09

"She survived the bite somehow..." The queen mused. The king nods, "Something about her will power is riveting, she's a fighter."

"Damn right she is. I had to sleep on the floor of my own room. I hate her denial! She's my mate god dammit!!!" River growled out clenching his fists. The king let out a hearty laugh before sighing, "Realize this my son.... you risked her life...your mate would've died because of you if it wasn't for her strength.... now you must understand the immense responsibility for your actions. You will have to marry her, since she's a dire wolf now. You will inherit the throne, her ruling by your side and producing strong pups that will continue our species existence."

River nods, "I understand father. She won't be too happy about having to marry me..."

Suddenly the room doors opened as Dove stumbled inside, slight embarrassment washed over her. 'I was totally not snooping around and listening into your guys' situation...' She thought aloud in her head a smile forming on her lips.

'There's consequences for eavesdropping on someone's conversation.' A husky growl sounded in her mind.

She jumped startled, 'What're you doing in my head?! Get out its rude to intrude on another's private thoughts too you know! You've invaded my mind! Get out now!' She hissed to River through their mind link.

"Ah, dove you're just the person we wanted to talk to." The Kings voice boomed throughout the room.

"Me?" She gulped casting a glance at River cha looked at the king and queen with confusion.

"No way! I refuse to marry that bastard!!!" She hissed out with rage. Her fiery gaze burned holes through River who growled loudly anger also burning up in his gaze.

Tension swirled in the air as the king roared out snapping his son and Dove out of their fighting. "You both will be getting married. The race of extinct dire wolves depend on it! You will bare my sons' pups; therefore, my son will respect you, his mate as well. Both of you will complete the mating bond. No further discussions! You both may leave now!"

Dove still angry huffed glaring at her mate before leaving. He glanced at his father who nodded before he then chased after his mate.

Dove ran to the only place in the palace that allowed her to think, the garden solarium. Anger boiled up in her as tears streamed out of her eyes. She hadn't asked for any of this!

Clenching her fists, she sank down onto the wooden bench in the center of the garden and sobbed. She hated everything especially the way she felt around him. Now she was supposed to be married to a murderer. A possessive control freak?! And have his pups. She wished she could go back to her old life before all of this happened, but part of her doesn't because then she wouldn't have met River Fontainè. Her family...all she wanted right now was her family.

"Dove..." His deep powerful voice said her name loudly. She could sense he was near since her body rippled with jolts of anticipation and a wave of excitement and uneasiness washed over her. Something about him just being close to her made her body hum with happiness but also fright.

He made her feel protected, safe...but also made her feel scared and angry. She hated how butterflies erupted in her stomach every time she saw him. Or the way he growled and spoke turned her on. His eyes captivating with blue eyes so blue the ocean couldn't be compared to them.

His lips firm but also soft, they were teasing at times, but most times his charming smile that was rarely seen caused all women to fall to their knees and melt instantly like butter would in the hot sun. His body defined as male perfection, he was pure alpha alright. The guy had so much testosterone that any women, young or old, went into a frenzy.

She hissed, "Go away. Please just leave me alone River..." The pain in her voice caused him to frown. Soon there was just silence as River stands in front of her distancing himself. Which she was thankful for, but she could still feel his warmth rolling off of him and onto her.

"I was there..." He spoke calmly his eyes mixed with emotions before his eyes were back to its blank orbs. She glanced up at him, he could see the tears rolling down her cheeks, his wolf whimpering at the sight of his mate in such emotional distress. Her beautiful, rare, silver grey eyes bore into his, wanting answers.

"What?" She managed to whisper through her dry throat.

"I was there the day they took you away from your family."