Chapter 48
Declan didn’t speak. He just stared at her for a few seconds that Lauren started to think that he turned into a statue.
But when he spoke, she was the one who froze.
“You really think of me that way?” Declan asked, making Lauren
He took a step back and looked away. He ran a hand on his hair as he processed what he just heard.
Declan shook his head as if to clear his mind. “I’m sorry I know I don’t have the right to feel upset right now, but I fear I can’t stop it.”
He closed his mouth and silence reigned over them Lauren didn’t know what to do when she realized how her question just insinuated
d harsh things about him.
I a sinking feeling in her stomach.
She knew she hurt him–she could almost literally feel it in his presence,
, and it caused a sinking
Declan shook his head and looked away for a while before he turned to her again. And Lauren felt like she was shot, seeing the pain so clear in his eyes she almost felt it through their bond.
Just to clarify: no, I am not doing this just to meet their requirements as king. And just to be very clear, I don’t even want a kingdom. I never Entertained that suggestion–which I may add, that has been given to me, unsolicited, since a long time ago when all Alphas in the North gave their authority to me. They have been bugging me with that proposition for two years now, and I never EVER entertained that because I don’t want a kingdom. I don’t want to be king!”
Lauren
chest.
flinched when his voice rose. It echoed around the four corners of the old library. The same way the hurt in his voice echoed around her
“I know it’s my fault that you now think of me so badly; so selfish, and so power hungry, that I’d ruin us just to achieve the things I’ve wanted.” Declan found her eyes again and she hated how much hurt the was seeing in his face.
“And just another clarification, those dreams I told you weigh nothing more than the desire I have of having your affection back. And even if t hadn’t known you were my mate, I would still want us back, Lauren, I want you. I want our marriage.”
Declan looked away and inhaled sharply as if he was out of breath.
Lauren’s guilt rode on her, and she wanted to reach out to him, but her body wouldn’t move.
“But right now, I am hurt and insulted by how low you think of me, as if you never knew me as a person. So, I’m sorry, but I need to leave and be alone for a while.”
“Deck.” she whispered, finally able to reach a hand when he strutted out of the library in the most hurt expression she’s ever seen of him.
“I didn’t mean she whispered when the doors closed again at his exit. But Lauten also cut herself, knowing truthfully that it truly was what she thought of him.
That he just wanted her back for a
or all the li
benefits he’d get for having her. Not because he layed her and their children.
Lauren & slowly sat down on the floor, losing strength.
Or was it just a notion she continued playing in her mind because she couldn’t allow herself to be hopeful againt
She put both hands on her forehead and closed her eyes, confused about her own reasons.
But she knew one thing for sure the hated the fact that she hurt him.
Declansat in another meeting the next day, and he was still in a sour mood after that conversation he just had with Lauren.
They rarely talked, and everytime they did, it never went well. Declan needed to recuperate after that conversation. It hurt that she looked at hini
if we really want this union to work, then that would be the most effective solution. We need your answers regarding this, Alpha Declan.”
His occupied mind was pulled away from his thought upon the mention of his name. Declan looked at the former Alphas that were now part of his
“Wouldn’t it make more sense to establish that kingdom. Alpha Declan! Look at us now, we are like your dukes and lords—all under your leadership, but also handling people under your pack. We are already working like a kingdom. All we need now is formality. Once that’s done, our proposal for a unified action against the Vampires would make much more retur, and they wouldn’t have any choice as it will be commanded by
the king
The rest of the Council nodded in agreement with Cino, a former Alpha in one of the unified packs of the north. Even Yuan was nodding his head
To him.
1/2
10:14 AM
Chapter 45
Declan sighed, his mood that has barely recovered from Last night’s event just continued.
This topic was the reason why Lauren thought of him like that.
“Alpha, do consider this proposition. If you weren’t attacked by the vampires during that meeting in the south, you know they would never have agreed with you. For years, we have settled for people knowing of your strength and power, but we do believe it is about time to get you a proper standing and ride. Ryan, another former Alpha, spoke before he could even open his mouth..
Web
believe everything will be quicker if we take this step, Alpha. If the Vampires have a king, we also need one“.
Declan put his clasped hands on the oak table in front of him as he contentplated.
He’s had big dreams for himself and for Black Ridges Pack, but Declan never asked for more. For something like this to happen to him
Starting a monarchy was a huge responsibility, especially for him as their proposed king
And what would Lauren think if he took it?
Declan sighed, exasperated.
“Fine. We need options for who’s going to be king—”
with all due respect. Alpha, but let’s not waste any more time. You should be the king of our kingdom.”
With Gino’s words, everyone else started murmuring in agreement. Their voices created a chorus inside the meeting room.
Declan raised a hand to silence them. Everyone closed their mouths, so he spoke.
“I can not tick off all the requirements you have. As you all know, I have yet to take Luna in our pack,”
Vivienne quickly butted in, smiling internally. “Then we must create a list of female werewolves that may be fit to be your-
“No need, because he actually can. “Yuan cut her off, looking directly at Declan. Declan didn’t expect him to add his insights regarding this. He knew how much Declan didn’t want to entertain the notion of this proposal And he knew what his standing was with Lauren.
“You are still married, Alpha. You continue wearing that white gold band in your ring finger, so we know you are. And if I may tell everyone.” paused for a while. And Declan already knew what his Beta was going to say.
“You have found your mate just a few weeks back. I say that is perfect timing for this to finally happen.”
“Mate! You found her? Vivienne asked amongst all the reactions that once again chorused inside the room.
Declan nodded, making his Council go quiet and focus on him.
-Yuan
“Yes” he sighed. He thought of all the responsibilities that were on his shoulders and weighed what was best. Not just his people, but also for him- as just Declan. Not the Alpha
“If I must do this out of duty for the greater good of our community, then you should all get my mate, who is also my wife,” he confessed.
No matter what happened last night, he knew in his heart that something like this was bound to happen. He may have never wanted it for himself. but he’d be lying if he never thought of this to be a solution.
And no matter what Lauren might think of him after this, it was time to let everyone know that she was his wife and Luna. It was part of his
their ruler.
