C5 Chapter 5.

ROSE’s P.O.V.

The pack house was in chaos, whispers and rumours flying around in the hallways. One name being spoken, one name that ignited fear in the people. The rogue king. A man so ruthless he stirred fear in the hearts of people. Rumours and whispers spread, the people speculating that perhaps the rogue king was even more ruthless than the alpha king. But, as expected, my father didn't seem to share these views.

"The rogue king is nothing more than a pony. A rumour whispered about by weak-hearted, pathetic werewolves. A tale spoken by parents to their children to scare them.

"We are not weak, my friend; we need not fear this rogue king." I heard him drawl nonchalantly to them. My father was in the company of Alpha Roderick and his son. It seemed my father was rather eager to ensure this alliance was made, hence quickening the wedding preparations. I sighed quietly to myself; my father's arrogance would be the end of him if something far greater didn't take him first.

Martha had been kind enough to inform me of their arrival, hence allowing me some time to make myself look more presentable if I were to be called upon by Father. Not like I intended to be within seeing range of him. I barely had any friends, which left me often alone, watching movies and reading books to occupy myself. But I had run out of books and needed to get some new ones, although I was pretty sure I had read nearly every book on the shelf. Perhaps I could ask Father if he could help me with some new books. I shivered at the thought.

I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but I had been on my way to the library when I heard voices; only when I did hear mention of the rogue werewolf king did I stop to listen.

"Yes, yes, Geralt, perhaps that is true. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't take caution; we should ensure reinforcements." Alpha Roderick reasoned. Mmm, smart man.

I heard my father sigh, "Perhaps, but—" It was in that very moment that fate was against me as I sneezed rather audibly. My entire body went cold. Shit. I had barely walked a few steps away from the door when it swung open harshly.

"Rose." Oh fuck. Swallowing thickly, I turned to face him, staring questioningly at me.

"Father."

"What were you doing out here?" He asked quietly, surely not to draw the attention of his guests.

"I...I...uh..."

He stepped closer to me, gripping me by my arm. "You were eavesdropping, weren't you? Poking your nose in business that doesn't concern you." He gritted out, his anger simmering.

"I...I...I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"Geralt, leave her." Alpha Roderick called out. I heard footsteps approaching until he came into sight.

"Come, child." He motioned towards the office. I cast a quick glance at my father, who wore a look of annoyance, but his eyes silently told me to comply.

"Alpha Roderick, it's a pleasure to meet you." I muttered politely, offering him a small smile. He hummed, his beady eyes scanning me.

"It is, isn't it? Come, meet my son and your future husband." I tensed at his words. He offered me his hand, which I took reluctantly, stepping into the room fully. Only then was I able to get a proper look at my soon-to-be husband, Nicholas Everwood, son of Alpha Roderick Everwood. He sat on my father's couch, looking prim, proper and all snobbish with his nose pointed down at me. Nevertheless, he stood up and stretched his hand towards me.

"Rose Altezer, I've heard so much about you."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He said smoothly. Lies, I bet my father had filled both he and his father in on the necessary information they needed to know. Told them how disgraceful I am and how utterly ashamed of me he is.

"Oh," was all I could mutter, not exactly knowing what to say. He raised a brow at me and chuckled. Thankfully, Father intervened.

"Rose, why don't you run along? I'll come find you later." My father suggested. Although I knew it was far from a suggestion.

"Yes, Father." I excused myself, not missing a beat as I hurried away, only being able to breathe properly once I was far from their reach. I headed into the library as intended, but this time I didn't search for a novel. Instead, I searched for a clue that could tell me more about this so-called rogue king.

I scanned through the shelves until I finally stumbled upon a book that said 'rogues'. Picking that one out, I sat on one of the chairs and began reading.

"Politics, deaths, banishments, blah blah blah." I muttered to myself. Just when I was about to close the book, something caught my eye.

"The rogue king got his name after slaughtering his parents and nearly his entire pack. He was deemed the mad son of Alpha Constantine and Luna Penelope of the Lupine pack." I whispered the names breathlessly. I knew I had heard of that pack somewhere, but I couldn't just put my finger on it. Jolting out of my seat, I hurried to the archives in search of what I needed until my eyes fell on it. A picture of three people: my father, Alpha Constantine and Luna Penelope. Members of the Lupine pack. My brows furrowed. If my father was a part of their pack, surely it meant he knew of the rogue king. Was that why he sounded so sure of himself? So sure that the rogue king was a weakling.

But what about the rumoured packs he had overthrown? The people he had killed? Was that all false? Questions spurred in my mind, questions which I knew would never be answered, as there were only two possible people with the answers to my questions. My father and the rogue king. One question lingered in my mind: who was the greater evil between the both of them?

The day transcended slowly into the night, dark clouds blanketing the sky as Martha and I shared laughter and made small talk in the kitchen; we were the only ones there.

“Come now, Martha, what’s your opinion on this rogue werewolf king? Do you think he’s as scary as they say?”

“Well, I think the tongue is a rather powerful tool. And it is said that if you utter his name, he will appear.” She teased, and I let out a snort, popping a grape into my mouth.

“If that were true, I’d wish myself out of here.” I sighed.

“Shh,” she hushed, “don’t let your father hear you.”

“I’m afraid that’s rather too late, Martha.” We both let out shocked gasps, both turning sharply towards the direction where the voice came from. Standing there was my father, looking at me sinisterly.

“Martha, you’re dismissed.” Martha didn’t waste a moment before dashing away, leaving me alone with him. I shivered as I watched him draw closer to me. Standing in front of me, he picked a piece of my hair, twirling it in between his fingers before dropping it.

“So, my dear daughter. You were eavesdropping.”

“N…n…no, Father, I… I hadn’t meant to.” I countered weakly.

“But you did.

“I…”

“And to make matters worse, you wish to leave this place.” He gestured around. His tone was eerily calm, which sent a chill down my bones; he was angry…no, he was pissed.

In a flash, he gripped my hair, pulling harshly, causing me to wince in pain, tears stinging my eyes.

“How dare you? How fucking dare you?” He spat red-faced, “Haven’t I done enough? Haven’t I been kind enough to you? After all I’ve done for you, you ungrateful brat.” With each word, his grip on my hair tightened. I was sure there’d be nothing left on my scalp once he released me.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it, I swear.” I begged, having the tiniest bit of hope that he’d believe me.

“You’re sorry?” He laughed bitterly. “You didn’t mean it? Of course you did, you little cunt. I should beat you, teach you a lesson you’d never forget.” He raised his hand in the air, aiming to strike. I close my eyes tightly, awaiting the blow, only it never comes.

He released me, causing me to peel open my eyes slowly as I stood to my full height.

“You’re lucky. Alpha Roderick and his son want you untouched. They want you nice and shiny or else…” His words were unfinished, but I didn’t need them to be. I knew what he had to say.

Suddenly, a maniacal grin spread across his face.

“Although, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a hit or two.”

And with that, I felt a very strong hit in my gut, knocking the breath out of me. I wheezed; this was the first time he’d done anything other than slap me. Still, it didn’t seem to be enough as he kicked me in the gut.

“Stop, please. Stop, I beg of you.” I wheezed, my vision blurry.

“Have you learnt your lesson now, girl?”

Unable to speak, I simply nodded.

“Good, we’ll be attending a political meeting soon; do well to clean yourself up.” I watched his retreating figure, his shoes squeaking against the polished floors. Soon after he left, I smelt her before I felt her.

“Goddess, Rose. Rose, hey, you’ll be okay.” Her words merged as one as a sudden wave of drowsiness washed over me.

“Sleep, I’m tired. I need to sleep.” I murmured weakly.

Martha shook me. “Open your eyes. Rose, do you hear me? Keep your eyes open for me.”

“Tired.” I mumbled, drifting in and out of it.

However, inasmuch as I tried to stay awake, I couldn’t, finally succumbing to the darkness. Peace at last.

SIN’s P.O.V.

A knock resonated throughout my office, interrupting my work. I didn’t answer at first, hoping that whoever it was would take the hint and leave, but whoever was behind the door seemed rather insistent.

“Come in.” I called out in annoyance, not looking up but perceiving his scent. Cole, one of the very few people I trusted, stepped in.

“Apologies, Alpha, I just received word concerning what we spoke about.”

“Which is?”

“Alpha Geralt’s alliances. I got wind that his daughter is to be wed to Alpha Roderick’s son as soon as possible.” I stopped what I was doing upon hearing the news. Alpha Geralt, the bastard who ruined my life.

“When is this wedding set to happen?”

“Soon, Alpha; however, the exact date hasn’t been set.” I nodded in understanding, going back to what I had been doing. But then, I stopped when I realised that Cole was still there.

“Anything else?” I could feel his hesitation, which only aggravated me further. “Spill it, Cole, or get out.”

“I do not mean to offend you, Alpha Sin, but are you sure about what you’re about to do?” My jaw clenched tautly at his words. Definitely he couldn’t be serious.

I looked up at him, dropping the pen in my hand. “I’m not following, Cole.”

He raised his hands in surrender; most likely sensing my brewing anger, he knew how sensitive I was when it came to this subject.

“I mean, are you sure you want to do this? She’s an innocent girl, Sin, and—”

I barked out a laugh which was by no means humorous.

“Did you just say she’s an innocent girl? Innocent?” I asked, rising to my feet. I watched him swallow as he watched me walk around my desk towards him.

“There’s nothing innocent about Derek, and surely nothing that comes out of his loins is innocent.”

“But—“

“Do you have an idea what he’s done? What he took from me?” I roared, driving my fist into the wall next to his head.

“She too was innocent.” I whispered painfully.

“I know, I’m sorry, Alpha.” He bowed his head submissively. I took in a few deep breaths, calming my wolf. Cole meant no harm; he was just really soft at heart. Sometimes I think he forgets what happened to us, to our pack.

I turned away from him. “I will get my revenge, Cole. You’re dismissed.”

“Of course, alpha. One more thing, I got wind of a meeting happening between Alpha Geralt and a few other alphas.”

“When is it happening?”

“Tomorrow.” A bitter smile curved across my lips.

“Then we prepare; they won’t know what’s coming.”