THE LAW OF ICE ALDRIC I should push her away completely distance her from me for good .
But the very thought makes every fiber of my being roar in protest .
Valeria clearly carries secrets and a painful past .
She deserves a good werewolf .
Someone who can love her unconditionally .
Not a Lycan .
Not even Quinn , who seems to have taken some interest in her .
I wont allow it .
Hes not worthy of my little she wolf .
No one is .
All Lycans carry violence and darkness within them the curse of destroying what we love most .
And Valeria will be no exception .
Ill end up breaking her into pieces with my own hands .
VALERIA We headed toward the Alphas house , walking through half empty streets .
This pack felt gloomy and damp .
No one spoke much , and the few who dared glance our way did so with suspicion and fear .
I walked beside the King .
I should be trailing behind him like a servant , but he had ordered me to stay at his side , as if I were his equal , Once , that might have stirred something in me .
Now , it made no difference .
I was just a maid .
My job wasnt to question his behavior it was to serve and obey .
Your Highness , please , come into my humble home .
Weve been expecting you .
The chestnut haired man who had barged into the inn earlier greeted us with a bow as we reached a modest two- story house at the end of the street .
As I suspected , he was the Alpha of this pack .
This is my wife , Clara , and my daughter , Adele , he introduced , motioning to the two timid blonde women standing behind him .
Your Majesty , you should have stayed in my home .
If I had known you were coming- THE LAW OF ICE Im fine at the inn .
Besides , if you truly wanted me in your pack , you would have summoned me properly .
Wouldnt you ? Aldrics words sliced through him like a blade .
The Alpha barely managed a stammered response .
Without waiting for more apologies , Aldric moved past him , heading straight to the dining area for a meal that was now closer to dinner than lunch .
I remained standing in the corner of the room , quietly observing .
What are you doing ? Aldrics voice suddenly cut through the room , his sharp gaze fixed on me .
Im waiting … in case you need me .
What I need is for you to sit down and eat , he snapped , voice heavy with irritation .
I bit my lip , meeting his piercing eyes , summoning what little courage I had left .
Sir , servants dont dine with their masters .
Besides , I already ate at the inn while you were Im only going to say this once more , Valeria .
Sit .
At .
The Damn .
Table .
I hate being lied to .
Now do as you His commanding voice rattled the very walls , and the entire family trembled in fear .
My body locked up .
And my stupid mind screamed , Rebel , rebel , rebel ! like it had finally given up on self preservation .
But I wasnt stupid enough to test him .
Not today .
So , reluctantly , I stepped closer to the table , sitting in the chair he pulled out for me .
I subtly shifted my seat further from his , determined not to let our arms brush- And I swore I heard a low , warning growl from his chest .
So , Alpha Edward , Aldric began , his voice calm yet icy .
re told ! Why was an ancient relic stolen from your pack , and you neither reported it nor requested assistance ? I had to hear about it from a temple monk during the festival .
The tension in the room thickened as he spoke .
Without a word , he took my untouched plate and began sliding the steak , cutting it into neat pieces before placing it back in front of me .
Ill eat it .
But if he thinks this impresses me , hes sorely mistaken .
Y Your Majesty , I didnt want to trouble you with an issue I thought my warriors could handle .
I assumed it was just a few forest bandits And did you retrieve what was stolen ? N No , Your Majesty .
I failed .
I am an incompetent Alpha the man confessed , lowering his head in submission .
THE LAW OF ICE Perhaps he thought Aldric would soften .
But he knew nothing of the Lycan King .
Aldric doesnt forgive stupidity .
I could already tell youre incompetent .
Thats why Ill be staying in your pack for a few days to investigate personally- BANG ! A loud crash interrupted him as a metal tray slipped from the trembling hands of the Alphas wife , clattering loudly onto the floor .
Fortunately , it was empty .
Y Your Majesty , please forgive me ! It was an accident ! Were all just so distressed … My husband has been searching tirelessly for those criminals , she pleaded , attempting to ease the rising tension .
Across from me , the Alphas daughter offered a shy , nervous smile when our gazes met .
I returned it out of basic politeness .
But no matter how polite the gestures were This was , by far , the most uncomfortable meal of my life .
I could barely swallow the steak , and all I wanted was to get out of there .
When Aldric finally released me from my punishment at the table , I practically fled to the porch , desperate for fresh air while he continued a private conversation with the Alpha in his study .
Are all meals with the King always this … life or death ? A soft female voice whispered near me .