Alpha Zaelah | Book One: Realities Demise

NINE

There are 5 towns in Aropia, but Hyuo is the biggest.

-

Zaelah's P.O.V

I shook my head to showcase my disapproval without even thinking as I felt anger rising in my chest at his suggestion like I was the one he was plotting to kill.

Why was I so angry about him conspiring to kill the man who murdered our people so easily?

Was the force of the bond so strong that it made my mind blind to his ruthless actions?

"No, absolutely not," I told him, each word fueled by the flame of rage that engulfed my expression to burn in the same heat.

"Zaelah, he killed our people! We have to get our revenge." He argued, obviously not wanting to accept the answer I had given him, but I wasn't planning on changing my mind anytime soon.

"I said no."

"Zae—" He began again, adding fuel to the fire of rage that would burn anything in its path as I interrupted him.

"You may be my father, but I am your queen and I expect you to respect my decision. I will not betray Malik." I warned him, but in truth, I did not know where this was coming from. It was as if my mouth had a mind of its own as it acted on the pure instinct to protect Malik.

"Betray Malik? He has already gotten you onto his side? It didn't even take him a day!" He yelled, outraged and a frown appeared on my brows at his continued objection.

"I don't want to feel this way, but I do. He is my mate and I will do anything to prevent you from hurting him." I informed him, allowing the protective nature of the bond to completely take over.

"Maybe it is you we should kill. A wolf's mate dying drives them to the brink of insanity, maybe killing you will end this once and for all." He fought back once again without remorse and I flinched slightly, permitting shock to enter me at his vicious words.

Was he really willing to kill me, his own daughter?

Was winning this war between the werewolves more important to him than my own life?

"Kai, stop it! She has made her thoughts on this rather clear, so we will respect her decision." My mother ordered him with the same burning anger he had, only it wasn't directed at me.

"Fine, but don't come to me Zaelah when this bond goes to hell." He started coldly, "I will not spare you a glance when he betrays you as you've done us."

I stood in the office, silent as my eyes tried to recognise the man I had called my father for 19 years, but I found his image blurred with the fury he had for Malik and I knew that negative emotion was now shared with me.

"I did everything you asked, I stopped the fucking war and now you suddenly want more? I cannot betray Malik even if I wanted to as my mind nor heart will allow it." I began, making sure he could hear every word clearly, "If we killed him what do you think will become of me? If a mate's death drives a werewolf to the brink of insanity what the hell do you think it'll do to a human?"

"I—" He tried to speak, but I didn't allow him to.

"Leave, everyone out. Now." I demanded and they all complied with my order, not saying another word.

When they left I took a seat around my desk before sealing my eyes shut as I kept in the tears that wanted to express the pain I felt within, but my mind was making this task more difficult because it kept replaying the words that brought me to this state.

Maybe it is you we should kill.

He had always been there to protect and care for me.

Fine, but don't come to me Zaelah when this bond goes to hell.

The minute our views didn't align I saw his true self...I saw what he was really like and if I was being entirely honest I was glad he showed himself in a new light because I was finally comprehending the person I had truly been dealing with.

I know my father and I know he stops at nothing to get what he wants and what he wanted in this current moment was my life, so I wasn't safe in his presence.

I could only hope my mother could keep him grounded.

-

It was currently the next day and I had to get up earlier than usual because I had decided to hold a hearing to ease the worried and confused minds of my citizens regarding the war.

I stood in my bathroom as my orbs gazed into the mirror, slowly travelling down to observe my blood-red dress that stopped above my knees. Unlike the dress I wore yesterday, it was sleeveless which showcased the scars and bandages I received from fighting in the war.

Along with the dress I chose to wear a golden moon-shaped necklace that held familiarity, but I couldn't pinpoint what it reminded me of and I didn't bother to dwell on it as my eyes went to the crown that sat against my now braided hair that I styled a few hours ago.

The sound of a knock against my door caught the attention of my feet as they left the bathroom to open the wooden object.

"Good morning, are you ready?" My mother asked me, appearing a bit uneasy and I could only guess it was because of my father.

"Good morning, I am, have you eaten?" I inquired while stepping out of my room, closing the door behind me.

She smiled slightly, rubbing the swell of her stomach.

"A lot. It seems like this one has a bottomless pit." I chuckled softly as we walked down the stairs and I made sure to hold her hand to make it easier for her.

"You sure that isn't just you?" My mother rolled her eyes with an amused grin and I couldn't help but notice the sweat on her forehead that told me she was already tired from our little journey.

"You need to rest, mom," I instructed her, but she shook her head and I knew this motion came from a place of stubbornness.

"I'm perfectly fine, it's these long ass stairs." She began, "I guess you were right, we should put elevators in here."

This statement earned an exaggerated gasp from me.

"My own mother agreeing with me? I'm stunned." I replied jokily, but she didn't receive the chance to speak because someone cleared their throat as we walked down the last of the stairs and when I looked up I saw my family.

I immediately avoided my father's eyes since I didn't want to ruin my morning.

"Good morning." I greeted them and they all replied, "Ariella, Dante, look after her for me, please."

Ariella didn't put up a fight nor did Dante as they took our mother from my hold, allowing me to turn towards the familiar mahogany doors.

I sent a slight nod to the guards to open them and they did, giving me the chance to walk outside, permitting the cool breeze the trees provided and the blazing heat the sun delivered to greet my body, unfortunately, with the wind came the smell of blood that was faint, but it was still a given reminder of the battle that took place a few hours ago.

My eyes journeyed toward the crowd that stood, chatting amongst themselves as they waited for me and I swallowed hard as I made my way up to the small stage with my family behind me as they took a seat on the chairs that were a few feet behind the podium.

I plastered a smile on my face that I hoped would relieve the looks of worry I saw when I stared into the crowd and I couldn't help but also notice most eyes held curiosity about the words I was about to speak.

"I want to thank you all for coming."

-