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Chapter 45 – A Rogue Friendship
Last Updated:
2022-05-09 08:06:35
JwgstoutOliver and Jack are like two bad red wine stains on your favorite shirt that just won't go away. And poor Finn!!! Who could his sister be and where is she? Thank you for reading and keep commenting my lovely readers!
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Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 46 – To Riocht We Go
MATHIAS Tomorrow morning we will leave for Riocht. It was almost a two-day drive to the edge of Morngord and from there we were not sure if our vehicles could travel through the forest. We would find out once we arrived, if there were roads or if we would have to make the rest of the trip via foot. I am assuming the latter, as the city was lost and, as far as we knew, nobody had stumbled across the old kingdom. Much like MacTire was abandoned and hardly anyone knew this place existed. Forgotten and isolated. Lamia had retired to our room earlier. I think the stress of Petra being in the hands of Orion, all the traveling and the battle we were gearing up for at Riocht was playing on her mind and she had been going non-stop for the past two months. The past week she has been looking tired, so I stepped up my role here. As her mate and a King, it was my duty to take care of her and her pack. Walking into the main foyer, I smelled Xander in one of the lounge rooms and made my way to w
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 47 – The Guardians of Riocht
LAMIA It was now 4 days until Orion’s deadline, four days until the full moon, the day he told us to be at Riocht if we wanted to see Petra alive again. The little girl had been on my mind since the night Orion attacked MacTire. And every time I thought about her, my chest pulled tight. I felt guilty she had been put in this position. She was only ten years old and had already endured so much heartache, she didn’t deserve to be put through this. My eyes pooled with tears as I thought of how unfair and cruel life had been to her. I prayed to the Moon Goddess every night to keep her safe from harm until I had her in my arms. The dirt path we initially had followed was consistent and seemed to be taking us straight to the heart of the lost city. We definitely wouldn’t have been able to get any vehicles through here. Even though the worn road was still visible, it was overgrown with centuries of forestry and shrubs, so thick in some places that we had to cut them down using our swords
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 48 – The Battle Begins
LAMIA Riocht was beautiful. The palace was built in white limestone. The central rise in the elevation of the building emphasized the main portico, which was framed by five symmetrical exterior arches. On the ledge are statues carved from either marble or the same limestone. Each statue, situated in the arches, was of a god or goddess standing with an animal. There was the Goddess Morrigans, with her wolf by her side, and one of Arcas, who I recognized right away because he was carved standing with a bear, the exact copy of Mathias’ beast. I saw the goddess Bastat, a large puma-looking feline woven around her legs. The one of Selene, the moon goddess, was unlike the one at The New Moon palace. There she was portrayed with a wolf, but here she was carved into a beautiful mother figure, with children by her feet, looking up at her in awe. Next to her was a large man, also with a wolf, regal looking and powerful. Then I saw her, the goddess Inanna. She stood front and center, a large
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 49 – Father and Son's
FINNEGAN 2 Hours before the battle I was tasked to provide the crawlers, who we were able to move up the narrow river in containers on smaller boats, with clothing that had been stolen from the various kingdoms. Orion had spies in every kingdom, sleeper cells, that he used when he needed information or objects. Hence, the clothing we had of Lamia’s and King Kellen’s. The crawlers would hone in on the smell like wild trackers and, once given the command by Orion, would seek out that scent, their only goal: To bring down the owner. Orion and the bitch Shayna had set up a command base inside Riocht’s palace. After throwing in the clothing, I made my way back to the white-washed open squared building. My father wanted to keep me close, in case things went sideways for him and he needed me. What he didn't know, was that no matter the cost, I would help kill him. I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the metal chip underneath my skin that attached to my cervical spine at the base
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 50 – Rise Queen of Shifters
LAMIA “Why didn’t you heal?” The concern in Mathias' voice was sweet, although he looked annoyed as his eyes raked my body inspecting the wounds on my arms and back, holding on to me for dear life, eliciting little sparks of joy to dance across my skin. I reached out to Inanna ‘Inanna, why didn’t you heal me?’ I was met with silence. I didn’t have an answer for Mathias. I shook my head at Mathias, telling him without words, that I didn’t know. “Where are you hurt?” I questioned him instead. “Nowhere baby, I healed.” He replied after biting his wrist and letting the blood drip onto and into my wounds, allowing them to begin healing immediately. I wasn’t the only one who had blood that could heal, it seems. I took a quick look around, and no one else seemed surprised, but Mike and Travis did give a couple of raised eyebrows. I wasn't sure what their looks were meant to convey, so I just gave them a tight-lipped smile. “Lamia!” My father came rushing to my side; he was wearing one
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 51 – Good Bye
1 WEEK LATER LAMIA After the anti-climax of mine and Mathias' crowning, we were still at Riocht. There was so much to organize and we hadn’t even scratched the surface. My father and Uncle Michael had already left for New Moon, taking with them a majority of their army, leaving Kellen and Mike with us and a hand full of Elite warriors. Crimson took the were-cat army home, ready to rebuild their kingdom. The were-cats had suffered the most, more than any other kingdom. Tobias left with the Kodiak Kingdoms army and took a slowly healing Finnegan with them. I was sure he would be thrown in the cells and questioned once he was awake. I didn’t know much about Finnegan Artos, but Petra had taken a liking to him and was very concerned for the violet-eyed were-bear. Hunji stayed behind with me, but Travis and Rhett returned to MacTire with the majority of the army also. And even though Petra wanted to stay, Travis put his foot down, taking her and Xander with them, who was anxious to ge
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 52 – Cubs, Pups and Kids
KELLEN I walked back down to the village, cutting across the fields, ready to go home. My goodbye to Lamia playing on my mind, I know she isn’t mine, but it still doesn’t make me love her any less. I needed to say what I did, and my wolf was in agreement. I have tried to let her go, and I did, for a while. When Zane died, all I wanted to do was be there for her, but she left. She left me. Once upon a time, she told me she would never leave me. I saw the way she looked at King. I chuckled at the thought, even his name is king! The love she held in her eyes for him. I knew Lamia loved, loves, me, but she had never had that look in her eye, not for me and not for Zane. The look of true love. I couldn’t help but give her one last kiss when I went to say goodbye to her. It was amazing how there were still light tingles when I brushed my lips against hers. I reveled in them, for however brief that kiss was. I wasn’t saying good bye, I was letting her go. It was time to let go of my l
Last Updated : 2022-05-09Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 53 – Everything must Change
LAMIA “King, and I have decided to make Riocht our permanent home. I want you to come with me and stay as my second in command.” I watched Hunji, looking for any reaction to what I had just said. His face remained a mask of indifference. “King will be asking Tobias the same thing and leaving Xander in charge of the Kodiak kingdom for now.” Still, there was no reaction. “Hunji, say something, please,” I said softly, still trying to coax a reaction from him. The first sign of any emotion was him pulling his lips into a thin line. “Of course, my Queen.” He nodded. “Really, that’s all you have to say, Hunji?” I huffed and rubbed my forehead with my fingers. “If that’s not what you want, then tell me! Forget the formalities for a moment, will you? Could we just have a conversation as friends?” I took a deep breath; his lack of engagement was irking me. It was just him and I in my office. Mathias was helping train the warriors today with Josiah, and Travis was with Rhett overseeing cha
Last Updated : 2022-05-09
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Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Bonus Chapter for Book 3 - The Gladiator Wolf King
***Thank you, readers, for your continued support and for taking the roller coaster adventure with me through The Delta's Daughter and Rise of a Queen. *** Without YOU, the readers, this wouldn't have been possible. Please remember to leave me a review, I hope you enjoyed this book. For updates and chapter teasers, check my i*st*gr*m >>> authorjwgstout Or my F_B group for readers >>> Author Jwgstout I ask you to please leave me a review Join me for King Kellen's adventure in the third book: More plot twists, romance, and mythology links coming your way. I hope you enjoy this bonus chapter, a little taste of the upcoming book. ***The Gladiator Wolf King - Book 3 OUT NOW and completed*** ***** The Gladiator Wolf King Chapter 1 – Waking Up KING KELLEN I opened my eyes, a nauseating feeling rose from my stomach right up to my throat. My stomach was sloshing and my vision was blurry. I blinked twice, adjusting my eyes to the dark; the only light was from a low-hanging bul
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 54 – Into Thin Air
MIKE One week later “Tobias!” I beamed, both Kellen and I stepping out of the car and handing the keys to the valet as we arrived outside of Kings Casino. I shook Tobias' out-stretched hand and took him in for a bro-hug, then he offered his hand to Kellen, who did the same as me. “Are you boys ready to party?” He asked with a huge smile. “Heck yes!” I replied, my smile equally big. Kellen chuckled and shook his head. “Goddess, what have I agreed to? I’m almost scared of hanging out with both of you.” It was my 21st birthday tomorrow and after hearing Lamia rave about Kings Casino and how she wanted to party here for her 21st, telling Tawny how grand the place was and how much fun it looked, I thought, why not? Mathias had told Tobias we could have his suite for the duration of our stay. We would only be here for two nights and then we would head back to the New Moon kingdom, so Kellen could officially take over as king and we had to organize a coronation. I had suggested to
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 53 – Everything must Change
LAMIA “King, and I have decided to make Riocht our permanent home. I want you to come with me and stay as my second in command.” I watched Hunji, looking for any reaction to what I had just said. His face remained a mask of indifference. “King will be asking Tobias the same thing and leaving Xander in charge of the Kodiak kingdom for now.” Still, there was no reaction. “Hunji, say something, please,” I said softly, still trying to coax a reaction from him. The first sign of any emotion was him pulling his lips into a thin line. “Of course, my Queen.” He nodded. “Really, that’s all you have to say, Hunji?” I huffed and rubbed my forehead with my fingers. “If that’s not what you want, then tell me! Forget the formalities for a moment, will you? Could we just have a conversation as friends?” I took a deep breath; his lack of engagement was irking me. It was just him and I in my office. Mathias was helping train the warriors today with Josiah, and Travis was with Rhett overseeing cha
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 52 – Cubs, Pups and Kids
KELLEN I walked back down to the village, cutting across the fields, ready to go home. My goodbye to Lamia playing on my mind, I know she isn’t mine, but it still doesn’t make me love her any less. I needed to say what I did, and my wolf was in agreement. I have tried to let her go, and I did, for a while. When Zane died, all I wanted to do was be there for her, but she left. She left me. Once upon a time, she told me she would never leave me. I saw the way she looked at King. I chuckled at the thought, even his name is king! The love she held in her eyes for him. I knew Lamia loved, loves, me, but she had never had that look in her eye, not for me and not for Zane. The look of true love. I couldn’t help but give her one last kiss when I went to say goodbye to her. It was amazing how there were still light tingles when I brushed my lips against hers. I reveled in them, for however brief that kiss was. I wasn’t saying good bye, I was letting her go. It was time to let go of my l
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 51 – Good Bye
1 WEEK LATER LAMIA After the anti-climax of mine and Mathias' crowning, we were still at Riocht. There was so much to organize and we hadn’t even scratched the surface. My father and Uncle Michael had already left for New Moon, taking with them a majority of their army, leaving Kellen and Mike with us and a hand full of Elite warriors. Crimson took the were-cat army home, ready to rebuild their kingdom. The were-cats had suffered the most, more than any other kingdom. Tobias left with the Kodiak Kingdoms army and took a slowly healing Finnegan with them. I was sure he would be thrown in the cells and questioned once he was awake. I didn’t know much about Finnegan Artos, but Petra had taken a liking to him and was very concerned for the violet-eyed were-bear. Hunji stayed behind with me, but Travis and Rhett returned to MacTire with the majority of the army also. And even though Petra wanted to stay, Travis put his foot down, taking her and Xander with them, who was anxious to ge
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 50 – Rise Queen of Shifters
LAMIA “Why didn’t you heal?” The concern in Mathias' voice was sweet, although he looked annoyed as his eyes raked my body inspecting the wounds on my arms and back, holding on to me for dear life, eliciting little sparks of joy to dance across my skin. I reached out to Inanna ‘Inanna, why didn’t you heal me?’ I was met with silence. I didn’t have an answer for Mathias. I shook my head at Mathias, telling him without words, that I didn’t know. “Where are you hurt?” I questioned him instead. “Nowhere baby, I healed.” He replied after biting his wrist and letting the blood drip onto and into my wounds, allowing them to begin healing immediately. I wasn’t the only one who had blood that could heal, it seems. I took a quick look around, and no one else seemed surprised, but Mike and Travis did give a couple of raised eyebrows. I wasn't sure what their looks were meant to convey, so I just gave them a tight-lipped smile. “Lamia!” My father came rushing to my side; he was wearing one
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 49 – Father and Son's
FINNEGAN 2 Hours before the battle I was tasked to provide the crawlers, who we were able to move up the narrow river in containers on smaller boats, with clothing that had been stolen from the various kingdoms. Orion had spies in every kingdom, sleeper cells, that he used when he needed information or objects. Hence, the clothing we had of Lamia’s and King Kellen’s. The crawlers would hone in on the smell like wild trackers and, once given the command by Orion, would seek out that scent, their only goal: To bring down the owner. Orion and the bitch Shayna had set up a command base inside Riocht’s palace. After throwing in the clothing, I made my way back to the white-washed open squared building. My father wanted to keep me close, in case things went sideways for him and he needed me. What he didn't know, was that no matter the cost, I would help kill him. I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the metal chip underneath my skin that attached to my cervical spine at the base
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 48 – The Battle Begins
LAMIA Riocht was beautiful. The palace was built in white limestone. The central rise in the elevation of the building emphasized the main portico, which was framed by five symmetrical exterior arches. On the ledge are statues carved from either marble or the same limestone. Each statue, situated in the arches, was of a god or goddess standing with an animal. There was the Goddess Morrigans, with her wolf by her side, and one of Arcas, who I recognized right away because he was carved standing with a bear, the exact copy of Mathias’ beast. I saw the goddess Bastat, a large puma-looking feline woven around her legs. The one of Selene, the moon goddess, was unlike the one at The New Moon palace. There she was portrayed with a wolf, but here she was carved into a beautiful mother figure, with children by her feet, looking up at her in awe. Next to her was a large man, also with a wolf, regal looking and powerful. Then I saw her, the goddess Inanna. She stood front and center, a large
Rise of a Queen - Book 2 Chapter 47 – The Guardians of Riocht
LAMIA It was now 4 days until Orion’s deadline, four days until the full moon, the day he told us to be at Riocht if we wanted to see Petra alive again. The little girl had been on my mind since the night Orion attacked MacTire. And every time I thought about her, my chest pulled tight. I felt guilty she had been put in this position. She was only ten years old and had already endured so much heartache, she didn’t deserve to be put through this. My eyes pooled with tears as I thought of how unfair and cruel life had been to her. I prayed to the Moon Goddess every night to keep her safe from harm until I had her in my arms. The dirt path we initially had followed was consistent and seemed to be taking us straight to the heart of the lost city. We definitely wouldn’t have been able to get any vehicles through here. Even though the worn road was still visible, it was overgrown with centuries of forestry and shrubs, so thick in some places that we had to cut them down using our swords
