the blood of hades

chapter 12: Cairo

I burst through the doors of wherever that stupid sent was coming from, it was calling me but it kept running away. now that I was back at the palace I was going to find out where it was coming from, and when I opened the door Lucas and Ryan sat in a room with a man sitting behind the desk, my eyes locked on the man and everything within me froze. he had dark brown hair that's that messily upon his head but looked good on him, his stormy gray eyes were locked on me, is beautiful full lips parted slightly showing off his fangs, he had a scar along his right cheek, and his jaw was covered in stubble if you could even call it that, it was just enough to not be stubble but not enough to be a beard.

Mate.

I glanced around the room tearing my eyes from him for a second, I had heard the last sentence that came out of Ryan's mouth before I walked in here. and I knew it was directed towards lucas he had asked Lucas why he thought I was always lying? did Lucas really think? and what were they doing discussing it with the King? Ryan wasn't going to hand me over I knew that, and Lucas didn't know what I was

The tension in the room was palpable as I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart pounding in my chest. The scent that had been haunting me, pulling me from one place to another, had finally led me here. My eyes flicked back to the man behind the desk, my mate, and I felt a strange mix of emotions: confusion, fear, excitement.

The man, who could only be the King, rose from his chair, his stormy gray eyes never leaving mine. His presence was commanding, his aura filled the room with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. I could sense the power radiating from him, and it both frightened and intrigued me.

"Who are you?" The King's voice was deep and authoritative, sending shivers down my spine.

Ryan and Lucas exchanged glances before Ryan stepped forward, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "This is Cairo, my beta," he said, his voice steady. "She wasn't supposed to be here, but it seems fate had other plans."

The King's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Ryan, then back at me. "Fate, indeed," he murmured, his gaze intense. "I can sense something... unusual about her."

Lucas, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Your Majesty, I was concerned about Cairo's behavior and suspected she might be hiding something. That's why I brought it up with Ryan."

My heart sank at Lucas's words. I knew he was trying to protect me in his own way, but his suspicion could lead to dangerous consequences. I needed to defuse the situation, and quickly.

"I can explain," I said, stepping forward, though my voice trembled slightly. "There's been a lot of confusion and misunderstandings. I assure you, I have no intention of hiding anything that would harm the pack or your kingdom."

The King studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said finally. "But know this, Cairo: If there is anything you are keeping from us, it would be wise to come forward now. Secrets have a way of unraveling in the most inconvenient of times."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Ryan placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Cairo is loyal and trustworthy. She would never do anything to jeopardize the safety of the pack or our alliance."

The King's gaze softened slightly, though the intensity in his eyes remained. "We shall see," he said, then gestured towards the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, sit. Let's discuss what needs to be done to ensure our victory in the battles to come."

As we took our seats, I couldn't help but steal another glance at the King, my mate. His presence was overwhelming, and I knew that whatever lay ahead, our fates were now intertwined.