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Chapter 17 : Flawed Perception
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 18 : The One Man
Juliana POVMy restraints were tight and painful as I writhed against them. Even though I could barely see through my swollen eyes, it was enough to view the sadistic, greasy grin of this patron. I quivered as I watched him figuratively froth at the mouth, having been granted free rein over my body. He had already torn off my clothes. What else would he do? I felt the light in my heart become dim. Still, I hadn't lost my will. I jostled against my restraints as the client slithered closer. I could tell there was a list he had in mind of what he desired but had never been allowed to act out his twisted fantasies. If he enjoyed sexual contact without consent, he was a pervert, and degenerates like him didn’t ever have good intentions.I chastised myself, briefly believing that part of this could be my fault, but quickly that notion dissipated. Everything in my heart told me I was here because of an angry client and my infuriated, ego-bruised boss. It wasn't my responsibility tha
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 19 : Something about Him
Salvatore was stunned by the cold stare of death in Chasel's golden irises. I widened my eyes, trying to understand the violent confrontation that just took place. Eagerly, I watched Salvatore’s reaction. My boss wouldn’t take his eyes off Chasel. There was fear in those wide eyes. Chasel slowly approached, like a predator with his prey, threatening to execute the final blow at a moment's notice. My boss's eyes darted around in desperation. He was trying to choose the right words before Chasel decided for him. Then, I watched his eyes glimmer in hope. With a sliver of composure, he stood slightly taller. "Hang on,” he began.”If you kill me, all the rogues in the area will hunt you down for revenge. I have allies. You won't make it to the next alleyway before you're dead." He pointed outside. Chasel didn't need much time to respond. "If I kill you, I'll become the head rogue." His baritone voice penetrated the room. "Isn't that the way this works?" He sure was one for brev
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 20 : The Promise
Chasel carried me all the way back, straight into my bedroom. "I want to check your ankle," he insisted once we were alone. "Let me shower and put on some clothes," I told him. "You probably want your jacket back, right?" I had to make light of the situation; otherwise, I would break down. He smiled at that comment, but I nearly had to push him out to make him leave. He was quite concerned.As the water pelted my tender skin, I hoped to mentally and physically cleanse myself of the slime from that customer. After a half hour, I realized there wasn't enough soap in the world to scrub the feeling of that pervert's hands off me. The only thing that could counteract my shivers of shame was what Chasel did to help me.When finished, I stood on the bath mat, staring at the steamy mirror. Limping my way over, I wiped a circle of condensation off to see my face. I was startled in fright at my reflection. My cheeks were swollen, and my lip was cut from the heavy-handed hits of my ex-bos
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 21 : New Feelings
My life in the rogue slums was difficult when we first arrived, but it wasn't so bad now. In fact, this was the best I'd felt since my mother passed away. I looked forward to waking up instead of feeling depressed like I did when I lived at Gold Valley. Every morning, Chasel did his best to serve Anna and me breakfast. It was a kind gesture, and he wanted to do his part, but in true Chasel style, things didn't always go as planned. He blew up the kitchen more than once, but he wasn't deterred. He never seemed to give up on improving, no matter how hard things were. Today, after I woke up, I could smell Chasel cooking all morning, though I couldn’t say it tempted me. There was the strong scent of smoke accompanied by the sound of pans clanging together. “Oh, you’re up!” he excitedly told Anna and me when we came to the kitchen. "This is going to be a fantastic breakfast. Just you wait.”Of course, Anna and I were skeptical and discreetly covered our mouths, tittering about
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 22 : Mutual Crush
That night, I lay in my bed but could not sleep. I kept tossing and turning, recalling Chasel's gentle yet desperate eyes as he looked at me with affection. My face burned from shyness, and I covered my head with the blankets. Did he really say that to me?Secretly, I smiled to myself. The next morning, we pretended nothing happened, especially in front of Anna. However, Anna could sense that something was going on with us. Chasel wasn't exactly skilled at hiding how he felt.Anna's eyes were glued to him, and I could see him becoming uncomfortable. Why would she purposely make him feel bad? Surely, there was a method to her madness, right?While she stared at him for several seconds, her eyes flicked back to me. I was just as terrible of an actor as Chasel was at hiding how I felt! Here, I was thinking I'd be able to play it cool, but Anna's all-knowing eyes pierced my soul. It was like she could see into my every thought. Her eyes snapped back to Chasel. When Chasel noticed h
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 23 : Fightin with Honor
I dropped my jaw when the tables and stools bent in half as easily as snapping toothpicks. I locked eyes with one of the rogues. Seeing me excited him, and he advanced, clenching his jaw. With all his strength, he swung the iron bar at me. Luckily, my reflexes kicked in, and I dodged it. However, he recovered and came back more zealously, raising the bar high over his head.Just when it would crack down on me, Chasel's sinewy hand intervened, clasping the rogue's wrist. He held on with a vice grip, staring his enemy down. Gasping, I realized Chasel had just fended off a two-handed attack with only one! His golden irises shimmered under the track lighting above him, and he narrowed his eyes. With intense determination, Chasel twisted the rogue's arm around until it was in an unnatural position."No, stop! You're going to break it!" my attacker cried, yelping in pain with each twist. "I'm sorry! What do you want? I'll do anything.""Why did you attack her?" Chasel demanded, jerking
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 24 : Factions Collide
Just as the rogue clamped down on Chasel's throat, we heard thunderous, unified howls. Their gritty quality made them sound like roars. Everyone around us widened their eyes and ducked their heads, cowering. Almost immediately, our attackers shifted to humans. "That's the Moonlight Pack howl!" one of the hurt rogues whispered fiercely to another. "We gotta get out of here." He spun around frantically, searching for a path to escape. "We're so screwed," his wounded friend whimpered just before he passed out. Chasel had done some damage to them despite his smashed back. The rogues knew that this roar meant it was time for a crackdown, and everyone was running scared. This chance intervention drew their attention, and they were no longer concerned with Chasel and me.In fact, they raced in the opposite direction, attempting to flee. Taking advantage of the chaos, Chasel led me outside so we could slip away from Salvatore and his crew. We walked as fast as we could toward home.
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 25 Carried Away
The warriors swiped me from my hiding spot as if I were light as a feather. Still coughing, I fumbled with my footing as they forced me to freeze. Judging by their coordinated movements, these two were used to this type of situation. I wasn’t getting away. "Let me guess? You can’t prove who you are," one commented as they cuffed me. I debated whether to explain or not. Who would believe I was from the Gold Valley Pack and marooned here? Even if Moonlight vetted me, I wouldn't have the backing of my father. Choosing not to speak, I simply shook my head. I doubted it would carry much weight that their captain had saved me. From Anna’s recount of her life, it didn’t mean anything to be spared. After my expected response, the warriors glanced at each other and shrugged with cynical smirks. They handled me effortlessly as they swiftly led me out of the rubble. Along the way, I noted how their muscles filled the outline of their shirts. These were two guys I didn't want t
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Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 43: Burning Question
Chester POVOutside of my doorstep was Juliana, helpless and in need of care. She was barely conscious by the time she made it to me. Rushing toward her, I caught her just in time before she fell to the ground. Picking her up, I carried her inside across the threshold like a sleeping child after a long car trip. What was she doing here? She should have stayed in the hospital. Now that she had exerted herself, she could not answer that question. I'd have to wait until later to ask. I had no choice. It felt like I was locked in a cage, and until she awoke, I wouldn’t be released. Her words were the only things that could set me free. For now, I’d make her comfortable. Once we were in my palace, I ascended the carpeted stairs and entered my room. Without thought, I brought her to one of the beds. While I laid her down gently, I gazed upon her. With her long lashes and frail appearance, she resembled a baby doe.Again, just like during our midnigh
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 42: Royal Dreams - Angela
Juliana POVWhile I was in a coma, I didn't lose my senses entirely. Snippets of feelings like stinging pinpricks from inserted needles and muffled voices haunted me like ghosts. Though I should have been afraid, I wasn't. Even though I didn't have my wolf yet, my body was healing at an accelerated rate compared to humans. Somewhere in my subconscious, I knew I'd wake up soon. But in the meantime my brain was alight with activity. During my coma, I only dreamt of one person. Chasel. At times, my visions were filled with him rescuing me in Alston's dimly lit basement, covered in wounds and weakened from herbs. Though those visualizations were slightly negative, he was still my savior. My only other dream depicted him as a leader wearing an intricately designed golden crown encrusted with symmetric precious jewels. The lights above him glimmered against the rubies, causing pink reflections on the wall. His clothing was of the utmost quality as
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 41: Your Majesty
Juliana POVThe prison was a dank dungeon devoid of illumination except for the swinging light bulb from the torture closet. Before this experience, I had learned to treasure luminosity. Without it, I felt like a plant starved from my source of food. And just like that plant, I was wilting under the deplorable conditions I was forced into. Being locked in the basement as a child, then again with the rogues, and now here, these warriors were triggering me into an elevated state of panic. My adrenaline surged and somehow kept me alive, yet I wasn't sure how much longer I could take this.The lack of a clock jumbled my circadian rhythm, too. I thought that perhaps I'd find a digital clock with neon red numbers, but there was nothing. The ticking from the second hand on a battery-operated clock was absent, too. This prison was purposely created this way. Add to those disorienting features the fact that I was in and out of consciousness because of the ang
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 40: Tight Quarters
Arlene POV continuedListening to the maid struggle and choke was satisfying. It was a means to an end. What was she thinking, trying to blackmail me? She had no idea that I was the python and she was the baby bunny who crossed me.Luckily, my quarters had a closet with clothing in it, including neckties. Earlier, I'd laid one out on the bed. It was silky black and navy blue stripes with white accents. I wanted to practice looping it so I could flawlessly tie it for the Alpha King. When I won, of course. Now, it was my tool to teach her a lesson. There wasn't any way I was dropping out of this competition. I just had to get rid of this loose end. "I can’t let you live knowing what you know. You deserve this!" I twisted the tie taught, dragging her feet along the carpet until my back was against the wall. I positioned myself firmly, keeping her close. The maid gasped, grabbing at the necktie, jamming her thumbs, and mashing her knuckles against my arms. She was
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 39: Arlene's Plan
Arlene POVI was quite pleased with my life. Things were going exactly the way I'd planned it. The princess, whose name was Jennifer, had been poisoned. Even though the doctor had rescued her, she was weakened and had to be monitored at the hospital. There was too great a chance that she'd acquire a secondary infection. She also had an allergic reaction to it. That was the real deadly part. What she ingested wasn't something that couldn't kill her right away. It would take weeks or months and massive amounts. It was only meant to make her leave. Her almost dying was a bonus. She was more than likely going home, and consequently, she was out of the competition for the Alpha King's Luna. Jennifer's father was the alpha for Crystal River, a loyal ally to Moonlight, though. Because of their decades of connection, Jennifer had a better chance of becoming Luna if she remained here. Of course, this meant she was my biggest competitor if she was in Crystal River. I
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 38: Acute Accusations
Juliana POVMy anonymous visitor wasn't satisfied with my answer and didn't appreciate my opposition. He paused, taking a deep breath. I sensed he wasn't someone to be trifled with as he stood inhumanly still. The way he carried himself made me think he was high up in Moonlight's ranks. Otherwise, how could he free me?After adjusting his velvet hood, he continued, "If you want your freedom, this is your only chance. Consider this carefully." His voice was precise and confident. His offer wouldn't last forever, and I feared he'd renege if I made him angry.I wrestled with this moral dilemma. Obviously, someone constructed this crime, so I'd be charged. It wasn't food poisoning like Arlene suggested. The act was deliberate. Maybe the guilty party was this person standing in front of me. Whoever he was, he was probably in cahoots with Arlene or just an opportunistic, though ballsy, bastard. Trying to implicate the Alpha King was playing with fire. I wondered just who t
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 37: Poisonous Plans
I was shocked at their accusation. Leaning against the stainless-steel countertop, I took a moment to gain my bearings. Was I being accused of this crime for real? I felt faint; this was so sudden. The warriors converged on me, using their height and muscular bodies to box me in. "Poisoned a princess? How could you believe such a thing? I'd never do that–""Save your breath. You're the head chef here and our number one suspect."They cuffed my wrists, roughly jerking me out the door. As we left the kitchen, they led me down the marble stairs, by the fountain, to their car. Carelessly, they shoved me inside. I stared at the serene scene that Chasel and I had visited nightly. Did this mean I wouldn’t see him again?Heartbroken, I asked, "Where are you taking me?" "To the prison. That is where criminals go." They laughed in unison at his sarcastic drivel. I tried swallowing, but my mouth was dry from panic. Why would someone poison a princess? Surely, there wa
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 36: Secret Meetings
Chester POVJuliana...her name represented a part of my past, and when I thought to myself, I heard it in a whisper. This was a special experience for me. Since I'd been born, I knew I was Hartford's successor and now, the new Alpha King of the future. My name was known and never questioned. I came with notoriety. The Hartford Alphas were respected and revered. Most people avoided us. While I didn’t prefer being in public when I was, nobody approached me. If anything, they dreaded my cold stare. People only ever feared or admired me. Nobody took care of me like Juliana did. She did it without thinking. Here I was, the alpha, and this little girl was as free as could be around me. She didn't feel self-conscious or intimidated. Of course, she had no idea of my true identity, but something told me she wouldn’t alter her behavior, and I liked that about her. However, there was that risk, and I didn’t want to take it. Without my memories she could very well be manipulating
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 35: Chester or Chasel
The breath left my lungs. I'd never expected to see Chasel, period, much less in the castle. I could barely contain myself as I rushed up and hugged him tightly. He was here!"Oh, Chasel, my love! Where have you been?" I was nearly squealing, pressing him to me. “What in Moon Goddess's name are you doing here?" My heart was racing. ”Not that I don’t want you here. I’m so glad you are!” Instead of the affection I'd imagined, yearned for, and craved, I got nothing. No warm embrace or expression of pleasure. Instead, he pushed me away from him. His rejection felt like the cutting wind of a cold winter's day. Why was this happening?All this time, I'd been pining, unable to stop thinking about him, and this was the last thing I expected. I couldn't wait for him to be a part of everything I'd done, but this wasn't the Chasel I knew. He stared at me with a slight squint of bewilderment, like he couldn’t see me. I was unable to reconcile what was happening. "Who are you?" he as
