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.”

I murmured, and then I

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, at

looked 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 the back, typical for the

which were larger and more modern. This space was quaint, charming, and despite the cold weather,

said gently. There was an

the living room, its lid open.

I asked

from

passing between them. Her eyes softened,

unable

making me the new

“Since when?” | stammered.

few days ago. I found out the

one tells me anything!” I said, throwing

air.

an

are staying in Winter Forest?”

down to

an Alpha now!” I exclaimed, plopping down on the couch. I was thankful for the distraction of Rowan’s big news, especially since Hanna

as he went into the kitchen. He

What was going on with these

Pete since we arrived. Troy told me I needed

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

to her, unable to stop myself from speaking. “You gave me the ring,

why I thought you needed

i said weakly, trying to make

needed to talk to her about how her powers connected to me

with you two?

say,” Rowan bit out, his

the kitchen counter and walked over to me, handing me a mug of

to lead Tasia away from Winter Forest.” Hanna set her own mug on top of the wood stove to keep it warm as she

her plan. “Well, that won’t matter. She wants Mom dead, for one. She failed the first time she tried to kill her, from

at me, pondering my words. She looked as though

Red Lakes doesn’t have the army

think this fight will be traditionally fought,”

the floor next to the wood stove, crossing his legs and balancing

to fight… me. And I

didn’t fail, Hanna. You and Mom didn’t know what you were getting into,” Rowan said, trying to reassure

silly to leave. Rowan needs you, for one. I’ve never seen him so lovesick. And he’s going to need

dirty look but kept his

my tea, “I need you. I don’t understand our connection. I don’t have my powers; they never came. But you and I… I truly feel like we’re supposed to be working together

dangerous, Maeve.” Hanna looked down at her tea,

face lined with uncertainty.

I can handle whatever comes next.” I couldn’t help but smile around Opaline’s name, knowing she was being kept prisoner

then glanced at Rowan. “I

know,” Rowan whispered,

watching them just stare at each other. I wanted to say that if

through whatever it was that was holding them back from leaning

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

a look that said ‘get on with it,’ and he

need your help,” he said, explaining

and her gaze wavered when he started to talk about

a long moment, gathering his thoughts. I shifted uncomfortably on the couch, my stomach tightening and relaxing several times in quick