Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder Chapter 809

Chapter 20 : Alpha Aeris

We set out on the last part of our journey before the sun had risen over the horizon. Brandt and Archer were chipper, and it was obvious the blanket of tension brought on by walking through a forest full of people-eating witches and whatever the hell else was lurking in its depths had lifted.

Jared and I had stayed out on the cliff for hours, but we’d hardly spoken. I was thankful for the silence, too caught up in my own mind to even think about the Cryptex or the curse Jared had somewhat explained, if not in detail.

I was also reeling from just sitting next to Jared, which was ridiculous. Having a gentle, open conversation with him had been a first. We hadn’t argued, not once, during our time on watch. It’d left me feeling even more confused about my feelings than after our fiery spat in his study.

There was something about him that was pulling me in like a magnet despite my frequent attempts to stay out of his way. I hated it–at least, I was trying to hate it. I was trying to hate him.

But I just… didn’t.

I kept reminding myself that he did, in fact, hold me hostage. He was a cold, calculated man who killed people for a living. And, he was cursed.

Not only that, but I’d just agreed to help him track down the man who’d cursed him in the first place by interpreting a mystical scroll he was getting in return for killing the brother of an Alpha.

Goddess. What was I thinking? The book I was going to write about this, if I survived, was going to be a best seller for sure.

“What exactly are we walking into?” I asked the group as we walked along a long dirt road. Grasses taller than my head grew on either side of the road, making it impossible for me to see where we were going. “Is Aeris a friend to our crew? Or, is he… not so friendly.”

“Oh, he’s a real prick,” Archer chimed in, walking with his usual swagger a few paces in front of me. He looked over his shoulder at me, a boyish smile dimpling his cheeks.

“Everyone is a plaything to him,” Brandt added. “He is one of the most influential Alphas in Egoren and believes he can skirt every rule–”

“He throws a damn good party,” Archer interrupted.

Jared, who was walking ahead of us, turned his head and glared at Archer.

“What do you mean he skirts every rule?” I asked, panting a bit as I fought to keep up with the men and their long strides. It was obvious they wanted to get this journey over and done with.

“He is rather vocal about his disdain for the Alpha King,” Brandt replied. “Some people have taken offense to a White Queen on the throne as his Luna, among other things.”

Lena–my stomach tightened into a painful knot but I kept my face expressionless, I hoped. “What other things?”

Archer began, but Jared abruptly turned on his heel

he began, looking at each of us for the space of a breath. His gaze fell on me and I involuntarily went rigid. “Aeris follows old principles and laws that could put you, Eliza, in danger if we’re not

you mean?” I pressed, tired of the men dancing

you… entertainment,” Archer said with a shrug. “No matter if you’re one of

handle this situation delicately. Aeris is backed by several Alphas who aren’t thrilled with the current political climate and the changes being made in the capital, but so far those changes haven’t reached this far west, so Aeris is still allowed to do as he pleases. You were bought by his brother.

to man, awaiting

say anything about it. You are part of our crew. You are my…

say when he asks exactly what I’m researching? Does he know about your curse?” I crossed my arms over my

and Archer looked at Jared,

but Jared waved him away, his eyes still

this moment forward, you are an expert in antiquities, who was trained under your father and took over his trade when he

it’s not?” I asked, trying to keep

and out. This will only take a few hours at the most,” Jared tried to

probably planning a parade in honor

I’m only going to say this once.” He pointed to Archer, then Brandt, his face twisted in a scowl. “No f*****g fighting,” he

my eyelashes at him. “I’ve

his mouth twitching as he choked back his own laugh. Jared, on the

loved that look and the challenge

look in surrender before turning his

***

the tall grasses an hour later and crested a steep hill. I had to bend over and rest my hands on my knees to

center. Cottages and farms dotted the landscape leading into the walled

gate leading beyond the wall. Archer and Brandt cut off the

Archer and

like this. Not

thought you said

stopped walking and I nearly ran into Archer’s back. I peeked between him and Brandt, noticing Jared standing

who are you?” barked one of

of surrender, taking a single step forward. “Alpha Aeris is expecting

“You’re trespassing on Alpha Aeris’s territory, you filthy forest scum.” Archer grabbed me and pushed me off the road. I stumbled, falling to my knees just as the leader of the warriors reached out