Chapter 24

“She’s the Malikah. A traitor. Born to do one thing. Kill me and take over my pack, my throne.” I was sure that my heart had stopped at his words. I had no intention of killing him. Why would he think that? Even if I wanted to, I didn’t know I could bring myself to do it. There was something in my gut, in my soul, that pulled me to him. I couldn’t go an hour without thinking about him. I craved his touch. My entire essence revolved around him—and then the realization hit me. Was the King of Guardians, the Alpha King, my mate? Did he honestly think that his mate would kill him? Cody took a cautious step forward.

“Conri, she’s your mate.” He reminded him. The King stared at me for a long moment as he bared his teeth. He looked like he was deciding whether to kill me on the spot.

“I don’t care.” Conri finally breathed. “Get her out of my sight. She’s no longer welcome in my home or under the Guardians’ Protection.”

“But, my king, she’s your mate,” Cody repeated. “She’s the future q