Chapter SIX

CEDRIC POV

“Get out, all of you!” I snarled, irritation seething beneath my skin like a festering wound. My gaze swept across the harem of women scattered at my feet, their delicate features and seductive smiles blurring together as my mind fixated on a single, unwelcome thought.

Lily, her face pinched with concern, ventured a question, her voice trembling slightly. “My Lord, if I may ask, have we not served you well? We've done everything in our power to please you, to bring you joy and comfort.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken accusations.

I sighed heavily, pushing Emma off my chest as I rose to light a cigarette. The flame danced, casting flickering shadows on the walls as I inhaled the bitter smoke. It was a futile attempt to calm the storm brewing within me.

“It's none of your business,” I growled, my patience worn thin. The women exchanged nervous glances, sensing the darkness gathering around me.

“Leave. Now,” I commanded, my voice low and menacing. The women scrambled to their feet, bowing hastily before fleeing the room in a flurry of silken robes and whispered fears. The door slammed shut behind them, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts.

I rubbed my forehead, annoyance simmering as I paced across the room. What was wrong with me? My wolf stirred restlessly, as it had for weeks. Images of Emmeline – Gray's spawn, the very embodiment of betrayal – haunted me, her

presence lingering in my mind like a ghost. I pictured her in my bed, in countless positions, each one more alluring than the last. Her eyes, like sapphires shining in the dark, seemed to mock me, tempting me with their secrets.

Was I losing my mind? How could I even think of claiming the traitor as my own? The mere idea was a betrayal to everything I stood for – honor, loyalty, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. Yet, with each passing day, my resolve weakened, my thoughts consumed by the forbidden allure of Emmeline.

My aunt, Colima, burst into my room with her usual dramatic flair, accompanied by a displeased scowl that seemed to deepen the lines on her face. "I've been gone for only a week, and you've managed to turn the manor upside down!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing off the walls.

I rolled my eyes at her angry expression, rubbing my temples to ward off the growing headache that threatened to consume me. "Calm down, Colima. I have a headache," I muttered, hoping she'd take the hint.

But Colima was beyond reason. Her hands flew up in the air, her irritation palpable as she paced across the room. "Cedric, for once in your life, think before you act! You beheaded your subordinates for admitting to killing the traitor. What they did was a logical reaction – it's what I've been waiting for you to do since she stepped foot in this manor." Her words hung in the air, a mixture of accusation and frustration.

My anger flared, and I growled, my eyes darkening as my alpha instincts took hold. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as I awaited her response, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Are you challenging my command?" The question hung between us, a challenge that demanded an answer.

Colima's expression softened, and she bared her neck in submission, a gesture that immediately calmed my alpha instincts. "I could never challenge you, Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As my alpha instincts receded, I breathed calmly, feeling a pang of guilt for using my alpha voice on my aunt. She had always been there for me, especially after my parents passed away. But my pride wouldn't let me apologize.

Colima stared at me, her eyes searching for a glimpse of my emotions. She knew me too well, could see beyond the façade I'd built around myself. Finally, she threw up her hands in defeat, a laugh escaping her lips as she broke the tension. "You're as stubborn as your father was," she said, shaking her head.

Colima's laughter filled the room as she settled into the chair opposite my bed. "I must say, it was quite amusing to receive letters urging me to return to Elgin because my nephew had gone berserk," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"So, tell me, dear nephew," Colima inquired, curiosity etched on her face, "why did you kill them?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth – that Emmeline was my mate – lingered on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't bring myself to say it.

Shame and anger warred within me at the mere thought. When I'd learned who had admitted to killing Emmeline, my anger had boiled over. I'd declared the perpetrators to be beheaded, driven by the alpha's instinct to protect his omega.

"Death is too kind for someone like her," I told Colima, puffing out a stream of air. "Her life is mine. How dare someone else try to take it?"

Colima's smirk was devilish. "I knew you had something up your sleeve." I laughed bitterly, the sound devoid of humor. "I'll make sure she wishes she were dead." My declaration wasn't a lie. Emmeline had invaded my thoughts, tempting me with sinful desires. She would pay dearly for that.

Colima's eyes burned with passion. "I trust you," she declared. I sighed in relief, grateful that my secret remained safe. I didn't want anyone to know that the traitor was my mate.

Colima stood, her expression serious. "I know something is bothering you, making you restless. You should tackle it now before it explodes into something bigger." I avoided eye contact, feigning ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Colima's laughter was knowing, but she said nothing more. She walked out of my room, leaving me to my thoughts. I glanced around, searching for a drink to calm my nerves, but found none. Time passed as I eased my stress through smoking.

The darkness outside seemed to mirror my mood. It was already night when I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," I grumbled, my annoyed tone evident. The door creaked open, and Emmeline entered, a tray of food in her hands. The aroma of medium-rare beef and chicken soup wafted through the air, enticing my senses. "Greetings, Lord Cedric," Emmeline said, avoiding eye contact as she set the tray on the table.

I smirked, observing her shift uncomfortably under my scrutinizing gaze. Emmeline bowed awkwardly, her movements hesitant. "I beg to take my leave now." Before she could turn, I commanded, "Stop!" My voice was firm, and Emmeline halted, her heart racing terribly fast. I could sense her fear, and it pleased me.

My eyes never left hers as I ordered, "Come closer." Emmeline looked around in disbelief, but despite her reluctance, she moved towards me, standing before me with a mix of trepidation and obedience. I could smell her scent, a mix of fear and vulnerability, and it stirred something within me.

I pulled her closer, my breath fanning her neck. Emmeline shivered, her eyes fixed on mine. "Lord...Cedric," she whispered, her voice barely audible. I could feel her trembling, and it only added to my desire to dominate her.

"Why are you so afraid, kitten?" I taunted, my voice low and husky. Emmeline's voice trembled as she replied, "I...you don't want me...so why are you acting like this?" Her words were laced with confusion, and I could sense her desperation.

I yanked her hair harshly, making her wince in pain. "You're still a servant! I am your Lord. Don't ever forget to give me proper respect." Hot tears dropped from her eyes as she struggled to free herself from my tight hold. It pleased me greatly to see her teary and compliant.

A long-forgotten urge stirred within me – the urge to control, to dominate. I released her hair, but Emmeline tried to move away. I held her in place, my grip firm. "You're not going anywhere," I whispered, my breath caressing her ear.

"My alpha instincts have been urging me to mate with you," I revealed, my voice low and menacing. "My alpha doesn't care about the hideous crime you've committed. But I do." Emmeline's pupils dilated as she stared at me in confusion, but she remained silent. It pleased me.

I could sense her fear, her uncertainty, and it only added to my desire to claim her. I leaned in closer, my lips inches from her ear. "You should be grateful I'm giving you attention," I whispered, my voice dripping with malice. "You're nothing but a servant, a traitor. And yet, I'm willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself."

Emmeline's body trembled, and I could sense her desperation. She knew she was at my mercy, and it pleased me. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for answers, but I offered none.

Instead, I continued, my voice low and husky. "We need to do this fast, before our instincts overtake us and we forcefully mate." The mate pull was a powerful force, one that couldn't be ignored. If we didn't act soon, we'd be consumed by our primal desires, unable to resist the call of our mating instincts.

Emmeline's eyes widened, and I could sense her panic. She knew what was at stake. As the Rogue King, I couldn't afford to reject her. It would weaken me, leaving me vulnerable to my enemies. I had only one solution.

I turned to Emmeline, my eyes burning with intensity. "Become my concubine," I commanded, my voice low and menacing. The air was thick with tension as Emmeline's eyes locked onto mine. Her fate hung in the balance, and she knew it.