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Chapter 35: All Right
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The Shifter King Chapter 36: Just Us
Ambrose spins me to face him. I know I'd do anything for him. I'd fight for him, protect him, kill for him. I wasn't going anywhere, and he somehow knew it before I did. When did this happen to me? He looks at me like he can see straight through to my soul. And I swear I can see the same in him. I can see his strength, his kindness, his beauty. He's the most incredible person I've ever met, and I can't keep fighting our fates pulling us together until there's nowhere else to go. I am in love with him. And I think I have been for a long time. Ambrose reaches up, placing his hand on the back of my neck as he looks at me. He doesn't say anything. Then he dips his head to meet mine, kissing me lightly. I kiss him back, breathing him in like I need him to survive. He deepens the contact, our tongues clashing. For this moment, we aren't a king and an assassin. We aren't people who have a rebellion to face, or a kingdom to run. We aren't even Alpha and his mate. We are Ambrose a
The Shifter King Chapter 37: Go Back
I lay my head on Ambrose's shoulder as he trails soothing circles on my back. I can't help but smile. This is real. Sometimes it feels like if I blink, it'll be gone. But when I open my eyes, he's still here and that fear disappears. "You don't have any secret tattoos I should know about, right?" I ask him. "What?" he laughs. "Just wondering!" "No, no tattoos."There's a pause before he asks, "What did you find out, Hera?" "I'm not sure where to start," I say. "Wherever you want to.""Okay." I take a moment to think and start by telling him about the wax seal on the letter that was my assignment. "Right, I knew about that," he responds. "Well, I kept seeing that symbol. Everywhere. And no one knew to whom it belonged. Then, during that ambush of our carriage, I saw the symbol inked into an attacker's skin. Today, I saw it on Lucas's arm."I hesitate before, "And on a piece of parchment in Sebastian's room shortly before hearing him give the order to have Lucas ki
The Shifter King Chapter 38: The Plan
"Where have you been?" Althea rushes me as I enter the room. "I've been in here all day. You won't believe what I found!" She pulls me toward the desk where several books are open. "I've been studying sigils and symbols," she tells me. "That sigil you keep seeing–it doesn't belong to anyone as far as the records go. So, I decided to research what it may mean, instead." I give her a look. I really shouldn't leave her alone for long. She was apparently very bored. "Listen," she ignores my expression. "The growling wolf in the center can mean a few things." Althea flips a few pages to show different etchings of the symbol. "But mostly what they have in common is the meaning of 'protection' or 'righting a wrong'. Then, I found this." She points at the symbol I keep seeing. She reads, "'This image of a wolf with the lips raised around the teeth usually means speaking up about what you dislike. This image has been associated with civil wars, rebellions, or uprisings against usurper
The Shifter King Chapter 39: The Art of Seduction
I stop by the kitchens first, picking up a bottle of wine and a tray of crackers with cheese. A delicious distraction. Then, I make my way to Sebastian's room. He won't know I'm coming, and I hope he's there. If he isn't, it will throw a wrench in my plan. I tap lightly on the door. The prince opens a moment later. His brow raises as he sees me, drinking in my dress like I want him to. "Surprise," I say. He steps aside so I can walk inside. Now, the game begins. "What's the occasion?" Sebastian asks, watching me as I set the platter of snacks down. I hold out the bottle of wine toward him. "Do you mind?" He steps forward, taking it from me. Our fingers touch briefly and I let the touch linger, gazing up at him. His expression is blank. It's making me nervous. Does he know why I'm truly here? But then he smirks and I watch as he opens the wine, retrieving glasses from a cabinet in his room. He pours us both a cup and hands me mine. I set forward. "Cheers." I
The Shifter King Chapter 40: Empty
Whew! Thank G*d. I was running out of ideas to distract him. I stand quickly, eager to get to work.I scan the room, thinking about where to start. Sebastian has several drawers, cabinets and compartments. It could be anywhere, but I catch sight of the desk. It's the most logical place to start. I move straight for his desk. When I searched earlier, I didn't have time to look in every drawer or under things. I'm not worried about being quiet this time. I just need to be fast and efficient. I don't doubt that his shifter immune system will kick in and he'll wake up from the sedative a lot quicker than a human would. I throw open the drawers, digging through the papers and items. I need to find that f*cking wax seal. I toss the parchments aside after scanning each of them. Most of them are political letters, others are small maps of the kingdom. One is a list of names of nobles that live in the palace. None of which proves anything. I've thrown open every drawer when
The Shifter King Chapter 41: Why?
He's up in a second, moving toward me before I can react. He yanks my arms above my head with one hand, the other digs into my neck as he presses me against the wall. "You drugged me?" he snarls, the sound making me shudder. "Sebastian," I start. "You drugged me!" he says again like he still can't believe it. "You hired me to kill the king!" I shoot back, glaring at him.The prince releases my arms, stepping back from me. His face is showing so many emotions, I can't read everything going through his mind. "Did you not feel anything for me?" I ask him, despite my common sense. I want to know. Was it all some act for him? Was I really that naive to think he might've felt something for me? "It isn't that simple," he replies. "So, explain. What possessed you to want to kill your own brother, Sebastian?" I demand. "I might not know you that well, but I know you can't be that horrible to want something so evil. And did you really think I wouldn't f*cking figure it out?!" "Y
The Shifter King Chapter 42: Understanding
I lift the dagger and swipe as he strikes out at me. The tip catches his skin and he recoils, hissing in pain. But it isn't enough to deter him. He moves in a flash, coming toward me with his teeth bared. I let my instincts take over, dodging him and slicing at him again. This time, my dagger meets the skin along his arm, blood beading to the surface. The silver does its job, making him pause for a moment."Hera," he growls. He takes a step back staring at me with fury. "I don't want to hurt you."I know he could, too. The silver will cut and hurt him, but he's faster and stronger than me. He could easily kill me and the look on his face is telling me he wouldn't think twice about it. Anything we may have had isn't taking precedence over his mission. "Then don't," I respond. I won't win a physical fight but maybe I can talk him down. "Come with me. We'll go to the king and he will decide your punishment. Ask for forgiveness, Sebastian. Please." Sebastian scoffs at me. "He'll
The Shifter King Chapter 43: Bait and Hook
It's been a week. The shifters can't find him. Every time they get close to where they think the prince may be, he vanishes. I have the theory that he's leaving false clues and we actually don't know at all where he is. Ambrose is starting to believe the same. We spend our time waiting for news. The king reinforces security, paranoid about my safety despite my protest. Even Althea becomes impatient as she waits for Theo to return with news. "This isn't working," I tell him. It's evening as I sit across the table from him. Our dinner has grown cold as neither of us has an appetite. "We need to lure him out." "I'm not sure how you think we will manage that," he responds.I consider that for a moment. If I was determined to kill my mark but they were in hiding, I'd research what could convince them to come out. Usually, it's an event or I would make someone they love appear to be in danger. Neither of those really apply here. Sebastian wouldn't reappear for his brother unless
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The Shifter King Chapter 50: A True Queen
Ambrose wakes me with a kiss, bringing me back to the reality of the day. It's coronation day. Time sped by so fast, the weeks seemed like a blur I can hardly remember. I spent most of my time planning—approving this or denying that so that everything was ready for today. I had a custom gown made with royal colors and jewels to match. I'm not used to it at all, but the tailor was patient as I procrastinated on getting it done. Ambrose chose my crown. He told me it's a surprise, so I haven't seen it yet. I roll over into his arms and he squeezes me tightly against him. "You ready?" he asks in my ear. "No," I mumble. It's true. I'm not. I'm so nervous, I'm scared I might pass out when I'm up there. Since he offered everything to me, it had time to sink in. I'm going to be a queen. Me! The same girl who was an assassin not that long ago. A girl who was struggling to put food on the table for her sister and herself. I can't believe it's happening, and I'm terrified they won't
The Shifter King Chapter 49: Take It
I rush to Althea's room, pounding on the door. "It's me! Everything is okay!" I shout. She throws open the door, crashing into me with her arms wide. I laugh, spinning her around and squeezing tightly. "Theo?" she asks when I release her. "Waiting for you, I'm sure," I tell her with a grin. She kisses me on the cheek before she takes off down the hall. I smile, happy to see my sister so joyful. I would give anything to keep her in this state. And maybe we could. I make my way back to the king. We shut the bedroom door behind us, and he helps me take my corset off. The armor saved my life more than once and it showed. There were a few holes in the hide that prevented a puncture to my chest. He carefully bandages my shoulder, taking his time with gentle movements. I'm so exhausted, I almost fall asleep as he does. When Ambrose is finally done, he carries me to the bed and lays beside me, wrapping his arms around me. We don't say a word. We don't need to. I know he's awa
The Shifter King Chapter 48: The Lone Wolf
"No!" I shriek. "Hush!" Elric hisses behind me, but my voice has done enough. The disruption causes Sebastian to pause, glancing at me. The momentary distraction is enough for Ambrose. He shoves him off with a sudden burst of energy. Sebastian falls back, his focus returning to the fight. Then, they're at it again. I'm not sure how much time passes watching them fight. There are a few moments where I think one of them will finally kill the other, but neither is able to get the upper hand. Their coats are turning red. Ambrose's white fur is stained crimson and I've lost track of how many wounds he has. After what seems like an eternity, the fight shifts. Ambrose can tell his brother is getting tired, so he toys with him. I watch as Sebastian's exhaustion becomes more and more evident. Finally, Ambrose lunges, landing on the prince and pinning him beneath him. Sebastian lets out a roar, attempting to get up. But he can't. He's too tired, his energy is spent. Ambrose sta
The Shifter King Chapter 47: To the Death
Before the prince can make a move, Ambrose takes a step forward. I watch as he lets out a growl so loud and deep, the room seems to vibrate. I almost lose my balance, leaning against the king to catch myself. The room stops. I observe as the fighting stops, all the shifters turning to the king and prince like they have no other choice but to listen. I'm not sure what happened, but I can guess Ambrose used his authority to make them stop. I don't know why. Ambrose shifts, human beside me once again. Sebastian pauses but shifts a second later. "There won't be much of a pack left if we continue fighting, brother," Ambrose says. "Let's finish this. You and me. Whoever wins takes the crown and will be the Alpha." Sebastian glances at his pack, considering. There are already a few dead bodies, I can't tell how many. If they keep at it, everyone will be dead or wounded. Even with Elric, they are evenly matched in strength. "To the death," the prince says. "No," I gasp. "Ambros
The Shifter King Chapter 46: She-Wolf
It happens in a flash. Ambrose is beside me and then he's shifted, lunging over the table toward his brother. Sebastian meets him in his own wolf form and there's a clash of fur and snarling. I yank the sword from under the table, shoving my chair back and out of the way. When I look back again, the whole hall has shifted. They're tearing at each other's throats, snapping and biting. A moment of pure fear shoots through me. I'm not equipped for this. I don't know who I was kidding. I don't have time to consider options as Elysia stalks toward me, still in her human form. "I've been waiting a long time for this, b*tch," she growls at me. "Why? Because the man you love was in love with me?" I snap back. I figured she was in love with one of the brothers, but she just confirmed which one. "I should've known you were working with him. You were the noble that gave the kill order to Lucas and then imprisoned him. But he was able to escape, and you murdered him, didn't you?"
The Shifter King Chapter 45: His Choice
The time for the banquet arrives. I'm nervous. Despite all my preparation and instinctive skill, I'm worried it's not enough. Althea helps me get ready. She braids my hair and then pins it up on my head. The dress I'm wearing was made specifically for tonight. The corseted top is part of the armor. It stretches up my chest and down my arms, fashionable yet strong. The skirt opens in the front, revealing the tight pants I'm wearing underneath. At my hip is my dagger along with two more knives at each ankle. The back of the skirt is laced with silver and I've hidden additional weapons in the fabric. When the time comes, I can detach the skirt entirely and leave it behind. I look at myself in the mirror. I feel surprisingly comfortable in this outfit like it was crafted to be worn only by me. And in a way, it was. It's an assassin's dress. Mine. I'd come to this palace on a job to assassinate the king. Now, I would work by his side to eliminate the threat of his brother. How? I
The Shifter King Chapter 44: The Past Returned
Friday arrives faster than I want it to. The banquet is tomorrow night and there's no way to know if Sebastian will come. As Alpha, Ambrose has a way of speaking to his pack without saying a word aloud. The message was sent a few times: The ball at the end of the week is to honor the prince and the true king.A deliberate antagonization that was sure to hit its mark. Although, there's no way to tell if Sebastian was listening and would come. We had to leave that to fate. I haven't forgotten my conversation with Elysia, but she's managed to disappear. When I ask Ambrose about her whereabouts, he frowns, unaware that she is missing. "It doesn't matter," he says, taking my hand. "Hera…I don't want you there tomorrow night." "What?" "It's too dangerous. If he shows, he'll be bringing those that back him, too. There's sure to be a fight. I can't protect you while I'm fighting my brother." I glare at him. "I won't need it, Ambrose. I've taken everything into account by hidin
The Shifter King Chapter 43: Bait and Hook
It's been a week. The shifters can't find him. Every time they get close to where they think the prince may be, he vanishes. I have the theory that he's leaving false clues and we actually don't know at all where he is. Ambrose is starting to believe the same. We spend our time waiting for news. The king reinforces security, paranoid about my safety despite my protest. Even Althea becomes impatient as she waits for Theo to return with news. "This isn't working," I tell him. It's evening as I sit across the table from him. Our dinner has grown cold as neither of us has an appetite. "We need to lure him out." "I'm not sure how you think we will manage that," he responds.I consider that for a moment. If I was determined to kill my mark but they were in hiding, I'd research what could convince them to come out. Usually, it's an event or I would make someone they love appear to be in danger. Neither of those really apply here. Sebastian wouldn't reappear for his brother unless
The Shifter King Chapter 42: Understanding
I lift the dagger and swipe as he strikes out at me. The tip catches his skin and he recoils, hissing in pain. But it isn't enough to deter him. He moves in a flash, coming toward me with his teeth bared. I let my instincts take over, dodging him and slicing at him again. This time, my dagger meets the skin along his arm, blood beading to the surface. The silver does its job, making him pause for a moment."Hera," he growls. He takes a step back staring at me with fury. "I don't want to hurt you."I know he could, too. The silver will cut and hurt him, but he's faster and stronger than me. He could easily kill me and the look on his face is telling me he wouldn't think twice about it. Anything we may have had isn't taking precedence over his mission. "Then don't," I respond. I won't win a physical fight but maybe I can talk him down. "Come with me. We'll go to the king and he will decide your punishment. Ask for forgiveness, Sebastian. Please." Sebastian scoffs at me. "He'll
