His Hybrid Queen

Chapter 2

Victor

It took a dozen guards to restrain me and lead me out of the castle, not that I couldn’t have fought them. I could’ve shredded them to pieces if I wanted to. And for what. I stomped my way out, boiling with rage. I took off running towards the gates. I seemed like I might explode if I got in my car looked like a tiny metal box. It was too small to contain all the emotions I was building up.. 

 I couldn’t conceive what just happened. The woman I’d loved with all my heart, the woman I went to war for and renounced my title, just rejected me. No, she didn’t just do that. She denied altogether that we ever had a bond. All this time, I assumed she didn’t call me her mate because she wasn’t of age yet. I convinced myself that once her wolf comes out, she’d welcome me with open arms.

I’ve picked up the whispers of people leaving after the coronation. I’ve heard the chatter about the Queen being claimed, by not only one, but three Alphas. All three were from different shifters species, but had royal blood nevertheless. I refused to heed the speculations about which one she will pick, with the bear shifter Prince as a favourite. Having pinned my faith in our powerful bond, I brushed off everything as idle gossip.

But when she shunned me, I lost all reason. The gossip hasn’t been unfounded. It all made sense. Why would she settle for a dethroned Alpha, when she could have a Prince, or a King for a mate? I had been a fool to fall for her beauty and innocence, while she played with my feelings with such cruelty. Since the first time I laid my eyes on her, I was head over heels. I was ready to give her everything I had. And now, I was left with nothing, but pain and heartbreak.

As soon as I was deep enough in the woods, and out of sight, I shifted. I never was so relieved, to let the beast out and to relinquish control. I pushed my human emotions deep down and let the more animalistic instincts take over. My wolf was anguished by the separation as much as I was, but he was taking it better than I’d expected.

Ultimately, this wasn’t the first time my mate pushed me away. He must expect that she will come back as she did before, but I wasn’t as hopeful for a reunion, or for having yet another heartbreak.

I pushed on my legs harder than ever before, trying to release the strength of my wolf to its full extent. The trees were filing by and my vision narrowed on the path in front of me, jumping over and dodging around obstacles. Now that I had no shackles bringing me down, no pack, no mate, no responsibilities or ties grounding me, I felt free as if nothing or nobody could stop me.

An adrenaline rush had taken place, and I chased that feeling of excitement to inhibit the pain I was feeling. I heard the roar of a raging river up ahead and I increased my speed, picking up momentum. When the ghastly rapids came in sight, I didn’t feel discouraged by its wideness or the grumble of the turbulent water crashing on the rocks. On the contrary, I was thrilled by the challenge in front of me. 

I spotted an elevated piece of ground and darted towards it.

Pushing on my hind legs, I propelled myself up and extended my limbs. For a short few seconds, as I leaped across the wide river, I felt like I was flying. I wished I had wings, so I would soar high away, free like a bird. Too soon, the ground was getting closer, and I landed with a booming thud. The nearby trees shook and flocks of birds flew away in a cacophony of sounds as the little animals in the forest got startled by the giant predator. 

It brought me back to my senses. No matter how liberating it was, I couldn’t risk getting seen by a human or any other supernatural for that matter. I wasn’t in my territory where pack members were bound to secrecy by an alpha command. However, I wasn’t ready to walk on two legs and feel all those human emotions I was running from. I remembered the time when... Claire, Alexandra, or whatever name she goes by. 

When she shifted the first time, she made her wolf smaller. It shouldn’t be difficult. Maybe I could do it too. No one could tell me what my beast was capable of, so I won’t find out unless I try. I channeled my thoughts to the image of a smaller wolf. I don’t know why, but the memory of Claire's white wolf stretching back and forward came to my mind. I made the same movements and felt the changes in my body. Feeling my bones and flesh shrink was uncomfortable, but not as painful as shifting no matter how quick it could be. 

When I looked down, I saw my paws filling only half of the print that I left before the change. I turned my head to the side, taking a look at the rest of my body. The features that were singular to my beast were nowhere to be seen. I maintained my coarse black coat, but looked like a regular sized Alpha. I should have thought of this earlier. Then I wouldn’t have worried about keeping my true form a secret every time I shifted.

I felt the need to test my capabilities in this new form, so I took off in another run. Though I covered a smaller distance with each leap than before was lighter and more agile, waving between trees and bushes with grace I didn’t  know I had. I wondered if this size would be helpful when it comes to hunting. It has been a long time since I felt the thrill of a chase. My enormous size was difficult to camouflage and always betrayed my location to my prey, which would run away before I could pounce on it. 

I should have made a different wish if I knew it would be answered so soon, because I heard a soft patter not far away. I kept my belly close to the forest floor and advanced slowly to the source of the noise. With my claws withdrawn, my steps were soundless as my pads touched softly on the ground. I wasn’t disappointed when my eyes laid on a buck grazing on the green. 

I laid low among the tall grass and observed as the horned animal raised its head to inspect its surroundings while it fed. Stalking the unsuspecting prey in silence was as thrilling as chasing. The predator in me wanted to feel its superiority in every way, including the sharp senses.

The stag was alert as it chewed lazily. It turned its ear from one side to another, inspecting any suspicious sounds, unknowing of the predator lurking in front of it.

The scenery was almost too beautiful to be disturbed.

The setting sun cast an orange glow on the majestic animal between the elongated shadows of the trees. I was having second thoughts about killing such an innocent and peaceful creature. However, I have eaten nothing since yesterday in my rush to come to the coronation, and my hunger was too intense to ignore. 

I vaulted forward, revealing myself to my target in the process. It startled the deer for a second before it took off running. It was fast and gave me a good chase, but I was faster. Not before long, I veered to the left before I pounced on my prey, digging my sharp claws on its flank. It staggered and fell to its side under my weight.

I knew I had to be quick and give it a merciful death before I got stabbed by its antlers. I opened my jaws wide, then clasped in a powerful bite around its throat. My canines pierced the jugulars and felt the warm blood flow in my throat. 

When the last tremors of a desperate fight for its life stilled, and the heartbeat quieted, I released the limp neck from my mouth. I feasted on the meaty warm flesh until I had my fill.

I left the remnants of the carcass to the night scavengers and the small carnivores that couldn’t hunt and relayed on the leftovers of bigger predators. It was part of the natural cycle of wildlife. Without looking back, I took off sprinting through the night, hoping I could find my way home.

Claire 

The strong morning light aggressed my sensitive eyes and forced me to wake up. Unlike my previous room, the late Queen’s chambers -my grandmother- were facing east. I was offered the King’s room since I was the Alpha, but I refused to be connected to him, or reminded of him in any way possible. So I ended up here, in this room with authentic Louis IVX vintage furniture. It hasn’t been redecorated  since the passing of the previous Queen. 

I won’t complain though. Every piece was old but had an odd charm to it. I’ll pretend that I traveled to the past and live like Mary-Antoinette. On a second thought, maybe not. Because she ended up on the guillotine and I still needed my head attached to my neck, thank you very much.

I couldn't help but to think about late and fallen queens with the dark mood I was in. To say I felt miserable was an understatement. I felt like s**t. I cried myself to sleep, if that’s what you would call tossing around all night. The few moments where I could close my eyes were riddled with nightmares. I relived my last encounter with Victor repeatedly, but it ended with him rejecting me instead, and I woke up for another fit of uncontrollable sobbing. 

I dragged my feet to the bathroom to start my morning routine. As the cool water cascaded on my head and body, my mind began slowly to clear from its groggy state. I reflected on the events of the previous day and wondered what exactly triggered that unfortunate break-up. 

All I wanted was some time to keep Victor safe while I defuse the Nikolai situation. Despite my best intentions, things escalated so quickly. Victor dropped the rejection bomb without giving me a chance to explain anything. I knew all about his fickle temper, but it was unlike him to be so hotheaded and impulsive. 

The way he spoke to me made me think that this break-up could be for good. He gave up on us so suddenly, asking me to reject him. But I couldn’t go with it. Even though our bond was still intact, I couldn’t see how we could salvage our relationship after that fight. We both said things to hurt each other, which broke my heart even further. Because the last thing I ever wanted was to cause him harm in any kind.

I snapped myself from contemplating on all my life decisions before I had another meltdown and actually showered. Instead of standing under the shower staring into the wall. I wrapped my body in a bathrobe and shuffled back to the bedroom. I dropped my ass on the cushioned chair in the walk-in closet and slumped. I had no idea how a Queen should dress. 

I couldn’t just throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. 

I knew there won’t be any paparazzi and I won’t see my photos in any tabloid, yet I had to wear an outfit suitable for my position. Even if I didn’t have all the confidence that I can perform, I had to at least look the part. I didn’t want to lose people’s respect because of a poor choice of clothing. Luckily for me, Molly came to my rescue as usual to help me get ready in the morning. 

Molly helped me pick out a knee-length A-line dress with a light cardigan. The summer days were still hot, but it was chilly inside the stone walls of this old castle. She styled my hair in a neat bun and I opted for a simplistic nude make-up. After a quick breakfast, I headed out to find Severin waiting outside my door, like the past couple of days to fill me in with the day’s schedule.

“Will your Majesty take part in the council meeting, or do you have more important occupations to attend to?” He asked after we greeted each other.

“Nothing is more important to me, than the safety and wellbeing of my people.” I stated despite not getting the insinuation behind Severin’s words.

He showed me the way to the meeting room on the first floor where he introduced me to three young men as Betas Garrick, Garret and Garrison. Not only their names sounded similar but their faces were quasi-identical as if my eyes were playing tricks on me. They shared the same chocolate brown eyes, dark hair and facial features. They looked like a younger version of Severin.

I was confused about who was my Beta and why there were three of them. It must have been visible on my face. Because Severin confirmed my suspicions that the trio were in fact triplets and his sons. He then proceeded to explain how they came up with this arrangement. The previous Alpha wouldn’t bother more and more with his duties, so when the time came for Severin to pass the Beta mantle, he seated in the council on behalf of the King instead of retiring. Which explains the reason behind his question earlier.

Then he added simply that the boys were sharing everything since the womb, and it was only natural for them to share the position as well. I wondered for a second if that would apply to their mate as well before I swatted the idea away. It wasn't the place nor the time to dwell on such fantasies.

After that, we took our seats with me at the head of the table. Severin started by detailing everyone’s role: Garrick was in charge of trade and agriculture, Garret was managing the social affairs and Garrison was the head of security and border patrol. As for their father, he had the keys to the Royal Treasury.

The meeting was lengthy and complicated as they took turns presenting the issues that bothered them. It was too much to handle, and I wasn’t prepared to hear about so many problems. More and more documents were piling up in front of me, and I felt the beginning of a headache gnawing at me. I took notes and told them I needed to think about it, before deciding on any matter .

Last but not least, it was time to talk about finances. If there was a word to describe the Royal Treasury’s state, it would be “empty”. I was shocked, to say the least. After that pompous coronation ceremony, I thought the pack was doing well financially. It turned out that it was an extension of a bank loan that made it possible. 

It is fortune and power that makes royalty what they are. Strip one of those and the Monarchy will be in a perilous slope. Marie-Antoinette came to my mind again. Bankrupting the state played a big role in triggering the French Revolution. 

I knew I shouldn’t worry about meeting the same fate, since I wasn’t the one responsible for this crisis. But I couldn’t help the overwhelming sense of dread that took over me. I felt less and less confident that I belonged on this throne. Could I have misinterpreted my mom when she talked about my destiny?

My inner thoughts were interrupted when my council asked to take their leave. I let the triplets go to their respective functions and asked Severin to remain for a brief chat.

“How did we come to this?” I asked him, pointing at the financial statement with the fat amount of debt. If I had to come out with solutions, I needed at least to know what caused the problems first.

“I will step down from the council and accept any punishment you will see fit.” Severin answered with an even voice and a blank expression.

I was dumbstruck by his statement. It was the last thing I expected, given how cordial he was with me since we met. I haven't visited other packs other than Victor’s, but I knew it was naïve to assume that the friendly relationship he had with Steven was the standard for Alpha-Beta dynamics. I’ve forgotten that they knew each other for years while I met my Betas only hours ago. He might be compelled to obey my order, but I had to earn his respect and allegiance. 

“I’m not blaming you in any way. I’m sure you have done what you judged was the best for the pack.” I reassured him. Underneath the icy facade, I felt he was desperate for the acknowledgement from his Alpha. “How can I ask you to leave when the pack needs you the most? When I need you.” I said truthfully, even if it made me look weak.

Severin lifted his gaze at me for the first time and met me with wide, glassy eyes before taking an interest in the carpet again. It was enough, though, for me to see the flicker of emotions that he was trying so hard to hide. I knew then, the weight that an Alpha’s word can hold, and that an act of kindness can be more effective than a display of power.