Page 34 of Rejection to the Alpha King's Daughter

“The ball is going to begin. Please enjoy the night before a new alliance is made.” With this the doors are opened by the guards. Wolves quickly make their way into the grand ballroom while I stand back with Albot, not wanting to see the place where my life changed just yet. With majority of the guests inside, I am coaxed into walking through the double doors by Albot and my pack mates, telling me to not let fear win as I will be Queen by the end of the night and I need to claim this room, this Palace as my own.

Of course, they are right and with a deep breath I stand straighter, shoulders back and head held high. I am the true heir and no one has the right to intimidate me.

Walking into the ballroom, the first thing I notice is the dais, the one directly in the moon’s path where Geminie and I once stood. Where Narin rejected me and where the journey of the last three years began. With a small smile, I lead Albot down the stairs towards the dancefloor, where a waltz is taking place to the music played by the band in the corner. To say I am surprised that they are wolves and not humans is an understatement, but at least this way no humans will become casualties when the fighting begins. Albot smiles, his eyes on me as he twirls me around the dance floor in time to the music.

[How is the hunt going?] I ask through the link. I see Albot chuckle while various of my pack mates who have found dance partners try to hide their smirk. The operation has started.

[We already have two found and killed. No pups just yet.] Stan calls out through the link, a hint of amusement in their voice. I chuckle, closing my eyes to keep me linking my pack unnoticed from those around us.

[Make that three!] Lisa chuckles. Proud of the work my pack is doing, I remind them to stay safe and the rules ofprotect pups who are innocent in all of this before closing the link. Now it is out turn. We have an hour to kill before Alexander arrives which means we have this hour to scope out those in attendance and see where they stand. The music ends and Albot leads me towards the refreshment station, the two of us taking a glass of sparkling water from the Maid passing us before joining a group of wolves congregating by the fondu table.

“It’s a shame no one has found where Princess Crystalline is.” A woman with her blonde hair pulled into a bun wearing a black lace masks sighs out, shocking me as I come to stand beside her.

“Sorry to intrude, but what do you mean by this?” I ask, curiosity lacing my voice.

“What she means is Crystalline is the rightful Queen. No one in this circle likes Alexander, but he is our current ruler. We have to obey him.” The man next to the blonde states with a grimace, throwing back the drink in his cup into his mouth before letting out a small growl.

“We would be better off having the Princess become Queen than have Alexander on the throne.” He continues, the remaining three people agreeing with him.

“Does everyone at the ball also share the same thought?” Albot asks, pulling me closer to his side as the lone male of the group stares at me with a hint of greed in his eyes. I turn my head away from him, ignoring his gaze and focus on the other four wolves.

“Sadly no. Only the five of us believe this. The rest just follows Alexander because of one perk or another.” The brunet with an elaborate blue masks states, a sigh following her words.

“What about you two? Where do you two stand?” She asks, directing her gaze to Albot and I. I smile, looking to myfriend who nods at me, allowing me to answer.

“I think if she were here secretly, I would support her and help her claim her throne.” This answer seems to surprise the five wolves, but quickly they agree to my statement. With this new information, Albot and I link the pack to not harm them. They support me even if they have no idea I am here.

With a grin one his face, Albot whisks me away as we walk around the ballroom, chatting with the guests and dancing when we needed time to plan and check in with our pack mates on the assassination mission. A loud chiming in the ballroom indicates eleven ‘o’clock, and Butler Loki calls for everyone’s attention. The music comes to a stop as the dancers and guest turn their attention to the entrance.

“Announcing his arrival, King Alexander Thorn.” Loki calls out, his voice echoing around the room. The doors are opened once more and in a lavish suit with a cape draped around his body, Alexander steps into view, his crown glistening on his head. Beside him is Narin and my heart clenches. My ex-mate stands next to my enemy with a stony look, neither smiling nor frowning. This ball is about to get interesting now, with these two making their appearance.

Time for me to play “keep away” until midnight tolls.

?Chapter 26-Battle for the Throne?

I watch from the corner of my eye as Alexander begins flirting with a she-wolf, the low cut of her ballgown already proving her intention to seduce someone here. It wouldn’t surprise me if Alexander sneaks away for a few moments with her after the ceremony has ended, but she will not get that chance. With ten minutes till midnight, I plan to take Alexander down without hesitation.

Since their arrival, my pack has interceded Narin when he has made his rounds around the ballroom, always stepping into his path to chat and ask about the possibility of joining the pack and becoming guards. This gave Albot and I a chance to avoid my ex, even giving us a moment to introduce ourselves to Alexander, with Albot taking the roll of Alpha of Astraea and me his mate. To think that man I called my father for eighteen years would be tricked by the charm to hide my identity and look at me with lust; a disgusting man like this does not deserve to live.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Speaking of that man, his voice carries across the ball room, demanding attention to him. I frown, placing my glass of water onto the table beside me as Albot takes my free hand. Now it begins.

“As you know, we have a pack that established itself in one year in attendance.” Alexander begins, causing a ripple of curious looks to be pointing in our direction.

“Within that year they have shown a lot of promise and as such, I would like to invite them to become my ally. Alpha Albot, will you and your mate care to join me on stage?”Although it is stated as a question, we know that as guests we have no choice but to walk to the dais where Alexander has already made his way to, standing with what I assume is his benevolent smile. It takes everything in me not to rip off the charm and mask and reveal myself to this scum but we have to play along for now. Climbing the familiar steps, I feel Albot’s hand clench mine tighter and look up to see him looking down at me, a grim smile on his face. I know how he feels. Whatever happens next will decide our fate.

“Hello, you two. Welcome to my home.” Alexander states as soon as we stand before him, his eyes lingering on my body. I hold in the shiver of disgust and keep a blank look on my face.

[Everyone in place?] I ask, linking my pack mates in the room.

[Yes, Alpha. We are ready when you are!] Lilac answers, a hint of excitement in the Tracker’s voice. I suppress the chuckle knowing how blood thirsty she can be, always itching for a fight. With a nod to Albot as Alexander continues his speech on tradition and howling at the moon in unity, I wait patiently for the moon to be directly above us. For the Question that is to come.

“Will the Alpha care to step forward and shift with me to complete the alliance?” Ah, there are those words. With that, I slowly take my ring off, Alexander too focused on his own task of taking off his mask while Narin steps forward. The moment his fingers move to take Alexander’s cape I watch as my ex takes a deep breath and stiffens, his eyes darting towards me with shock and confusion.

“I will gladly step forward, Alexander, but instead I want your head.” I chuckle darkly, stepping ahead of Albot and removing my own mask. I watch as the man before me also stares at me in surprise, his eyes darting to my prism-coloured eyes with a look of disbelief.

“H—How did you get in?” He stutters and I chuckle, opening my hand to reveal the ring that Cassandra had charmed for me.

“Hope this explains it. Cassandra send her regards in your death.” I comment, passing the ring to Albot, who grins at me. I watch as anger contorts Alexander’s face, the rage I used to be afraid of as a child now making me laugh. This man has no idea what true anger is.

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