Page 5 of Securing the Kingdom

I stomped my way into the dungeon, several of our residents starting up their complaints and whining. I was warry about leaving Amara in here alone, but it was the only place I could keep her where I knew she couldn’t get out and couldn’t cause trouble. I ignored my wolf nudging me with a comment on how we would also know that she was safe for the time being.

I kicked open the door from the cage nearest the doorway, dropping Amara unceremoniously onto the cot. I pulled the door shut, the metal bars ringing against the dungeon walls. It riled up the other dungeon occupants, but I made sure that the Royal Guards had moved everyone into a different cell, so she was alone. Nobody would be able to get to her, as long as she stayed away from that side of the cell. If she didnt…my steps faltered as that thought crossed my mind and my wolf started to panic.

I shook my head, forcing myself to keep moving. I couldn’t do anything to help her if she was that idiotic. I could only hope she was smarter than that. I walked up the stairs and slammed the door behind me, hating the way it sounded like metal was still ringing in my ear. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew that Lily and Jason were safe with her behind bars.

I made my way back down the hall only to find my path blocked by Shaun. I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my wolf in check. He was becoming harder to deal with since we met Amara and I’d already had too many weird outbursts today. I didn’t need rumors going around that I attacked Shaun in the middle of the castle halls for no reason. I could just hear the rumors the servants would be spreading about how the Beta of Wolf Hollow was going rabid and I could snap at any moment.

“What are you doing?” Shaun asked, looking far too amused for my liking. I briefly considered saying fuck it and punching him in the face, but ultimately decided against it. Instead, I settled for an annoyed sigh, hating how unfulfilled it made me.

“I’m heading back to the throne room to help Jason and Lily. What areyoudoing?” I asked. Shaun glanced behind me with a smirk.

“Wondering why you threw the Queen’s best friend in the dungeon.”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business. I’m the Beta of the Wolf Hollow pack. You’re not - unless you want to challenge me?” I snarled, taking a step forward and getting in his face. My wolf was ready to tear his smirk off, images of bashing his head in the ground flashing through my mind.

“Of course not, Dean,” Shaun smirked and stepped out of my way, gesturing for me to walk in front of him. I scowled, annoyed to no end. I continued down the hallway, making my way back to the throne room. I pulled open the door, stepping into the room filled with pack members who were yelling and getting more riled up than my wolf was comfortable with when his Alpha and Luna were in the room.

I moved to stand next to Jason, crossing my arms and letting my glare permeate the atmosphere of the room. The rebel members who had been edging closer to the stage lowered their eyes as they realized I was standing there and backed up a few steps. I let a growl loose, letting it echo around the room and shake the windows in the wall. The rebel members grew quiet and backed up even more.

Jason sighed next to me, folding his arms over his chest and planting his chin in one of his hands. “Alright, I think we’ve had enough for tonight. It’s been a really long day and I know emotions are high. We will continue this discussion tomorrow morning. Please meet here after breakfast tomorrow.”

The rebels started to grumble, obviously upset at how the whole conversation was going, but a sharp look and a small step forward from me had them filing out of the room without any additional complaints. As soon as the last of them walked out and the Royal Guards had shut the doors to the throne room, Jason turned on me, raising an eyebrow.

I turned to him, waiting for him to speak. I avoided looking directly in his eyes, my wolf already on edge and ready to burst. I really needed to go for a run after this. I heard Jessica and Lily start chatting, their mom heading out of the side door with Simon, her long-lost mate. Shaun walked out of the room after them. Lily and Jessica walked closer to the wall, staying away from us. Jason waited for me to return my attention back to him before he opened his mouth.

“What the hell is going on, Dean? This isn’t like you,” Jason asked, his voice stern, but his face clearly conveying the amusement he was feeling. I took a deep breath, trying not to snap at him.

“Honestly, I have no idea.”

“What do you mean?”

“I feel like I’m going insane. I can’t stop myself from reacting and I can’t seem to keep my wolf in check either. He’s never been real good at keeping his temper but it’s even worse now.”

Jason smirked and shook his head. I scoffed, turning away from him because I was over it. “Dean, you have to realize what is happening. I mean you’re not that stupid.”

“Just spit it out, Jason. I don’t have the patience for riddles.”

“You found your mate, are resisting her, and it’s causing you to lose control.”

I turned back to him, my eyes wide and unblinking. He popped an eyebrow again, smiling broadly. He looked fucking pleased at this whole thing and I was struggling to get air into my lungs again. I knew what he was saying - my wolf had spelled it out for me earlier, but I couldn’t accept either of their explanations. I scowled, turning away from him and storming to the throne room doors.

“I’m going for a run,” I called over my shoulder. I threw the door open and hustled out of the castle, doing my best to keep myself from sprinting away. I ignored my wolf who was making fun of me for literally running away from something I didn’t want to accept.

5

Jessica

As soon as everyone was out of the room, Lily turned toward me, grabbing my hand and pulling me close. I ignored the little flip in my stomach at how strong her grip was, because this was my sister and I didn’t believe she was going to hurt me. It didn’t stop my subconscious from reacting as if it was waiting for her to attack me at any moment. I hadn’t seen her in over a year - I didn’t really know who she had become or what she had been through. Now, with a wolf inside her, who knew how she was going to act and what about her had changed?

“I’m so happy you’re here. I have missed you so much. Do you think we could have dinner and catch up a bit?” Lily asked, her face beaming with excitement. I swallowed the fear starting to work up and gave her a small smile. I nodded and Lily let a small squeal loose and squeezed my hand lightly. She let go of my hand and walked over to the side door, peaking her head out and calling to someone. I let a sigh of relief out, clenching my hand into my waist, as I tried to cover my reaction. I didn’t want to let on how I was feeling about this whole thing. I wanted to pick up with Lily from the point where we were when she was taken, but I was a different person. She was a different person.

“You know, it’s okay that you’re feeling nervous and scared to be around Lily.”

I jumped, turning to my left and realizing that Jason, Lily’s mate, was standing next to me. He shot me an amused, but gentle look. I cleared my throat, taking a small step away from him, hoping he wouldn’t notice. The look he gave me said he did, but he was going to let me get away with it. I glanced around at the otherwise completely empty room.

“I’m not nervous or scared to be around her. She’s my sister.”

“Your sister, who you haven’t seen in a year, has been through some horrible things, and has a wolf inside her now. I know you’re wary of shifters because of what’s happened to her, but I hope you’ll come to see that not all wolf shifters are like that. I hope you’re able to come to be comfortable and feel safe around your sister sometime soon,” He said. I gave him a nervous smile, not knowing what to say to that. I wanted it too - more than anything I could picture right now, but I didn’t really think it’d be a possibility.

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