Chapter 35 Alpha King Andre
Ruel’s POV
Scarface’s words float through space into my hearing, “Alpha King Andre just arrived at the base…”
Opposite me, Elric sits taller. “The Alpha King?” he questions just to be sure he heard correctly.
Scarface nods.
Elric glances at me, his brow lifting. I shake my head, silently assuring him that's not why I called him.
I’d expected a response from the alpha king after hijacking Scarface's letter… but I never once thought he'd come down to the base himself.
Isn't it unnecessary?
“Where?” I ask, unable to stop my hands from tightening in fists beside me.
“He is already at the courtyard,” Scarface replies, breathless. He looks really excited.
Remembering what he'd written in that letter, I'm not surprised the coward is so eager to see the king.
“He requested your presence... Immediately.” Scarface adds.
I stand so fast the chair scrapes violently across the floor. Blood pumps inside my veins with brutal pressure.
Of course he didn't only arrive unannounced, but he also chose today of all days to show up.
Just when Ira revealed something unbelievable, when my mind is so freaking unstable, my wolf restless, snarling and pacing in circles, his claws pushing against the walls of my mind in order to get my attention.
But I know already, without a doubt... Ira isn't what I thought she was.
How could she feign so much innocence? How did I let my guard down so far. I should have commanded her hair to be washed on the first day.
Fucking stray!
I should tell the Alpha King.
No, not when I haven't discussed it with Elric first.
“You go ahead,” I say to Scarface, permitting him to take his betraying self out of my sight.
Elric moves to my side, his shoulders square with mine “Don’t you think this is weird? He should have just sent what we asked for… the healthy supplies and professional healthcare workers… there is no need for his presence except he has something else up his sleeve.”
I face him but say nothing and instead take in a deep breath. “Whatever it is, we'll find out today.” I mutter under my breath.
We stride out of the room and into the hall. Our steps are long with the consciousness that we must have taken a little of the alpha king's time.
Warriors standing along the walkway stiffen, saluting with greater enthusiasm than usual. But I notice the uncertainty in some of their gazes.
Krist stirs restlessly in my head.
“I know,” I murmur internally.
This is not a coincidence. I know that. The alpha King wouldn't come this far if he didn't think his presence was needed to pass a message.
The cold morning air wraps around me as we near the courtyard.
An eerie feeling coils it's way around me and my face pulls into frown.
“Hm, I can smell that witch.” Elric spits out, his nose twitching.
The courtyard is packed. Warriors stand with their heads bowed, creating a straight line to the alpha king.
In completely black armours, twenty royal guards surround the alpha king.
I nearly scoff. If the alpha will ever be safe, it's here at the base. What are they protecting him from?
Bunch of jobless pricks.
“Fucking Bastard's still their leader.” Elric whispers beside me, his glare fixed on the shortest man in black armour…
Omar.
He looks as upset as always but his gaze doesn't shift from Elric who returns his glare in a hundred fold.
Ten royal wagons line up majestically beside the pile of pussies in armour.
Alpha King Andre stands with his hands behind his back, examining the base like he owns the land. He does.
Tall and broad, built like an alpha King that he is. His long dark sparkling coat flutters behind him in slow waves, revealing a silver vest that glints harshly in the sun.
A pure blooded alpha-- born of two alphas… the only werewolf specie unaffected by silver.
The sides of his black hair is streaked with silver and tied loosely at the back. His stone-like jaw shifts as his permanently golden eyes rest on me.
His predatory gaze surprisingly doesn't bite as bad as it usually does.
I nudge Elric, finally putting an end to his staring competition with Omar. Sometimes I wonder if their hate goes beyond the uniform.
“Alpha King Andre,” Elric bows. Alpha Andre nods, the mere aura around him suffocating.
You can literally feel power roll off him in heavy waves. It presses against your skin like a physical force, demanding instinctive submission.
But unlike usual times, my wolf refuses to bow his head… not even the slightest.
Slowly the alpha king's smirk widens into a smile… an unsettling one at that.
“Ruel Xuaru,” he calls warmly. “Still alive I see.”
I bow my head briefly, hiding the confused frown that pulls on my face.
He laughs. A loud, effortless sound that somehow weighs down the air even more. “You look sharper than the last time I saw you.” His golden eyes drag across my face, then down my neck. “And uh... more illuminated.”
Before I can respond, a figure glides forward. A woman.
She's dressed in layered black, from her head to toe. Her face is covered by a thin black veil that hides her expression completely.
Her movements are as quiet as ever, easy to miss.
Gestrid stops in front of me and tilts her head, the veil moves slowly as she studies me.
Then she whispers, her voice barely audible yet piercing as a siren's call, “Your eyes hold a faint glow.”
Elric shifts beside me and I don't have to look at him to know he's frowning at her.
There are a lot of people Elric detests but I think Gestrid tops the list for him.
Alpha King Andre bursts into laughter. “Did you hear that, Ruel?” he teases loudly. “My seer thinks you are glowing. I wonder why.” He taps his bearded chin thoughtfully. “Unless you have been enjoying your time with my little gift more than necessary.”
A muscle jumps in my cheek as I suddenly find myself fighting a deep scowl.
Elric steps forward slightly. “Your Majesty. That is not…”
Alpha King Andre raises a hand without turning. “Relax, Elric. I am only teasing.” His gaze shifts back to me. That unreasonable amusement is still there. “Or am I?” he adds with louder laughter.
Krist growls in my mind. I quickly force him back down with effort.
“I respect your humor, alpha King Andre,” I say, forcing a smile. “But I assure you, my time here at the base is effectively utilized and not wasted on the bed.”
The king smirks. “Suit yourself commander. Well now then, take me to your meeting room. We have... business to discuss.”
I step aside and immediately gesture toward the entrance. “This way, alpha king.”