The Alpha King's Mate novel Chapter 34

Vivian stands up and walks past the ladies and orders some pints. The lady that made the rude comment stands up and walks past Vivian. Vivian discreetly puts her foot out and trips the lady over, and watches as she falls on her face.

Troy and I try to stay composed and try to hold our laughs. The lady stands up red-faced and turns to Vivian, giving her an angry look.

"Well, I never!" she says, stomping her foot.

"Darling, please, be more careful of your surroundings. I'd hate for you to fall on your face like that again." Vivian says as she walks back towards us with the pints.

Troy takes a sip of his pint, "We need to devise a foolproof plan to save Maia. But, first, we need entry into West Wallow Castle. We need it to be quick, and we need to be able to go in undetected," he says, and he isn't wrong. Vivian and I agree with him completely.

A plump bar-mistress walks around the tables holding a basket, handing out flyers. We take one each, reading them, and I exhale with relief, knowing we have just found our plan. I read the flyer out loud, which announces a masquerade ball will be held in Maia's honour at West Wallow Castle tomorrow night. The ballroom will be filled with disguised guests in masks and different facial coverings.

"This is it. This is our plan," I say, grinning and swigging my drink.

"What's the plan?" Vivian asks, not following.

"We go to this ball, dressed in formal attire and masks, we find Maia, and we bring her home," I explain.

"I don't have enough money for a ball gown and two dresses for the girls," Vivian says, flustering at the notion.

"Vivian – not to worry. "I'll cover the costs," I tell her, smiling.

"Are you sure?" She asks, relief written all over her face.

"Yes, coin is not an issue for me," I tell her happily.

"Oh, Damon. How wonderful. You truly are wonderful. Thank you so much," Vivian says, truly grateful.

"What's happening, mummy?" Ella asks, wondering.

"We're going to a ball, darling,"

"What about me?" Zayden asks, wondering.

"We'll get you the finest tunic, breeches, and waistcoat fit for a King," I tell him, scuffing his hair.

"Really?"

"Really?" I say, winking at him.

"It's a long time for both of us," I say, biting my lip.

"It is. And I honestly am so grateful to the Moon Goddess to be blessed with a second mate.

"Can you explain the mate-bond to me? I don't feel it. I mean, I'm definitely attracted to you, but this bond sounds magical," I prompt him, leaning back on my hands to listen.

"It is magical. It's the most magical feeling in the world. It's exactly like love, except it's so much more intense. I'm drawn to you. I feel protective of you, and I feel protective of your daughters. I barely know you, yet I can see a whole life with you, Vivian. I really can," he says, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. The flames are reflected in them.

"It's so good of you to take on Zayden the way you have. What happened to him?" I ask, not sure if I want to know.

"Well, long story short, I bought him from an auctioneer who was going to sell him as a slave. King Fenris' soldiers killed his parents, kidnapped him, and sold him to this auctioneer. It was divine intervention. I was in the right place at the right time, and I bought him. It was just meant to be," he says.

"He is very lucky he has you," I tell him.

He smiles.

Before I know it, all conversation is over because Troy has smashed his mouth down onto mine.

My fingers grasp his hair while we kiss, and he holds the sides of my face. We ravish each other for a few minutes. I blush immensely when our lips part. Troy smiles and pats down his messy hair while I pat the crinkles from my dress before returning calmly to the other room with Damon and the children.