. I just wished I didn't feel so naked with it on. It hugged all of my curves and came down to the floor. It had a sweetheart neckline with long sleeves to cover my arms. Despite being mostly covered, I still felt...vulnerable.

Perhaps it was being around all of these unknown people.

Elianna had gone home by this point. She said her parents were expecting her home and she had wished me luck. Now I was being escorted to the dining room by two guards. I felt like a child being towered over by all of these tall men in every nook and cranny. I wondered for a moment what they did other than be guards of the castle. Did they have families? Children? We reached the dining room fairly quickly and the king was already there waiting for me. He smiled and rose from his seat, pulling out a chair next to his for me. He was sitting at the head of the table, as a king should be. He motioned for his guards to leave and it just left us two enjoying dinner together.

I had to admit that he looking very dashing. His black hair was tied up at the back of his neck, he wore a beautiful white button up shirt and a black pair of slacks. His eyes showed a hint of interest when he looked me over and a small blush spread across my face.

"I heard Elianna took you to some of the gardens today?" He asked me, genuinely showing curiosity.

I nodded. "Yes it was lovely to get out of the room."

"I'm sorry about how things have...happened between us." He reached out with his hand for mine. Just this time, I let him have it. "I do wish for you to be happy."

"So I've been told."

"Please, Alyssa," he pleaded. "Please know that if I didn't have enemies, it could have been different."

I looked down at my hand in his and felt that connection that was between us. His gaze followed mine to our hands and he realised what I was looking at.

"What is it that I feel?" I asked.

"That's our bond," he responded. "Humans feel it differently."

"What does it feel like for you?"

"Like I would die for you." He simply stared at me and when I met his gaze he smiled. "Nothing else matters to me. Except the pack and you."

At that moment, I could relate to him. I don't feel that way for him now, but I did feel that way once.

"Please, give me three months," he said. "Give me three months to show you everything, to explain everything. I just...could never have forgiven myself if something happened to you. At least you are safer here with me."

"What happens after three months?"

"You're my mate," he said sadly. "I will always be bonded to you, but I can do my part for you. If you don't wish to stay after three months, then I will set you up in a house for the rest of your life. And I won't bother you ever again."