Page 13 of Finding Love with the Fae King

Esteban acknowledged reluctantly.

“In my opinion, Esteban, she isn’t your mate. I suggest you move on,” Alpha said gruffly.

Esteban furrowed his brows in question. “How would you know? You don’t know Melina.”

“I’ve got my sources. Now back off. Dismissed.” With a no-nonsense tone, we both left the office and went our separate ways.

Melina

Walking through to the backyard, there was a massive lake. Kids were on the other side, and the sun was setting. The weather was still warm from the afternoon sun or suns, and I went to put my feet in the water. The small pier led to about a quarter of the way into the lake. I rolled up my skinny jeans, took off my sandals, and dipped my feet in the refreshing water. It looked so clean and so clear. You could see straight to the bottom. Small fish swam around in vibrant colors, which you would think would only be in the ocean.

I smiled to myself as I sat and observed for a while. The larger sun had set, and the smaller one lingered on the horizon. It was getting dark, but the view of this new world intrigued me too much to go inside. Instead of seeing fireflies, I’m guessing the pixies are lighting the way. They danced around the leaves on the trees and often would come to the lake and skip across. Seeing them laughing and their voices sounding like little bells was so magical.

How could a place like this exist and no human could know about it? Humans were the actual monsters, it seemed, ruining Earth and using all the natural resources until they were completely depleted. The air here was so clean and fresh, making me feel like I could live forever and not age myself.

My bum was getting numb from sitting so long, so I switched positions to my stomach. Legs were in the air, swaying back and forth. My head lay on one of my arms as I took my other hand and had my fingers dance along the water. Small frogs could be heard on the outskirts of the lake. A few splashes from the fish jumping to get away from a predator. At peace, I felt at peace. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have the aching feeling in the back of my head from my parents.

Never mind, they just came back. Letting a gigantic sigh escape my lips, I tried to think of things besides them. Besides them leaving me alone, never loving me, and leaving a brand on my heart for me to believe no one would ever love me.

Sure, Tulip and her parents cared for me and even said they loved me, but it wasn’t the deep-rooted love a blood parent could give. Heck, their own love for each other was broken. Humans weren’t meant for that. They were veritable monsters, and I got stuck being one of them.

Who could love me anyway? Even if there was such a thing for me to have a mate, I think I would have a hard time. My brain was too messed up with too much emotional baggage. Someone could do better. I’d made it this far with no one. I could go through life without someone loving me.

Could I, though? Maybe I was meant not to be loved. The love I wanted, Esteban and any of those stupid wolves couldn’t give me. They just wanted a hand in someone’s pants.

A small tear dropped out of my eye and landed in the water. My fingertip dropped into the water to skim it across the skin of the water, humming and faintly singing my favorite tune.

Chapter Seven

Osirus

Theridewaslong,but I enjoyed the scenery. It had been a few months since I visited the Cerulean Moon Princess, and I had missed her. Over the months, we frequently sent correspondence regarding the new peace treaty between our kingdoms. Princess Clara was the only wolf—and former human—I would trust. Her aura was pure and calming, which got her into so much trouble since she met her mate. Every male wanted her; luckily, she had one of the strongest males of the whole Bergarian realm as her mate.

Since I rarely left the Golden Light Kingdom, few people knew or noticed me. Instead of wearing my royal robes, I donned just plain tan riding trousers and a loose white tunic. My chest was bare to bring in the sunlight to give me energy for my power if we were ever stopped along the way by bandits. I made sure that we traveled lightly, even forgoing the usual royal carriage. It was nice to be out and be among the norm, not worrying about what the Fae Court or Parliament was saying.

Even though I wasn’t wearing my royal attire, many would look at the small riding caravan. We were riding the best-bred horses; expensive and highly trained were written all over these mares and stallions. Our kingdom was known for our horses with a slight sheen to them. It was in the special bristled brushes we used. The finest bristles were made by a special tree that grew on the Eastern Ocean, the Melloway tree.

Montu, my white stallion, reared as we entered the Crimson Shadows Pack territory. It could sense the strong shifter, Alpha Kane, and he didn’t like the strong shifter nearby. He wasn’t often met with an animal more ferocious than him. I named him Montu because it meant God of War, and of the sun. His bright tan coat was all but a reminder of his great strength.

Patting his neck lightly to calm him, I heard a small gasp up the path leading into the large mansion. Princess Clara skipped down the stairway with her rounded belly. I gave a smile, something I didn’t often do, but when it came to her, I couldn’t help it. It wasn’t anything remotely romantic, just another close friend with whom I would entrust my life. I dismounted my horse and gave it to a standing omega waiting.

“Osirus! You came!” Clara continued to waddle and trot to me as I ducked down and gave her a hug. Alpha Kane wasn’t too far behind, scowling as he saw me. Werewolves were still leery of me, and for good reason. Until the treaty was signed, they would continue to be that way.

“Alpha Kane.” I nodded and pushed my long hair to my back. Reaching out and grabbing his forearm, we both shook vigorously while I gave him a smirk. His wolf was growling, and it was great to taunt the wolf.

“It’s great you could make it. Clara hasn’t stopped talking about it.” He rolled his eyes. “Always about other men,” he grumbled.

Clara pushed him to the side playfully and gave him a kiss.

“I have you and your men staying in the royal cabin to the right side of the packhouse.”

She pointed to the large cabin, which wasn’t really a cabin at all. It was three stories high and made of some rich, dark wood from the Vermillion Kingdom. The lights covered the outside, and several whisps came around looking into the windows.

“It’s perfect, Princess. Thank you for accommodating me. My men and I are ever grateful.” Clara’s eyes glowed as she clapped her hands playfully.

“I’ve had dinner delivered to you and your men. There was a disturbance in the dining hall today, and I think you would much rather take a rest in your quarters.”

I gave a smile. “Trouble in paradise already?”

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