Alex’s POV
My heart raced as I swiftly carried Catarina over my shoulder, determined to reach the safe room where I knew the twins would find solace in her presence. The corridors seemed endless. A labyrinth of uncertainty mirrored the chaos outside. I knew time was of the essence, and I couldn't let anything happen to my queen or those precious twins.
With each step, my mind raced, replaying the events that had led us to this moment. Everything had unfolded at a breakneck pace, leaving little room for thought or hesitation. But I was glad that Lochlan had agreed with me, for despite our differences, we both recognised the importance of keeping Catarina and the twins out of harm's way.
Finally reaching the safe room, I gently placed Catarina down and pulled the heavy door shut behind me. It was sealed with a resounding thud, providing a barrier between the outside world and the sanctuary within. This was where Catarina and the twins would be protected, shielded from the horrors of battle.
"Stay in there," I ordered firmly, my voice laced with concern and determination. I locked eyes with her, my gaze filled with loyalty and love. "I won't let anything happen to you or the twins. Stay safe."
Catarina nodded, her eyes brimming with trust and understanding. I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of protective instinct overwhelm me. But there was no time for hesitation.
As if appearing out of thin air, two of my loyal guards materialised beside me, their unwavering loyalty evident in their eyes. They were ready to do whatever it took to defend our kingdom, to protect what was rightfully ours.
"King Alex, where do you need us?" they inquired, their voices steady and determined. They awaited my command, knowing that their lives served the greater good.
"Outside, let's go," I answered without hesitation, my voice projecting authority. "We cannot allow these fools to bypass us again. This kingdom is stronger than that."
A shudder ran through my body as I contemplated the audacity of the enemy's attack.
If only I hadn't fallen for Tara's deceptive tricks, she wouldn't have set foot within my castle walls.
Catarina had seen through her from the beginning, and I now realised the gravity of her warnings. Tara was truly evil, and now we were forced to confront a band of misguided individuals who believed they could seize what was rightfully mine.
Over my dead body.
As we entered the outside, and I spotted Lochlan surrounded by men that were clearly from his own pack. They looked as if they were waiting for his command to start a war.
My own guards scattered around, waiting for my command, waiting to protect what was ours.
“Lochlan, rein your men in. This is my kingdom, and I will have my guards rip each of them apart limb by limb.” I growled, taking control as I approached him, standing there doing nothing while his men piled around, waiting for his command. He was their alpha, but I was the king, and I decided to give him a choice.
“If those twins mean anything to you, anything at all, then do the right thing,” I told him.
Lochlan's eyes snapped to me, his expression defiant for a moment, but the authority in my voice demanded obedience. With a stern nod, he shouted for his men to pull back.
"Stand down!" Lochlan bellowed, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. "Hold your positions!"
His words were met with confused glances from his men, but ultimately, they obeyed. Weapons were lowered, and the idea of a battle slowly stopped as the soldiers on both sides hesitated, unsure of what had just transpired.
I pushed through the stillness, making my way to Lochlan with determined strides. As I approached him, anger still smoking, I locked eyes with him.
“All of this is because you believe that you could win back Catarina.” I yelled at him, pushing him to the ground like a pathetic, weak little fool.
“I will not allow my pack to start a war with you King Alex, I made a promise to Catarina.” his tone sounded so sincere, but I refused to believe he was being genuine.
“Then why are they here other than to protect their Alpha?” I waited for his answer, but we were interrupted by a loud voice.
“Well, well, isn't this cosy?”
David appeared from the crowd of Lochlan’s men.
“Beta David, you’re alive?” Lochlan’s mouth felt open.
He gazed at his Alpha, and a sickly smirk formed on his face.
“Of course, I'm alive. I'm not a weak imbecile like his pathetic friend Carl was,” he smirked, pointing at me, causing me to want to rip his head off his arrogant shoulders. “This King is a fraud, a nothing. He can't even defend his Queen and their adorable little twins. I brought the pack here to see where their Alpha had disappeared to and learn the truth.”
I could snap this cretin in half and be done with it, but Lochlans' words make me stop.
“David, what the hell are you playing at?” Lochlan growled, warning his beta to back off but he did not. “You keep the Twins and Catarina out of this.”
“What do you know of those twins? Your dirty witchy whore of a she-wolf tricked me and put a spell on my kingdom hence why this has been able to happen. Trust me my men and I will protect the Queen and twins and kingdom with our lives. Now you will turn and leave before I order my men to have every one of you beheaded.” I roared with so much authority, causing even those of Alpha Lochlan’s men to fall to their knees.
“Oh, but dear King Alex.” David chuckled. “Those twins. They hold power. They need to be disposed of.”
“You!” I pointed at him in disgust and felt my Wolf stirring. It felt good to have my Wolf back. “You will not harm a hair on their bodies. My men will have you shredded in seconds, dare you to challenge me?” I growled, feeling my wolf come forth and attempt to take over.
“If you want your queen and children safe then I suggest you listen to what I have to say.”
David smiled and turned to the crowd of Lochlan pack.
“Pack members of Alpha Lochlan. Your precious Alpha has done nothing but lie to us. Not only has he lied about Luna Catarina being unfaithful to him, but he also lied about not having an heir, so let me introduce you to our dearest Luna Catarina and the Alpha Twins.”
A ripple of shocked gasps echoed throughout the crowd.
Turning my head, I saw Catarina shoved into the crowd with the Twins behind her.
How the hell did she get out of the safe room?
Then I locked eyes with the one person I never thought would or could betray my queen or myself.