Chapter 52: King Karl.

Bella’s pov.

I didn’t know what John was doing, but I didn’t know if I wanted to.

I noticed how Angel was looking at him, how she was looking at me…

“So,” king Karl said, breaking me out of my thoughts, “how are you doing as the alpha? Is it harder than you thought it would be?”

I cleared my throat, my hands clenching and unclenching.

“It’s fine,” I said calmly, not letting anything show, “I’m just doing what the pack deserves.”

He clicked his tongue, looking towards me in amusement.

“Wow, someone who actually wants what’s best for their pack members? You don’t see that everyday,” he said while chuckling, making me laugh nervously.

“Well… yeah. I do want what’s best for them. My ex mate wasn’t a very good leader. Or mate. I guess you’ll want to speak about that? And about the rejection ceremony?” I asked, trying to stay calm, needing to stay calm.

I can do this. I can talk to him about this.

“I do,” he replied quietly, nodding his head as he turned to face me, “it’s not everyday you hear of a female alpha, let alone a female alpha who replaced her mate. Trust me, Bella. I’m all for it, especially since he betrayed your bond. Mates are very important. Bonds are sacred. They aren’t to be messed with. That’s why I agree to this and why I’ll be there during the ceremony. I want to make sure it happens, I feel like your ex mate has some plans. Revenge plans. But don’t worry, nothing will happen while I’m there.”

I clenched my fists at the mention of sacred bonds.

Almost forgetting that he doesn’t know Angel was John’s fated mate…

“Yes… bonds are sacred. Very sacred,” I whispered, “thank you, king Karl. I appreciate your help.”

“Don’t mention it. I do care about my kingdom and the alphas that help take care of our communities. And… I have a feeling you’re more important than we all know,” he said, searching my face for something as he said the last part.

I kept my face neutral, even if my heartbeat was racing in my chest.

“I… I don’t know what you mean by that,” I mumbled, avoiding eye contact as I continued walking.

Wondering where the hell John is and when he’ll be back here.

I tried to stay calm, to keep my hands from shaking but I couldn’t.

The king's presence and aura was pushing down on me slightly, making it hard.

Tundra growled in my head, pushing her aura out slightly.

My eyes widened, unable to stop her.

I started to panic internally, my head whipping towards him, seeing a mischievous smile on his face as he watched me struggle.

“As I said…” he whispered beside my ear, making my stomach turn, “you’re more important than anyone knows. But I will find out, whether you want me to or not.”

I opened my mouth, about to say something when John’s voice cut in.

“Leave her alone, brother. I mean it,” he said through clenched teeth, his anger radiating off of him as he stared down his brother.

I took a few steps back, their auras pushing out, fighting each other.

John didn’t back down, he simply walked beside me, his hand brushing mine like a silent promise. A promise that he’ll protect me. No matter what.

“Now, now!” The king laughed, his head tilting backwards, “I was just speaking with her. She is the alpha after all. And I am the king, don’t forget that, ‘brother’. Now. Take me to your office, we have lots to discuss. And, where’s Angel? She needs to be present.”

I looked around, spotting her down the hall, making her way towards us with fury in her eyes.

I swallowed the lump in my throat while turning my head away. Not wanting her to see the nerves trying to make their way to the surface.

“Come,” I mumbled, making my way towards my office before she could reach me, “my office isn’t too far.”

I opened the door to my office, gesturing for everyone to go inside first.

King Karl walked by with his hands folded together behind his back, an emotionless expression on his face as he assessed the room.

John walked by me next, smiling a little as we made eye contact.

Butterflies tried to erupt in my belly, but I pushed them down, knowing now isn’t the time for such feelings.

Before I could help myself, a small smile took over my face, but it was short lived when Angel walked in.

Her face marred with angry lines and a frown.

I wiped the smile off of my face fast. Not wanting to anger her anymore.

She’s the Queen. I’m just an alpha, she holds rank over me and who knows what she’d do…

‘We can take her,’ Tundra said, watching Angel from my eyes, ‘she’s weak. She has a title. That’s it. She isn’t strong, she isn’t even a good leader!’

I clenched my fists at her words, trying to push her back, trying to ignore her thoughts.

We can’t fight the queen.

Even if she doesn’t have her wolf…

“So,” king Karl said slowly, making me turn my head towards him, “take a seat, we need to talk.”

I nodded my head before walking towards my desk and taking a seat, looking around the room at everyone, waiting for the king to say what he needed to say.

“John. You already know of our father. Being poisoned and all…” he started to say, watching my reaction at the mention of the late king, “he demands you come home. At least for a week, so he can speak to you about some things. One, being his will, two, being what he wants you to do when he dies. All I know is he wants you to come back to the kingdom, to be a part of our warriors. You are a great fighter, one of the best. We could use you, we’ve had a lot of attacks on the kingdom lately with him being on his death bed. I know it’s not what you want, but-.”

“No,” John said quietly, cutting the king off.

“What did you say to me?” He asked, his face morphing into anger.

“I said… no. I will not be coming back to the kingdom. I am the beta here, it is what I want to do. I will not be coming to the kingdom, especially not to become a simple warrior. That ain’t who I am. Of course I’ll come home to see my father. But after the week is up, I’ll be coming back here. This is my pack, where I belong. You can’t take that away from me,” he said calmly, staring into his brother's eyes like a challenge…