Page 24 of The Alpha King's Mate

Chapter 11

Aliana

“Thank you for releasing me from the bedroom,” I said, ensuring every bit of scathing sarcasm made it into my overly enunciated words.

“You see? We can be perfectly in sync together,” he said, patting my hand. The one he had yet to release.

How is he the King of all Alphas? I asked Zira.

It isn’t a democracy, Zira snarked.

True.

At the centre of the compound, stalls had been set up that hadn’t been there when I was transported to and from the cells. A crowd had gathered around them.

“It’s our market. Members grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs. When there’s an excess, they come here to sell it,” he said, guiding me towards the stalls.

Whispers began, and I caught snippets.

Alpha King. Luna. Thieving father. Mating ceremony.

Women sent him heated looks, but when I glanced at Sorin, he was busy feeling up apples. I glared at the three of them before dragging a finger across my throat. Their reaction was so amusing that I stabbed two fingers towards my own eyes before turning the motion back on them.

I chortled when their eyes widened and they turned to flee.

It wasn’t until I realised most of the people around us looked about ready to wet themselves that I turned—and found Sorin glowering at everyone.

? ? ?

He cupped my cheeks and lowered his head to kiss my forehead. I saw the regret in him, but determination followed and wiped it all away. The Alpha King didn’t have it in him to apologise for what he was about to do.

You could tell him what you really think, Zira drawled.

Shush. I enjoy tormenting this man.

“I’ll be up later,” he murmured, pushing me back.

I gasped and clutched my chest as if I’d taken a physical blow. He rushed back into the room to inspect me.

You’re so evil, Zira chuckled.

“Just go, Sorin,” I whispered, staring morosely at the floor.

He hesitated, turned, and shut the door behind him. The lock clicked, and his footsteps faded down the hallway.

I was desperate for a nap. I hadn’t walked that much in a very long time. His confinement was a reprieve. I didn’t need to see, talk to, or acknowledge anyone.

You made him feel bad for no reason, Zira said.

I yawned and stretched before kicking off my shoes. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows and across the bed. It took me seconds to settle and even less time to drift off.

? ? ?

There was a strange sensation in me when I woke to his scent all around. It took a few moments to name it: contentment, threaded with sorrow. For all his faults, Sorin was a good packleader, and he had the potential to be a good mate. Waking to his scent made me happy. Finding the room empty dampened it.

Then there was my mother.

My father had funded his mistress and her child, but not his own mate’s medical care. He was not a man of honour.