The Orphaned Queen (By Brandi Ray) novel Chapter 48

After the impromptu council meeting and my outburst at my friends for hiding things from me, Zion and I stayed back while everyone else went downstairs to join the party. When we’re finally alone, Zion grabs me by my waist, lifts me up, places me on his desk, and stands between my legs. He puts his head into the crook of my neck and inhales my scent.

“You said we were a team. I understand why you didn’t, but you should have told me.” I say as tears threaten to spill from my eyes.

“I’m sorry, my love. I promise it won’t happen again.” He says as his hands caress my cheeks while he kisses my forehead. And I melt into his kiss as the tingles from the mate bond calm and soothe me.

“I love you, Zion,” I say.

“I love you too, my Queen.” He says, then he slowly trails kisses down the side of my face to my neck until reaching my mark, where he gently bites down, making me moan.

“My love, we really should be joining the party. We are the guests of honor, after all.” I say as I place my hand on his chest in protest, feeling his well-defined muscles. While Dosha is huffing at my actions and demanding I let him continue what he’s doing. When Zion pulls away, he looks like I hurt him.

“Is that a rejection, my love?” He asks, looking wounded.

“Not at all. I just think it would be better to wait until there’s no chance of us being interrupted.” I say.

“You’re right, my Queen. But just so you know, once we get to our suite tonight, you’re all mine. Orian, Sam, and James will have to handle everything on their own!” He says with his half-cocked smile that I love so much.

“As you wish, my King!” I say with a giggle as Zion helps me off his desk and straiten out my gown.

As we make our way down the hall and to the closed doors of the banquet hall, my mother, Jess, Orian, and Sam meet up with us. I had completely forgotten that we would be getting announced as we enter the banquet hall.

“Are we ready, my Queen and King?” Orian asks, making me feel like maybe he knew what we almost did in Zions’ office.

“Has everyone entered already?” Zion asks Orian.

“Yes, all guests, and all council members, have entered the banquet hall and are waiting for the Royal family’s arrival.” Orian answers.

“Alright, link Stephanie to bring Odett to us so that she can be properly introduced as the Princess, please,” Zion says. And within a minute, Odett comes running up to us, and Zion bends down and scoops her up in his arms. He then looks at the announcer and nods.

Clearing his throat, the announcer gets everyone’s attention as the room becomes quiet. “Introducing James Bozzeli, Enforcer of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom Army. And his mate Evan Wixx, Sargent of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom Army.” He says as they walk through the door to the middle of the room, and everyone applauds.

“It is nice to meet you, Alpha. I hope your trip here went well. I know it was short notice.” I say as he bows to me.

“It is an honor, your Majesty. It was a nice trip since I don’t get to leave my land as often lately, but I’ve gotten used to the King doing things on short notice.” He says as he and Zion laugh.

“It comes with the job, unfortunately,” Zion says while grabbing two glasses of champagne and handing one to me. I suddenly get the overwhelming feeling of frustration and hatred again, and I look around the room to find three sets of eyes staring at me intently.

Uncomfortable with the feeling coming off of them, I link Zion, Who is having a conversation with Alpha Mathew. He turns to look at the group staring at us, Raising his glass to them with his signature, half-cocked smile. But the look in his eyes said he was ready to rip them apart. “It’s crazy how much that look in his eyes turns me on,” Dosha says, and I agree completely.

“Forgive me, my King, But I noticed Alpha Max and his son were here with their mates as well. Have you heard the rumors of them keeping slaves?” Alpha Mathew asks Zion, who nods.

“My Queen and I have plans to handle the issues of them breaking our laws. We’re simply waiting for the right time to execute our plans.” Zion says, and Alpha Mathew smiles as he nods his understanding of the situation. Zion must be quite close to him if he’s letting him in on our plans for the Alphas, their Lunas, and the pack. “Alpha Mathew is my cousin. His father was my mothers’ youngest brother. We used to spend every summer together until the accident.”

“Yes, those were much more simple times. Unfortunately, we no longer have the time to spend together like we used to.” Alpha Mathew replies, and I nod in understanding. “Well, if you need assistance with those pathetic Alphas, just holler for me.”