Page 12 of King

“I’m not here to hurt you,” I say as I push deeper into the shifter territory. “So, don’t make me. I’m just looking for someone.”

Despite my rage for Rue’s Prime, I’m not planning on harming him or his Alphas. But if they force me, I’ll do whatever’s necessary to get her out of here. I just hope I’m not too late to stop whatever horror she ran from.

I keep going, not even breaking my stride when the Alpha lunges at me. I simply raise my right arm, warning him off with a burst of blue flames. Undeterred, he foolishly continues his attack. He latches onto my wrist as if his drool could snuff it out.

It blazes on, severely burning his snout. A yelp escapes his jaws as he jumps away from me. He begins rubbing his nose in the dirt, trying to dull the pain.

I leave him behind, but I pick up the pace. Alphas heal fast. Ridiculously fast. I may only have seconds before he’s on me again. I’ve got to reach the heart of the camp where the rest of the shifters should be.

The wolf sends out a warning howl ahead of me. Looks like I’ll be facing far more than just one wolf by the time he heals.

I can hear him panting behind me as I charge forward, waiting for his packmates to arrive. It doesn’t take long beforetwo wolves appear on either side of me. One a sleek black, the other a blend of brown and white. Both with sharp fangs and thick fur around their necks to protect their throats.

The only clear path is ahead of me, but I can’t outrun Alpha wolves. My only choice is to use my magic.

Defeating three wolves would be easy. I still don’t want to harm them, though, so I decide to use my magic defensively. I cast a crackling web of blue energy around me, forming a protective barrier between them and myself. The magic pulses intensely, no threat of running out.

I’m no fucking vessel. This magic ismine.

The wolves skid to a halt. Their paws dig into the dirt as they realize the danger they’re facing. They growl and snap in frustration, helplessly watching the intruder close in on their camp. I almost feel bad for them. They’re just trying to protect their pack.

But they didn’t protect Rue when she needed it. They don’t deserve my pity.

The black wolf moves to strike. “Stay back!” I yell, slowing my pace to better anticipate their moves. “I just need Rue.”

The wolf races out in front of me and shifts instead of attacking. “You can’t take Rue,” he says cautiously, eyeing my magic. “She belongs to the Prime.”

That confirms it. Rue really is here.

My heart pounds erratically, knowing I’m so close to finding her. Ignoring the Alpha, I charge forward, desperate to get to her.

The heat from my magic brushes against him as I pass. Leaves and dirt fly up around him as he frantically scrambles backward.

He must shift back after that because, a moment later, three wolves run ahead to warn their leader. I follow in the direction they fled, knowing they’ll lead me where I want to go. More wolves emerge as I get closer, encircling me. But they’re too waryof my magic to attack.

I can almost feel Rue’s presence as I break through the trees into a cleared area filled with tents. I stop, scanning the silent camp to choose which one to search first.

Before I can take a step, a large, angry Alpha appears before me. He stands as tall as me but with a broader frame and fangs the size of my fingers. His power ripples around him in an obvious warning. He might be intimidating if not for my amplified magic.

And my uncontrollable hatred for him.

He’s the Prime. The one who terrified Rue. The one who hunted her down like prey and dragged her back to his camp.

Rue is a treasure. I can’t fault him for wanting her. But he has no right to force his own will upon her. I’m itching to use this lethal magic to punish him for that. But I’d prefer to let Rue give me the order.

I give him a quick once-over with my eyes for his efforts. “You’re certainly impressive,” I tell him. “But I’m here for Rue. I won’t be leaving without her, no matter how powerful you may be.”

The other Alphas stare uneasily at the net of blue energy surrounding me. This arrogant bastard, however, refuses to stand down. If he were any other leader, I might respect him for it. But he needs to understand that today will not be his day for glory.

“It’s not my intention to hurt you. But have no doubt, I won’t think twice if you refuse to let Rue leave with me.”

“What makes you think she wants to leave with you?” he asks, crossing his thick arms over his muscular chest. “Even if itwereup to her.”

“Ask her,” I say, hoping he’ll bring her out where I can see her. “Let her speak for herself.”

The smug look that spreads across his face is unsettling.

“Fine,” he agrees. “But don’t be so confident,Consort. I doubt she’d choose to go anywhere with you. Not after learning what an especially revolting fae you turned out to be.”

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