Chapter 22: Chapter: twenty-one

Aylin stirred awake, feeling the warmth of Ezekiel’s body draped over her. She attempted to shift, causing him to stir and tighten his grip around her.

She gasped for breath. “Zeke, you’re squeezing too tight.”

When he didn’t respond, she gave his arm a light smack, which only resulted in a slight twitch. “Goddess help me,” she muttered under her breath.

She tried once more to wriggle free from his hold, and this time, she succeeded. She pondered over how to wake him up, and finally decided on a method.

She placed her hands on either side of his face and planted a kiss on his lips. They were a bit chapped and rough. As she ran her tongue over them, a low rumble echoed from his chest.

Pulling back, she saw his eyes were barely open, but the desire in them was unmistakable.

“You shouldn’t disturb a sleeping wolf,” he murmured.

She pouted slightly and planted a kiss on his broad chest. “I’m sorry, but you were squeezing me so tight, I couldn’t breathe.”

He chuckled, running his fingers through her silky hair. “I just didn’t want to let you go.”

“Did anything happen while I was asleep?”

They both sat up, and Ezekiel sighed, knowing he couldn’t hide the truth from her. “I had Quill call Daemon Morris. He’s on his way.”

“W-why would you do that?”

He rolled off the bed and placed the photo from the first incident in front of her. “What do you see?”

She picked it up and examined it closely. “Umm...,” she began, her lip trembling, “t-that’s my father.”

“What else?”

“What are you seeing, Zeke?”

He slid behind her on the bed, took the picture from her hands, and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Look at what happened to your father compared to the other victims.”

As she inspected the photo more closely, her eyes widened. “W-why?”

“That looks like revenge to me.” He reached for another picture and placed it in front of her. “There’s more. What do you see?”

“I-it’s Ophelia Wilson with her parents. They were also victims of the attack.” She squinted at the photo and noticed a black mist next to Ophelia. “What is that?”

“I think the luna of the Dark Moon Pack has some explaining to do.”

Fear and anxiety caused Aylin to tremble. ~“Is he going to send me back?! I can’t be without him!”~

~“Don’t be foolish,”~ Kaia snapped in her head. ~“Your mate loves you and won’t let you go!”~

Annoyed at her wolf, she growled inwardly. ~“Now you decide to show up? Where’ve you been?”~

~“Healing your body, silly! When Zagan comes, I have to be ready to fight. No one harms our mate!”~

Ezekiel chuckled at the glazed look in Aylin’s eyes. She always had lengthy conversations with her wolf.

He nudged her head to get her attention, and Aylin was caught off guard. “What are you two arguing about now?”

“She’s been absent for a while and decided to show up now.”

“And what did she say?”

“She said she was healing us.”

He pulled her closer and buried his nose in her hair. “Then don’t be too upset with her. She cares about your well-being.”

“And yours,” she said, looking up into his emerald green eyes.

After freshening up, they headed down to the dining room for breakfast. The room was already filled with pack members enjoying their meal. Children were running around their parents in circles.

Aylin laughed, imagining this as her future.

One of the children headed for the kitchen and tripped, scraping their knee.

Without hesitation, she picked up the crying boy and placed him on the table. “Did you hurt yourself, sweetheart?”

“It hurts, Luna,” he sobbed. His cries tugged at Aylin’s heart.

“Stay right here,” she said. She rushed into the kitchen and soaked a towel in warm water. “Audrey, do we have any Band-Aids or bandages in here?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Under the sink,” Audrey replied, pointing downward.

Aylin paused, feeling a bit awkward at the older woman’s formality. “Audrey, you can call me Aylin. I won’t tell,” she teased.

“I don’t think the king would approve.”

“Let me worry about the king,” she smiled, giving Audrey’s cheek a quick peck. “Oh, and could you do me a favor?”

She returned to the little boy still on the table, gently cleaned his wound, and applied the Band-Aid. “How’s that?”

“It-it still stings,” he hiccuped.

Aylin tried a different approach. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Keon!”

They both turned as a frantic woman came rushing toward them. “Are you okay, honey?”

“Yes, Mama.”

Aylin smiled at the mother and son hugging, then the mother turned to Aylin. “Thank you, Your Majesty. My little Keon here is quite clumsy.”

The woman gave Aylin a tight hug. “My name is Hadley, Your Majesty.”

“Nice to meet you, Hadley. I’m Aylin. And don’t worry, it’s okay for children to be clumsy. I think he’s going to be a great warrior one day.”

Aylin turned to the boy, who was grinning at her. “Keon, can you ask your mama if you can have the surprise I have for you?”

His excitement was palpable as he started bouncing up and down on the table. “Can I have it, Mama? Please? Please?”

The mother gave in, a bit puzzled. “Sure, as long as you ask nicely.”

The little boy hopped off the table and bowed before her. “Can I have the surprise, Your Majesty?”

He looked up at her, his hazel eyes twinkling. “Yes, you can. Stay right here.”

Aylin dashed into the kitchen to fetch the surprise. When she came back, Keon was sitting at the table, waiting patiently.

She slid the surprise in front of him and he beamed.

“It’s heart-shaped,” he squealed.

The mother was so moved that tears trickled down her cheeks. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“I might be new to this pack, but I want us all to make it through this. I know we can. Every little act of kindness will keep us united.”

Everyone paused what they were doing to look at the luna and the mother. Their eyes were filled with respect and admiration.

Aylin felt a bit embarrassed with all the attention, but she didn’t shy away. She found Ezekiel in the crowd and saw him smiling at her.

~“You’re the best,”~ he told her through their link.

She simply smiled back at him, feeling blessed.

***

Zagan sat on his throne, feeling antsy. He hadn’t put his plan into action yet. He was getting updates from the outside, but it wasn’t enough to quench his thirst for revenge.

“Master.” A lower demon bowed before him.

“Speak!”

The demon flinched a bit before continuing. “The alpha and the luna of the Dark Moon Pack are on their way to the Royal Outland Silver Blood Pack.”

“I already know that, you fool!”

“M-my apologies, Master!”

Zagan stood up in a fury and kicked the demon onto its back. “Get everyone ready! Once I get that girl, I want every single wolf in that pack dead!”

***

The next day, the Dark Moon Pack was on their way to the Royal Outland Silver Blood Pack.

There was a palpable tension between the alpha and the luna. So much so that they were in separate cars.

Daemon’s mind had been spinning since the phone call a few days ago. Ophelia seemed like she was hiding something, given how strongly she was against the trip.

But then there was also her deep-rooted hatred for Aylin, which he couldn’t quite understand.

He hoped the king could shed some light on the mystery so they could all move on.

“How close are we, David?”

“Not far. Probably an hour away.”

After a pause, he asked the question that had been nagging at him. “Do you think Aylin is to blame for what happened to our pack years ago?”

“I don’t know if I can answer that.” David shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“Talk to me as a friend, not as your alpha.”

David sighed, his eyes fixed on the road. “As your friend, I think what you did to her was the worst thing a wolf could do to their mate.

“Just because Ophelia was easy, she convinced you that it was all Aylin’s fault and that she was worthless. Personally, I never had a problem with her. Do I think it’s her fault? No, I don’t.

“Maybe I’m wrong. I don’t know. But it’s not right to blame one person just because you were told to.”

Daemon was taken aback by his friend’s words.

“Now, you have to face the truth. You lost her to the Rogue King, and you’ll never get her back. You’re stuck with a tease now. No offense, Alpha.”

“So, you’re saying I messed up.”

“Big time.”

The rest of the ride was silent. Daemon was lost in thought, mulling over the harsh words his beta had thrown at him.

***

Ezekiel told everyone to go back to their homes until the Dark Moon Pack members had left.

Some were hesitant, but they were reassured that as long as they stayed inside the walls of their homes, they would be safe.

Every warrior was on high alert, ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

After saying goodbye to Keon and his mother, Hadley, Aylin watched from a distance as they said their goodbyes to a man. A husband and a father. It felt like a final farewell.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the scene. But the smile on the boy’s face as he hugged his father gave her hope.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“Can’t you feel it, Zeke? Something’s coming.”

His stomach twisted at her ominous words. “Let’s deal with the Dark Moon Pack first. I think things will change once we tell Daemon Morris what we’ve found out.”

Aylin nodded slightly, and they went inside to get ready.

As she looked through her clothes, Aylin suddenly realized she didn’t have anything suitable for a queen. Anxiety started to creep in.

She tugged at her hair and paced in front of her wardrobe.

“Aylin, are you okay?” Quill’s voice came from the other side of the door.

“I-I don’t have anything to wear.”

Quill slipped in and saw Aylin pacing back and forth, almost pulling her hair out. “Calm down, Ay. I have something for you. It’s from Zeke.”

“Huh?”

Quill pulled out a stunning royal purple knee-length dress with lace sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.

“What the—” She was speechless. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She never dreamed she would own such a beautiful dress. “Zeke picked this out for me?”

“Actually, he asked Audrey to make it for your wedding ceremony. But I guess now is as good a time as any.” He smirked a little, seeing her fascination.

“Okay, enough of that. Go take a shower. They’ll be here soon.”

Aylin hurried through her shower, a ball of excitement and nerves. She was thrilled to wear something designed just for her, but the lack of makeup and her unruly hair dampened her spirits.

Her anxiety spiked again as she stepped out of the bathroom, but then her eyes landed on the dress.

Royal purple.

Royal.

She traced her fingers over the fabric, marveling at its softness and luxury. A sudden realization washed over her. She was royalty. Undeniable, absolute royalty.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage.

She slipped into her bra and panties just as a knock echoed at the door.

“Majesty, it’s Hadley.”

“Come in.”

Hadley entered the room, her gaze lowered.

“It’s okay. You can look at me.”

Slowly, Hadley lifted her head and offered a small smile.

“How can I assist you?”

“The king asked me to help you get ready.”

Her heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

Time slipped away as Hadley skillfully applied Aylin’s makeup and styled her hair into elegant waves cascading over her shoulders.

A sharp knock startled them both.

“Yes?”

Hadley opened the door, bowing to the king. “It’s Ezekiel.”

“Is she ready?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

She turned around, and Ezekiel was momentarily stunned by the sight of his mate.

The dress hugged her curves beautifully, the makeup was subtle yet enhancing, and her hair was flawless. “You look breathtaking.”

Aylin looked away, blushing. She had to. Her mate was so striking it was almost beyond words.

He was dressed in perfectly creased gray slacks, a white button-down with the top button undone, and a blue blazer. His hair was slicked back, and the stubble on his face cast a rugged shadow.

“The queen just needs her shoes,” Hadley said, her voice barely above a whisper. She placed the shoes in front of Aylin and helped her slip them on. All the while, Aylin held her mate’s gaze.

“All set, Your Majesties.”

Ezekiel turned to Hadley with a warm smile. “Thank you.”

Aylin then faced Hadley. “I can’t thank you enough for this. Truly. Thank you, Hadley.” Overwhelmed by gratitude, Aylin pulled her into a heartfelt hug.

“Anytime, Your Majesty.” Hadley left the room, leaving the couple alone.

Ezekiel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

He’d wrestled with the decision to give it to Aylin, but in the end, he knew there was no other woman who could bring him such joy.

“I have something for you.”

She opened the small box to reveal a stunning ring. It was crafted from white gold, featuring a blue diamond at the center, encircled by smaller diamonds trailing down the sides.

Hand in hand, they left the room and made their way to the throne room.

They took their seats, waiting patiently for the Dark Moon Pack to arrive.

They exchanged one last look before the announcement came that the pack members had arrived.