~ Amira ~
Putting her utensils down, Amira stared at the Beta. No more-like was gawking at the Beta. He was scolding her, well, Rhys, for letting Eden, the woman the king slept with the night before, stay in his bed chambers.
“You know she will think there is more between you now. She is not your mate, and…” Beta Baltir continued his scolding whilst Amira remained quiet, assessing him.
The Beta appeared mostly composed, yet being early in the morning, he had forgone a cravat, leaving three buttons of his shirt undone, revealing glimpses of ink on his skin. Amira swallowed hard as she gazed at the well-defined chest muscles adorned with tattoos, transforming this scolding Beta from a ‘good boy’ to someone she might very well get along with.
It was too early to come to that conclusion, though. Besides, this was all in her head. The Beta probably was a goody two shoes in real life.
It didn't matter. Right now, Amira would enjoy this mighty fine view.
“Are you well, Rhys?”
Amira’s gaze flicked up to meet Baltir’s grey eyes. He looked concerned but mostly irritated. Amira rolled her eyes and slouched further into the dining chair, something Baltir did not miss. Sighing, she replied, “I was almost stabbed to death, poisoned, and my breakfast has been interrupted to be lectured about… What’s her name?”
Baltir stared at her dumbfounded, eyes scanning her through slightly slitted eyes. He didn’t know what to be suspicious of. “Eden,” Baltir finally muttered.
“You said this was important…” Amira added, exasperated.
Baltir was nice to look at, but this dream was a little boring now. If she was going to be king, she’d rather have some fun.
“Oh… Sorry, Alpha.” Baltir sat straighter. “It’s about the assassin… Amira…”
Upon hearing her name, Amira held her breath, and her heartbeat grew louder and louder.
"They couldn't locate her. They arrived too late, and her scent vanished with the wind. We could venture into the wastelands, but the guards would attract attention amidst the rogues."
Amira almost clicked her tongue in disapproval at the term 'wastes,' which was only used by the royalty and those residing in the more affluent parts of the kingdom. Where else would rogues be, if not on the outskirts of Verdania but in the Lupine Wilds? They were all disregarded by society, labelled as scum, ruffians, bloodthirsty individuals, rejects, and misfits.
Lupine Wilds was the real term, but to everyone besides the rogues, it was called the Lupine Wastes, or Wastes. It was a small area the rogues managed to claim back from the Quintrell monarchy. As the rogues grew stronger and worked together, they had a place to stay than wandering separately. Lone wolves were dangerous, and it wasn’t healthy for such sociable creatures to be cast out of packs and remain alone.
Sure, there were still those who preferred to remain solitary, the rogues who had no interest in joining the rebellion or socialising with other rogues. They maintained the true essence of the rogue reputation.
Amira couldn't vouch for everyone, but those misfits, scoundrels, and bloodthirsty rogues took her in when society abandoned her. They may have been rebels against the monarchy, but they took care of each other and weren’t backstabbing snakes like those at court.
Besides, the wild was so much more fun than the suffocating capital.
“It would be a waste to search for her in the wilds. There are traps, and we’d scent a royal guard from a mile away. The fools cut their hair, and if they do, cover their heads… Well… We just know,” Amira scoffed, waving her hand nonchalantly.
The smile on her lips drew short after feeling Baltir’s intense stare on her face. “The Wilds? How do you know there are traps?” He leaned forwards slightly, then sighed, raking his fingers through his brown hair. “You’re right, that’s why I haven’t suggested us go there. We are too much at a disadvantage.”
Amira relaxed her tense body. For a moment there, she really felt panicked. It was only a dream, but she felt anxious that Baltir might figure out she was an imposter! From the way the Beta acted, though, it didn’t even enter his mind. It would be a strange thing to believe anyway.
“Was that all?” Amira asked, wanting the limelight off her.
Baltir smirked, “When is it ever?”
Her eyebrows raised at that before sipping on the coffee the butler gave her. She almost spat it back out. Where was the sugar? She might accept the rations in the wilds, but she was currently the king and living in a palace.
Amira popped two teaspoons of sugar in the coffee, almost pouting when she saw there was no cream or milk. Rhys really did have black coffee. She smirked. It went with his black, bitter heart.
“Are you listening?" Baltir asked, irritation grinding in his voice. "And since when did you put sugar in your coffee?”
Amira arched an eyebrow, hoping her expression was enough for the Beta to quieten. It did. Damn. Rhys was one hell of a scary man if his closest friend quietened from a look alone.
“I thought I’d try something different,” Amira replied. “Go on…”
Baltir watched her a moment more before cracking a smile. “Maybe all you’ve been missing all this time is some sugar.” He cleared his throat before changing the subject. “Jasmine also escaped.”
Amira sipped her coffee, sighing from the sweetness mixed with the bitterness.
Now that was good coffee.
“Alpha?” Baltir probed.
Oh. Amira already knew Jasmine escaped. She was the one who helped her.
“And? Have you at least found her?” Amira asked, sounding more like something Rhys would say.
Baltir shook his head. “Do you think Amira had a hand in it? She did replace Jasmine in your chambers. I don’t know how either escaped without going through the front.”
Amira scoffed, “You really aren’t very creative.”
Baltir threw his hands up. “I don’t see you coming up with any ideas! You just bedded Eden instead of letting us search the premises!”
“Well, either woman would have been long gone by then,” Amira replied, exasperated by how low they thought of her. She started looking at her nails, unable to withhold the frown tugging at her eyebrows.
Rhys’ nails were prettier than hers. How infuriating. She turned her large hand over. At least he had some callouses. He must train with a sword daily.
“You are acting quite strange today, Rhys. How are you feeling? Is the poison…” Baltir trailed off, eyes scanning the king from head to toe like the poison might be the reason for such strangeness.
Amira didn’t think she was acting that differently. Though, she wouldn’t really know how Rhys acted. She shrugged in response, making Baltir frown further with suspicion in his beautiful grey eyes. Alright, she knew a king wouldn’t shrug! But who cares!
“You seem calmer without Demon, though. I don’t know what havoc he will wreck when he returns. I remember last time you were poisoned…” Baltir trailed off with a sigh as though he recalled some gruesome memory whilst glancing out of the patio doors.
He probably was. Amira wouldn’t put it past the king. She presumed Demon was Rhys’ wolf, and if the king was psychotic, then so was his wolf.
“Maybe you should go into the dungeons until Demon calms down,” suggested Baltir.
Amira frowned, slightly astounded by his suggestion. “You think locking up a wolf who has been locked away for a few days will be fine once we’re out of the dungeon?” She huffed and stood up, suddenly feeling restless.
“And here I thought you were hot.. You just had to come out with the shittest suggestion.” She turned away.
“Huh? Hot… shit suggestion… Rhys, do you need some more sleep? The poison was a high dose… Amira really did a number on you.”
Yep. She put four times the dose of the usual poison for a normal werewolf. Blasted Alpha King was powerful.
“Why don’t you set Demon free in the woods?” She turned away, gesturing towards the balcony like the forest was in the scenery.
If Demon was as cruel as Rhys, wouldn’t allowing the wolf to run wild in its natural habitat make sense? Locking it up would only make it more frustrated and ferocious.
“You said it was too risky… Anyone could be hunting…” Baltir followed her to the wardrobe where the king's armour was displayed, along with a variety of weapons adorning the wall—swords, a bow and arrows, and even headgear for when he shifted into this wolf form.
“I don't believe it's necessary for you to equip yourself when meeting the elders. They already fear you without the weapons,” Baltir mused as she grabbed the sword and swung it.
The sheer size of it would be troublesome if she was in her correct body. But it was quite lightweight. Maybe it wasn’t realistic; this was a dream, after all.
Wait… Elders?
Amira stopped and stared at the Beta. Baltir was a few inches shorter than Rhys, but they were both so tall. “Elders? What are you talking about?” Amira asked before strapping her weapons to this huge body.
“The meeting with the elders that you agreed to attend last night? You could excuse yourself, too unfit to meet them after the assassination attempt. I didn’t think you’d want to show… weakness, Rhys,” Baltir answered, the final statement expressed with a hint of hesitation.
Ah. It would be interesting to see what they spoke about, but this was a dream! She didn’t want to be bored with meetings and scheming! She did that in the real world! When she was awake!
Turning from the Beta, Amira purposefully walked out of the wardrobe and towards the double doors.
“How about we skip today?” She suggested with a smirk over her shoulder.
“Skip?”
“Let’s have a little fun instead. I’m the king, after all!”
Besides, this poor handsome chap looked like he needed it just as much as she did!
~ Rhys ~ Xenos? Rhys recognised the name, but he didn’t seem quite up to figuring it out yet, what with being a fricken woman! He growled his annoyance, the sound coming out not as ferocious as he meant. “I know he’s a dick, but we just have to get through it,” Zayyan said before turning away. Rhys nodded and started to follow. “Woah, woah. What do you think you’re doing?” Zayyan looked at him like he was crazy. “Your charms aren’t going to get you out of this one. Put some bloody clothes on.” He gestured at Rhys' attire. “I’ll wait outside.” Rhys glanced at his clothing, still feeling overly surreal that he had breasts and pussy. Zayyan was right, though. This was no way for a lady to leave a room. He scoffed, scanning the room for a wardrobe of some sort. Muttering to himself, Rhys remarked, "Amira's not really a refined lady..." Though he hadn’t seen her since she was four, he was pretty certain her etiquette lessons were far from satisfactory. “Where are her clothes!?” He
~ Rhys ~ It made sense that Xenos Desai was one of the leaders of the rebels. It was unclear if he became a rogue before or after the fall of the Shadow Moon pack. The events were close together long ago, before Rhys’ reign. Xenos strolled towards Rhys, his expression cold, his large body most likely meant to be intimidating as he approached his niece. Leaning forwards, he held Rhys' hardened gaze, then burst into laughter, smacking Rhys on the shoulder so much his body shook, and his bones seemed to rattle. Yet the humour on Amira’s uncle’s face did not reach his eyes, nor did his laughter seem genuine; it was cold and forced. Rhys could see straight through his little façade. He hadn’t been there long, but he got the impression that Uncle Xenos did not particularly like Amira. Or he was a cold bastard who seemed power-hungry. “Of course I am! I am just afraid your reputation is tarnished. You are the best and could not defeat the Alpha King.” Xenos sighed, turning away and look
~ Amira ~Waltzing through the palace without anxiously looking over her shoulder, Amira enjoyed the bows and curtsies towards her, well, Alpha King Rhys. She was used to nods of acknowledgement from guild members but nothing as extravagant as this!There were only a few servants around and guards posted throughout the palace. If there were courtiers, then they were all still asleep in their chambers. As they should be at this time. Amira was an early riser, especially since her view from her normal room at the guild had a view of the valley; it always made her want to get up before others when everything was peaceful and eerily quiet before the hustle and struggle of daily life.Whilst Amira’s mind spun with life back in the Wilds, she admired the grandeur of the place, trying to ignore Beta Baltir’s stares.“You act like you’ve never been here before. We need to go down this corridor..” He trailed off, looking at her strangely whilst pointing in the opposite direction. The polished
~ Amira ~ Amira didn’t flinch or tense up to Baltir’s sudden change in demeanour. Though he harboured suspicion, he had no way to substantiate that she wasn't the king. Moreover, she was confident that he wasn't entertaining such thoughts in the first place. Even if this Beta did figure it out, Amira wouldn't care. She'd wake up at some point. Remaining chill, Amira shrugged it off. “Look, some of my memories are a little foggy and mixed at the moment. It might bet the aconite messing with my head.” Baltir narrowed his eyes momentarily before he nodded as though it all made sense. “Yes, you’re right. You’d never admit you’re wrong,” he muttered beneath his breath, not meant for her ears. But she heard it anyway. Once that tense moment passed and Baltir seemed to watch the Alpha King more seriously though he did not fault her for wanting to have fun. Racing to the lake wasn’t the only activity they planned as the king’s day of ‘slacking off’. They were deep in the forest of the
~ Rhys ~ Amira’s uncle left down the corridor whilst Rhys and Zayyan went in the opposite direction, passing the chandelier and the droplets of wax on the wooden floorboards below it. "Do you not want to change?" Zayyan asked randomly. Rhys frowned up at him. "Why? What's wrong with this?" Amira didn't have loads of clothes to choose from. What was he talking about? There was no way he was putting on that corset. Zayyan held his hands up in surrender. "Nothing! I just wondered..." He trailed off and looked away. They walked in silence until the men sitting at tables and at the bar turned to look at them. Rhys was used to attention, but this was slightly different. Zayyan cleared his throat. “I’m getting an ale. Do you want the usual?” He asked, walking faster as some of the men started to approach them. Rhys nodded, watching Zayyan greet a few men before going behind the bar and greeting the barman. The men approaching him were twice the size of his current body. Some of t
~ Rhys ~ Sweet nipples?! Rhys looked at his white shirt, and for the first time in over ten years, he felt a surge of embarrassment. It shouldn’t be embarrassing. They were werewolves, and being freely naked in front of each other was normal among them. Why should he care if others see Amira’s nipples? It wasn’t his body. Yet. Yet a part of him was enraged by the thought of other men seeing what was his. Fuck. No. Amira was not his. They rejected each other. She was a rogue playing games with a bunch of psychotic rogues. She was nothing. Amira’s wolf whimpered in Rhys’ mind making him flinch at the pain he heard. It was tough thinking so harshly about Amira, his rejected mate, when her counterpart, her wolf, was there, listening. “Well?” The man’s hand went to his. Rhys’ eyes snapped back to the man's, rage swelling within his chest, heating his blood. Who the hell was this man to Amira?! It was apparent from the other’s reactions that this was normal between Amira and
~ Rhys ~ Clearing his throat, Rhys pulled on the corset, fitting it over the white shirt, grumbling his annoyance as he struggled to comprehend the stupid mechanics of such a garment. He already despised the apparel when removing it from the women he’d bedded. Now he loathed it even more after fiddling about with it to put it on properly. A quiet knock at the door stopped his movements. Rhys sniffed the air and strained his hearing to see if Caz may have followed him to his room. But the floral scent did not match Caz’s. In stepped a woman with short brown hair, pixie-like features, a pointed nose and sharp cheeks with a playfulness in her blue eyes. She was a few inches taller than Amira, and Rhys couldn’t deny how pretty she was. The clothes she wore accentuated her curves. Similar to what he wore, the woman was dressed in breeches, a corset and a long, jagged coat stopping just before her knees. All her clothing was in dark blues and navies that matched her eyes. “For someone
~ Amira ~ Amira grimaced as she stared at Rhys’ rock-hard cock. It seemed to stare back at her mockingly, twitching and urging her to take action. This dream had turned into a fricken nightmare! Why did her mind conjure up this image? Amira snorted as she glanced up at the leaves above. Who knew she had such a creative mind and made Rhys’ dick this big? He was a massive dick himself. That was the most reasonable explanation she could think of. He didn’t deserve the honour of wielding such a beast. Just those thoughts made her shiver in disgust. Was it because she was surrounded by men? Amira found them attractive but not to the point of making her underwear wet from desire, or in this case, a fricken erection! “I know the woods are nice and all, but I do hope you will take a piss and not toss one off with us around.” Amira’s head snapped to the side after hearing Zev’s comment. Her cheeks heated in embarrassment, something she was never used to, but this was a whole new situa
Xenos was executed within a week of returning to the palace. Amira was there but didn’t watch the execution after it reminded her of her fathers. The weight Amira had been carrying around lifted even at the expense of Zayyan’s father’s death. Zayyan wasn’t there to witness it due to the new position he held as the only leader of the rogues. Alpha Dashiell’s name was also cleared, and his name and pack reinstated, though there was none to accept it besides the last living pack member, Amira Desai, their Luna and Alpha Queen. The land that had been abandoned and weakened the kingdom since was given to the next Desai heir- Amira- who wanted to give it to Zayyan. Her cousin refused the offer and remained in the Wildlands, not wholly trusting the government or the rogues and remaining neutral within the ongoing politics. After Amira’s coronation and introduction to the kingdom as their new Queen, the rules were established for packs and rogues to coexist peacefully. Zayyan ensured his p
On the other side of everybody fighting and almost finishing their fight because of the lack of numbers or will to continue hurting and killing each other, Amira flung one of her blades at Xenos’ face.Xenos blocked with his metal-cuffed arm and grinned as it bounced off. “Cheap shot, Amira.” He jumped forward and kicked through her blocked arms and square in the chest. Air rushed out of her lungs while her body flew back; instead of falling to the ground, though, Amira pushed off with her hand and flipped back until she was on her feet once more. Amira dusted her shirt down casually. She was in her usual black assassin attire today, minus the mask and cloak, but her black leather corset was thicker, more like a layer of armour. That kick still hurt, though, and she knew there would be a bruise. “I didn’t think you still had any moves, Xenos,” she grinned, pulling two daggers from within her sleeves and prowling forward.“Watch it, kid,” Xenos warned, green eyes so similar to her fat
“Not a chance,” Xenos sneered and signalled for those behind him to attack. Amira’s eyes widened. She didn’t expect him to use them. Their numbers were so much lower than theirs.‘Well, should have expected that,’ Nisha commented.Frowning, Amira took a step in Xenos’ direction, but something flashed out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head and blocked an air assault by none other than Nova. At the same time, Caz had attacked Rhys. “Shit,” Amira growled, glancing at her uncle, who began stepping backwards as his men charged forward. “I didn’t want this!”She didn’t want them fighting among themselves. Asking Xenos to fight was the perfect chance for her revenge and to stop what was now happening!“Sorry, Mira!” Nova attacked again, slicing her claws towards Amira’s face. But she was far too slow for Amira. “Is there a reason you are trying to kill me?” Amira asked in a bored tone as she blocked another strike from she-wolf and uppercut her chin. Nova stumbled backwards afte
At the Alpha King’s words, the rogues turned to face him. All were shocked to see Rhys there. Even those who didn’t know what he looked like could tell who he was from the power emanating from him. Some wanted to bow their heads in submission to him even though they were rogues.“I am Alpha King Rhys Quintrell,” Rhys announced. Some of his guards remained behind him, looking onward like they weren’t in enemy territory. “And this is not a trap. I do not have an army outside these doors nor wish to destroy you all. Amira is my mate. What she says is true. I want to improve our land, how people live, the system that cruelly acts against rogues…” Rhys walked forward, and the crowd, in their shock, surprisingly parted ways for him. Amira shared a glance with Zayyan when her mate walked past Caz, who pushed Nova from him and stepped towards the Alpha King. But another rogue held him back. Caz growled, trying to get out of his hold. Everyone knew about Caz and Amira’s past relationship. C
Amira hadn’t thought about the Wildlands since she’d been body-swapping with Rhys and stayed in the palace. Of course, she thought of the people, but she didn’t think ahead when she would return to the place she’d once called home. Now, some of her memories felt a little tarnished, a bit icky because of how she came to be with her uncle. Now, after a few days of travelling, they were almost in town. The building where the guild was located stood out the most compared to the other structures. Or perhaps it only stood out to Amira because it was where she grew up. Amira’s little party mainly were on horseback, except for a few who remained in their wolf form. They weren’t a large group. That would mean getting spotted quicker.They weren’t large, but everyone was a skilled fighter. Rhys was beside her as well, wearing his usual expensive outfits. She didn’t want him to dress down, not now when she needed to convince others that they were working together. That was the priority of the
The meeting was tenser than Amira had anticipated. Yet, through the mate bond, Amira could sense Rhys held no hatred towards Zayyan. After spending time in Amira’s body, he saw Zayyan as a close friend already, but her cousin had no idea about their body switching. To him, this had been the first time they’d officially met.Alpha Evander had also been extremely grumpy throughout their meeting. Once they came to a resolution, which didn’t take much, the hybrid was first to leave. Elixora would distribute to everyone, not just the rich, and the rebels who had overthrown Willowbrook would remain in charge under Zayyan’s care. Amira didn’t trust anyone else. Alpha Evander agreed that his pack would back off, but if there was any foul play, then they would step in and take it back. Although Evander was eager to leave and find his mate, he took the meeting seriously. It still involved his pack, and although he looked fierce and icy, the Alpha cared for his pack members. Not just his pack m
“Amira? What’s wrong?” His voice hardened, glancing behind her. “Come inside. We’ll talk there.”Amira nodded once and followed. “Zev, stay outside,” she ordered nonchalantly.“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Luna,” Zev replied, and his words made her freeze. Zayyan stopped walking, and he looked over his shoulder at her wide-eyed.“Luna?”Amira cocked an eyebrow. “Like I said. Much to discuss. Sure thing, Zev. Come in. But everyone else stays outside.” She’d prefer Bash, but this would put Zev’s trustworthiness to the test. Would he tell others what was discussed between Amira and Zayyan before the meeting?The door closed behind them, and Amira went straight to the sofa, eyes flicking across the room as was her usual routine in any room. Zev did the same, but he was her guard. Flopping down on the sofa, Amira waited for Zayyan to join her. She felt impatient, needing to know if he had been deceiving her, yet at the same time, she wanted to keep this comforting illusion up a while longer
Slamming the journal shut, Amira glanced at the door after Beta Baltir announced Zayyan’s arrival at the palace through a mind link. Her mind still spun with the information she just learned from the journal. It had everything, every little detail about what happened. The later entries revealed the King’s regret and his attempts to find Amira to give her the life that was taken away from her. Theon knew this would never make up for his rash decisions, the loss of the lives of his closest friend and a powerful pack that guarded the kingdom well. But he couldn’t let his friend’s daughter die on the streets. Obviously, Amira was never caught. She thought everyone was out to kill her and remained well-hidden until she made it to the rebels. ‘Where is Zayyan?’ Amira mind linked the Beta back, rage swarming her chest and tightening her stomach until it felt sick. ‘Where is my cousin?’ she almost spat. Her claws started growing, and she had to breathe slowly to return them to normal. ‘He
The moment Rhys felt pain shoot through the bond, he left the old goats to their fighting and sprinted in his mate’s direction. Amira was injured?! And inside the palace where she should be safe!The pack mind link was loud, the urgency in his pack member’s voices cutting straight through his mind. They knew Amira had been attacked? He hadn’t crowned her yet; how did they know they had a Luna and Queen? Obviously, they’d met her at the banquet, but he hadn’t officially introduced her as such yet. No, something happened earlier. Rhys remembered this mechanism that seemed to click into place. A tension that nobody had been aware of within the pack faded away, and now he knew it was because Amira had joined them. They knew their Queen had arrived and were rushing to her side.He’d entered the library to discover Amira fought an assassin and was interrogating him, not at all bothered by the state of her right side. Blood was seeping through the side of her torso. For a brief moment, Rhys