THE LAW OF ICE ALDRIC I should push her away completely distance her from me for good . But the very thought makes every fiber of my being roar in protest . Valeria clearly carries secrets and a painful past . She deserves a good werewolf . Someone who can love her unconditionally . Not a Lycan . Not even Quinn , who seems to have taken some interest in her . I wont allow it . Hes not worthy of my little she wolf . No one is . All Lycans carry violence and darkness within them the curse of destroying what we love most . And Valeria will be no exception . Ill end up breaking her into pieces with my own hands . +25 BONUS VALERIA We headed toward the Alphas house , walking through half empty streets . This pack felt gloomy and damp . No one spoke much , and the few who dared glance our way did so with suspicion and fear . I walked beside the King . I should be trailing behind him like a servant , but he had ordered me to stay at his side , as if I were his equal , Once , that might have stirred something in me . Now , it made no difference . I was just a maid . My job wasnt to question his behavior it was to serve and obey . Your Highness , please , come into my humble home . Weve been expecting you . The chestnut haired man who had barged into the inn earlier greeted us with a bow as we reached a modest two- story house at the end of the street . As I suspected , he was the Alpha of this pack . This is my wife , Clara , and my daughter , Adele , he introduced , motioning to the two timid blonde women standing behind him . Your Majesty , you should have stayed in my home . If I had known you were coming- THE LAW OF ICE +25 BONUS Im fine at the inn . Besides , if you truly wanted me in your pack , you would have summoned me properly . Wouldnt you ? Aldrics words sliced through him like a blade . The Alpha barely managed a stammered response . Without waiting for more apologies , Aldric moved past him , heading straight to the dining area for a meal that was now closer to dinner than lunch . I remained standing in the corner of the room , quietly observing . What are you doing ? Aldrics voice suddenly cut through the room , his sharp gaze fixed on me . Im waiting … in case you need me . What I need is for you to sit down and eat , he snapped , voice heavy with irritation . I bit my lip , meeting his piercing eyes , summoning what little courage I had left . Sir , servants dont dine with their masters . Besides , I already ate at the inn while you were Im only going to say this once more , Valeria . The Damn . I hate being lied to . Now do as you His commanding voice rattled the very walls , and the entire family trembled in fear . My body locked up . And my stupid mind screamed , Rebel , rebel , rebel ! like it had finally given up on self preservation . But I wasnt stupid enough to test him . Not today . So , reluctantly , I stepped closer to the table , sitting in the chair he pulled out for me . I subtly shifted my seat further from his , determined not to let our arms brush- And I swore I heard a low , warning growl from his chest . So , Alpha Edward , Aldric began , his voice calm yet icy . re told ! Why was an ancient relic stolen from your pack , and you neither reported it nor requested assistance ? I had to hear about it from a temple monk during the festival . The tension in the room thickened as he spoke . Without a word , he took my untouched plate and began sliding the steak , cutting it into neat pieces before placing it back in front of me . Ill eat it . But if he thinks this impresses me , hes sorely mistaken . Y Your Majesty , I didnt want to trouble you with an issue I thought my warriors could handle . I assumed it was just a few forest bandits And did you retrieve what was stolen ? N No , Your Majesty . I failed . I am an incompetent Alpha the man confessed , lowering his head in submission . THE LAW OF ICE +25 BONUS Perhaps he thought Aldric would soften . But he knew nothing of the Lycan King . Aldric doesnt forgive stupidity . I could already tell youre incompetent . Thats why Ill be staying in your pack for a few days to investigate personally- BANG ! A loud crash interrupted him as a metal tray slipped from the trembling hands of the Alphas wife , clattering loudly onto the floor . Fortunately , it was empty . Y Your Majesty , please forgive me ! It was an accident ! Were all just so distressed … My husband has been searching tirelessly for those criminals , she pleaded , attempting to ease the rising tension . Across from me , the Alphas daughter offered a shy , nervous smile when our gazes met . I returned it out of basic politeness . But no matter how polite the gestures were This was , by far , the most uncomfortable meal of my life . I could barely swallow the steak , and all I wanted was to get out of there . When Aldric finally released me from my punishment at the table , I practically fled to the porch , desperate for fresh air while he continued a private conversation with the Alpha in his study . Are all meals with the King always this … life or death ? A soft female voice whispered near me . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!