The Alpha King's Rebellious Queen

Cookie Thief

 Jemma's POV

Three Years Later

"Get back here, you little cookie thief!" Karla, the head of the kitchen, screamed at my fleeing three-year-old son.

My son hid behind my legs with two cookies in his little hands. I looked down at Jeremy's clone. He smiled up at me. I put my hands on my hips. "Nicholas, what have I told you about stealing cookies from the kitchen?" I looked at Karla. "I'm sorry, Karla."

"I made those cookies for your mother's full moon party and that little thief keeps stealing them." She smirked at my toddler.

My shoulders slumped. "Nicky, you have to stop stealing cookies."

"But Grandpa told me too." He giggled and then ran off towards my father's office.

I sighed. "It won't happen again, Karla." I calmly said to her.

She shook her head. "That little imp is lucky that he is cute." Then she walked back to the kitchen.

I made my way to my father's office. I heard my son giggling as I walked in. He was sitting on my father's lap, eating his stolen cookie while my father was eating the other one. "Dad, are you encouraging my son to steal cookies for you?"

He shrugged. "Maybe."

Beta Mark was sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk. "He doesn't steal cookies for me." He mumbled. "I'm his grandfather too."

"He likes me more." My father smirked at his beta.

I rolled my eyes. "Dad, you are going to spoil his dinner."

My father chewed on his stolen cookie while smiling at his grandson. "That's my job as his grandfather, you know, to spoil him. Right, Nick?"

My blond-haired and blue-eyed son smiled at his grandfather. "Yes." Nicholas leaned against my father's chest. He had the mighty Alpha of Zephyr Moon Pack wrapped around his little fingers. When I had gotten pregnant at eighteen, my father had been angry. He kept his distance through most of my difficult pregnancy, but the moment he held his first grandpup, he fell in love.

"Come on, Nicky, Grandpa, and Papa have work to do."

"But Mama!" Nicholas protested.

I walked around the desk and stood beside my father and son. I held out my hand to him. "We can go watch Cars 2 again."

Nicholas jumped off my father's lap and grabbed my hand. "Come on, Mama." He started to tug me out of the office.

"Wave bye-bye to Grandpa and Papa," I said to him. He waved at his grandfathers before releasing my hand and running out of the office. My pup was certainly energetic. I ran after him to the living room where my brother and Jeremy were playing Halo.

"Daddy!" Nicholas ran over to Jeremy and jumped into his lap.

"Hey, buddy." Jeremy greeted our son. "What trouble are you getting into now?"

I walked over to them and sat on a recliner by the couch. "Oh, my dad is just encouraging him to steal cookies from the kitchen."

Jeremy laughed. "I thought I heard Karla yelling at him." He glanced at his son. "You shouldn't steal, Nicholas."

"But Grandpa told me too. And he is the alpha, and I have to listen to him."

"I guess I can't argue with that logic." Jeremy laughed. "s**t!" He exclaimed as his character died.

My brother laughed. "See what happens when you get distracted?"

"Shut up, Iain. You got lucky." Jeremy growled.

A perfumed scent entered my nostrils as Jeremy's mate Esther walked into the room. She sat beside Jeremy on the couch and kissed his cheek. "Hi, baby." She purred to him.

He smiled at her with a sparkle in his blue eyes. "Hi."

My heart ached. A year after our son was born, Jeremy went to a future alpha/beta party thrown by the king. To my disappointment, he found his fated mate. He had promised to reject her. But instead, fell in love with her. I was devastated at first. When he brought Esther home, I wanted to hate her. Iain and my father almost killed Jeremy for breaking my heart. But when I saw how Jeremy looked at Esther, I couldn't bring myself to stay mad at him. Esther turned out to be nice, and I found myself defending her against the pack slut brigade.

Jeremy and I have remained friends for the sake of our son. Esther is good to Nicholas, and that is what mattered the most to me. Still, there was always an ache in my heart whenever I saw them together. Esther turned to me. "Hey, Jem. Want to go shopping tomorrow?"

I sighed. As much as I wanted to go shopping, I had to go to this year's mating ball. It was mandatory for all of the unmated alpha daughters in the kingdom. The newly crowned king needed to find his queen. Nothing annoyed me more than getting dressed in some frilly dress and parading myself in some fancy party. Heavy metal concerts were more my speed. "Sorry, Esther. But I have to go to the stupid mating ball." I said to her.

"Oh, right. I hope you find your mate there."

I rolled my eyes and folded my arms. "Well, I don't." The last thing I wanted was to find my mate and be forced to leave my home. It would mean separating Nicholas from his father. That was the last thing I wanted. I was content to stay in the pack as a warrior. And I didn't need a mate. Right now, I was dating one of the new warriors, and our relationship was going well. I wasn't ready to give that up.

Esther looked at Jeremy. "It's not that bad having a mate, Jemma."

Taking a deep breath, I stood up. "Come on, Nicky. Let's go watch your movie." My son hopped off his father's lap and trotted up to me. I clasped his little hand.

"Bye, Daddy." He waved at Jeremy.

I picked up my son and carried him to my room. I set him down, and he ran over to his toys and pulled out his cars. He liked playing with his car while watching the Cars movies. I walked over to the entertainment center and turned on the TV and DVD player. I put in the Cars 2 disc while Nicholas sat on the floor making car noises. There was a knock on my door as the movie started. My boyfriend, Paul, leaned against the doorframe.

He was wearing camouflage pants and a grey tank top that showed off his muscular frame. A hulking figure, he was taller than my father at nearly seven feet tall. Dark brown, nearly black skin covered his frame with long dreadlocks on his head. Golden brown eyes sparkled as I walked towards him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He had come from the king's guard to help train our pack warriors. I kissed him.

"Hey, baby girl." His deep voice spoke against my lips. "Are you busy later?"

"Maybe," I smirked. "Depends on who is asking." I pulled him into my room and led him to the bed. He sat down on the bed while I sat on his lap. "I'll ask Jeremy to take Nicky for the night," I whispered into his ear.

"We can go into town for a late dinner."

I sighed. "My father won't like that. But we can have a moonlight picnic in the garden, and then-" I waggled my eyebrows at him as I kissed him again while wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Sounds like a date." He deepened the kiss while trying to massage my breasts.

"Paul!" I laughed. I smacked his hand. I looked over at my son.

"He is occupied by his cartoon. He won't notice."

I kissed his neck. "I'll let you do what you want to me later after our picnic," I whispered into his ear.

There was another knock on the door as my mother poked her head into my room. I hopped off of Paul's lap. He stood up and bowed to my mother. "Luna."

She walked in, holding a garment bag in her hands. I groaned. "Your dress just came in. Let's try it on."

"Mom, I don't want to wear that dress. It's pink."

My mother rolled her eyes. "I don't care what you want, Jemma. Now get in your closet and try on the dress." She growled. I knew there was no arguing. She shoved the garment bag into my hands.

"I guess that's my cue to leave." Paul laughed. He leaned down to kiss me but stopped noticing my mother's glare. He just smiled and patted my arm. "Luna." He bowed to my mother before leaving the room.

My parents weren't entirely thrilled that I was dating one of the pack warriors. I agreed to use birth control, so they reluctantly allowed me to be with Paul. I like Paul, so I wanted to make it work. I set the dress bag down on my bed as I started to take off my t-shirt and jeans.

"What are you going to do if you find your mate tomorrow at the ball?" My mother asked.

"I already told you. I will reject him." I replied as I unzipped the bag. I groaned at the frilly pink thing my mother insisted I wear. She smirked at my annoyance. I knew she picked dresses like this to annoy me.

"Without even giving him a chance?" She sighed.

"Mom, I have a boyfriend."

She pressed her lips together. "Jemma, you shouldn't throw away your mate over a fling."

I reluctantly put the dress on. A light pink gown that hugged my body, showing off my muscular warrior's body. The neckline plunged, showing off my cleavage. There was a little bit of shimmer. "Paul isn't a fling, Mom. I like him."

"Jemma, I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"Mom, Paul isn't like Jeremy. This is real."

She rolled her eyes as she inspected me and adjusted the dress. She stepped back. "Jemma, you deserve to be with your fated mate."

I sighed. "But Mom, that means I'll have to leave the pack."

"I just want you to be happy, Jemma."

I sighed as my mother pulled me to the mirror. I hated to admit that I looked hot in this dress. It accentuated my violet-colored eyes as my blonde hair cascade down my shoulders. "I am happy. Even if things with Paul does not work out, I still have Nicky, and I want to remain a warrior here. I know things didn't work out with Jeremy, but I can't take his son away from him."

My mom pressed her lips together and shook her head. She looked me over. "See, that dress isn't so bad."

I shrugged. "I guess. But why does it have to be pink?"

"Because it annoys you." My mother laughed.

I sensed my son approaching us. He beamed at me. "Mommy, you look like a princess." I smiled at him and ruffled his hair.

"She does look like a princess, doesn't she, Nicky?" My mom picked up her grandson and kissed his cheek.

"Are you done watching your movie?" I asked him.

He nodded. "Can I watch it again?"

I laughed. "Of course you can."

My mother set him down, and he ran back to the tv. I walked over and picked up the remote to restart the movie. "Can I take this dress off now?"

"Yes, and hang it up, so it doesn't get wrinkled."

I rushed to my closet and quickly got out of the stupid dress. I put it on its hanger and hung it in the closet. I was happy to put my jeans and t-shirt back on.

"I'll see you later, Jemma." My mother said to me while walking over to Nicholas. She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

"Grandma." He groaned while wiping the kiss-off his cheek.

I laughed as my mother sighed. She then walked out of my room. I noticed Esther walk by the door. I ran out after her. "Hey, Esther."

The shorter brown haired she-wolf stopped and turned to me. Her brown eyes smiled at me as I approached her. "What's up, Jem?"

"Would you and Jeremy mind taking Nicky for the night? I have a date with Paul."

Esther nodded. "Of course."

Despite what happened with Jeremy, I like Esther. When she first came to the pack, she was shy and had a hard time fitting in. She always had her nose buried in a book and was made fun of by Rosalind and her slut brigade. So, instead of being bitter about her being Jeremy's mate, I befriended her and defended her. She was right to my son, and that was what mattered most to me. "Thank you."

"What time are you leaving for your date?"

"Around seven. We are just going on a picnic."

Esther smiled. "Ooo, a moonlight picnic. That sounds romantic."

"I have to go get ready." I walked back into my room with Esther close behind. She walked over to where Nicky was sitting on the floor and sat down beside him.

"Watching Cars again?" She asked him.

He nodded and held up one of his toy cars. "See the new car Papa got me?"

"That's a cool car." She beamed at him as he sat in her lap. "Do you want to hang out with your dad and me tonight?"

"Nicky, Mommy is going to take a shower. You stay there with Esther." I walked into my bathroom. After my shower, I wrapped a towel around my body and walked into my closet. I chose a purple plaid mini skirt and a baby doll t-shirt with skulls on it. I put on my clothes, walked out of my closet, and sat in front of my vanity. I brushed my long blonde hair. I had stopped dying it a couple of years ago. I pulled it into a ponytail. Then I put on some light makeup.

I stood up and turned to see Jeremy walking into my room. "Hey, Jerm."

"Daddy!" Nicky shouted as he hopped up and ran over to his father.

Jeremy picked up our son. "Hey, buddy. Are you ready to have fun with Esther and me tonight?"

"Can we eat chocolate chip pancakes for dinner?"

"Of course."

I put my hands on my hips. "Jeremy, that's way too much sugar before bed."

He shrugged. "He's my son too, Jemma. I don't need you lecturing me on how to take care of him."

I scoffed. "I'm not lecturing you, Jeremy. I'm just telling you that pancakes for dinner is too much sugar. He'll be up all night."

Jeremy rolled his eyes. "I know how to take care of my son."

"I am not saying you don't know how to take care of your son. I'm just trying to tell you that pancakes for dinner are a bad idea." My voice rose slightly as I glared at my former mate.

Nicky covered his ears as tears ran down his cheeks. "Why do you guys always have to fight?"

"We aren't fighting, Nicky," I said to him as I stood in front of Jeremy.

Jeremy sighed and tightened his hold on Nicky. "Your mother and I are just having a discussion."

Esther walked over and placed her hand on my arm. "Don't worry, Jemma. I'll make sure Nicky gets a proper dinner."

I nodded at her. "Thank you, Esther." There was a knock on the door as Paul poked his head in. He had a picnic basket in one of his hands.

He ducked his head in as he and Jeremy exchanged a tense look. I knew Jeremy was jealous of Paul. "Are you ready to go?" He asked me.

I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him, and kissed him. "Yes." I heard a low growl from Jeremy. I looked at him and rolled my eyes. "Shut up." I directed my gaze to my son. "Nicky, you be good for Daddy and Esther tonight."

"Okay, Mommy."

I walked over and kissed his cheek and smiled at Esther. "Thanks again," I said to her before linking arms with Paul and walking out of my room with him.

"Karla made us some fried chicken and macaroni salad." He held up the basket.

My mouth watered at the thought of the food. "That sounds awesome. Karla makes the best-fried chicken."

He shrugged. "My grandmother's is better. But I agree this is very good."

We walked out of the packhouse and towards the garden. The moon was slowly rising and illuminating the dark forest around us. Paul pulled a blanket out of the basket and spread it out on the grass, and we sat down. I helped him pull the food out of the basket.

After eating, we were lying on the blanket making out. His lips devoured mine as my hands traced his muscular arms. I took a breathe as he planted kisses on my neck. One of his hands fondled my breasts. I moaned. "Want to move this to my room?" I was eager to have him in me.

He pulled away from me and sat up. I helped him gather our discarded picnic dishes. I picked up the blanket as he grabbed the basket. We held hands as we walked into the kitchen to drop off the basket. We started to step out of the kitchen when my father stopped us. Paul bowed his head. "Alpha."

My father had his arms folded as he narrowed his eyes at me. "Paul, leave us. I need to speak to my daughter."

"Yes, Alpha." Paul let go of my hand as my father stepped aside to let Paul walk out of the kitchen.

'Meet me in my room.' I mind linked Paul.

'Okay. I'll be waiting, princess.' Paul replied.

My father gestured to the kitchen island. I sighed and walked over and sat on one of the stools. "What is it, Daddy?"

"Jemma, the Royal Mating Ball is tomorrow night."

I shrugged. "Yeah, so."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't think you should be running around with one of my warriors when you may be finding your mate tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes at my father. "I already told you and mom that if I find my mate, that I am going to reject him."

"Jemma, you are twenty one years old. It's time you start acting responsibly, not screwing my warriors."

"Dad!" I shouted at him. "I am not screwing all of your warriors. I am in an actual relationship with Paul. And I am responsible. ARen't I one of your best warriors?"

My father sighed. "Yes. But I just want you to be happy. Not get your heart broken again."

"Dad, let me worry about MY relationship. Okay. I keep telling you I don't want to be mated to some asshole Alpha that is going to force me to leave home and take Nicky away from his father." I hopped off the stool and started to leave the kitchen. "Now, if you excuse me, I am on a date."

"Jemma!" My father grabbed my arm and stopped me from leaving the kitchen. "You will regret denying the Goddess's gift of a mate." He made me turn to look at him. "I know you have no faith in it. But look and your mother and I. She is my life. My soul, my heart. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for her."

"Dad, I know how much you love Mom. I just want to find love on my own and not be forced to love someone because of some gift." I scowled at him.

"I wasn't forced to love your mother."

I sighed. "Look, Dad. I wish you and Mom would trust me to make my own choices regarding my relationships. I like Paul. I'm not ready to give him up."

My father pulled me into a hug. "Oh, my daughter. I don't want to see you get hurt again. Paul is my best warrior, and I would hate to have to kill him if he breaks your heart."

"Daddy, you won't kill Paul. You didn't kill Jeremy when we broke up."

He laughed. "Jeremy is only alive because I didn't want to explain to my grandson why his father was dead."

I rolled my eyes. "Right and deprive this pack of its future Beta."

He kissed the top of my head. "Anyways, that's all I had to say."

"Good because Paul is waiting for me."

A low growl rumbled out my father's chest. "Be careful. Can't have another illegitimate grandpup running around."

"Right. Like you don't completely and utterly love Nicky." I smiled as I walked out of the kitchen before my father could say anything else. I walked fast up to my room. Paul's scent filled me as I opened the door. He was lying on my bed wearing only his boxer. I took a moment to admire him. "Damn, you are so f*****g gorgeous," I said as I shut my door and locked it.

He smiled at me. "Oh, no, sweetheart. You are the gorgeous one." He

I took off my shirt and skirt as I ran over to the bed and climbed on top of him. I straddled him as I kissed him. I was ready to let him have his way with me. Mating ball be damned.   

***Author's Note: So from this chapter and beyond Jemma is 21.  She had Nicky at 18 instead of 1 as was originally written.  I had to change it.  I have gone through changing ages but a few I may have missed.  So bear with me.***