Rise of the Warrior Queen (Kaia and Silver) novel Chapter 50

CHAPTER FIFTY

THIRD POV

Rain poured heavily outside, hitting the roof and windows of Alpha Gareth’s room like a drum. It felt like each drop was counting down time, reminding him of how fast time was ticking.

Inside, the room was dark. Only a little bit of light slipped through the blinds whenever lightning flashed. Everything was quiet except for the constant sound of rain beating down.

Alpha Gareth sat on the edge of the bed without a shirt on, rubbing his temples. He had just come back from another long, tiring meeting with his council, once again dealing with some of the obstacles in the way of his quest to become the Alpha King.

His father in–law had also informed him of the new development, and how they would need to speed things up to get what they want.

Behind him, Laura stood at the window wearing a dark red silk robe. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest. She stood tall with her chin slightly up. Her eyes didn’t just reflect the storm–they reflected how angry and betrayed she felt.

Gareth looked back at her, his face showing how tired and exhausted he was. “Laura, come to bed,” he said softly, patting the spot beside him. “You’ve been standing there for a long time.”

Laura didn’t move.

“Laura, come on, join me. Come here.” he called again, but still, she refused to move.

Alpha Gareth frowned and got up, walking toward her slowly, reaching out to touch her arm. “Laura, what is

the matter? Why aren’t-”

She pulled away quickly, like his touch hurt her. “Don’t,” she whispered, her voice tight and cold. “Don’t. Touch

me.”

Gareth’s face fell. “What’s wrong now? What is this about?”

Laura turned to him sharply. Her voice was no longer calm. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. You do know

what’s wrong, Gareth–and the fact that you insist on pretending otherwise, that’s what makes this even more

annoying!”

Gareth sighed, already knowing where this was going. “Laura, if this is about Kaia again-”

She let out a bitter, angry laugh. “Of course it’s about her! What do you think?! It’s always about her, isn’t it?

One way or another, she finds a way to wiggle her way into our relationship somehow, and the worst part is

that you always let it happen!”

Gareth took another step closer, his expression growing more serious. “Laura, I told you, I’m dealing with it-

“No, Gareth,” she cut him off. “You said you would. You promised me you’d put her in her place. That you’d

show her–and this whole pack that she doesn’t own you, and that she never did. That she mear hing. But you’ve done nothing! Every day she walks around with that smug face like she runs the pack, looking down on me like I’m trash–and you just stand there. Like a coward and watch it happen! What do you take me for, Gareth? A fool?! Do I look stupid to you?!”

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Gareth’s jaw tightened, “I am not a coward, Laura For the last time, stop calling me that

“Oh, no? Then what are you, Gareth?” she asked, stepping close to him now. Her voice was louder, full of anger. “Because right now, all I see is a man who’s too scared to face the woman he claims not to want anything to do with. She mocks me in public, she embarrasses me in front of the pack, and you just let it happen. Then you come in here like nothing’s wrong, expecting me to lie in bed with you like some loyal, perfect little mate. Like I don’t see the way you still pause every time someone says her name. Like I’m blind

enough not to see the way you look at her!”

Gareth stepped back, his eyes narrowing. “That’s not fair, Laura-”

“No,” she said, her voice shaking with rage, “what’s not fair is how you let her walk all over me while I wear the title of your mate and Luna. What’s not fair is you making big promises about payback and respect, and giving me nothing but silence. You said she’d pay. You said she’d learn her place. So where is it, Gareth?

Where’s the punishment? Where’s the fire you said you had? What, you think sending her new boy toy into the

woods to get lost with a fake map and a broken compass is supposed to make everything okay, Gareth?! Is that your wonderful idea of a punishment for someone who keeps disrespecting you?! And me, your mate?!”

Gareth’s jaw tightened in frustration, but he didn’t say anything.

The storm outside got louder. The wind howled, and the windows rattled. Lightning lit up the room again, and

for a moment, her cold, serious expression was all he could see.

Laura’s voice dropped low and icy. “You know what? How about this, Gareth. I think I’ve been patient with you long enough. I keep taking it easy with you, trying to understand you, giving you time to do the right thing-

and what did I get? Nothing. So how about we do this instead. Starting tonight, don’t even think about coming close to me, Gareth. Stay on your side of the bed while I stay on mine. You want to touch me? You

want to be with me? You want your rights back as a mate?” She stepped closer, her voice full of anger. “Then

earn me. Prove you’re still worth my time. Prove you’re still the Alpha you say you are, Gareth. Because I will

not lay down for a man who lays down for that thing!”

Gareth’s chest rose and fell heavily, his jaw clenched in anger. “What is that supposed to mean, Laura? What

are you saying? You’re denying me… over this? I’m your mate, Laura! I have rights to you!”

Laura walked past him without even turning her head. Her robe flowed behind her as she went. “No, Gareth. Not anymore. Not without fulfilling your duties first as the man you claim to be,” she said, her voice cold and angry. “I’m saying no until you remember who you are. Until you remind her who you are. Don’t touch me again until then. And if you want to be with a woman so badly, how about this, Gareth? Go find Kaia. I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to let you into her bed–the cheap, desperate w***e!”

She got into bed, turned her back to him, and pulled the blanket over herself without saying another word.

Gareth stood frozen in place. Anger built up inside him like fire. Thunder roared above the house, shaking the

walls. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock, the heavy rain outside, and the words Laura had just

said echoing in his mind.

His fists clenched at his sides.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe he really had failed in his duties as a man, just like she said.

Gareth cursed under his breath, his fingers coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration.

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CHAPTER FIFTY

This was Kaia’s fault. Somehow that woman always found ways to mess things up for him–and shed managed to cause yet another fight between him and Laura.

How does she always manage to do that? Even without saying or doing anything, she was still causing him

trouble.

And soon, Kaia was going to feel every bit of the anger and rage he had been holding back for far too long

Perhaps it was time he really gave her family a little shake.

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