Royally Rogue

Defiance

Xander

As soon as I hit the ground, I regretted leaving.

Do we really have to go?! My wolf, whined, almost dragging my feet in defiance.

I rolled my eyes, willing myself to step forward but also felt the need to return to my soft, beautiful, kind mate...

"Arabella" I let the name roll off of my tongue, licking my lips as I spoke. I couldn't wait to taste hers.

You're going to scare her away! Alexander butted into my head.

She's my mate, she'd like it. I scowled, clenching my jaw while starting a light jog towards the woods. The only reason I was able to get by was because I watched the guard schedule all night, and waited for an opening.

It changed every day, so I would have to have a couple hours of planning before even thinking about visiting my beloved.

My beloved? I snarled at my weak side, blaming this new part of me.

Everything was ruined now.

I didn't come for her... It just happened. I was pulled towards her out of curiosity. I was supposed to get into the dumb ball and crash it. I had an actual goal, but now...

My wolf has taken over all my instincts.

The urge I once had against the Royals was now fading and turning into an admiration because of this... this... Arabella.

I had no idea what she wanted from me or how to handle the tense situation, but somehow my wolf did. He was romantic, charming, and patient.

And wimpy, emotional, awkward, clumsy, and annoying. Ever since the second I touched Arabella, he was triggered inside of me and hasn't left me in peace.

I had spent 10 years ruling as the King of Rogue Nation, without a mate and therefore without my wolf. 

Things were rough, but I my ass of a father had trained me brutally enough for me to be able to defeat any challengers with my bare hands and a few choice weapons.

I was hoping the moon goddess was going to give me a wolf that was more intelligent, tactical, stronger, agile, and most of, intimidating. But my wolf was a pushover, and I resented that. 

I couldn't afford that, especially as a Rogue King. And the way I acted when I found her... it wasn't like me. I was always able to call the shots and make the hard decisions, but with her, I couldn't think. I couldn't focus. I couldn't take charge.

Not only was she my enemy, but she was now my weakness. And I already had a strong affection for her. But was that me, or my wolf? Couldn't I just... drop her?

Our mate needs us. My wolf growled, getting extremely defensive.

That was another thing... he was protective over her. Very protective.

You don't even know her. I growled back, sneaking off in the shadows. I found it hard to focus on keeping silent while arguing with my wolf. For all I know I could be stomping on leaves. 

After finding a dark patch to hide in, I began to take my clothes off. I had planned on darting to the woods only a couple of feet beyond, and I would have to sprint fast, as there was an opening between the woods and the castle.