10 Chapter Eight

I see the black wolf behind me as I approach the king and turn on my respectful mode while falling back to let the black wolf lead. I tip my head down at him as I feel the power radiate from him as he passes.

"Why are you almost bowing to me?" He asked while, tipping his head to the side, confused. I looked up at him.

"Well, you're a higher ranking than me and it seems you must be close to the king as your aura is close to his." He nods understanding my reason and I was grateful. We didn't say anything else

He suddenly bows to me and I can't help but let him feel my complete confusion. I couldn't understand why he was showing me respect, when it should be the other way around.

We continue trotting over towards the king and avoid several groups of wolves. "Why are you showing respect to me? I'm a runt." I whisper the ending down the wolf link, feeling ashamed.

"Well little wolf, you outsmarted me in a race, you deserve it, you're really smart and will fit in well with the other wolves helping with the hunt." I tilt my head down in shyness. I was more surprised he used the nickname again. I liked it more than I should.

He lightly presses himself against me, nudging my cheek with his nose. I feel the rumble of his chest as he chuckles. "Don't be embarrassed, you were amazing."

I stand up straight with my head held high as we reach the king. I fully bow to him, down on one knee with one paw held up, while showing my throat. The black wolf simply tilts his head slightly. 'Why is he not showing his king respect?' I ask myself.

I bow for a few more seconds before standing swiftly, waiting for him to speak. At this point his is in human form in his castle outfit.

I see him nod at me, "Ella, Azaizal, nice to see you both." Both me and the black wolf, whose name I learned to be Azaizal, looked at each other in confusion 'How did the king know him' I turned back to the king and nodded.

Azaizal spoke first, "Alessio, how do you know this young wolf?"

"Well Aze, I met Ella before we left," He teased. I was even more confused. They had nicknames too.

"Isn't that right Ella?" He smiled at me. I couldn't help but feel relaxed with him. Although I couldn't help but wonder how he was so calm and happy even with his mate and some female pack members missing. 'Maybe he's putting on a brave face for everyone.' I agreed with my thoughts as that was the only thing I could think of.

"Yes sir" he laughed at me, waving his hand at me. "I told you to call me Alessio." I give a wolfish grin but am still confused as to how Azaizal seems so close to him as well. Alessio interrupts my thoughts.

"Well, go relax you two and glad to know you didn't get lost Aze." Azaizal nods as Alessio begins to walk over to other wolves. As soon as he's gone I instantly ask about my thoughts.

"So, how do you know the Alpha King? Plus how is he so calm and happy with his mate being kidnapped? I thought he'd be distraught and freaking out. I would be." I questioned. He settled under a large covered tree, a little into the forest and beckons me over to him with his head and I sit in front of him with a gap between us, waiting for him to begin.

"Alessio is my uncle and believe me, he is distraught but he doesn't want everyone to panic and see him as weak. When my aunty first went missing with the other female pack members, he refused to leave his room for days. He didn't want anyone to see him as weak so he hid. I only know how distressed he was because I happened to walk into his room one day to see him crying." I couldn't help but feel bad, I let out a little whine but decided to change the topic as I could see he was getting a bit upset.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up, but also since when did the king have a brother?" Azaizal blew a deep breath out through his nose before continuing.

"My father, his brother died when I was young." He sounded devastated and I couldn't help but feel guilty for prying. I let him feel my guilt and sadness for him.

He looks away while I crouch down and crawl towards him. I thought he'd stop me but he didn't so I moved slowly and dipped my head under his and rub my head against his neck. I then rub my cheek against his and give a shy lick on it while nuzzling into him, trying to show that I was sorry. He laid down beside me and I debated following suit, but I stayed sat up.

I decided to go quickly hunt something small for the both of us. It only ended up being a hare each for us but it would fill us. I brought Azaizal's back first then went and got mine. He thanked me and soon after eating we were ready to sleep.

The sky darkens even more and I can hear others beginning to settle. Azaizal was now laid down again and I followed. I felt so at ease with him and watched him as fell asleep. His heart beat steady and soothing. 'Why do I feel like I could watch him forever and be so at ease with him?' I whisper into my mind.

Listening to his heartbeat, I feel my body become more relaxed and my eyes become heavy. I curl into his side, which was very comfy despite all the muscle and let myself sleep. Trusting my ears to keep me safe.

—————————————————————

Hey guys and girls, so that's chapter eight for you. Hope you enjoy.

Of course the main character focus is on Ella in this book although what would people think of a chapter in Azaizal's POV? I've had a think about it and think I could do it, if people wanted me too. Let me know.

Now with Azaizal's nickname, incase anyone has any trouble pronouncing it or doesn't know how to, just imagine saying haze but without the H. Hope that helps.

(I'm only putting that in because I know when I've read books before I've wondered how things have been pronounced)

This book is also available to read on the app Inkitt if anyone has that app.

Enjoy everyone x