The Royal Alpha King's Little Damsel

Chapter Five

VALENTINA

**

Present time…

“Now, don’t be all gloomy. Remember the happy times.” Luna Ani encouraged me unlike how I had been encouraging her. “I still wonder, you know.” She muttered and I gave her a questioning look.

“What is that you wonder, Luna?” I asked and she pouted. She studied my face for a moment as if trying to read it.

“How is it that, every time you say something will happen, happens?!” She muttered and I was still confused. I blinked at her, perplexed by her statement.

“You told Vincent that he'd find a mate and that is the day he found me. He told me that you - never before, on any other occasion, said that he'd find his mate. The day you said it, and I was here. And then, you said I might be having a pup and soon I found out that I was indeed pregnant.” She explained her observation and I chuckled.

It was quite a weird topic to take on but it was better than her sulking over Alpha Vincent’s departure.

“I don’t know. That day he was waiting to meet his mate and I just said it to make him happy.” I confessed. “And about the pups, I think everyone in the packhouse would’ve said that after the sleepless nights we had.” I teased her and she turned red.

“Also, recently you said that something was wrong with the pack and you don’t have good vibes. This rogue issue came in.” She reminded me and I almost flinched at saying those words.

“That…I just felt like too much chaos was going on. Do you know how the fight erupted between Junior and Gian for the captain's title? It had just disturbed me to see people fight for such a small thing as a rank that is not even permanent. Even though I know how precious a rank is, even without it, I have survived and will continue doing so.” I shared it with her. I was quite disturbed seeing them ready to take each other’s blood out just for a rank.

“You have a way with words, Val. How can you be so good?” She asked me. “Never badmouth others or do wrong to them.” She implored and I sighed.

“When you grow up having a stranger provide for you, you learn to find good in everything,” I asserted and she smiled sadly at me.

“You do know Vincent and I have a lot of respect for you, right?” She asked and I gave her a grateful smile in response. Since the day she saved me, all she did was support and encourage me. She even gave me a few self-defence lessons, but we stopped that when she got pregnant. Though I accompany her with her daily exercises.

“I know. I believe and trust three people around me. Alpha Liam, Alpha Vincent and you, Luna.” She beamed at me. I realised it was getting late for her so I stood up and she took the hint.

“Your friend Sam must feel awful if she heard you.” She teased as I supported her sleep in a proper position.

“She knows what she meant to me,” I admitted to her and she halted her teasing.

“You’re no fun to tease, Val.” She muttered once she completely laid on the bed. I put on a warm blanket and covered her. She snuggled closer into the bed.

“Val, I wish you could sleep in here.” She admitted and I shook my head.

“Apologies. Luna Meredith will be joining you soon. She will accompany you through the night.” I announced and she didn’t force me. She knew that I never slept anywhere other than in the kitchen.

“I’ll get her for you. You rest.” I wished her a good night and left to call Luna Meredith. It was disrespectful to mind-link Alpha or Luna, current or former, without an emergency.

I stood outside the door where Alpha Liam and Luna Meredith were residing. I knocked on their door twice. Soon, Luna Meredith unlocked the door.

“Luna Meredith, Luna Ani is finally resting. You can go to her room.” I notified her with a small bow and she nodded.

“Before you call it a night, bring me my regular.” She ordered me and I nodded. Luna Meredith walked away and I sighed, making my way downstairs to the kitchen.

Luna Meredith had a habit of drinking hot honey lemon water before she slept. She couldn’t sleep without it. I was used to making that for her and serving it to her.

I reached the kitchen and started with the process. Nancy came strolling, as she walked up to the water purifier to fill up her jug. I already felt something bad was going to happen. Tasha had left when she met her mate a year ago, but Nancy’s mate was in the pack itself, so she never left and probably never would and kept torturing me like that.

“A maid is forever a maid.” She sneered at me but I didn’t respond, so she continued. “I wonder what kind of mate you’ll get and how delighted he would be to see you.” She commented sarcastically.

“I didn’t bother you, so you don’t bother me either,” I declared to her, attempting to sound strong. Luna Ani had warned me that she would chastise me if I didn’t learn to stand up for myself.

“Acting brave, aren’t we?” She remarked sarcastically, but I decided to ignore her. That made her hiss in anger.

“Let’s forget I said anything about your mate’s reaction towards you. A no-rank like you will not even have a damn mate for any damn reaction!” She exclaimed and pushed me.

I was pouring the supposedly lukewarm water that was now bubbling into the glass and ended up getting it all over my left hand, searing the skin.

“Ah!” I screeched in pain, as the burning felt like it reached my bones and ignited them a bit. I shook my hand, trying to air it and the cool wind might cool it down.

“Serves you right.” She muttered and scoffed at me. Giving me one last hateful glance, she walked away swaying in happiness.

I then made a quick run to the sink and put my hand under the water. I hissed but then blew air on my hand myself. I shook my head and walked to the glass to get what Luna needed.

I hastily made it and rapidly walked towards Luna Ani’s room. I knocked on the door and Luna Meredith opened it. She gave me one glance. I hid my burnt hand behind me. I didn’t want her to see it and make another rude comment about it, thinking that I was being careless or something.

“If any later, I would’ve slept. Go now.” She announced and I gave her a bow and left. I walked towards the kitchen and put my mat down. I covered myself with the blanket as I felt the temperature fall further.

Somehow, I didn’t feel the burning sensation anymore and I was glad. I didn’t get time to think about why I didn’t feel the burning because something was vibrating under my head. I realised that someone was trying to call me on the phone, that was Alpha Vincent’s old phone handed to me forcefully by him so I could contact him even if the mind-link didn’t work. I put my hand on the side and answered.

“Hello, Val. I can’t get through to Ani. Is she alright?” I heard a very worried Alpha Vincent on the call. I could feel his worry throughout the call.

“She just fell asleep. When she wakes up, I’ll let her know.” I informed him and he sighed.

I knew he would be concerned about her after putting on that brave face when he left. He was mature now that he had found his mate. They were both a perfect match for each other. I could feel how hard it got for both since the pup was due soon.

“How was she? Was she sad and missed me?” He asked and I could feel his despair. “I did miss her a lot.” He confessed, sounding low, so I decided to cheer him up a bit.

“She did…not! Ha!” I teased him but decided to be a good person. “Just kidding. She did, too, but I tried to divert her mind so the stress wouldn’t get her. She and the pup are sleeping. Luna Meredith is sleeping with her, so you don’t have to worry.” I informed him to relieve him of his worry.

“I would’ve punished you for pranking but Ani loves you. Also, you do know what to say.” I chuckled. I could hear the internal relief he felt.

“I know. Only I can be your best sister, anyway.” I flaunted. “By the way, how’s the situation going?” I asked him, wanting to know the situation better so I could comfort Luna Ani better.

“Well, it doesn't look very good.” He informed me and I shut my eyes in disappointment. “I wish you would be more cautious until I’m back. It would’ve been better if you slept in my room with Ani and Mom.” He suggested and I sighed.

“You know that wasn’t even an option, but I’ll be on alert mode,” I answered and he gave up. “If there are any issues, I’ll mind-link you or call you,” I assured him and he hummed.

“Okay, I trust you. You should rest now. I have something else to discuss with Alpha Royal.” He informed me and I hummed.

“Good night, Alpha.” I wished and, at the same time, a yawn escaped my mouth.

“Good night, Val.” He greeted me and hung up the call. I sighed knowing I wasn’t sleeping tonight. The patrol was tight, but still, we could never trust anyone in the current situation.

I observed my left hand and realised that it had completely healed now. I sighed gladly that I was a werewolf who had fast healing abilities. I didn’t have to bear the pain for long.

I just closed my eyes, hoping I could finally rest after the exhausting day, but fate had other agendas for me. I heard some noise outside, deteriorating the silence of the night. My eyes opened and all tiredness was forgotten.

I kneeled in the kitchen to see if anyone had entered through the door. But seeing no one, I walked towards the window. I didn’t see anything but I smelled an awful smell.

Rogue.

--

ARES

**

Midnight had fallen and all the Alphas had arrived. Everyone had different reactions to the situation. It ranged from careless to very alert, annoyed to furious and also anxious to fearless.

“Royal Alpha King Ares.” They all hailed and stood up, bowing down to me. I offered them a curt nod and perched on the head chair. They all followed my lead and sat down.

“I would’ve declared that I’m appalled to see you all here but the circumstances don’t permit those words.” I started. “I’ve heard that the rogues are being found near territory borders and have made a few attacks on various packs. Today’s meeting is withheld to know what could be the reasons and precautions for this problem. Anyone who has anything to say can go ahead.” I announced, and they all glanced at each other.

“Royal Alpha King, my honours. A member of my pack was killed brutally and I had received a note. I’d like to hand it down to you.” Alpha Rhode asserted and submitted the note to Regan, who stepped forward to acquire it from him.

Regan handed me the slip of paper. It was inscribed in blood and looked ghastly.

With the night falling, a bright sun would rise. If the sun chooses darkness, then there won’t be light.

Such a barbaric riddle was penned in the chit. I read it out loud for everyone to hear. Just like me, everyone had perplexed expressions taking notice of those words.

“What does this even mean?” Voiced out Alpha Vincent of the Starlight Pack. He was a calm Alpha like his father, Alpha Liam.

“We have to discover what it implies,” I announced and glanced at everyone who seemed baffled by the note. If the situation wasn’t haunting enough, the note had given creeps crawling up their back.

“Why does it feel like a warning notice to a war?” Alpha Wai questioned and I nodded, not saying much.

“It does come across like it but if that is how we interpret it. The only thing we can accomplish now is...barricade our packs from any attack that they have planned and also make a defence plan ready.” I suggested. “We can’t be prepared for something we don’t know,” I explained and they agreed to my words.

“Royal Alpha, I have heard that the rogues are not alone this time because…” Alpha Vincent started to say, but suddenly his mind fogged. It was disrespectful to mind-link in an Alpha Council.

I was about to give him punishment for such an act but tears downed his eyes. He stood up and I did the same. The fog cleared his eyes and he only stared at me in the eyes. His body had a slight tremble.

“The rogues have ambushed my pack,” He announced, and the council gasped.

“What is the situation?” I inquired, urging him to speak. The council was in chaos, but still, it was completely silent.

“It’s already under invasion. The former Alpha and former Luna are in charge, protecting the pack. My pregnant mate has been sent here with her helper.” He rushed out, explaining the situation, and I nodded.

“I need two Alphas to be in charge to hold down Alpha Vincent’s pack and aid them,” I ordered.

“Alpha Wai and I will take our small team and go to the pack, since our sons can handle the pack, right now.” Alpha Rhode said after discussing with Alpha Wai, who affirmed by nodding. They were both very aged and were about to hand down their positions to their sons.

“Alpha Vincent will find his mate and then we will settle his people into my pack’s safe house and then we’ll join your crusade if required,” I informed them.

“We can take care of that, Alpha.” Alpha Wai insisted, and I nodded. I knew they were both capable and I had to be in my pack to make sure rogues weren’t coming there, either.

“A small team from the Royal Knight Moon Pack will also be sent along with you,” I informed Alpha Rhode, and he seemed more relieved.

“Thank you, Alpha King,” Alpha Wai said, and I nodded. They both immediately stood up and rushed away after giving me a small bow. Kyle was showing them out and to the team which would be with them.

“Rest of the Alphas, get back to your pack and tighten the safety patrols. Alert your Betas.” I ordered. They all mind-linked their Betas.

“Rush,” I ordered, and everyone dispersed.

Everyone did what they were asked to. It was not a time when we could slow down. It was a very important process that had to be handled with great secrecy and power.

“Regan, get our other batch of warriors for our aid. We have to find his Luna.” I ordered Regan, who ran away after a nod. I know he was still learning and this was all too early to face, but he had to become stronger to hold the pack.

I walked out towards Alpha Vincent. He was waiting by the main door. He seemed to try and mind-link anyone and everyone.

“Alpha Royal, can we please rush? My Luna is heavily pregnant and I don’t seem to be able to connect with her through the link.” He pleaded and I nodded.

“We can rush.” Kyle was the one who came running to us and I nodded.

“Kyle, I’m taking Regan with me. You hold the pack down. He’s not experienced enough to hold the pack but he can fight.” I instructed him and he didn’t object.

“Settle the matter soon.” He said and immediately ran inside trying to handle the situation and contact some people who would be of help…who weren’t werewolves.

“Shift,” I ordered Alpha Vincent and I immediately shifted into my complete black wolf, letting Erebus gain his stance in his complete form.