The Alpha Rogue

Chapter Fifteen

It's always hard seeing someone go through similar trauma as I have. Being able to have a deeper understanding of what they're going through was both a blessing and a curse. It helped me immensely when trying to help them and gave them a reason to feel more open with me; however, sometimes it felt like I was reliving what I experienced, which could get rather overwhelming. It was even worse when the person was someone I knew. Someone I liked. Someone who I felt the urge to protect.

Someone I failed.

I did my best not to linger on those feelings though. Of course, eventually, I'd have to address them—as much as I didn't want to. However, my priorities were Aurora and Olivia at the moment. In the following days, Aurora was quiet and clingy. It sucked seeing the aftermath of what happened to her. Of course, I wanted her to heal as fast immediately, but I knew that wasn't possible. Some people were able to make great progress within a couple of weeks, while others took years. But getting back to normal within 24 hours was realistic.

Surprisingly, Olivia didn't question why Aurora was around more nor why she wasn't her cherry self when they played. She was a smart and understanding kid. Growing up in a pack like ours most likely helped her understanding. I wouldn't be surprised if she had some idea of what happened, even if it wasn't a full understanding given her age.

Currently, my sweet little squirt was at school and Aurora and I were in her father's office. He wanted to talk about what happened a few days ago, but we were a bit early since we had no other plans. I hummed softly as Aurora watched out the window, gently playing with my hands. We stayed like this for a while until the door softly opened and my mate's head popped in. Aurora sighed, squeezing my hand before leaning down on my shoulder. Comfortingly, I squeezed her hand back, paying no mind to my mate. As much as I hoped he wouldn't be here, it'd be foolish of me to think he wouldn't—or shouldn't—be here. The only reason I was allowed to be here was because I was there that night.

The silence was rather uncomfortable, though thankfully didn't last too long as the King and Queen entered the room. It felt as though I was interrupting a family meeting. Silently, I watched them interact and recount the events, waiting until I was asked to speak. If it weren't for Aurora, who squeezed my hand whenever she needed comfort, I would've probably felt the urge to run out of the room by now. Nothing makes you feel more like a simple rogue than a private meeting with the royal family. Despite this, it was interesting to see how they interacted alone—or basically alone. Their love and comfort with one another shined through their informal conversation and actions. For a short while, it made me wonder about my parents. It was always hard to think about since I had no clue who they were. Alpha Black told me they gave me to him as they hated me. But that man would say anything to hurt me whether it was the truth or not.

My thoughts didn't have long to run ramped because the King wanted to know what I saw that night. I recounted everything from the minute she found her mate to the end of the night when I stayed with her. The King looked at me with his face scrunched, It wasn't a look of anger, however, surprising me. He seemed deep in thought and slightly doubtful, though I wasn't sure about what. The three of us had nearly identical stories, so he couldn't be doubting that. So what was it?

"I think with everything you have said, I can create an accurate report and a well-fitting punishment. Aurora, you don't have to do this now but please talk with your mother about this sometime. She has some resources that could help you," The King said with a kind smile. "With that settled, please return to whatever you kids do in your free time. I need to speak with Alexa alone."

Aurora sucked in a deep breath as she tensely grabbed my hand. Her heart sped up slightly, making me look at her with a frown. I wasn't sure who was more nervous about my private meeting with the King—me or her. We haven't separated from each other since that night basically other than to bathe and use the loo. Admittedly, leaving her out of my sight was a little nerve-wracking for me. Probably more so for her as well. I assumed this was why she was afraid, though maybe it was something to do with what her father could possibly want from me. Maybe she had some idea? I certainly didn't.