His Rejected 'Queen'.

Earned It!

"They are taking some steps back, she recongnizes he is trying and he admits she is softening..."

~next day, afternoon, palace~

Daniel’s pov

“Okay, everything is ready for tomorrow! Have you packed your things?” Landon asks them shortly and both of them nod in union.

We are sitting in my office (not the private one) with him, Aiden and my dad to ‘talk’ about business and from the moment I woke up today I haven’t stopped being in bad mood.

I am thinking all the time that Diana is that psycho bastard’s target and I am getting crazy!

Now everything make perfect sense! That’s why her parents wanted to kill her, why they almost did it, why she had gotten shot from hunters about one year ago and why we have all these attacks.

And her damn parents are helping him, they want to kill their own daughter but how on earth did they know about me and her and why did they come here?

Weren’t they scared?

Of course Diana and Aiden would have reacted, they are not kids but these dogs came here on purpose and I can’t understand why!

The more I am thinking that Diana could die or live next to another man like that asshole is killing me! You know I have no problem to die for her but only if I take that bastard with me and I make sure that she is safe and sound! It’s a nightmare for me to know that I could leave her alone now that I found her again but I prefer it from losing her. My life will end and I won’t bear it but if I die then I am sure she can continue her life and rule our Kingdom, she has everything it takes and I am not planning to deny it!

She can make it without me but I will never be able to make it without her, not now, I just can’t!

Last night I managed to sleep for a while even if I was too frustrated before because Diana felt that I was in tension and sat next to me waiting for me to sleep. Her scent is always calming me down and she used it to help me and this is making my heart melt.

We are making progress, both of us and the previous night is the proof!

We were angry and frustrated for different reasons but we managed to be logical and make a step back for each other, we opened up and we showed understanding. The truth is that I am quite impressed because we are stubborn, proud and too persistent characters and it’s not easy for both of us to act like this but…

Maybe our bond is evolving now that it is getting stronger!

“And are you sure we have to keep it as a secret? The women want to know and Victoria can’t keep them calm! It’s logical, don’t you think?” Aiden asks nervously and looks straight at me.

Well… I admit he has a point and the girls won’t like it but as I said last night I am not ready to tell Diana. If we tell them all then she will understand everything, she is way too clever, she already threw the bomb and left me speechless like an i***t, I know she can deal with it better than me but telling her everything is too much for me!

“Look, I understand your concern Den and you are right, I agree at some point but I want to wait for a while because we tell them everything! I want things to take the right path and then we can do anything you want! I am sure that Violet is going to get worried and angry like Diana and all the rest of the girls but don’t you think we have to know more before we reveal the whole truth?” I say thoughtfully and he sighs troubled.

“What happened with Diana last night? Today you seemed very well… Wasn’t she mad at you?” Landon asks me smirking in understanding and I smile blushing.

“Do you believe that we explained ourselves and respected each other? I told her that I want time and she agreed, she just said that she is worried and in this way she meant that she gives me time but I have to think of her and tell her the sooner I can…” I say trying to be more discreet and hide my enthusiasm but I don’t think the result is pleasing for me as the three of them cough teasingly with wicked smiles.

“Just stop it! It’s not funny!” I yell feeling my cheeks burning and my dad starts laughing loudly.

Oh my God!

“Someone is so crazy in love that is acting like a real 5 years old boy! Cute…” Landon murmurs tapping Aiden’s shoulder that is ready to break into laughter as well.

See? These three are having a great time no matter what we had been talking till some time ago and I am the joke, I am the clown!

Terrific!

“If you don’t have anything else to tell me then get out and go somewhere else to laugh at me!” I say in annoyance making Landon get serious again in a second.

He is… Up to something… And guess what…

I won’t like it AT ALL!

“Yes?” I say through my teeth running out of patience.

He doesn’t say a thing for a while and my dad with Aiden stop laughing and clear their throats a bit awkwardly. They avoid looking at me and I stiffen nervously trying to think of a reason they are acting like this so suddenly but nothing comes in my mind.

“Don’t you think we have to tell him now that you are leaving? He doesn’t know and I would love to see him unconscious on the floor but I feel a bit sorry for him… We somehow created this small problem Aiden and Jonathan was going to… Help her…” Land whispers timidly and I lean forward worried.

Well, s**t!

“For what problem are you talking about? Help who?” I ask breathless and my dad gives them an apologetic expression and turns to me forcing a smile.

“Okay, I will tell you but don’t get mad! We are warning you because this has to do with the hunter and the rogues that attacked Diana, Hunter and Derek!” he states and I sign quickly for him to continue.

I will have a mini heart attack but anyway…

“So… Diana talked with the boys yesterday and she told them that she wants to talk with the hunter and the rogues… She has a weird feeling, it’s like she knew and Landon advised her to ask you to talk to them with mine and your mother’s help!” he says quickly and I open my eyes turning to Landon that lowers his head after he gives me an apologetic, innocent smile.

Huh?

Two things! Number one this woman of mine wants to kill me, she has these pre-feelings that don’t leave me so many margins to keep a temporary small secret from her and thing number two…

“Why do you always have to open your big mouth man?” I yell at him and he raises his hands defeated.

“I am sorry, okay? How could I have known that they wanted to harm her and that asshole wants to kill her?! If I knew then I would have shut my mouth!” he says defending himself and I groan rolling my eyes.

“You are never going to stop ruining everything I do!” I say through my teeth and run my hand through my hair when we listen to a knock at the door and I close my eyes cursing.

My bad luck is unwilling to leave me…

Diana!

And don’t get me wrong, I say bad luck because she has been informed about Aiden and my father leaving tomorrow morning and she certainly wants to know the reason and their destination. The problem is that we haven’t told the girls and only my mom knows (she is calmer and has her own ways to keep them calm) but they reacted a lot because none of us tell them a thing more! I understand Diana and Violet as it’s about Aiden but the other girls (especially Ellie that is more curious than everyone) have gotten mad at their mates because they understand that the guys know and keep them in the darkness following my orders.

We told them about the sudden trip during lunch and from that moment I didn’t stay alone with Diana so I was safe till now but…

This stops here! I know she is madder than she was because she hadn’t been informed before and she wants to know everything now and I won’t be able to tell her so I think you know what is waiting for me.

She showed understanding one time but twice in less than a day?

No way!

The door opens immediately before I even reply and she storms inside with a furious look that faints once she sees Aiden and Landon with my dad. The others force a smile and Diana turns to me and narrows her eyes crossing her hands in front of her chest.

Alright, pray for me!

“All the team here I see…” she whispers in frustration ignoring the others and I clear my throat smiling nervously and stand up.

I will try to play it cool for now, I will ask her to wait again after dinner when we will be alone in our room and hopefully she won’t be so mad till then…

“We were just talking Diana, come on!” I say walking to her and she raises her eyebrows ‘impressed’.

“I am sure about it but I would like to know about what! I am going to ask you only once! Where are Aiden and your father going and why?!” asks impatiently the moment I reach her and raise my hand to place it on her arm.

“Don’t touch me before you tell me! What is happening and why so much mystery? I am not an i***t!” she yells snapping my hand away and I open my mouth to speak….

This was my intention but my Queen has other plans…

“It has to do with the rogues you brought here yesterday, right? It has to do with me, you all know something and keep me out of it! I am trying to be patient here but if you keep on doing so many things behind my back then I warn you we are going to have a huge problem between us! Am I clear?” she continues in a louder, angrier and most imposing tone that makes me stiffen nervously.

That’s what I was talking to you about!

How can I calm her now without telling her?

“Diana, he is doing nothing behind your back! You know that Aiden and Jonathan are going to leave tomorrow and that we keep the rogues in the dungeons… And… How did you know that it has to do with you?” Landon asks and she snaps her head to him furiously.

Remind me to kick his ass and zip his f*****g mouth!

I didn’t tell her clearly that it has to do with her and now the i***t confirmed her suspicions or pre-feelings (call it however you want).

“Landon close your mouth because you are not helping your friend, you are making things worse and don’t play with the words when you are talking to me! And thanks for leaving me no doubt that my suspicions are right!” she says quickly and turns again to me.

“So? Are you going to tell me?”

“Um… Could we talk about it in private? Later?” I ask timidly and she rolls her eyes sighing.

“You are dead!” she states pointing me and then turns her interest to Landon and Aiden that freeze.

“And you two are the biggest damn traitors I have ever seen and you are done when I stay alone with you!” she continues and in the end her eyes land on my dad that is looking at her in sympathy.

Her expression softens almost immediately and I can’t deny that this is pleasing yet annoying for him. I love the fact that these two are having perfect relationships (Diana is even closer with my mom but anyway) but at the same time I am a bit jealous she changes her mood so easily when it comes to him and not me.

Maybe I should take some lessons from my dad, right?

“Jonathan, I am sorry for my behavior in front of you… You know how much I respect you and I am sure you are against their… Plans…” she tells him warmly and he stands up and walks to us.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I can’t be offended from you! Maybe you have a point but wait to listen to his explanation and apology…” he says and kisses her forehead smiling.

“Thank you, at least you are logical unlike some others…” she murmurs under her breath and gives me a meaningful, cold look.

“Alright… I am leaving you to continue… I won’t take my answers anyway!” she states turning to him with a weak smile and after they hug each other she turns and gets out ignoring me and the guys completely.

“I am f****d!” I say worried and they groan in understanding with my dad sighing troubled.

“Yes, you are but… She is right and you know what you have to do!”

~some time later~

I take a deep breath and knock the door of our room typically before I get in and Devon perks his ears as I open the door and take a step inside to see not Diana but…

Iris!

She is sleeping peacefully in the middle of our bed with some pillows around her and a tiny light pink blanket covering her.

I had no idea she would have been here and I can’t hide my excitement!

I have lots of days to see her and this is the first time I am alone with her, usually she is with her parents or Nikki and Landon!

I walk to the bed quickly and smile breathless as I observe her sleeping.

She is growing up very quickly and she is extremely cute (like her godmother)! From the times I have seen her awake I can say that she is clever and the more days pass the more social she becomes and it is logical with so many people around her!

She lets out a low happy noise that makes me exhale amused and Devon purrs shaking his tail like a puppy.

Finding Diana is changing both of us, Devon was always closer to the whole family thing but now he really wants it and very soon. I, from the other side, was the one who was against mates, family, kids but after Diana came in my life again…

I want it more than anything else! I want a big family and kids with Diana, I would love to become a father even if this sounds weird and for the most that know me it is not only weird but a huge shock.

It is an unexpected turn, I know but it comes out of me naturally, it’s like it is destined for me and I owe it to Diana! She is the reason I want another life and I know I am never going to regret it because with her by my side I can’t feel sad or unpleased.

Okay, if she is mad at me I am heartbroken and in pain but maybe I have to make her soften in my ways and I guess I am going to try it very soon…

“What a sweet girl you are?!” I whisper staring at Iris that is still sleeping and I raise my hand to touch her above the blanket but the bathroom’s door opens and Diana freezes like a statue surprised.

Hmm… Someone wasn’t expecting me…

“How did it come and you are here?” she asks after she gains back her thoughts and walks out closing the door and the lights behind her.

I stand up again and take one step back while staring at her inquisitively and she walks to me with her eyes locked on Iris’ figures. She is ignoring me exemplary and this is annoying but I know her well enough the more time we spent together and my dad is right, I know what I have to do…

“Didn’t you want me to come?” I ask casually and turn to Iris again mimicking Diana.

She is standing next to me without moving while looking at Irish but I can see her face and believe me you don’t want to see her like this…

Her face is red, her eyes are darker than the usual and her scent is a bit different due to her anger but I am not planning to let her get madder…

I give her a soft jog with my elbow and she groans as a response but for once more she doesn’t talk or move.

“Alright, I get it, a cat ate your tongue baby…” I tease her and this time I accomplish to make her react and turn to look at me ready to attack me.

“Or you made me want to kill you!” she replies through her teeth and I smirk innocently.

“What?” she asks in the lowest tone she can for Iris and I lean closer to her making her growl.

“Oh, easy tiger! We don’t want our godchild to wake up, do we?”

“She is not your godchild!” she growls and I lean even closer to stop when she pushes me back in annoyance.

“She is because we are mates so what is yours is mine and the opposite! And we don’t want her to wake up crying!” I reply casually and she sighs shaking her head in frustration.

“Whatever…”

The silence makes her appearance again as we turn again to Iris and I do my best not to giggle but it takes me too many efforts. Teasing her is going to be my favorite hobby from now on and these expressions and reactions from her are cute although I am risking my life at some point.

I take one step to reach her, our arms touch each other’s and she clears her throat probably warning me to pull myself back but I ignore it and turn to her again. She notices me with the corner of her eye and signs for me to speak already knowing that I am not done.

My girl is smart…

“I wasn’t expecting Iris to be here… What happened?”

“The guys had some things they wanted to do together, Nikki is with Robert at the hospital and I offered to take care of her. Why? Is there any problem?” she says coldly and I shake my head negatively smiling.

“Not at all! It was a very pleasing surprise!” I say and she rolls her eyes.

“Why are you so mad at me? I told you to talk about it alone and look at you!” I continue not without giving her time to speak and boom…

She turns her whole body to me, grabs me from my elbow and drags me in the living room away from Iris and then slaps my arm growling lowly but I show no sign of resistance.

Just let her relish her anger!

“I hate it when you act so secretly and it has to do with… Everything!” she whispers outraged shaking and I raise my eyebrows.

“Everything? Really?”

“You were the one that said that I would be informed about everything because it matters me and we are equal but now you are changing it!” she groans and I shake my head in disagreement.

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!” I repeat.

“Yes!” she answers back again louder than before.

“But I told you yesterday that I need time and you said that you respect it!” I say defending myself with a dose of complaint.

“Yes but today you added my brother in this and I don’t know where he is going tomorrow and Land said that it has to do with me, he f*****g confirmed it and I can’t calm down!” she says louder and before I open my mouth again…

Iris starts crying!

“s**t!” Diana exclaims and runs in the room with me behind her.

“Oh, come on little angel! Who woke you up?” she murmurs changing her voice completely and takes her in his arms cooing her.

“Don’t ask her because you won’t like the answer!” I say teasingly and touch Iris’ hand while Diana growls in frustration.

“Men are pigs baby girl! When you grow up enough I will tell you everything! You have to be careful when it comes to them and especially when it comes to the donkey that is here with us!” she says wickedly narrowing her eyes at me and I open my eyes widely shocked.

That was…

Offending!

Donkey? Me?

“Damn it Diana, you…”

“Watch your mouth in front of my goddaughter!” she cuts me off furiously.

“Our! And she is too young to understand!” I say through my teeth taking one more step to her.

“It doesn’t matter, her emotional intelligence is way too strong and she feels all these energies!”

“Whatever!” I hiss sighing and turn my interest back to Iris that is still frustrated.

Fortunately she is not crying but she is not smiling either! I think we are driving her crazy…

“Come on princess! It’s fine, we are done and…”

“No, we are not done!” Diana says again and I look at her angry.

“Can you just wait to stay the two of us?” I ask firmly.

“NO BECAUSE YOU ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!”

“Good because the same thing happens to me with your behavior now!” I reply through my teeth shaking.

“Asshole, you…”

“Watch your mouth in front of the kid Diana!” I interrupt her taking my revenge for before and she growls so loudly that Iris starts crying again and I just lose the less patience I had left.

I take Iris from her without leaving her option but to give her to me and sit on the bed behind me cooing her as gently as I can. I start talking and kissing her forehead and Diana stays frozen staring at me speechless.

Iris gradually calms down, stops crying and in the end smiles and I sit more comfortable on the bed swinging her softly.

I think that I had read somewhere that the babies are sharing our energy and this is why she was crying… When I took her in my arms and I calmed down she felt it and…

I did it!

I had no idea that I could get excited for such an accomplishment but look at me!

“Did you cast a spell on her or something? I know from babies but look at you!” Diana whispers still amused and sits next to me with her eyes locked on Iris and me.

“I guess I have my ways with women, right?” I ask her a bit hurt and she lowers her head stiffening.

You understand what I meant, huh?

She was always saying I am a manwhore and yesterday she thought I was with another woman and now I don’t know why but I threw it.

I think I am hurt and this is why these words came out of my mouth instinctually! Before you accuse me let me tell you that I know she is right to feel like this and doubt me but not so much! I mean, she can see how much I am trying, there is no one else for me, I am aware of the fact that she needs time but I can’t stop myself from being hurt when she thinks I am lying! I know that my past is giving her the right but I am doing the most I can and I want only her, it’s hard for me when she tells me she thinks otherwise!

“Daniel…” she whispers nervously and pauses moving a bit closer to me.

“I know I am overreacting sometimes but so do you! If you feel so hurt about it then I am sorry but try to understand me…” she says and gives me an awkward, weak smile.

I stop swinging Iris that is too calm now and I turn to her with a hurt expression across my face. Diana is still nervous and I don’t seem to make her feel any better because she lowers her head again avoiding more eye contact.

My heart aches a bit and not because of what I told you a while ago but because there are clouds and shadows between us and right now we can’t make them disappear. I can’t tell her where I am going when I disappear and I can’t tell her about that asshole but…

Alright, I will try to say only this and show her that I am making amends here, I don’t want her to feel insecure when there is no reason to! It hurts me knowing that she is suffering when I just want to protect or make her happy!

“Aiden and my dad are going to your previous pack!” I state after I take a long breath and she snaps her head to me breathless with the surprise written on her face

“What? Why?”

“Because they helped your parents lie about your death and I want to know why and I need the Alpha to pay!” I say with no emotion and she sighs heavily a bit thoughtful.

For some seconds she says nothing and I am thinking that she probably thinks I am heartless and cruel or unfair or whatever else and I can’t feel relieved or pleased. I want her to be proud of me and I am sure she is not, she doesn’t agree and this is killing me…

“I was expecting this…” I murmur looking away but before I say more she caps my face and makes me turn again to her.

She sits on her knees touching my right side on her body sending chills all over my skin and she smiles emotionally ready to cry. I press my lips together forcing myself to stay strong and not show my pain but I think I am going to lose this fight with myself.

“Thank you for doing this for me…” she says and I gasp surprised.

Huh? What on earth?

“He deserves it… He knew I was suffering but he never cared, he didn’t do his duty, he never protected anyone! Do whatever you want to him but don’t harm the pack, there are kids and people that wanted to help me but they couldn’t! He was like THEM but the others are innocent…” she continues and I nod a bit dizzy.

“And about the other women…” she whispers next and stiffens.

“I know you are giving me no reason to doubt you but… I guess I am changing like you did first and the past is not so helpful. Don’t feel bad about it and… I don’t know what else to say, I am sorry!” she trembles and touches her forehead on mine sighing overwhelmed.

I exhale on her and my skin shudders, my heart is beating like crazy and my stomach is like there are butterflies in it. I love this moment and I feel touched. She is opening up to me and I want to scream from enthusiasm.

I move my head a bit and rub my nose on hers but she opens her eyes and smiles staring at Iris in my arms and then looks at me again and caresses my cheeks.

“She is sleeping again…” she whispers and I look down at her surprised to see her really sleeping in my arms while making some sweet expressions instinctually.

Do you know what?

This is the best moment of my life and yes, it has nothing to do with s*x because my heart is filled with so much love and emotions I didn’t even know I could feel!

“Well done Daniel… You earned it!” Diana whispers bringing me back to reality and I look up at her confused.

“What?” I ask breathless and she smiles blushing.

“This!”

Before I realize it her lips are on mine and she kisses me taking my breath away and making me desperate for more.

And now I know, I am sure…

She loves me right back and we will make it!

****************************

Hello my friends!!!

The 28th chapter is here one day before the expected and guess what!

Thanks to coronavirus everything is closed here in Greece, our goverment decided to take the hardest measure and now we have to stay locked in our houses for about a month at least and this means...

More chapters for us!

Anyway, I guess you are lucky and I am because I will have you!

Also, there is a new book! It is called Cleo's Heart Decisions and it's about a girl that is getting rejected from her mate and Alpha for someone else, she doesn't want to leave but she is in pain and there is a mysterious unknown wolf gains her interest! Lots of secrets and revealings are going to bring the upside down in her life and the pain is going to change her heart and future probably forever! Please check it out and tell me your opinion, I am extremely excited and I hope you'll like it!

And now back to our story as I am looking forward to know your thoughts and opinions! This chapter was full of tension and things went well in the end!

How do feel about this chapter? What about Daniel and Diana? Is Daniel right? How about the whole scene with Iris? What is going to happen next?

As always at this point I would like to thank you very much for your love, support, commends and impatience in order to read the chapters! I am trying my best so continue showing me how much you want more and commend and tell me your opinions and thoughts, or share the story.

This is it for this time, see you again in the next chapter (or in one of the other books, Mates And Enemies are coming tomorrow as well as The Cruel Alpha's Mate, Alpha's Abused Mate on Wednesday and Cleo's Heart Decisions on Thursday).  Be safe and happy until next time! 

I love you all,

                           Marie...