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Chapter 29: Delightfully Daring
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Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 30: Culinary Creations
Juliana POVFrom that day forward, I was in the manager's good grace. Whenever I pleased, I could enter the kitchen and provide a hand to Chef Pierre. I'd earned this position and wasn't going to squander it away. Though he was prideful initially, after proving myself, the chef grew to appreciate my presence. My tasting spoon was on the ready, and I used it wisely, assisting Pierre with spice balance, and even adding my own touch to improve recipes. He was more willing to take my suggestions into account, though it wasn’t one hundred percent of the time approved. As time passed, the kitchen’s former atmosphere of exclusion and condescension metamorphosed into the welcoming arms of an old friend. Behind the stainless-steel line and plethora of pots, my feeling of belonging gradually increased. The kitchen had a rhythm; I was becoming at ease with the instruments, and it showed. Our guests often had four or more course meals. Most enjoyed a light appetizer like my scallops
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 31: The Invitation
Chester POV continuedWhen I opened my eyes, the transition to wakefulness was confusing. Like in my dream, I was on my couch, my face turned to the right. Of course, I wasn't injured like I was in the dream, but everything else was spot on. All that was missing was the mysterious woman who had visited me every time I closed my eyes, lately. The first time I had the dream, the sense of familiarity and loss when she dissolved from my woken eyes, made me feel gutted. Although it only happened sometimes in the first month, it soon ramped up. And I had no idea how more intense the feelings would become.Soon, the dreams increased from a few times a month to several nights a week. And now, they were so powerful that after only an hour of sleep, she was forcing her way into my subconscious with her mystic presence. It was both unnerving and rapturous. Disjointed pieces of my dream clung to my fractured consciousness. My perception was so clouded that I thought I could fe
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 32: Chef for the Castle
Immediately, I felt my skin flush with embarrassment. I couldn't help but cover my face for a moment, tittering. Not only was I feeling awkward about thinking I was a candidate, but my passion for Chasel elicited an uncontrollable reaction in front of Felix. "Oh, Juliana, please don’t feel embarrassed. You are the daughter of an alpha, after all, so of course, your assumption made sense." Felix's assurance melted my self-consciousness away. Lowering my hands, I clicked my tongue, shaking my head at myself. He chuckled."This Chasel has captured you, wholly, and if you don't mind me saying so, I expect that's quite a feat. I hope to meet this dashing wolf someday."He glanced up and down at me curiously. I blushed again and then averted my eyes, shyly twisting my toe on the ground. When I picked up my head, he lifted one eyebrow."He's the best man I've ever met. You'll see,” I said softly. Felix made a motion like he was tilting a hat to me."I have no doubt," he
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 33: A Culinary Cohesiveness
To say I was astonished was an understatement. Memories of the last day I spent at the villa in Gold Valley soiled my optimism. I felt gut-punched, remembering all the times she stole my thunder. Crossing my arms, I glanced up and down at her, but she hadn't noticed me yet. Did I even want to make eye contact with her? All that was going through my head was the ten years she had slowly weaseled her way into my family. What was she doing here, anyway? She said she was in love with Carl after I found them in bed together. Despite her salacious relations with my ex, she wasn't with him now. Or maybe she was here behind his back. Had that simply been another way for her to take something of mine just to prove she could? With the wealth and status of potentially being the Alpha King's princess, her greedy mind was too tempted. What a manipulative, superficial gold-digger. She just couldn’t get enough. Her strapless dress was silky, skin-tight, and ink-black. She could
Picking Up an Alpha King Chapter 34: Toffee Thief
At first, I was confused. Staring into Felix's mahogany irises, I tilted my head back and forth, hoping he’d explain. "Cook for him?" I asked, "You mean again tonight? There's plenty more in there." I threw my thumb behind me toward the kitchen. “No, not exactly,” Felix said. Suddenly, I was aware that the entire room was watching us. Felix gave me a pleading smile as he clasped his hands close to his chin. "I mean, stay and be a permanent part of our team. With our Alpha so impressed with you, only good things could come of it. I can't imagine how many other irresistible delights you have tucked under your toque."My chefs collectively chuckled, appreciating his sentiment. Arlene was still fuming, however. This was her worst nightmare, but I didn’t care. A couple of chefs patted me on the back. After nodding at them, I turned back to Felix. Instead of continuing to put me on the spot, he brought me aside. "I'm serious. Please stay with us," he said wit
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
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 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
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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
