Royal Rogue [Book 2: Royal Series]

Chapter 4

I gasp, my eyes flying open and I sit upright in bed. Cameron's not too far behind and he sits up besides me without a sound. Everything The Moon Goddess said runs through my head. Each word, each line. It stops on one;

The Royal Rogue.

Fear trickles into my mind, creating haunting and horrific images. I try to clear my mind, to get rid of the images, but nothing would work. All I saw was death, blood and pain. They flash through my head. I saw my little man, Ian, being torn apart. I gasp and feel tears dampen my cheeks. In the back of my mind, I knew that none of this was real, that it's all fake. That didn't stop the images though. I saw Cameron next. A gigantic wolf snapped my mates neck in two, splattering blood everywhere. I was scared. I knew I shouldn't be, but I was. Fear gripped me like a leach, pulling my emotions to the front. I gasp yet again. It was like my throat was closing. I couldn't get any oxygen in.

I was drowning, just without the water.

I was scared for everyone I cared for. I was scared for everyone I love. I was scared for everyone. I knew this Royal Rogue was coming for us. Why else would the Great Goddess warn us?

My eyes focus on the frantic face of my mate once I hear his also frantic voice. He clutches my face in both of his hands and gently caresses my cheek with his thumb. "Princess? Princess are you alright?" He asks, his voice deeper than usual, letting me know his wolf was on edge. I take a deep breath, finally being able to breathe with my mate in sight. I bring my hands onto his and close my eyes. "I'm fine." I whisper. Cameron takes his hands off my face, but instead takes my hands into one of his own while the other still caresses my face. "Princess, look at me." He says firmly. I open my eyes, staring into his glowing ones. "You are not fine, princess. Don't lie to me." He says, his eyes never leaving mine. I sigh and rest my forehead onto his, closing my eyes and letting myself just enjoy my mates presence.

"But I will be."

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I watch as everyone moves around, gathering all the things they want to eat onto their plate. It was all normal. They were smiling, laughing and just having fun. They were enjoying each other's company because they could. They were there with them. My mind was like a dark cave as The Moon Goddess's words still echo in my head, never leaving. I was no doubt still shaken up about it, but with the help of my mate and family, I'm okay. I don't even consider my friends as friends, I consider them as family because they are. They help me without even knowing it. They are themselves and that's all I could ever ask for.

Cameron and I had decided to tell our group of family about The Royal Rogue after breakfast. I jolted out of my thoughts when I feel a hand on my knee. Judging by my wolfs purr, I knew it was my mate. I look up at him and he gives me a worried look.

Stop thinking. He say through the mate bond, no doubt knowing where my thoughts were. Also thanks to the mate bond.

It's hard not to.

I know princess, I know. I'm here for you.

I smile up at him. And I know you are here for me and that you always will be.

Always.

With that, we turn back to our food with a smile and I stack my plate high. My love for food will never fail to grow. I dug into my food when I hear fast and frantic footsteps coming our way. Joseph, the Shadow Moon's Packs Beta, runs into the dining room, his breathing laboured, looking troubled. That is a surprise since it takes a lot to make a werewolf out of breath.