CheckMate

Chapter Nine

Alpha Gabriel’s POV

I watch on quietly as they both stop in front of the king, bowing down before introducing themselves formally.

“I have heard of you both, of course! Tales of your adventures have been told all over the supernatural world.” King Stefano states before he takes my mother's hand. “And these hands… I really must hear more about your incredible healing abilities, Alpha Annie.”

“Certainly, Your Majesty.” my mom nods.

I smile to myself inwardly. She hates talking about her powers. She and I seem to have that in common.

Her eyes flick to me questioningly and, if I’m not mistaken, it seems like neither of them have a clue why the king has invited them here.

“And Alpha Kade… it’s a pleasure to meet you too.” the king states, putting his hand out to shake my dad’s.

I watch with interest as they both grip tightly.

Trust my father to put on his own little show of defiance. My mom was always the more diplomatic and well behaved of the pair… well, marginally.

The king snatches his hand away and the hint of a smirk crosses my father’s face.

King Stefano clears his throat carefully.

“Commander Gabriel… I thought it might be nice to have your parents join us for a couple of days. What do you say?” he asks outright.

“I think it’s a great idea, Your Highness.” I reply nonchalantly.

“Liar…” my dad prods at me. I glance at him and he raises an eyebrow in amusement.

Then, just as the king turns to talk to my mother politely about her journey, my dad opens the mind-link again.

“Alright, tell me what’s going on? Apart from you being the king’s new best mate, of course… fess up, you know I hate surprises.” he jokes.

But before I can reply, Rhys voice interrupts.

“Gabriel, Griff is gone.”

I twist my body around to search the room for myself and I see he is nowhere to be seen.

Where has the fucker gone off to?

To Chesca’s wing of the house?

My imagination tries to run wild, but I suppress the wild jealously that tries to take hold of me as best I can.

This is not me.

“Gabriel?” my dad asks, furrowing his brows in confusion.

Just then, the doors open again and Chesca makes her way into the room. She looks a little flushed and I watch as she adjusts her stance quickly, lifting her head high. Her eyes find mine and she gives me what looks like a smile of relief.

I have to say I feel the same way. It’s strange how, after only a day of knowing her, her very presence in the same room can calm me in an instant. It’s strange how her gaze can still the raging ocean that lives inside of me, the tsunami that is just biding its time before it can break free of my defences.

Control.

It’s something I’ve mastered over the years. It is what has helped me to live a normal-ish life, but then there are always moments when it slips. When I can’t hold the power inside any longer.

Today in the forest being a prime example.

Did I mean to slice a f*****g tree in half in front of Chesca on our first proper date? … no, but at least she didn’t run a mile like some women might have. If anything, she supported me through it. She helped me to find my centre again quicker than I ever have done before.

Despite this… it doesn’t feel like the right moment to share with her the true extent of my powers or the hold they have over me. Not yet… for now, my secrets will stay firmly with me.

I’m so caught up in looking at her that I completely forget my parents standing in front of me, both of them flicking their eyes between Chesca and I knowingly.

“Goddess Kade, our kids don’t half make our life interesting, huh?”

“I knew there was a reason we adopted this kid.” my dad jokes in return.

I don’t take my eyes off of Chesca, but I chuckle out loud at their remarks anyway. I probably look like a f*****g i***t, but I couldn’t care less right now.

Chesca walks towards me with a wide smile and I walk forward to meet her, bowing my head. She bows to me in return.

“Princess…” I grin.

“Commander.” she answers, her hazel eyes connecting with mine.

“Ahem…” King Stefano interrupts quietly.

Shit.

I gather my wits again, nodding at him.

“My apologies. Chesca, I’d like to introduce you to my parents. Annie and Kade Knight.”

Her eyebrows rise in surprise. Clearly, she had no idea of the king's plans either.

“Oh… Goddess, I’m so sorry. It’s lovely to meet you both.” she says, putting out her hand to take each of theirs in turn.

“It’s very nice to meet you too, Princess.” my mom replies.

“No please, call me Chesca!”

“Chesca!” my dad grins, nodding his head. “Take it we aren’t just here for dinner?”

Chesca blushes slightly as she looks at me.

“Mom, dad. Chesca and I are mates.” I say proudly, taking in both of their expressions as I confirm their suspicions.

They look happy, surprised but happy all the same.

“Finally!” my mom smiles, laughing loudly.

Chesca breathes out in relief.

I can’t deny that it warms my heart a little to see it. She wants their approval. Which means she plans on us having a future together.

But then maybe I’m just getting ahead of myself. After all, there are difficult conversations still to be had.

“I’m happy for you both, congratulations.” my dad adds, turning his head to make eyes at me.

“Bagged yourself a Princess, son? Kept that one quiet. When were you going to tell us? When they were putting a f*****g crown on your head?”

He leans over to shake my hand firmly and I smirk at him in return.

My mom then takes a step towards me, tiptoeing up to land a kiss on my cheek.

“It is cause for celebration indeed!! Our Princess has found her Prince and everyone here at the castle is delighted!” the king announces loudly as everyone in the room quietens to hear his words.

It is then that my eyes connect with the only person in the room who doesn’t feel the same way. Griff, who appears by the door with a scowl on his face.

***

Princess Francesca’s POV

I breathe out in relief as I watch Gabriel’s parents congratulate him and I take a second to collect my thoughts.

I had no idea they would be here and when I stepped into the room, I would never have made the connection between them.

To be quite honest, Gabriel doesn’t look like either of his parents. His mom is around my height, with thick, long brown hair that frames her tanned face. Her eyes are a deep shade of brown and she has a body that would make any athlete envious! His dad stands just a fraction shorter than Gabriel, with dark hair that is speckled ever so slightly with grey at either side. His eyes are grey and intense, and when he speaks, everyone seems to listen attentively.

I don’t miss how he and Gabriel continually throw each other knowing looks. Clearly they are having their own private conversations too.

“Chess… I wasn’t finished talking to you.” Griff prods at me through the mindlink.

I try not to let his interruption irritate me. Instead, I subtly glance over my shoulder to send him a warning look. When my gaze returns, I see Gabriel looking at him too. His face is serious and cold, making me instantly nervous.

Having these two in the same room tonight is a recipe for disaster. Especially after the conversation I just had with Griff a moment ago. He made yet another appeal for me to cool things off with Gabriel, which I ignored, telling him instead to keep out of my damn business. I know that the situation is tricky, but I also know what I’m doing.

After today, there is no longer a doubt in my mind that I can trust Gabriel and not even Griff will convince me otherwise. We saw each other today in the forest… and I don’t mean just physically. We each felt that tether that connects us strengthen and grow. We may not know every detail about each other yet, but I believe I know his character and his heart already and he knows mine.

Is it strange to feel so connected to someone that you have only known for a single day? I guess that is just how the bond works.

The doors at the other side of the room are opened and the servants indicate that dinner will now be served in the dining hall. Gabriel puts his arm out for me to take and I take it eagerly, smiling when I feel the sparks burst against my skin once again.

He looks down at me and smiles as he leads me towards the dining room behind the king.

“You look beautiful, by the way.” he whispers, nodding his head towards the elaborate gown Jules dressed me in for the occasion. The light natural coloured tulle hugs my body around my torso before flowing out into a full skirt. The look is brought to life by the multicoloured flowers that have been hand embroidered on the fabric.

“Thanks… I’m a little over dressed.” I say with a smile.

“Not at all, Princess…” he shakes his head as he laughs gently. “Although, I can’t deny it. I did prefer when you were underdressed…” he whispers, leaning down to my ear.

I laugh in return, a warm feeling spreading through me.

He then glances behind him quickly and I follow his gaze.

His mom and dad are walking behind us, both whispering to each other with smiles on their faces as they watch us.

I look up at Gabriel questioningly.

“Apparently my parents think they can embarrass me as if I’m a teenager.” he grins.

“Oh how I would love to hear what they are saying.” I reply honestly.

“It’s all good.” Gabriel answers, as we come to a stop by the dining table.

I beam at him in return.

The king takes his place at the head of the enormous mahogany banquet table whilst Gabriel escorts me to my throne chair, which is stationed in the middle of the table as per tradition in this palace.

“Please take your seats everyone!” the king announces to the room. “Commander Gabriel, I would be honoured if you would sit at the opposite end of my table tonight”.

Gabriel looks at me with disappointment in his eyes and I give him a sympathetic look in return. He lifts my hand and kisses it gently before giving me a subtle wink that makes my heart flutter in response.

Damn… it seems like every time we might get a moment to ourselves, someone or something comes along to spoil it.

I shake off the disappointment as I sit down on my stupid throne. I don’t see why I must sit here anyway. Especially since this event is not political in nature. It’s just a bunch of courtiers and king’s guard commanders with their wives.

Gabriel gives me a wave from the opposite side of the table and I giggle like school girl. His mom and dad sit beside him and I can tell by their animated conversation that they seem to be making fun of him.

Are we really that smitten with each other that it makes others laugh? Maybe but I’m finding it hard to give a damn when I look at those blue eyes of his. So happy and full of love.

“Chess…”

I look across the table to see Griff sitting across from me, leaning forward to make eye contact.

Oh f*****g great.

“Griff. Not here. Stop. You either drop it or you leave.” I snap in return.

Everyone takes their seats and eagerly awaits the king’s address.

He stands up and clears his throat.

“Ladies and Gentleman. Thank you for being here this evening. As many of you will have heard, a connection was made here only last night. We are here to celebrate the mating of Princess Francesca Isadora Viotto- Conti to Alpha Gabriel Knight of Blackstone. I myself am overjoyed with the news and fully expect their union to bring much prosperity and happiness to the kingdom. So please, raise your glasses in a toast to them both! To Gabriel and Francesca.” I lift my glass and take a sip of champagne as my eyes drift back towards Gabriel longingly.

“Princess, we haven’t properly met.” a voice says gently from beside me.

I glance to the side to see Gabriel’s Beta sitting there right beside me.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself properly… Chesca.” I say with a smile, putting my hand out to shake his.

He takes it as a smile spreads across his face.

“Yes I know. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I don’t know what to say in return.

“It’s alright… I already guessed he wouldn’t have told you about me.” he laughs heartily. “The name is Rhys.”

“Rhys… it’s so good to meet you. Thank you so much for being here.”

“What? Like it’s a hardship? Come on Princess. Awesome food, some of the most skilled fighting I’ve ever seen… not to mention, my room is pretty f*****g amazing.” he shrugs.

I laugh in return as he grins at me kindly.

“Oh… sorry I shouldn’t swear in front of a Princess.” he says, furrowing his brows.

I lift my glass and shrug.

“No you f*****g shouldn’t.” I reply nonchalantly, causing him to spit out his drink laughing.

It’s then that I see his eyes make their way over the table to Gabriel.

“He wants to know what it is I’m saying to you…” Rhys says, wiggling his eyebrows.

I grin mischievously, turning to look at him.

He winks at me again.

Urgg this is torture!

“Tell him … you are telling me all his darkest secrets.”

Rhys smiles back but I don’t miss how it fades from his face rather quickly.

“I better not… I’ve grown attached to having my head on my shoulders.” he chuckles jokingly in reply.

Then, just as we are about to change the subject, a sudden pressure nudges at my temple.

I lift my hand to my head in confusion before I hear it. His voice, as clear as day in my head!

“Just relax… don’t fight it. Let me through.”

I do as his voice commands, a look of shock painted on my face as I look back at Gabriel, who has a triumphant smirk painted across his.

“Don’t try to talk back by the way… it doesn’t work like that. I can only speak to others. They can’t reply. Anyway… stop flirting with my Beta."

I laugh out loud randomly, causing a few people around the table to look at me in confusion.

I lift my hand to cover my mouth as I stare back at him dumbfounded.

“Ahhh, he just did the mind link trick on you?” Rhys whispers knowingly from beside me.

I look back at him in awe and nod my head.

“Can he mind link anyone?” I ask in disbelief.

“Yep… as long as they are in range. It’s one of his powers.”

My lips part slightly in wonder as I look back at Gabriel and shake my head gently with a smile.

“It’s a shame this only works one way right now… I’d love to hear your voice in my head.”

he teases, lifting his drink to his lips and raising his eyebrow.

“So Annie… Kade. How is your pack coping without their Alpha? I am terribly sorry to leave them without, but his skill set is providing the King’s Guard with a lot of new knowledge,” the king announces from the top of the table as he cuts into the first course that is now being served.

“They are a strong pack, Your Majesty. They miss their Alpha, of course, but they have us and our daughter Hope.” Annie answers confidently.

“Ahh… another one of your children? Is she mated?”

“Let’s just say it’s complicated.” Kade answers with a shrug, grinning at Annie who rolls her eyes with an exhausted smile.

“Do you have any other children?” Commander Wade asks interestedly.

“We have three children. Gabriel and his twin sister Grace and then Hope, our youngest.”

I listen intently to the conversation, so completely intent on learning as much about my mate and his family as possible.

I mean, he has a twin!!? I had no f*****g idea!!

Gabriel must notice the look on my face.

“Don’t worry… we have a lot to find out about each other but we will get there.”

I nod at him subtly and smile.

“Please, tell us about yourself, Princess. Do you have any siblings?” Annie asks looking at me kindly.

“No… unfortunately I don’t.” I laugh lightly in return. “I can’t wait to meet your other children though.”

She nods with a welcoming grin.

“Oh your welcome to Blackstone anytime, but I’m sure you know that already.” she glances at Gabriel who nods carefully as his eyes connect with mine.

“I would like that very much.” I answer honestly.

“So, Alpha Kade, what do you say about joining in some training tomorrow with my guard?”

Gabriel’s father nods in approval.

“Just try and stop me. What do you say, Annie?” he asks his wife, with a cheeky grin.

“Definitely!” she answers enthusiastically.

Damn, they are such an impressive family. I vaguely wonder if the other two siblings are fighters too or gifted like Gabriel and Annie.

“Do you fight Princess?” Annie asks curiously.

I am about to open my mouth to reply when Commander Wade answers for me.

“Oh, some women aren’t quite cut out for that…” he chuckles, “Respectfully of course, Princess.”

I watch as Annie’s eyes narrow just a little.

“Ahh… see in my experience, not all men are cut out for it either. In fact… in my experience, some so called skilled fighters, don’t actually know their ass from their elbow.” she shrugs casually, taking a sip of wine. “Respectfully of course, Commander.”

I have to hold back my laugh but I let it slide out a little when I see that Kade makes no attempt to hide his amusement.

Gabriel furrows his brows at them a little and Kade and Annie stifle their laughs like two unruly teenagers who have just been told off.

“My word… you do speak your mind, Alpha Annie.” the king says with a grin.

“Oh don’t I know it,” Kade answers, winking at Annie across the table.

“Goddess… sorry about these two.” Gabriel’s voice says in the back of my mind.

I only laugh in reply.

Their honesty and forthcoming natures are a breath of fresh air in this place. I’ll make sure to tell him that later.

“So what is your role around the palace, Princess? If you don’t mind me asking?” Annie asks curiously.

Gabriel shoots her an irritated look but I honestly do not mind the question one bit.

“I mainly work with the people…” I smile in return. “I do a lot of charity work throughout the city and I-“

“It is great that my daughter has a hobby but, of course, it is not a requirement of a princess. As I have told her many, many times.” the king laughs jovially.

Annie throws me an understanding look and I offer her a half smile in reply.

The rest of the dinner passes by quickly and I find I spend most of it making pleasant conversation with Rhys, who turns out to be such a great guy. I can see exactly why he and Gabriel would work well together as a team. He has the same air of kindness and sincerity that Gabriel has. He tells me all about Blackstone and about how he and Gabriel went off to the military together after Alpha camp. I listen to every single little detail, fascinated to hear more about their lives back home.

However, despite my attempts to focus, I can’t help but feel Griff’s eyes burning into the side of my head from the other side of the table. I do my best to ignore him.

To my relief, it seems like the night is now drawing to a close.

The desert plates have been cleared.

The servers are pouring the last of people’s drinks.

Although I’m relieved to have dinner over with, I now feel this overwhelming sense of sadness that this day with Gabriel is now finished.

It wasn’t enough, the constant interruptions have been frustrating to no end and the longing inside of me causes my chest to ache.

I look back at him from across the table whilst everyone else is caught up in their own separate discussions and our eyes meet.

I can tell immediately that he feels the same way.

His gaze holds mine for a second more before his eyes begin to wander over me carefully.

My skin tingles in response and I sit up a little straighter in my chair.

“I’m not… ready for this to be over.” his voice enters my head smoothly.

I stare into his blue eyes.

“Listen to me… Princess…”

The authoritative tone in his voice sends shivers down my spine.

“Tonight… at midnight…”

I bite the edge of my lip as I listen intently.

“…You’ll be waiting for me… in your room.”

My core clenches in anticipation.

“I’ll come to you… Princess… I promise, I will come to you.”

I close my eyes lightly and let out a small breath.

“I need to have you tonight… all of you…”

The image of his naked body against mine today in the forest enters my head, I cross my legs subtly under the table. The same burning desire building up inside me all over again.

“Do you want me, Princess? Do you want me like I want you?”

I open my eyes, my breathing growing a little faster as I look back at him.

Those blue eyes have grown darker in colour.

Goddess, I want him so…fucking… bad.

I nod my head subtly and his lip twitches at the corner.

“Commander Knight.” Griff blurts out loudly across the table, interrupting our internal conversation completely.

Clearly, he has been watching us both.

Gabriel’s face hardens quickly as his head snaps towards him.

“I was just telling Commander Paton here about your last mission for the military… it sounded like a real rough one, huh? At least, that’s what the rumours are saying.”

I furrow my brows at Griff, wondering what the hell he is trying to achieve right now by bringing this up.

“Commander Griffin, I don’t think that-“ Rhys begins before he is interrupted.

“Ahhh come on Rhys…You were there, right? Some of us have only heard stories. You can’t blame us for wanting some more information.” Griff shrugs, looking back towards Gabriel challengingly.

Gabriel doesn’t flinch. His cold stare remains in place.

Annie and Kade glance at each other worriedly.

“… they say, Commander Knight, on your last mission you cornered a group of rogues who had been terrorising a small village in Europe… the rumours are that when you happened upon them you got so damn angry… so infuriated… that you ripped every single one of them in half without even so much as lifting a finger.” he states, with a disgusted scowl.

I swallow nervously as I look back at Gabriel, who still remains unmoved. His hand resting on the table in front of him as he stares at Griff.

“Okay, Griffin… come on now.” Commander Wade grunts lowly.

“You lost all chance of finding out intel on the missing villagers… forty rogues killed in all…ripped to shreds… they say that it was a blood bath… that your own men were terrified of your fury and wrath…” Griff continues relentlessly.

Suddenly, the crystal glasses on the table begin to c***k and chime as they begin to vibrate.

Shit.

“Griff… stop.” I snarl across the table, but he doesn’t even look at me.

Neither of them do.

“They say that half of your men s**t themselves in fear… and that the other half ran away… all because you couldn’t keep a lid on those so-called powers of yours… and tell me… what happened to those missing villagers? When you eventually found them? Were any of them alive?…”

The atmosphere in the room grows exponentially as Griff continues to push.

“How many lives did you cost that night… because you couldn’t control yourself?”

The glasses begin to shake violently to the point where they begin to let out a high pitched ring that fills up the room.

“How many, Commander!?”

“ENOUGH!!” Gabriel roars as his hand smacks against the table.

Suddenly, there is a loud smash as every glass on the table explodes simultaneously.

There are screams of shock and horror around the room as shards of glass scatter across the table.