Page 54 of Overcoming the Beta

“And this has piqued the interest of the north American royal palace how?” I direct my full attention to Prince Malachi, ignoring my father’s death stares aimed at my head.

“The two packs have been at peace for decades now. Alpha David… from Emerald Water. His mate died during childbirth a year ago. During a routine peace talk meeting in Emerald Cove’s territory six months ago, he met Ava, Alpha Oliver’s oldest daughter. Captivated by her beauty, he wanted her for his own. Alpha Oliver agreed to the arrangement despite Ava’s protest. Last month, Ava turned eighteen and Alpha David came for her, only to find her in the arms of her fated mate. Alpha David demanded that her father honor the agreement and when he didn’t, Alpha David promised that he would have Ava in the end. Two months later, pack members started disappearing without a trace. Two weeks ago, they found all fifty pack members’ heads on spikes lining the border of the two territories. His demand, hand over Ava and peace will be restored.” Prince Malachi leans back in his chair.

“The European royal family contacted us yesterday. They don’t want to get involved because of Emerald Water’s size and power.” Prince Lazar speaks up.

“So, they want to remain neutral because of politics?” Zane looks between the two princes, then back to his father.

“Precisely.” Prince Malachi nods his head, looking at his brother.

“Let me guess, the European royal palace doesn’t have a problem with someone else going in and cleaning up the mess.” I wrinkle my nose and look at Zane.

“Exactly,” Prince Lazar replies.

“What would you like us to do?” Zane leans forward, resting his arms on the table.

“We want you and your warriors to join our royal warriors in stopping Alpha David. We have heard from sources that there is a faction in his pack that wants him gone. However, no one has defeated him for the Alpha title.” Prince Malachi looks at each of us.

“How many royal warriors will go on this mission?” Alpha Nathaniel sits upright, adcolemang his shoulders.

“One hundred.” Prince Lazar answers.

“And which one of you will lead your warriors?” My father asks.

“Neither. Our father feels this mission is much too dangerous for the only two heirs to the throne to go. So, we will send my personal royal guard, Adam, in our place.” Prince Lazar looks directly at me. What is he trying to do, get me killed so he can claim Kate?

“Let me get this straight. Your father believes this mission is too dangerous for his sons, but is perfectly fine with me sending mine?” Alpha Nathaniel narrows his eyes at Prince Lazar, wiping the smug look off his face.

“Alpha Nathaniel, with all due respect. This is a dangerous mission, just like the others. But I have it on good authority that over two-thirds of the Emerald Water pack are unhappy with Alpha David and his tyrannical ways. They will stand and fight with us.” Prince Malachi sighs out, he knows that Alpha Nathaniel is not happy.

“The numbers are still stacked against us.” My father speaks up.

“It’s just the three of us and fifty warriors that are trained for these missions. Emerald Water still outnumbers us two to one.” Zane shakes his head.

“I will be at your side.” Prince Malachi whispers.

“What?” Prince Lazar grabs his brother’s arm. “This is a fucking suicide mission!” He shouts at his brother.

“Suicide mission?” I shake my head and scoff, “are your trying to get me… us killed?” I pound my fist on the table.

“I believe in our missions and in our training.” Prince Malachi sighs, snatching his arm from his brother’s grip. “I would never ask any of you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.” Prince Malachi looks between Zane, Kelsey, and me. His look is of determination. I admire him. He is not cut from the same spoiled cloth as his brother. In my opinion, he’d make a better King than Prince Lazar. He turns to his brother, “I’ve spoken to father about this, and he has agreed to let me go, since I’m not the one who’ll be taking over the throne. Once again, you can stay safe and out of harm’s way.” Prince Malachi looks away from his brother with a disgusted look on his face. This is the first time that I’ve ever seen trouble between the two.

“We will stand beside you, Prince Malachi. Just give us the word.” Zane stands and offers his hand to the prince.

“Thank you, Zane.” Prince Malachi shakes Zane’s hand with enthusiasm. “I won’t forget this.”

I’m relieved after the princes leave, but I still can’t shake the feeling that Prince Lazar is trying to get me killed. I’m grateful that Prince Malachi is a stand-up man, willing to fight side by side with us.How is he so down to earth and normal?I’m almost to the door when I hear my father clear his throat, stepping between me and freedom.Shit.

“Not so fast.” He sucks his teeth, curls his lips, and crosses his arms.

“You three… sit.” Alpha slams his hands on his desk, and instantly Zane, Kelsey, and I are like pups in trouble. We take our seats in the chairs in front of Alpha’s desk with our shoulders slumped forward. Each of our fathers sits on the edge of the desk in front of us. “Speak,” Alpha demands.

Not wanting the other two to catch heat, I take the lead on explaining everything that went down at the palace, with Prince Lazar overstepping his bounds with Kate. I conveniently leave out the fact that Kelsey and Zane had murder on their minds when they saw Kate.

“So, she clearly stated she was mated, and he still made advances?” My father asks and I nod my head in agreement. “Son, that motherfucker is trying to get your ass killed.”

“He knows he can’t take you on in a fight.” Gamma Earnest shakes his head.

“I knew I smelled a rat!” Alpha Nathaniel grinds his teeth. “He probably convinced his father about asking the three of you to go.”

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