58

Fifty eight
*Rafe*
“What the hell do you think you are doing?! You are breaking and changing the rules for some worthless–”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence Gamma!” I yelled at Rafael, the rage overtaking every inch of my body at his malicious words. I refused to allow him soil Freya’s name.
“I don’t mean to be rude, Rafe. But making Freya Hadid your favorite? Do you not realize how much of a huge let down this is? The council already mentioned that they favored either Jessica or the other lady from a diplomatic background, Aurora. I don’t have anything against Freya..”
“Lady Freya.” I corrected slowly with a venomous glare.
“I do not have anything against…Lady Freya.. but you are going against the councils plans. We both know that Lady Freya is not the ideal choice for you. You need some time to think and consider this. This will change a lot of things!”
I sighed with a pause, my hands pulling my hair in frustration. “I know quite well what I’m doing, Raf, please don’t question my judgments and decisions. I am the Alpha after all am I not?”
Rafael stared at me silently for a moment before nodding. “Yes, You are.”
“Good. I will make my decisions by myself henceforth. Thank you. I want to be alone now, Gamma.” I pointed towards the door, a hard expression on my face. Rafael stared at me, the shock visible on his face before he collected himself and headed out. I heaved put a long sigh and turned away.
I gazed out the window as thoughts of Freya’s radiant smile, her silken hair, her captivating eyes assailed me. The memory of our passionate kiss in front of the entire court still tingled on my lips. I smiled to myself, amazed at the warm, wonderful feelings stirring within me. This was an emotion I had never felt, never needed. And yet… somehow Freya was opening my mind and heart to new possibilities.
The door swung open and Connor barged into my chambers, interrupting my reverie. “Well well, look at you, grinning like a lovestruck fool,” he teased with a smirk. “The fierce Alpha Rafe, going soft over a woman. Never thought I’d see the day!”
I glared at him. “Shut up, Connor. It’s not like that.”
“Oh really? Your dopey smile says otherwise, my friend. You’re absolutely smitten!”
He was clearly trying hard not to burst out laughing. I clenched my jaw. “I am not smitten. An alpha king doesn’t get smitten. Now drop it.”
“Whatever you say, loverboy.” Connor couldn’t contain his mirth any longer and chuckled heartily. “But I know what I see. The king of alphas is head over heels crazy for Freya. Should we announce to the whole court that you’re in love with her?”
“You breath one word and I’ll punch that grin off your face,” I growled. But I couldn’t deny the truth behind his words. As much as it unnerved me, I was developing real feelings for her. Feelings I had never experienced and didn’t quite know how to handle. All I knew was that I craved Freya’s presence, her touch, her affection, like a drowning man craved air. She had bewitched me, body and soul.
Connor, still snickering, clapped me on the shoulder. “Come on, Romeo. The hunting games are about to begin and everyone’s waiting for their king. Let’s see if you can focus on the hunt instead of daydreaming about your lady, eh?”
I sighed heavily and followed him out. He was right, I needed to get my head on straight. But I couldn’t quell the eagerness rising in my chest. A whole day out in the woods, and Freya would be there. The possibilities made my heart race. What was this woman doing to me?
As we reached the courtyard, a large crowd had already gathered – lords and ladies dressed in their hunting outfits, horses stamping impatiently, a pack of hunting hounds straining at their leashes. But my eyes sought out only one person.
There. Freya stood near the front with the other ladies, dressed in a green colored outfit, her hair pulled back in a long braid. As if sensing my gaze, she turned and our eyes locked. Time seemed to slow and all the noise faded away, until it was just the two of us. She smiled shyly and I felt an answering grin spread across my own face, unbidden. It was like we were the only two people in the world.
With effort, I dragged my focus away from her and addressed the eager crowd. “Welcome, everyone, to the royal hunt!” A cheer went up from the crowd. “The game begins in just a few minutes. But first, as is tradition, you must all choose a hunting partner. One man, one woman per pair. For safety… and to make things more interesting.” I couldn’t resist throwing a quick wink at Freya. “So go on, pair up.”
The crowd began to buzz with excitement as men turned to the nearest ladies, and friends grabbed each other by the arm. I made a move for Freya, determined to reach her before anyone else could. Just a few more steps and I’d get to her.
But wait. I saw Connor striding in front of me. Where was he going? With a sinking feeling, I watched as my friend strode right up to Freya with a huge, stupid grin on his face. no. He wouldn’t dare…
I quickened my steps, trying to get to them before he could ask her to be his partner. Damn Connor and his ways! He knew how I felt about Freya. If he ruined this chance for me, king or not, I’d wring his scrawny neck.
I reached them just in time to hear Connor’s smooth voice. “Lady Freya, would you do me the honor of being my hunting partner today?”
Freya looked surprised but she recovered quickly, a sweet smile on her beautiful face. However, before she could reply, I stepped in.
“Connor, a word please,” I said through gritted teeth, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside.
“What are you playing at?” I hissed under my breath so Freya couldn’t hear. “You know I intended to ask Freya to be my partner.”
Connor’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Apologies, Your Majesty. I didn’t realize the lady was spoken for. Although, I believe I got to her first. She’s already accepted my invitation.”
I glanced at Freya who was watching us curiously, an unreadable expression on her face. Had she truly agreed to be Connor’s partner? The thought made my blood boil with jealousy.
“I order you to stand down, Connor,” I said in a low, threatening voice. “Leave Freya be and find someone else.”
But Connor just chuckled, not intimidated in the least. Curse him for being my close friend. It made him far too bold. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Rafe. A lady’s word is her bond. Freya and I will take to the woods together. But don’t worry… I’ll take good care of her for you.”
He clapped me on the shoulder and walked back to Freya, offering his arm gallantly. She hesitated for a moment, glancing between us, before gently placing her hand on his sleeve.
I could only watch, seething silently, as they walked away to join the other hunters. Betrayed by my own right-hand man! And Freya… How could she choose Connor over me?
Schooling my features into a mask of calm indifference to hide my inner turmoil, I turned to survey the rest of the crowd. I had to find another partner. And I would make sure I taunt Freya with whoever I chose as my partner.
None of us would have fun this evening.
****