CHAPTER 18

"So everyone knows now?"

"Not everyone, just people that are near you. You love to have her around; I wonder why you both aren't together yet."

"It's complicated, and though I hate to admit this, I can't protect her from the adversary before us."

"That must be painful for you. Not being able to protect your mate."

"What have you found about the first state we're going to?"

"People are tight-lipped about the alpha attitude. And the other alphas of the packs in the states?"

"They're his ministers and be in the same boat with him."

"We'll find out when we get there. You can leave now."

This tour has to happen. The secret information that got to him was that some werewolves were discreetly planning treason.

The journey started at dawn. The king's chariot and some other horses strode slowly on the snow-filled ground. There was a train of 4 maids, the king's guards, and Gamma Thorne. It was about a five-hour journey if they were racing, but with their slow pace, it would take longer.

Alpha Aurelius was urged to check how his mate was faring inside the chariot. 

It was cold for Charlotte despite the thick cloak over her. She was on a horse with Ella. Ella was riding the horse, and Charlotte held onto her.

"You're shivering, Charlotte. Should I tell the king?"

"No, it would be awkward. Everyone is watching. People are passing by, too."

"Are you being shy right now?"

In the middle of their conversation, a guard motioned for them to all halt. Gamma Thorne came forward to help Charlotte down from the horse.

"I apologize, but it's the king's orders; he says your feet mustn't touch the ground," Thorne said before carrying her princess-style and taking her into the carriage before shutting the door.

"I wasn't even given the chance to decline," she snorted.

"Why would you decline? You look like a cooked lobster."

She glared at Aurelius and dragged her cloak further to cover her face.

"Take this blanket."

"Thanks," she mumbled.

Charlotte sat opposite him in the chariot. She was trying to place her focus on every other thing except the heavenly man in front of her. The chariot was slightly dark, and the darkness made Aurelius more alluring. Her body reacted differently from being in such an enclosed space with him for some reason. Blood was rushing to her ears, and her heart was thumping loudly.

While Charlotte was immersed in her thoughts, the front wheel of the chariot hit a rock, sending her flying. She landed awkwardly on Aurelius, who was swift enough to catch her by the waist, but the sweet damage was done already. Her soft lips landed on his warm, luscious ones.

Aurelius groaned at the swift contact. Charlotte's lips left his at the speed of light like it never happened, but he didn't want it to end.

"We'll blame it on the horse," he groaned with a hoarse voice as he pulled Charlotte in for a kiss.

His lips glided slowly over hers, and Charlotte sighed at the delightful sensation. She positioned herself well on his legs, straddling him. The world around them seemed to fade as their lips moved in a sensual symphony.

He finally broke off the kiss after leaving Charlotte breathless. She looked away quickly, her ears burning in embarrassment. Aurelius found that amusing and chuckled. She then tried to get off his legs, but Aurelius held her waist even tighter.

"Stay," he whispered sensually into her ears. "I know you want that, too."

"How would you know what I want?" she asked.

"By your heartbeat and your eyes."

Charlotte couldn't deny that she didn't like the warmth of his lovely embrace, but she wanted to keep away from him. Only Aurelius could make her think this way. He caressed her face as he stared fondly at her.

"Don't think, just lay in my embrace. Do not fret on anything," Aurelius wanted to say more, but something was stopping him—the fear of being unable to protect her.

Charlotte slept off in his arms as they traveled along. They got to the alpha's mansion by evening. Aurelius helped her out of the carriage before she went to join the other maids.

Alpha Ziba was at the entrance of the manor. He was a stout, plump werewolf with greasy hair and a crooked smile that can make you dread smiles.

"Long live our source; welcome, alpha King," Charlotte stared back at the king, stealing glances at her. Ella was clenching her fist; it took her respect for the king not to pounce on the sleazy werewolf that was giving Charlotte weird glances.

"Your humble subject prepared a little feast to welcome you. This way, please." Alpha Ziba led them to his furnished dining room. The house's interior, though incomparable with that of the palace, was luxurious and extravagant.

Only the king went to the dining room. The rest followed the housekeeper to the rooms prepared for them outside the manor for them to stay.

"The dining place is a place of merriment and good times. Should I serve the drinks and call in the maidens?" He was trying to get on the king's good side, which was his method. He thought the king was just like him.

"I eat alone without any noise," Aurelius said.

"What about after your meal? You had a long journey; you'll be able to rest better with a few drinks. I prepared a feast, you see; drinks and sultry werewolves complete a feast." Aurelius turned and stared back at him. Ziba felt a chill run through his plan; his plan to butter up the king didn't work.

Gamma Thorne was served in his room. The room was a simple room with basic furniture in it. He heard a knock on his door as he took off his clothes. He could sense that it was Ella, so he went to open the door. His chiseled upper body was already bare at this time.

Ella stealthily got in and closed the door behind her before taking off her cloak. Thorne was right in front of her, her face almost hitting his tight chest. She looked up at his face, and her gaze traveled back down his body, obviously pleased at what she saw.

"What do we have here?" she said, licking her lips. Thorne's first reaction was to hug himself, like a little pup, a big bad wolf about molested wolf. Ella chuckled at his response. He walked briskly to his little trunk and slipped into a white sailor shirt.

"Why did you come?"

"We haven't talked all day, and yesterday too."

"Come here," he said as he sat by the bedside.

"What's that?"

"Food. The maid's food must be bland. Eat with me."

"Would you feed me?" Ella asked, grinning excitedly as she walked towards him.

"Did you injure your hand?" Thorne asks innocently.

Ella's lips curled downwards immediately when she heard him. Why did she have to deal with such a clueless werewolf? Her brain lit up with an idea. She should play along.

"Yes, I injured both hands," she lamented.

"Let me see," he hurriedly said.

"You can't see it."

"I'll feed you then."

 Ella enjoyed Thorne's treatment as he fed her gently and lovingly.

"I must have done a lot of gracious deeds in my past life," she sighed. 

"I feel lucky to have you," Thorne said as he wiped her lips with a tender gaze on his face.

"I love the way your tenderness is for me alone. Don't look at me like that when we're alone, though. It makes me want to pounce on you." Thorne was quick to shove a morsel of food into her mouth. He was already fighting his demons, and her outspokenness wasn't improving things.

The housekeeper showed Aurelius his room after dinner. He called for one of his guards afterward.

"Where are the maids sleeping?"

"In the little house outside for the servants working at the manor."

"How is it inside the house?"

"I don't know, sir. Should I inquire?"

"No, don't bother."

Back in the little house, Charlotte ate her meal quietly. She didn't want to relate to anyone. She doesn't talk to the other maids, and Ella has already ditched her doing whatever. Ella has been sneaky these days, but Charlotte didn't mind. She has her private life.

Many other maids shared the servants' lodging. It was a stuffy dormitory with straw mats for beds.

She saw a little maid across the room. She wasn't eating her meal, and she was shivering. She walked toward the little maid, heads turning with every stride.

The maid right beside the little maid sneered as Charlotte walked close. "She's new here; she's just being rebellious. She'll eat when she's hungry."

The little pup looked frail, and her golden eyes were dim and sad. Charlotte felt pity for her. "Would you like to have my blanket?" Charlotte reached out with a sincere look on her face. The little pup hesitated a bit before nodding her head slowly.

"You can't give that to her. She should be trained the hard way. She'll be stronger that way," one werewolf snarled.

"What training? Can't you see she's just a little pup?" Charlotte snapped back.

"You have too much kindness for a maid. Are you a noble in disguise?" One mocked

"She seems powerless; she probably has been under a blanket all her life. What a pathetic werewolf." another jeered 

One could see a glum smile etched on the face of the two other palace maids. 

Charlotte ignored them and draped the blanket over the girl. Three fuming werewolves growled and swiftly moved towards unguarded Charlotte.