Sould As The Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 36: Everything in This Room is Mine

Troy

“I thought you never wanted to talk to me again, ever,” I said as I closed the door to my room behind me, leaning against it.

Maeve had followed me all the way back after calling up to me in the crow’s nest. Reluctantly, I’d come down to see what she wanted.

It was a relief to be here, on the Persephone, standing in my room. It would have been even better if the woman on my bed was willing, maybe even naked, not giving me the look Maeve had in her eyes.

“I changed my mind, for now.”

“I see,” I said as I crossed the room, pulling the chair from the desk and sitting in it backward, my legs on either side of it, and my chin resting on its back. “I’m sleeping in here tonight, just so you know.”

“No, you’re not.” Maeve said with conviction, jutting her chin.

“Well, it’s my room. Always has been. You can sleep here, with me, or go bunk with the boys three stories down.”

She glared, crossing her legs. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing one of Young Pete’s poet shirts. It was way too large, but the look suited her somehow, especially in a pair of Young Pete’s trousers that fit very well.

I cleared my throat, waiting for her to begin. I knew that it was supposed to be a serious conversation, but I was in a light mood. I was happy to be home.

And even though she hated me, I was happy Maeve was here with me, too.

“Why does Damian want me?” she asked point-blank.

I shook my head, unsure of how or where to begin. I reached into the pocket of my shirt and pulled out the map Romero had given me, the only thing I had managed to bring with me from the castle, and held it out to her.

“Toss it to me,” she said.

“It’s fragile, come get it.”

Her eyes narrowed into silts as she stood, walking gingerly toward me. I could’ve given it to her, of course, but I enjoyed the view of her body in the tight pants she was wearing too much to let the opportunity pass me by.

We had all given Pete shit for it, of course. He was a gangly young man, and Maeve filled out those trousers better than he ever would

“What is it?” she asked, looking down at the ragged, coarse paper as she sat back down.

“It’s what Damian was after. You were only a piece of the puzzle.”

“What do I have to do with. I don’t know what this says?”

“It’s in another language… an ancient language. It’s a map to Lycaon’s Tomb.”

“Lycaon? From the legend?”

I nodded, watching her face as she looked over the map, her brow arched as she tried to make sense of it.

Moon Goddess’s son, right?” she

“Yeah, that’s the guy.”

that is a fairy tale? A

map… it’s authentic. At least, it looks to be. Whoever made it, well, they

said this is what Damian is after. Wouldn’t

at least. paused, unsure of how

she was shocked, her mouth

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Everything in

“was one of Damian’s spies.” And then I told her everything, how Ernest and Gemma came with me to see him. How Romero died right in front of

Valoria to find the map. I was sent to get Romero out of the tower. That’s what I was told. It was simple; I’d free him and be on my way, getting him safely back to the isles, and we would receive a huge sum of money for it. But I was deceived, Maeve, tricked into believing that was all. I agreed because well, Damian knew my parents. At least he said he did. He said Romero was

told me. She

you the whole story, huh? Yeah, I knew

him I wouldn’t tell you

him you told me;

little sick at the

the key, Maeve. Do you have any idea what he

shook her head, her brow knitted in

desire for Maeve to produce an heir for my line that he would raise and use for its powers. He

her voice

asked, hoping she could see the

would put us at

most of all. It’s unlikely Damian will try anything; he won’t invade Winter Forest. Your mother is

worried about my mom,

**Your dad?”

and find me. I’m worried about what will happen when he gets there. He won’t stop looking for me, and he’ll put himself in danger doing so. He’s still strong and clever, but he’s not the

her beginning to crumble. She didn’t move away when I sat down next to her, taking the map

I trust you after everything that has happened,

out of Damian’s hands. The Persephone sticks out; it’s known in the port cities. We have to get far away

start a war over this,

There’s nothing we can

silence for a moment, shoulder to

lock Gemma in the

there with

sure she was,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion as she laughed and cried at the same

and Keaton are mates?” I asked, looking over at

up yet, though. She doesn’t know. That’s all she ever talked about.

are the odds, huh? That they’d find

she said, sadness cracking in her voice. She looked down

Ernest was my friend, Maeve. I really liked the guy. He trusted me like I’ m asking

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Everything in This Room

“I need time, Troy.”