CHAPTER 3: AS YOU WISH

Present time

McKenna's POV

"Your highness, Queen Antoinette has volunteered my hand for extra help in her absence. Is there anything I can get you all?" I asked, looking around the room. "Yes, go to the kitchen and fetch us something to warm our bellies and satisfy our thirst," Beta Vincent interjected. "Yes, Beta," I said, bowing my head, despising his lustful glare on me. "Hurry up!" he called out, making everyone in the room laugh at my embarrassment except the Alpha King, who busied himself with other matters.

I wouldn't dare talk back. I've seen the cruel ways they handle those that practice insubordination. I was neither a hero nor a coward. I just wanted to survive and then one day have my freedom. Queen Antoinette promised that I could leave the palace after serving under her for five years. I counted down the time. The money was decent but still not enough to travel far distances. Instead, I used it to puy necessities I required for hygiene, nothing fancy. I wanted out of this kingdom, even if it meant I had to live off the land. I was already experienced in it either way.

"The kitchen Omega baked fresh pastries for you and your company, my king. She has sent Ale and warm milk for those that would like to indulge," I said, setting down the tray in the middle of the table. "That will be all, Omega," Beta Vincent snickered. "McKenna," I said, hating to be called by my rank or the rank he gave me. "Huh?" he asked. "McKenna. My name is McKenna," I proudly stated. "Are you hitting on me, Omega?" he asked, immediately embarrassing me. "N-no, Beta..." I started saying before he cut me off. "Good, because I don't roll around with mutts that spread their legs for swamp meat. It would be best if you went and cleaned yourself efore you try to throw yourself at someone well above your station. Now, get out!" he said, physically pushing me toward the door. "That will be all, McKenna. Thank you," the Alpha King said, sending Beta Vincent a glare. "Yes, my king," I bowed before leaving them to their patriotic duty as they called it.

The Beta didn't like that I corrected him with my name. He's such an asshole, I thought to myself. I didn't miss the fact that I addressed the Alpha King, and not once had he given me the respect of even acknowledging my existence until now. Was he afraid I would throw myself at him too? I would never do such a thing!

Later that night...

"My king, would you like something brought up to you?" I sleepily asked. "I wouldn't mind some chamomile. We went hunting earlier, and I fear I have come up against poison Ivy," he said, revealing a rash on his shoulder. "Yes, my lord," I said, hurrying to the aides' quarters.

I found my way back to the king's room but not before the Beta stopped me.

"If you ever disrespect me like that again, I will have your head and your body after," he said, painfully biting my shoulder, causing me to scream out in pain.

He covered my mouth as tears streamed down my face. I fought against his hold only to have it tighten.

"Now, tend to the king...OMEGA," he spat, and I finally freed myself from his hold and ran away.

I tried to clean the dry blood from my shoulder and hide the unhealed scar.

"What happened, McKenna?" Alpha King, Lincoln asked. "N-nothing, your highness. I have the chamomile for you," I stammered. "Thanks," he dryly said, eyeing me suspiciously. "Would that be all, my king?" I asked. "No, can you apply it for me? I think it's a little further than I could reach," he said, removing his top. "O-okay," I stuttered, taking in his physique.

Oh Goddess, why must you torture me like this? He looked like a God chiseled from the finest of stone.

"McKenna?" he called out. "Y-yes, my king," I said, pacing toward him.

Oh shit! He caught me gawking at him. I was not trying to be a fusspot about his looks, but my wolf, Halo seemed to be in awe too.

"Give it here. I will do my best applying it," Alpha King, Lincoln said, trying to fight me for the chamomile mixture. "I apologize, my king. I am more than capable. I just have never been near a half-naked wolf before unless we were all shifting," I admitted.

He studied my face searching for a lie. I would hate Queen Antionette hearing about me being unable to care for. theking in her sted. I had to do this.

"Never?" He asked, intrigued. "No, my lord. I lived a pretty sheltered life," I answered honestly. "Well, that's pretty honorable of you. Not many can say the same," he stated. "I take it you have heard the whispers of what is done in the dark," I said, hoping he had not heard those horrid rumors that spread about me. "There's not much that gets past me, especially if they are untrue," he said with a smirk. "There are many about me. I cannot fathom where they have come from either. They are all untrue, my lord," I bluntly said. "I know," he replied. "How is it that you are so sure?" I chuckled, but quickly regarind my composure. "Let's just say that I am a good reader of wolves," he smiled. "Yes, my lord," I said, finishing the last bit of exposed skin that showed traces of poison Ivy.

I cleaned the mess as I continued stealing glances at his exposed skin. To touch him sent chills throughout my body. I wonder if a handmaiden had ever thrown herself at the Alpha King. Maybe that's why he had been cold toward me before? He didn't strike me as the type to tiptoe outside of his mate bond.

I readied myself to leave but stopped in my tracks when he called out to me.

"Do not mind the Beta. He has a crush on you," he said. "I doubt that. He beds omegas only to degarde them after," I relpied before slapping my hand over my mouth. "Do not be embarrassed. I have had a serious conversation with my Beta. He understands the severity of the consequences if it persists," he growled. "Yes, my lord," I said fearfully of his growing anger. "You may go, McKenna. I am forever grateful," he said, dismissing me.

Alpha King Lincoln's POV

Jealousy washed over me once I confirmed my suspicions about Vincent's feelings for McKenna. She didn't recoil from him, but I could sense the fear that lingered behind her eyes.

I watched out of the window as she stopped to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding daffodils. If no one knew any better, you would swear this omega had no worries in the world. It was all a facade. I knew she desperately wanted to see her family. I heard a rumor that Antionette forbids it. I'm not sure why though. I planned to change that.

"Vincent, what's the deal? Did the omega upset you?" I chuckled. "No!" He hurriedly answered. "Then what's gotten into you? Was she a bad lay or something?" I probed curiously. "I haven't had her...yet," he coughed with mischevious glint in his eyes. "Ohhhh, that's what is. I take it that you're not enjoying the chase," I laughed. "Not at all. She's but an uppity omega for no good reason at all," he scoffed. "Well, is she your mate?" I asked. "The Goddess plays many tricks. I thought she was, but somehow she isn't," he explained almost sounding unapproving. "Why do you sound disappointed?" I asked, dumbfounded. "Can we not talk about this, big brother?" He asked, rolling his eyes. "Fine, keep your temper and your dick in check around the help. Can you do that?" I sarcastically asked. "It depends," he chuckled before my Gamma walked in.

We sat down and discussed strategies for expanding trade routes and new alliances. The kingdoms of Tirado and Cassius were a pain in the ass. I couldn't figure out why other than the fact that they hated the thought of my bloodline ruling over all the lands. Even though that was the case, I still required their Alpha's cooperation. I tried keeping my focus on business, but pleasure reared its domineering head yet again. McKenna was a walking tease, and she didn't even know it.

"I'm headed out with the scouts. I'll tell your mate you said hello and you're in good hands," Vincent said with sarcasm.

I ignored his obvious jealously of my position often.

Queen Antionette's POV

"Like this, dear," my mother-in-law, Darcy, corrected me. "Does it matter what side the Duke of Ellington sits?" I asked, dumbfounded by her ways. "Of course it does! It is common knowledge that he hates the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. It would surely be a disaster if you sat them close to one another. Don't you know anything?" She snapped. "I know a lot! This is a dinner of generosity and celebration. We should not concern ourselves with measly table arrangements and seating charts. I'm more interested in the guest list and enough food and Ale for our guests to enjoy. If you get them drunk enough, they will all be friends," I scoffed. "Darcy, she doesn't mean that. Antionette, you are THE Luna Queen to a smaller kingdom than ours. You've come here for my help which is what I intend to do. As the Luna, we are responsible for every detail, no matter how small. Knowing your guest's acquaintances is just as important as you do not want to start a war," my sister-in-law, Esmerelda, said, rearranging the table markings.

I admit her technique was flawless. She had the advantage. Darcy taught her the ways of a Queen since she was merely a child. My mother taught me many things, and one of them was speaking my mind.

"Thanks. I will get the hang of it," I muttered. "It's okay because I know you will. Our kingdom rules over 13 other packs, while yours only manages 5 to 7. I assume you haven't had a function quite this size in your land as of yet, but the day just may come sooner than you think," she winked.

I wanted nothing but to travel home. Every time I visited, I was only expected to close my mouth and not have an opinion. That was not me, but I would need to earn their trust to continue having their backing if one of the other kingdoms of the Atlantic Rim we governed decided to overthrow us. Lincoln's brother presided over the Pacific Rim, which held more colonies and kingdoms than our own.

"You know there was talk about our older brother taking over the Atlantic Rim kingdoms. So, you better behave, Antionette," Beta Vincent whispered. "What are you still doing here? I thought you left to send word to Lincoln," I said, annoyed. "I'm leaving now. I was wondering if I could get a proper goodbye," he chuckled. "Fuck off! I hate you," I scoffed before walking away.

Vincent knew I wouldn't say I liked it here. I was always under constant observation by my in-laws. I endured this torture for my mate, Alpha King, Lincoln. In the meantime, I could not help that my mind often drifted to his proposal that involved Mckenna. I admit his request made me uncomfortable, but all I could fathom to say is "as you wish." How on earth would I keep Beta Vincent from sniffing around the she-wolf, Mckenna?

"Hey! Hang in there. I'm sure Lincoln appreciates what you're here doing. Since you've been gone, great progress has been made with the ships. He listened to your suggestions, and all plans are a go thus far, all thanks to you. Keep your head up, little dove," Vincent said, tilting my chin to meet his eye. "Yeah, tell my mate this would be easy if Darcy and Esmerelda weren't breathing down my neck, reminding me that I would never be in their stiff circle," I pouted. "You are so much better than them! The fact that you do not allow anyone to push you over is a living testament to that. Maybe work on your delivery," he chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Move out of my way. Tell my mate I love and miss him, would you?" I asked. "I surely will not. We both know why I won't," he said, rolling his eyes.

Beta Vincent was a certified dick for sure, but I knew I could always count on him to have my back against his mother, Darcy, and his sister-in-law Esmerelda.

"You should be careful with that one. I see how he looks at you," Esmerelda came up behind me and said. "Vince? Ugh!" I scoffed. "Antionette, I'm serious. Vincent is sweet and cunning, but he will stop at nothing until he has what he wants. I've witnessed it," she warned. "It sounds like you have first-hand knowledge," I accused, and her face went pale. "Forget it, Anti. It bothers me when you don't listen. Don't come running to me when he breaks up your happy home and his head lands on a stake," Esmerelda angrily said. "Essie, what are you not saying?" I asked. "Never mind what I said. Just forget I said anything," she dismissively said. "Essie, I will be careful. Thank you," I replied. "That's all I ask of you," she sadly smiled. "Hey! If you ever need someone other than Darcy to speak with, I'm pretty good at keeping secrets," I winked before walking away from her.