Of Rogues & Royals

Uneasy

GENEVIEVE POV

“They will be gone for a little while. It’s tradition to run with the pack after the first shift. It helps the newly shifted wolves solidify the bond between their Alpha and their family, and in our case, their King." I tried to open the conversation lightly. Test her.

“I’m very sorry that you’re missing it on account of me… Your Highness.” She bowed slightly again, dropping her eyes to the ground.

“Don’t be silly. It gives us a little time to get to know each other. Our family is extremely close, Janessa. Maybe a little too close at times. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.” I could feel a stab of discomfort from her… “Are you close with your family?” I let a little of my wolf’s power slip out over us, letting a wave of comfortability settle between us, so she was more at ease... and more likely to speak truthfully.

“Only my mother. My father hasn’t ever been in the picture. I’m an only child.” There was a sadness in her voice, but I could feel the hardness in her heart, contradicting her tone. She was far from being truthful. I could feel my wolf bristle in my mine....how easy it would be to use my powers to force truth out of her. But I had my sons to think of.

“You’re very lucky to have that with your mother, then. I’ve always wished my mother and I could be closer… but I’m grateful for her all the same.” I looked lovingly into the heavens above. The stars twinkled like dew drops on spider webs against the black blanket of the night. A single shooting star streaked across the sky and I smiled, knowing that my mother, The Goddess herself, was always watching. I heard her suck in a stifled gasp seeing the star and probably making a connection, and a sense of worry filled her heart. The full moon lit the pack grounds almost as brightly as the fluorescents of the pitch as I led Janessa away from the training field and back toward the pack house.

I couldn’t pry more than my natural reactions to this girl. But it was easy to tell that something did not feel genuine. But how do I say something without my sons instantly resenting me?

Janessa was beautiful and she knew it. Her face was perfectly painted, hair perfectly styled, dress perfectly hugged every curve of her thin frame. She was subconsciously picking at her fingernails as we walked in silence. She caught herself fiddling and folded her hands behind her back, walking with an air of confidence with her chin raised high.

I kept my daughter away for now. Camila could be a little brash and abrasive, which could be the remedy to this situation, or gasoline on the fire. We made small talk and the air between us was thick with discomfort. I didn’t need my power to read emotions to know she was trying to please me and check every box. As we walked back up the lawn to the pack house, I sighed deeply, unimpressed with this conversation. I hugged my arms around my middle and smiled to myself, letting myself get lost in the love I had for our home. The porch wrapped around the bottom level of the six-story pack house. Even though massive, it still felt quaint, with fresh white paint where it wasn’t covered in crawling ivy and rose bushes. Some of the staff were still clearing the food from tonight’s event and I grabbed a few trays from the nearest Omega and thanked the others for their help as they passed.

“Of course, Your Highness. Thank you for your assistance.”

“It’s our pleasure, Your Majesty,” Another answered, and they bowed and scurried on their way. I quickly took notice that Janessa did not offer her services at all. And I raised an eyebrow.

My patience was running thin already.

“Being mated to my sons comes with a lot of responsibility, Janessa. I can only hope that your true character and the goodness of your heart are ready to take that on.” I balanced the trays of dirty dishes on my hip and stared into her purple eyes with a sense of challenge. “These people deserve the best of us. This family sets the tone. I think it’s important that you know that before you make a choice. Because if you take a seat at this table, you are consciously making a decision to support every pack member, every member of this kingdom, every supernatural being we are allied with and beyond. You become a reflection of this family. And by accepting my sons, you accept everything we stand for.” I pushed my aura out a little harder and let my wolf, Vina, show her presence in my gold eyes- sparkling enough to cause Janessa’s heart rate to pick up. “Otherwise, we are going to have a very real….and a very serious issue. I just think it’s important for you to know that up front.”

I walked past her and straight to the kitchens to help with the clean-up. I needed to work off this bad energy. I could tell my family was approaching the pack house and my mates immediately picked up on my bad mood. I’d left my new daughter-in-law on the front porch with her jaw slightly open.

Mom? Cody prodded through link.

Sorry, buddy, I tried. I just…….Nevermind. It doesn’t matter. I know tonight is a big night..Just...”

What’s wrong, Mom? Colby interjected.

Just be careful. This is your decision. But, just use your brains. Okay?

And not our d***s? Is that what you mean? Cody was laughing hysterically through the link.

Ugh. Gross. Yes. All I ask is that you are just aware.

We are. Good night, Mother. Colby shut down the conversation.

COLBY POV

She’s uneasy. Cody was concerned about our mother, but I could tell from my connection with him that he was also uneasy.

Let’s get our mate. I shut down his doubt. Janessa was waiting for us on the front porch. She stood with her delicate hands stretched on the porch railing. Her black dress clung to her perfect form. She had a mischievous yet timid glint in her eye as we approached the pack house. She’d been waiting for us and knew what came next.

It was time we took her to bed.

Cody sighed in my head and Ranger sighed next to me in unison. I don’t know what the f**k was wrong with my brother, but I needed it to stop immediately.

I gave him a look and we shifted simultaneously. Way easier transitioning back into our human forms. The first shift had been a f*****g b***h. Our fathers shifted next to us and the four of us slipped on joggers stashed by the stairs of the porch. Janessa pretended to avert her gaze, but I knew she had taken everything in. She was eager. Good.

Our fathers gripped us each in another hug before turning to head inside. They nodded politely to Janessa, but they both turned at the front door to give us one last hardened look before they disappeared to join our mother. If we were any other wolves, we would hav been intimidated to submission. Our fathers were massive. Standing side by side, you'd think the porch would sink under their weight. Even though they weren't blood related, you could tell they were brothers by their mannerisms, and the look they were currently giving us. It was the look of responsibility. That our mate meant a lot to this kingdom. And that we couldn’t f**k this up.

However, the minute my eyes locked on Janessa, my heart rate quickened. Her unique scent rolled over me like a morning fog, calling me to her like a siren song. Cody and I moved to her in unison and wrapped her into us. I pulled her front to me and wrapped my hand in her long, silky chocolate hair. Cody pulled up behind her and leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder. I could still feel our wolves’ hesitation and it lit a fire of frustration in my gut. I wanted her. And it wasn’t often that I didn’t get the things that I wanted.

I shoved Jarek far back into the dark corners of my mind and I pulled her painted lips to mine. The sparks of the mate bond tingled on my lips as I kissed her for the first time. I swallowed her little moan and I could feel my brother’s interest peak. One of her hands traced up my bare stomach and over my chest while her other slinked back over Cody’s neck and her fingertips tangled in his hair. I broke our kiss and whisked her upstairs, my arm wrapped around her waist.

Cody linked his hand in hers, and I could see him staring at their touch through my peripheral. Still strange.

We got to the sixth floor, and I almost carried her down the hall to our quarters, Cody trotting dutifully behind. I had a lot in store for our new little mate. And I knew once my mark was decorating her beautiful little neck, then all this nonsense would fade away.