The Southern Queen,

Chapter 24

CLEO'S POV

Yesterday had passed quickly and today we where arranging things again to travel. I once again load my body with arrows that Alexander get for me. I'am heading now to Diva's quarters to ensure that every thing is settled before I leave her and her family. Oliver and Jason together with her mate and Aliyah are all behind me.

As we reach Diva's quarters I saw her waiting for me in front of her door.  

"Your highness."

She said as she curtsy in front of me and Oliver.

"What are you doing outside?"

I asked her. 

"I was thinking to come with you your highness."

She said directly to me. 

"And why is that?"

"I wanted to help and besides it will be difficult for my mate to track me down if I was moving and changing my location all the time."

She explained. She has a point but I don't want to travel with so many members. I will just attract more attention.

"How about your family? your mate can come after them."

She smiled at me. A smile that is full of trust and sincerity. 

"They are here in the palace and I trust the guards to keep them safe."

I let out a deep breath as I look at Oliver and the others. Oliver clearly express in his face that he disagree with this. Jason and Sara are looking at each other with longing and sadness. I know that there's no way in hell that Jason will agree with the idea of Sara coming with us. He knows it's dangerous. 

"Beta Jason."

I address him with his title that means that this is not a friendly matter.

"Your highness."

He answered telling me that I got his full attention.

"I think it would be safer for you to stay here in the palace with your mate."

 Shock registered to the faces around me. Oliver looks like he wanted to speak but I speak again for him to understand my motives.

" You just found your mate, You will just worry all the time about her safety and she will do that as well. she can't join us in our quest because it is so dangerous for someone like her so I think that the best solution is for you to stay here. Omega Alexander will accompany us this time together with Albert, Diva and Aliyah."

Sara's face was field with relief and happiness.

"Thank you your highness."

Sara said quickly. Beta Jason wanted to argue but Sara press her palm against his to silent him as they walk away from us. On the other side I saw Diva smiled.

"Cleo can we talk for a minute."

Oliver said. I just noodled at him. We just walk in the corner  a little far from the group.

"What where you thinking?"

He said with seriousness in his voice. I know that he is angry but he is refraining his self from shouting to me. I touch his chest and slowly. He calm.

"He just found his mate. You, could you afford to travel without me? Could you endure that?"

I asked looking at his eyes. I'am using the mate bond in my advantage. I'm sorry for this but I need to do this. I have this feeling that Diva is needed in this quest and there is something that will happen in this palace that needs Beta Jason attention.

"Why let Diva join? She can't defend herself."

He said and slowly his annoyance is returning.

"I can defend her and my self."

He scratch his hair like he wanted to contradict me but he can't do it.

"Please."

I said in the pleading tone while looking at his eyes. He looks at me and then he let out a deep breath and before I can even phantom what was happening he grip my face into his hands and then he slam his lips to mine. Heat and pleasure curse to me and I can't help but close my eyes. Our kiss ended when both of us needs air.

He hug me and then he whispered in my ears.

"When we were done with this quest. Our union can never be delayed again."

He said with so much seriousness. I smiled against his hug.

"Of course, There won't be any delay."

He kissed me in my forehead and then he released me. We walk back to the group and there I saw Alexander with his bag.

"I thought you would take long to pack your thing."

I said to him. He gave me a toothy grin before he answers.

"Your a heaven sent Cleo, I'd been dying to travel and this bag has been laying inside my closet for like 6 years."

Oliver rolled his eyes to Alexander. Alex, always asked his permission to leave the territory but he always refuse. It's not because he didn't want Alex to leave but because Alex always chose the wrong timing. 

"Is every one ready to leave?"

Oliver asked and all confirm that they were ready to leave. This time a horse is prepared for me. I frown at the sight of horse. I look at Oliver with accusing eyes.

"You don't want to carry me anymore?"

He smiled at me while his arms wrap around my waist.

"It's not like that Cleo, It's for safety purposes."

I just rolled my eyes to him. Safety purposes my ass. I wanted to get angry with him but when I come near the horse I fell in love with it immediately. The horse's body is also full with little arrows. If you didn't look closely you will think of them as a simple decoration. I smile instantly with that. I rub the horse head.

"Your so lovely, I'll name you Olive."

Oliver frown beside me. I struggle to control my laughter with his reaction but I can't help when small giggle escape my mouth. I stared at Oliver and the frown never living his face.

"what? It suits her."

I explained. Although I didn't really intend to name it almost after him but he's just so cute when he's annoyed. That moment I planned to tease him more for the rest of our lives. Alexander, Diva, Aliyah and Oliver shifted to their wolf form and there we start our quest.

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