The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 45: The Least Of Strange ()

"King Askel, a word?" Lord Kriden called out to Askel just as he returned his attention to his mate.

Askel swallowed down an annoyed growl at the interruption, he had just found his mate tonight, as elated as he was, he was yet to bask in her warmth and he was being confronted with one event after the other.

Askel found it highly frustrating and wondered why the world could not just be still for a moment, so everyone would let him be.

His heart was tight with longing and his wolf was anxious, he needed his mate wrapped securely in his arms for as long as if took him to imprint his scent all over her and hers on him so everyone knew she was his.

His beloved mate was right before his eyes and still it felt so surreal to him, so much so that he desperately needed her close, for as long as it took to assure himself that this was real,

That she was truly by his side now, that he finally had found the one person for whom his heart was always meant to beat for, the one person who could bring back a ray of warmth into his cold existence.

Askel did not have the time to entertain any more interruptions and was just about to dismiss whatever Lord Kriden had to say,

However Askel was cut off by a soft, beautiful voice that stirred his heart in ways he never believed possible,

"I...The Crimson Wolves will take our leave for now, the banquet has been eventful and I should like a rest." She said,

Askel was just about to object but she spun around and was already on her way back to the Ethereal castle.

The Crimson Wolves exchanged glances for a moment,

"Then, if you will excuse us..." The male who had attended the enthronement at the throne room said with a small bow as the Crimson wolves also took their leave, following after their Head Warrior.

Askel’s heart dropped slightly as he watched her go, but he comforted himself in the fact that she had come back to him and now that she was within his grasp, he would never let her go.

His eyes trailed her till she disappeared from view, his wolf demanding he chased after her and pull her back to his side where she could never leave him.

"King Askel, I understand you must be anxious to return to your mate, I do not dare prevent you. I will come to you at a more opportune time, perhaps at dawn?" Lord Kriden suggested.

Askel glowered at the smirking vampire lord, who was only making such an offer when his mate had already used his presence as an excuse to leave.

Lord Kriden strode away in a fast pace, leaving Askel to himself.

Askel frowned slightly, turning around, he headed in the direction his mate had taken but his path was cut off by a familiar presence, the scent of sea salt invading his nostrils once again.

"Shariah." Askel acknowledged with a raised brow, a questioning gaze set on his face.

The silver skinned beauty smiled slightly, a guilty look on her face as she fidgeted slowly, shifting from one foot to the other.

"I was hoping we could talk." Princess Shariah asked hopefully.

"You should return to your quarters along with the other guests, your brother and I have already scheduled a meeting." Askel said dismissively.

"No, not about that...I, about what happened today...I hope you understand it had nothing to do with the merfolk." Princess Shariah explained earnestly.

"We are all clear on the abilities of a charmer demon spirit Shariah." Askel replied in a blank tone.

"I know but Kristen...he is terrified, and I am too. I have never seen you so angry Askel, in the end, your mate was involved. I fear there might be some misunderstanding and so I hope to clarify it without delay so I may rest easy." Princess Shariah explained.

"My father dotes greatly on you Askel, he always speaks highly of you. You have the loyalty of the merfolk, we will never intentionally bring you harm...not now and not ever." Princess Shariah swore.

Askel understood the purpose behind her actions, the mate of a werewolf was considered the life of that wolf and if one’s mate was ever in danger, the wolf shifter would certainly never let the attacker leave alive.

Whether it was intentional or otherwise, the merman Kristen had been actively involved in the attack on Askel’s mate and although Askel understood the circumstances, since it had to do with his mate, it would not be unsurprising if he ignored them.

Askel could admit his wolf had already recorded the merman as an enemy, possessed or not, if that merman was to ever get even remotely close to his mate, his wolf would consider it a danger.

There was nothing Askel could do about that, he could not un-see what he had already seen and so there was absolutely no way he could ever regard that merman on friendly terms.

However the merman was a representative of the merfolk and his actions directly reflected on the merfolk, hence it was the right step taken by Princess Shariah to gain assurance from Askel that he would not hold the event against the merfolk.

"I will not point my sword to the wrong person, you may rest easy. Your merman will remain safe in my territory so long as he keeps his distance from my mate." Askel promised.

"However, should he dare go anywhere near my mate, then I will not hesitate to send a corpse back along with you. As for the merfolk, I understand your loyalties and I trust your father’s honor, you need not be worried." Askel assured.

"Many thanks Askel, I know it must not be easy for your wolf to let Kristen off."

"Again, I am truly sorry for what has happened tonight and any inconveniences it may have caused you.... and your mate, she is beautiful." Princess Shariah said quietly before she lowered her head into a small bow and headed away.

"That she is." Askel whispered to himself with a small smile as he headed to the quarters he knew had been assigned to the Crimson Wolves.

Askel had only gotten as far as the hallway when he noticed one of the males he had seen with his mate,

The male had a broad and muscular build and was just a little bit off Askel’s height, his aura was calm but imposing much like Zariah’s, and he bore a noticeable facial resemblance to Zariah.

Askel could tell this male was related to his mate in someway, it was the only reason his wolf did not consider him a threat at all whereas Askel did not favor the other male Crimson Wolves just yet.

"King Askel." The male greeted with a small bow.

"You come for Zari?" The male asked knowingly, a small smile on his lips.

Askel nodded in agreement, there was no need for him to give verbal confirmation to what the male already knew.

Askel took note of the way this male called his mate’s name in a shortened form and unconsciously wondered just how many people dared call her so lovingly.

Askel could see he would have a lot of work to do and he would begin by making it clear his mate was his alone to adore.

"She did not return with us, headed into the forest for some air. I was worried and intended to head out in search of her but since you are here, I will leave it to you then." The male said, handing a black cloak over to Askel.

The male smiled again before he headed back to their assigned quarters and as Askel watched him, he could not help thinking this male was a rather smart one.

Askel decided he would not have to worry about the crimson wolves at all, they were truly every bit as excellent as the tales of them told.

Askel glanced at the black cloak in his grasp, it scented of his mate and Askel lifted it up to his face, taking in a deep breath of her heady scent.

Askel released a quiet groan, her scent clouding his every thought, he swore he could get drunk on it alone and he would love every second of it.

Askel calmed himself, shaking his head at the strangeness of his own actions, he wondered what his mate would think if she saw him breathing in her cloak like a creep.

Askel smirked at the thought, when it came to his mate, he admitted this was the least of strange things he would find himself doing, he had waited far too long for her to restrain his urges. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Askel took a moment to regain composure before he headed out in search of his mate.

Following the scent trail she had left behind, Askel had not gotten far when it grew scarce and Askel frowned realizing she had once again masked her scent like she had done on that night.