A Gifted Queen

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Memories

Chriss pov

What is this? I feel her where is she? Ray, I can feel you. Talk to me. Startled awake, he looks around his tent She has to be somewhere close I can feel her.

This is so frustrating; she not only takes all my thoughts while Im awake she is in my sleep too. Memories of her playing when we were children. She followed me everywhere, my little shadow. I would tell her to go away and act like she was annoying me, but I thought it was so cute. Especially those puppy dog eyes of hers.

Our past haunts me, I let them ruin it. The memories of how bossy she was, she is two years younger but always told me what to do. Most of the time I let her be the boss, it made her happy. I did anything just to see her smile, she had me wrapped around her little finger.

Our families were close. My brother and I spent every other weekend there, weeks at a time in the summer. She was promised to ME, until I messed up. The sad part is I didnt know I was messing up. Her parents and mine did this and I hate them for it.

She loves me, I love her. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I pulled her out of the river even as young as we were I knew she was mine, she was MY MATE not Micahs. All because I didn't want to be the king. They told me I had a choice, but they didn't tell me they would take her from me if I chose not to be the king.

They took all of her memories of me, erased me from her life. She doesnt even know I existed, how could they hurt me like that, hurt her like that. If they would have told me, I would have become king for her, anything for her. I love her with all my heart. Now they want me to find her, because they lost her! They dont know it but when I find her, she is coming with me. I will kill anyone who gets in my way even if it means killing my little brother.

Max brought me the clothes they found with her blood on them, I smell her scent on it, but it has changed. The reason for the change is because she is pregnant, that is going to stay my little secret. I dont know who or why they are doing this, but they are going to die with my claws ripping them apart.

The blood and the dirt on the clothes have been sent out to be tested. It will prove it isnt this pack. I think they left it here to cover their tracks. It will also tell us more about the pack she is at. Two days is all I need to wait.

Too many people are getting involved, her friend Jenna is even coming to help. She wants to help and be there when she is found. Then Micah brought this kid Fred with us. I don't know what he was thinking. The kid wants to help so, I'm going to talk with him, see what his story is before I make a judgement call.

The sun is coming up, and I cant sleep, too many thoughts are going through my mind. Food could help, Ill get something to eat and go check out the sight where they found the clothes.

Good morning, Max, what are all the guards doing up?

Micah wants to start at 6:00 so it is up and antem.

Talking about Micah, what is the deal about him bringing the kid along?

He met him at the orphanage, they asked him to talk to the kids there. Something about Ray spent time there and the kids missed her.

Where is he, do you know?

Follow me I just got him set up for breakfast, there he is, over there. Ill introduce you to him.

Hey Fred, I want you to meet Chris. He is the best tracker around. He wanted to meet you.

Fred looks up from his plate. Hi. Then he goes back to eating.

Talk to you later I have to get the men ready to get started. Max takes off with his cup of coffee.

Chris sits next to Fred and starts to eat. Fred, is your name, right?

Yeah, Whats it to you? I dont know you, so you leave me alone, Ill leave you alone. He is giving Chris attitude.

Seeing the kids attitude, he decides to play Alpha and let out his authority. Why are you here?

Not like it is any of your concern, I am here for Ray. He can tell the kid is acting tough but is nervous.

I have known Ray my whole life and we are friends. How do you know her? The kid doesnt answer him.

Chris gives him a stern look that scares Fred. He then asks, Why are you here?

She is my friend and has helped me. So, I want to help her. Plus, the other kids need her.

Why are you at the orphanage?

You ask a lot of questions.

I need to know who I am working with, so talk up before I send you back.

Fred stares at Chris for a minute, then sighs, A year and a half ago my parents got killed in a rogue attack. I didnt have any family, so they sent me to the orphanage.

Thats where you met Ray at?

Right, I hate to admit it, but I was in a bad place. I didnt want to live anymore. I really just wanted to hurt people, even myself. Most of the teachers stayed away from me. Not the princess though, she came and spent time with me and no matter what I did. She kept coming back. She wouldnt let me be in a sad place.

So, you want to help her now is that it?

Kind of, but it is more than that. She kept telling me she would give me one of her smiles every day, and that one day one of those smiles would stay forever. She was right, it took time, but I changed for the better. That smile of hers stayed with me. At least until they took her away. I want to hold on to that smile but its hard with her gone. I couldnt just sit there and do nothing.

Those smiles are contagious, she gave me a few of them too. Are you done eating?

Just about.

Would you like to come with me? Im going to check the last place they found any of Rays clothes.

Im done, when are we going. Chris laughs at how fast he got up.

How about let me finish eating and then we will go. The two take off towards the woods.

Where are you two going?

Dont worry, Max, we will be back. Chris has been watching Fred. You watch what goes on around you and pay attention to your surroundings. Thats good.

My dad was teaching me how to track, he said you need to know where youre at, and what was around you to find what you are tracking.

He was right. If you want. I can teach you how to be a tracker like your dad. I am the best tracker in the country. If youre willing to learn I can teach you a lot.

I would like that, it would make me like my father, he was a good man. I always wanted to be like him.

When I am done with you, you might even become the second-best tracker in the country. The grin on Freds face went from one ear to the other.