Sould As The Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: The Seer

Maeve

Rowan and I walked in silence along the trail that led from the house to the old village. Small log cabins were scattered through the woods, their chimneys puffing smoke that hung in the air, mingling with the falling snow.

If Dad had known I was going out for a walk with Rowan, he would’ve stopped me, making me lay down and continue to listen to everyone arguing over my condition. But I felt better in the fresh air, our slow, easy walk alleviating my stress.

“I remember feeling stuck for a long time,” Rowan said as we crunched through the stone, his voice a low whisper. “Funny how you fall into a routine for so long that time feels endless, do you know what I mean? And then one thing changes and everything is upended.”

I considered his words, breathing deeply. The air was rich with chilled moisture, and I let it course through my veins and fill. my lungs, calming me. “Time moves fast in chaos,” I said, finishing what he was meaning to say.

“I’m sorry I haven’t spoken to you much since you got home.”

“Well, I understand why after meeting that crazy old woman from Lycenna. What was her name again?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t really care. Look, Maeve-” He turned to me, taking me by the shoulders. “I knew you were going to be okay this whole time. I knew you were fine when the letters

stopped coming. I knew…I knew you could handle whatever situation you faced after what happened in Mirage.

“I did my best to stop Mom and Dad from acting on impulse and starting a war with Poldesse over your disappearance. But we’re in deep now. I can’t make heads or tails.of what we need to do. It sounds like an absolute shitstorm is coming our way, and I need you on my side.”

“Of-of course, Rowan. What the hell else would I be doing?”

Rowan pursed his lips, squeezing my shoulders. “I like Troy. I really do.”

“I like him too,” I laughed, missing Troy immensely. The only time we seemed to have with each other was late at night, sleeping in the same way we used to sleep on the Persephone before I forgave him, when he’d sleep on the floor while I slept in the bed, our fingers knitted together.

Now we slept that way because we couldn’t fit comfortably in the same small bed with my stomach in the way, but it still felt intimate.

“I think you’ll like Hanna. But she’s different, okay? Quiet. She doesn’t tend to speak unless spoken to. I don’t want you to be… mean. Got it? Can you just cool it, for a few minutes, and let her help you?”

“I’m not mean!” | swatted him, and he let go of my shoulders, arching his brow.

“Just let me lead, alright?”

“Sure,” I huffed, falling back in step as we continued through

the woods. The only light was that of lanterns hung on the porches we passed, and every once in a while, a wolf darted past us in the distance.

I wondered if Rowan had taken Troy out in their wolf forms yet to explore. It was something I had always wanted to do when I came into my powers. And now I likely would never have the chance.

“Things are complicated between Hanna and me. She’s struggling.”

“With what?”

“What all of this means for her, for us. Imagine someone telling you you’re going to be the mother of the second coming of the Moon Goddess. That would freak anyone out.”

“I can’t believe that woman actually said that to her. I was shocked, and people have been telling me crazy things for months now. We’re in a living, breathing fairytale, Rowan.”

“Better buckle up, huh? What a ficking ride.”

| smiled, tucking my chilled fingers in my pockets. I could tell Rowan wanted to say more, but he was struggling to form the words. Rowan thought before he spoke, something I had yet to fully master. He was going to make a great Alpha one day.

Before long, we reached a cabin nestled against a rocky bluff on the outskirts of the old village. Rowan helped me up the steps, which were slick with ice. “There’s ice-melt in the garage”

“You think I’m going to drag a bag of ice-melt all the way

over here?” he laughed, shaking his head as he knocked lightly on the door before turning the knob. “I’ll chip the ice away when it stops snowing.”

then

was standing in the kitchen in front of the stove, her hands tucked into floral print oven mitts. She was pouring a cup of tea, and seemed surprised to see us. Me,

around at the cabin, which was furnished comfortably but sparsely decorated. It was a small space, an open kitchen and living room with two bedrooms in

more modern.

There was an odd catch

noticed a large suitcase in the living room, its lid open. It was empty,

somewhere?” I asked

looking from

looked at Hanna, a silent conversation passing between them. Her eyes softened, and I noticed some of

I asked, unable to hide my

the new

“Since when?” | stammered.

I found out

tells me anything!” I said, throwing my hands

air.

an upper cabinet for two extra mugs

this mean Ernest and Gemma are

bending down

the couch. I was thankful for the distraction of Rowan’s big news, especially since Hanna was being silent as a mouse. I

went into the kitchen. He gave Hanna the softest, most loving smile I had ever seen, but there

there. What was going on with these

seen Pete since we arrived. Troy told me I needed to leave him alone for

by my sister, I’m afraid,” Hanna said, her voice much lighter than her commanding tone in

once again, and I turned to her, unable to stop myself from

I don’t know why I thought you needed

saved my life,” i said weakly, trying

about how her powers connected to me and everything I had been through over

you

Rowan bit out, his cheeks reddening with a furious

however. She stepped around the kitchen counter and walked

back to Red Lakes and take the stones with me, to lead Tasia away from Winter Forest.” Hanna set her

matter. She wants Mom dead, for

me, pondering my words. She looked as though she

leave? I know Red Lakes doesn’t have the

this fight will be

the other end of the couch. Rowan sat down on the floor next to the wood stove, crossing his legs and balancing his mug of tea on his

to fight… me. And I failed to protect your

You and Mom didn’t know what you were getting

needs you, for one. I’ve never seen him so

me a dirty look

from my tea, “I need you. I don’t understand our connection. I don’t have my powers; they never

dangerous, Maeve.” Hanna looked down at her

face lined with uncertainty.

and Opaline, that crazy Lycennian woman. I think I can handle whatever comes next.” I couldn’t help but smile around Opaline’s name, knowing she was being kept prisoner in one of the rooms in the

then glanced at

Rowan whispered, looking abjectly

silence for a moment, watching them just stare at each other. I wanted to say

it was that was holding them back from leaning into their

to play matchmaker. In fact, I wasn’t entirely sure why I was

Rowan a look that said ‘get on with it,’ and he nodded tightly, turning his gaze

help,” he said, explaining

to talk about the third baby’s heart, and the plan to go

thoughts. I shifted uncomfortably on the couch, my stomach tightening and relaxing several times