|Delilah's POV|
It's been four weeks since the duel has passed. I have been hovering around Lila and Leilani as they helped me navigate around the Pack. Most especially, my heart was starting to malfunction. I can't place what's wrong with that organ, but it seems to always go crazy whenever Thorne is around.
The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. I couldn't even remember Ryan and Violeta leaving. Although, it was not like I cared about them, but a teeny part of me was hoping they would realize that I was the one and decide to ask for forgiveness.
The corner of my lips tugged as I remembered how Linda was so stressed about the mating ceremony that rivaled the most famous billionaire's wedding. The amount of tears shed that day made me realize how much of a crybaby I was.
A gnawing part of me wanted to trust Thorne completely and fall in love with him, but the betrayal that lurked behind me prevented me from making that kind of mistake again.
Thorne was completely different from all that was heard about him. He has been a complete sweetheart, a giant teddy bear, nothing like the Beast that swallow humans that was rumored about.
'What if he realizes your plan? That you are using him and the only thing you might be interested in is using him as your stepping stone to get revenge against your first mate?'
"I know you are awake. We need to talk." Thorne casually said.
Poking my head out of the blanket, I questioned. "How do you know I am awake?"
"Your heartbeat rate increased and it sounds like we need to schedule a check-up with healers." He pointed out.
Rolling the sleeves of his black shirt up "Would you love to go on a date with me tonight?"
'Damn, he is a walking sex god.'
My eyes lingered on the tribal tattoos that peeked from the sleeves of the black shirt. His chiseled jaw was sharp enough as a paper edge. His black hair slicked back making him look like a CEO.
Clearing my throat as I kicked off the blanket and started making the bed "Do you work? I mean, outside the pack you know? Among humans."
"Yes, I do. I own Moon Construction company." He bobbed his head as he glanced as his Patek Phillipe luxury golden band.
'So I married a billionaire. At least, now I am sure that the moon goddess granted me another wish apart from the bad luck.'
Going to my side of the walk in closet, as he attempted to pick up an outfit for me "You are attending your first meeting as the queen. I am sure you do not want to be late." He reminded.
Before long, we were sitting in a room that looked straight out of the house of reprensentative.
"What is she doing here? When she did join the council members." Brittany, the golden bitch sneered.
Grey orbs soured as the atmosphere changed after her words "The next time you talk to my mate like that, Your father would be burying whatever is left of his daughter remains."
The way he stood up for me made the hairs on my back stand on their ends but I won't live under his shadow. I will create a name for myself in his pack and Kingdom.
Narrowing my eyes at her "Bella, the next time you pull this kind of stunt will be the last stunt you will ever pull." I warned.
"Brittany, your Highness." She corrected.
"Your Highness, there seemed to be no more funds for recent project development. What do we do?" Councilman Baltimore cut in, unimpressed by the unfortunate situation his daughter was in.
Scrunching up his face Thorne addressed "What do we do? I hope we all realize that the project is a safehouse that wouldnt be used only for my safety when the need to use it comes up?"
"Because I am the King doesn't mean that I should fund every project. Y'all collect salaries at the end of the month, all of you are millionaires. Volunteer to be a sponsor and stop attempting to leach off my money when you have yours." He snapped.
I winced at how hard his words stung, but they shouldn't rely everything on him also because he is the King. Thorne tugged at his tie as he waited for any of them to oppose his suggestions.
Standing up, the old man named Councilman Aiden spoke up, chastising Councilman Baltimore indirectly "Yes, there isn't actually a rule that is against funding the projects that will enhance the safety of the Pack."
Straightening my posture, I commented, "I may lack experience in politics, but the king doesn't need to be the sole provider. That's why we have sponsors in organizations."
Baltimore's jaw ticked. "You should have chosen a mate who knows politics. Courtesy demands the youths keep quiet when the elders speak."
A menacing laugh escaped me. "Oh, if Brittany were the only female left, your Majesty would be in a black garment with a white collar right now in front of a cathedral worshipping."
"Councilman Baltimore, I may be younger, but I'm still your queen. Address me as one." I looked around, seeing impressed expressions from some council members.
Baltimore slammed the table and stood. "You know what—"
"Your Highness, sorry to interrupt, but a woman demands to see you. She refuses to leave," Ezra cut in, Baltimore's eyes narrowing at the disrespect.
"I'm in a meeting. Can't she wait?" Thorne's annoyance was evident.
"She said it's urgent," Ezra replied.
"Maybe she's pregnant," I joked, glancing at Brittany, whose hatred was palpable.
"You don't think I'm impotent, do you? That could be an option, but it's definitely not, considering I'm not a man-whore." He bit back.
My eyes narrowed as I glanced at Brittany "Hmm, that blonde can confirm that."
"Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes." Thorne dismissed his Gamma with a firm nod.
"Let's continue this discussion when we're calm," he commanded before dismissing everyone.
The walk to the pack border was silent. I had a nagging feeling in my gut that what awaited us wouldn't be pleasant.
Thorne's step faltered. "What is that delicious scent?"
"I can't smell anything, but I guess it's your arrogance," I retorted before clashing eyes with a tall, curvy brunette.
"Mate," she whispered. I froze, looking around for who she meant. Turning to her, I caught her gaze and who she was looking at. My knees wobbled as my head spun at the possibility of what I was thinking.
An earth-shattering growl erupted from Thorne, and my world came crashing down as he whispered the impossibility.