Female Novel
Chapter 100
10. The Iron Claw Pack
CHARLENE
I was terrified for Yileyna, with every passing day I wondered if she was ok. She was alone, andalthough I knew Theon loved her after his deceit, I didn‘t know what to think. I was trying to tell myselfhe wouldn‘t let anything happen to her, but I was terrified too.
She was brave, but she was all alone. It was hard for Gamma Grayson too, knowing that his mate wasleft behind, but there was no other choice.
I hadn‘t told him about who I was because I didn‘t want it to become an extra burden for him. I was okwith him not knowing.
Knowing that Mom and Dad were killed felt painful. Even if they weren‘t fully good people, I still lovedthem. Dad‘s death had hit me harder, I just wish I could have told him goodbye and that I loved him,even if he wasn‘t my biological father, he was the one who raised me and had always treated me betterthan Mom.
We had travelled to two packs, however Obsidian Shadow Pack guards stood at the entrances, and wewere not able to even meet those Alphas. It was obvious they were either looking for us or keeping aneye on everyone.
Would no one stand up to Theoden? It seemed not, he was known for his ruthless ways. It was Raidenwho had suddenly decided we should go to the one pack that was powerful and neutral to all.
The Iron Claw Pack, home to the infamous Alpha Hunter Slade Carson....
“This is going to be hard, Hunter doesn‘t deal his hands in political matters.” Gamma Grayson said aswe stared that the huge iron walls that surrounded the back, foot–long blades crowned the wall andevery two metres apart I saw there were guards on watch duty. But as suspected by Gamma Grayson,there was not one Obsidian Shadow pack wolf here. 1
“What are those...” I murmured, seeing something move from around the walls.
“His moat, a moat full of serpents.” Ryan added with a low whistle. “I thought it was a damn joke...”
“Oh it‘s very real, Hunter became an Alpha at the age of eleven, two years before he shifted, he iscurrently the youngest recorded shifter alive having gotten his wolf at the age of thirteen.” GammaGrayson commented. “He‘s powerful.” 2
“That is so cool!” Rhys exclaimed.
It had been hard for him, having to travel like this, and often he spent his time with me when the menwere more restless and angry.
“Well we have nothing to lose, Hunter is one Alpha who didn‘t bend to Andres, unlike many who yieldedto him due to him being a king. Whereas Alpha Hunter does not.” Gamma Grayson replied.
“Well then let‘s go ask for this badass shady–as–fuck Alpha‘s help. Oi Charlene, maybe you can usesome charms on him?” 2
“Do not be disrespectful to the princess.” Gamma Grayson warned him.
Ryan shrugged. novelbin
“She wasn‘t the king‘s real daughter.” 2
That did hurt but I simply smiled as Gamma Grayson‘s irritation rose.
“It‘s ok, and I don‘t want to be called princess either, Gamma Grayson.”
“Also, if you continue to be childish, Ryan, I‘m sure our Alpha will remove you from the position ofGamma ” Raiden added with a smirk.
“Well, let‘s go meet Alpha Hunter who will help us!” Rhys said confidently.
l.hoped, at least not to break his heart, he would agree to help us.
We left our hiding spot in human form and I held Rhys‘s hand tightly. Immediately we were spotted andseveral bows and arrows were turned upon us.
“We wish for an audience with Alpha Hunter Slade Carson.” Raiden said loudly, raising his hand insurrender as he stepped forward.
I looked into the dark moat of water. Although we were still very far, I could see something movebeneath the surface. My grip on Rhys tightened and I moved him behind me. Although I knew we werea good few metres away, those things were huge and I knew they could come out of the water.
“State your business!” The man shouted, scanning us all.
“We are here on behalf of the Silver Storm Pack.” Gamma Grayson said, placing a hand on his chest
The man frowned, exchanging a look with one of the other guards before he gave a curt nod. Heseemed to be mind–linking as we all waited nervously. Raiden glanced over at Gamma Grayson,frowning slightly, and I knew they were mind linking.
‘Do you think he‘ll agree to see us?‘ I asked nervously.
‘I hope so.‘ Raiden replied.
“Names!” The man called.
“Beta Raiden Bolton, Princess Charlene Aphelion, Gamma Grayson Sanchez, with his son GammaRyan and my younger brother, Rhys.” Raiden said clearly. “As you must have heard, Alpha KingAndres is dead, Yileyna De‘Lacor is our new Alpha and is currently in the hold of Theoden Hale.”
The man nodded before we heard the grinding of the drawbridge being lowered. My heart lurched as Isaw the crossing.
Goddess, it was so... narrow, and there were no supports on the sides. 1
| swallowed hard before giving Rhys a brave smile.
“Don’t worry princess, I‘ll hold on to you tight.” He whispered.
I nodded, giving him a cute smile. What a brave boy he was, without his parents, yet he was still actingso strong.
“Cross!” A man shouted.
“Thank you.” I replied softly to Rhys, before Raiden led the way.
It wasn‘t big enough for more than two people to walk side by side Rhys followed Raiden, whilst Ryanstepped up behind me with Gamma Grayson at the back.
It‘s just a few metres... You got this Charlene.
I kept my gaze on the other side which was at least twenty metres away. Goddess this man hadplanned
this.
How dangerous to have such a moat!
I heard the hissing of a serpent at one point, seeing its long body under the moat.
“Keep going, if you scream, they will react!” The man shouted. .
I nodded, although my heart was ringing in my ears. The moment we reached the other side, I let out ashaky breath, and Raiden smiled at me.
“You did well.” He said as we waited for the huge gates to be opened.
Goddess, their security was better than that of Westerfell. We stepped inside to see the area was huge,it was a full village in here yet there were only warriors in sight. Most were well built, with scars thatspoke of many battles fought.
I heard footsteps and that familiar seductive smell of none other than Alpha Hunter approaching. Isuddenly felt very self–conscious, knowing I was covered in dirt and all I was wearing were worn–outleather pants and an oversized shirt 1
I don‘t know why it mattered but I was unable to stop myself from trying to smooth my shirt and tilt mychin up. 1
“Well, well, who would have thought anyone from the Silver Storm pack would be so kind as to visit asimple Alpha like me?” He said mockingly, clasping his hands in front of him as he tilted his head,
He looked as handsome, if not more, than the day I saw him at the ceremony... In a fitted shirt, pants,and boots, a few strands of his hair fell acros‘s his forehead, although most were messily tied back.
“You are no simple Alpha, Alpha Hunter, however, we had no choice.” Raiden said quietly, glancing atthe guards.
“My men are loyal, speak.” He commanded before his gaze fell on me. Our eyes met, and my heartskipped a beat as a small smirk crossed his lips. “On second thought, I don‘t think it‘s fitting to make
such a pretty lady stand and wait when she looks... exhausted. Come, I will give you a place to rest.” 4
We were led through the village, the houses were humble but they were strong and rigid. Shops andfood stores were aplenty, and although I knew Alpha Hunter owned the lands around this fortress, itwas obvious everyone stayed within the safety of these walls.
We stopped at what looked like barracks or a pack house, and he entered, leading the way to the left.After a flight of stairs, he stopped at a door and took the key that hung on a hook.
“I‘m afraid we don‘t have many rooms, if the Beta is ok to share with his brother?” Hunter asked.
“Of course, thank you, Alpha.” Raiden said with a nod, yet he didn‘t go in. Hunter smirked as hecontinued down the hall, he gave the next room to Gamma Grayson and Ryan, before he stopped at athird door further down.
“And the room for the lady.” He smirked as Raiden opened the door, stepping inside. “I‘ll have one ofmy omegas bring you clean clothes. Rest, you are safe here.” He added to me, his tone dropping anoctave, making me nervous.
“Perfect, thank you Alpha Hunter. I do apologise for the quick check, but she is important to ourkingdom and our Alpha.”
“Ah, of course she is.” Our eyes met before I mumbled an excuse me. I took the key from Raiden andentering the room quickly.
Goddess, he was such an intense man. I closed the door and looked around, it was modest yet clean.There was a wardrobe on the left side with a high chest of drawers, a mirror and a vanity table. When Isaw the bed, I had an intense urge to run and jump onto it, but I needed to bathe first. I looked at thedoor across the room hoping it was a bathroom....
Half an hour later I stepped out of the bath, wrapping a towel around myself whilst I used another onmy long hair, which was once again vibrant and clean.
That had been the best bath I had ever had. Never had I ever appreciated clean water as I did today. Istepped into the bedroom and almost jumped to see a middle–aged woman placing clothes into thewardrobe, she instantly stopped and bowed her head to me.
“I apologise for alarming you, my lady.” She said politely.
“Not at all.” I waved my hand, spotting the basket that sat on the bed.
“The Alpha sent clothing and some items for you.” She said, gesturing to the basket.
“Thank you...” I said, not expecting this kind of hospitality from an Alpha rumoured to be so dangerous.
But did he have other motives?
My heart sank, remembering the way his eyes had raked over me at the ball.
“Thank the Alpha, my lady, not me. Would you like any assistance?”
“Not at all, thank you.” I said, she nodded, closing the top drawer.
“Once you are dressed, please come and join us for dinner.” She replied, before taking her leave.
I quickly locked the door and walked to the chest of drawers, taking out some panties. I slipped themon and walked over to the wardrobe to look at the clothes. To my dismay, they were all dresses.
I took out a dark green one which had long sleeves with a boat neck and a flared skirt that reachedbelow my knees. Slipping it on, I added a black corset belt before I quickly got to work on my knottyhair...
Ten minutes later, I left my room to see Ryan and Raiden, both already dressed and standing therewaiting for me.
“Well, let‘s get this over with.” Ryan remarked as Rhys and Gamma Grayson joined us. We were thenled by two guards.
I hoped he agreed to help us, because we truly needed his help...
Thirty minutes had passed, and I was a mess of nerves. We had entered the hall only for the Alpha tomotion for me to take the seat to his right. Complimenting me that I looked beautiful, but it was how hisgaze kept finding mine that made me nervous.
But to make up for it, the food was warm and tasty. We had not had a hot meal in days!
We had explained our full situation to him, including how Yileyna is the heart of our world. Although weweren‘t sure if he would believe us, he didn‘t argue about it, simply listening to us and let us speak aswe put everything on the table. It was mostly Raiden and Gamma Grayson who did the talking, withRyan and me inputting a little,
He seemed to have frowned at certain points but he said nothing, not until we were done, having noidea what he was thinking as his face remained emotionless.
“So... You are not even able to get in contact with your allies because of the Obsidian Shadow Packguards... Andres was killed, and his daughter is held captive. Theon betrayed you all...” He ran hisfingers through his short beard thoughtfully.
“Yes, we are being sought out, and on our way here we heard Theoden has commanded for us to bebrought back to him, dead or alive didn‘t matter.” Ryan added.
Hunter nodded before he sat back, placing his knife and fork down.
“Tell me, was your king any better than Theoden?” He asked. “Why do you think you should getWesterfell back?”
I frowned at his question as Gamma Grayson spoke up defensively.
“Of course, Alpha Andres was hardworking fair–”
“We cannot answer that, but what we can answer is right now there are innocent people being heldcaptive, and this is not about father but Yileyna, the heir to that throne. Not because she was the king‘sreal daughter, but because she is the heart, and therefore the rightful ruler. She is a person who stoodup to the king countless times. Please, don‘t do this for father, but for the new Alpha, for Alpha Yileynaof the Silver Storm Pack. “I said softly yet clearly.
Hunter tilted his head, smirking slightly.
“Smart answer... however, why should I risk my men? What do I get in return?”
“What does the Alpha wish for? I am sure Alpha Yileyna would agree to your demands within reason.”|| replied.
“A hand in marriage.” He replied, picking up his knife, shocking us all. 5
“We can‘t promise you that she‘ll agree.” Raiden said sharply, I saw his eyes flash, possessivenessclear in them.
“How do you expect us to give our word to something that is not in our control to agree to?” GammaGrayson asked, despite staying calm he was clearly worried.
We needed his help and the situation was tricky...
Hunter himself simply raised an eyebrow, that same tiny smirk playing on his lips.
“Then why don‘t I ask her myself?” He suggested before turning to me. “Tell me princess Charlene, ismy army and support an offer fair enough for your hand in marriage?” 3
Rhys and I both gasped as I stared at him.
“M–Me?” I asked confused.
He leaned over, forcing me back in my seat, my heart thumping as that tantalising smirk crossed hislips.
“If I‘m going to choose a woman, it will be one who is equally ravishing in looks as she is in character.I‘m certain that you will make a fine Luna, so what will it be? My help is in your hands, princess.” Heasked huskily.
My heart thudded as his words rang in my mind. I had always been told that I should choose a manwho would benefit this kingdom... Agreeing to an arranged marriage was not something so foreign, andif Alpha Hunter was willing to have me, then I would do this, for my people, my kingdom and my sister.
‘You don‘t need to agree.‘ Raiden‘s quiet voice came in my head, but I looked into the eyes of AlphaHunter, my mind made up.
“I accept your offer.”