The Southern Queen,

Chapter 32

CLEO'S POV

The whole night had passed without a news to Alpha Michael. Aliyah remain silent in the corner. I gave her food but she refuse to eat, she said she'd be better if she just sleep. But I saw her just lying and looking at the sky in deep thoughts. I was also heart broken for her. I never thought Alpha Michael will choose his big ego over his mate. Just because Oliver and him is never in good terms it doesn't mean he always need to announce war in every chance he gets. I let out a deep breath. Oliver hug me from the back.

"Stop worrying, She can fight her own battle Cleo."

 Oliver said kissing the back of my neck. I close my eyes. My head aches because of continuously thinking of our scenario right now.

"How's Jason?"

I asked loud enough for only him to hear. 

"They are in they're position."

I just noodled as I face him and hug him tightly. I feel like Oliver and I never really get to have a time of our own. After all of this, I wanted to have at least 2 weeks vacation with him. Only him. Only us, no pack, or anything to worry about. Oliver lead me to our tent. 

"You should get some rest."

I just noodled again. I didn't expect to be too tired but when  my body hit the bed I was quickly out with Oliver holding me close to his body, I wish for this comfortable feeling to never go away. 

I woke up in the morning with hushed voice talking or more like arguing about something else. I sit on the bed and I fix my hair before I leave out of the tent. I saw Oliver and Alexander talking. I walk towards them.

"What's the matter?"

I asked to the both of them. They exchange looks and then Oliver let out a deep breath. 

"Alpha Michael is going in here in secret. He said he wanted to discuss something."

Oliver said.

"What's the matter? You gave him two days to change his decision. Who knows maybe he changed his mind."

Oliver and Alexander look at me. They know I have a point but they also know that there's more to it than just that because we are talking about Alpha Michael and not just some Alpha.

"We don't have more option. Aliyah will be coming with us inside when he arrives. She might help us with this one."

Both of them noodled to me. I walk to the tents and search for Aliyah. I saw her still lying in the same position I left him last night. She didn't even move an inch. 

"Aliyah."

She look at me and slowly she sit. She didn't speak another word. Suddenly she looks older than before. She look stressed and probably tired. Being away from her mate has taken a toll on her body.

"He's coming today. did you want to go with us?"

The merely mention of her mate got her attention to me. She was silent at first, contemplating and thinking what she will do. She look so confuse.

"I want you to come."

Her eyes quickly snap at me. As if she can't believe what I just said.

"Who know what he wants. Maybe he change his mind? It would be best if you where there."

I said in the most soothing voice I can. I can't see her like this. She has become my friend. She the first female wolf I actually befriended since I lost my wolf. She's also the reason why I found my way back in Oliver's arms. I wanted her to find her own happy ending even if it's not in Alpha Michael arms. 

"I'll join."

She said in a tone that is breaking my heart. There was so much fear in her tone but I don't wanted her to give up on her mate. Not until she heard the words of rejection his mouth. I gave her a smile and then I walk back to Oliver. Time has passed and then there, All of us froze when we heard movements in the forest. I tuck, Aliyah behind my back and Oliver tuck me in his. Soon Alpha Michael emerge from the woods. He quickly look around us and when his eyes landed on my back I knew he was seeking for his mate.

"Michael."

Oliver said demanding for attention. Alpha Michael look at him.

"Your highness."

He said. The mocking tone he used before was not present in his tone right now. This make's me uneasy. He looks so torn, just like Aliyah.

"Let's talk somewhere more private."

Oliver said, leading him to the tent. We follow afterwards. We seat in the chairs. In the right side of the table Oliver sit, on the sit next to him is me then Aliyah, on his right side sit Alexander and Albert. On the left side Alpha Michael and his men's sat down. When we were all settled Alpha Michael quickly start.

"I don't want to make it longer. I will call off the war only if, Aliyah well get to be home with me."

He said looking at Aliyah. I also look at Aliyah and I saw no emotion in her face. 

"Is that fine with you Aliyah?"

Oliver asked. Aliyah bow to him.

"Yes, Your highness."

I look at Alpha Michael and I saw a hint of smile in his eyes. He's happy, but that happiness is short live. He turned serious once again.

"But this doesn't mean we won't be going to war."

We all look at him.

"What do you mean?"

My mate asked. Alpha Michael let out a deep breath.

"Jasper, The alpha of the rogues make it clear to me that he will not attack my pack as long as I will not surrender to you the gem that Lady Cleo needs. However, If I gave it to you willingly they will attack my pack and they will make sure you don't get a touch with your gem, My lady."

Alpha Micheal said looking me straight in the eyes. Yeah, How could I forgot that Jasper is still alive and still conducting plans to get me back. Oliver hold my hand. I saw him gritting his teeth. He's angry.

"What made you change your mind?"

Oliver asked. Alpha Michael look at Aliyah. No, more like stare at her. This time Aliyah look at his straight in his eyes.

"I have been searching for my mate your highness, Now that I found her, I think it would be better to join a war with her by my side than her in my opposite side. I will be fighting a war no matter what so why not choose the side where you can fight and gain at the same time."

Oliver didn't response.

" Call the other packs, We will be needing every warrior we could have. Jasper has a witch by his side, It would be better if we take all the necessary precautions in this war."

I said before standing up. All the people in the tent look at me.

"Gentlemen's I believe it's about time to move and plan every thing. Aliyah, you can have a time with your mate for a while. Guys let's go."

No one bother to react instead they all move to get their ass out of the tent before I was able to walk I feel Alpha Michael's hands in my shoulder. He earn a loud growl to Oliver because of that. 

"Thank you,My lady."

He said giving me a slight bow. Oliver get his hands off me and he hug me quickly before leading me out of the tent. I look at him with a smile in my face. He look at me with annoyed face and there was it again, His pouting lips when his annoyed.

"What?"

He asked annoyed with me.

"So, possessive, My king?"

"I don't share Cleo."

He said. I smiled at him and look straight to the way we where walking.

"So am I, Oliver."

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