The Alpha King's Rebellious Queen
The Alpha King’s Rebellious Queen Chapter 6

The next day I sat in front of my vanity while my mother and sister helped me with my hair and makeup getting me ready for the dreaded Mating Ball. I was trying to hide my foul mood from them, but my mother caught on. She always catches on. “Knock that scowl off your face this instance, Jemma Skye.” She ordered me.

I took a deep breath. I wanted to stay home and work on my relationship with Paul. We had shared a long night of wild s*x last night. That made me smile slightly and took my mind off of where I was going.

“Mommy!” I heard Nicky screaming from outside of my room.

To my mother’s chagrin, I turned to see my son running into the room. He had tears streaming down his cheeks. He ran over to me. “What’s wrong, Nicky?” He climbed onto my lap, and I hugged him to my chest.

“Daddy won’t let me play video games with him.” He sobbed.

I smoothed my hand down his back. “Shh. Don’t cry, Nicky.”

He calmed down and stopped crying, and just laid against my chest. My mother and sister commenced putting on my makeup and fixing my hair. Eventually, Nicky fell asleep. I smiled at my perfect little son.

“There, we are done.” Tiffany declared.

I looked at the mirror. They had kept my makeup minimal but enough to enhance my violet eyes. My hair was done in a mermaid braid and set against my right shoulder.

“Let’s get the dress on now. It’s almost time to go.” My mother said.

I stood up with my sleeping child in my arms. I walked over to his bed and gently set him down. He stirred but stayed asleep. I placed the stuffed wolf that resembled Jeremy’s wolf next to him and kissed his forehead.

“Nicky will be fine.” My mother patted my back as I stood up and walked to my closet. I took off my robe and put on panties and a bra before scowling at the dress. “Jemma, it’s just a damn dress.”

There was no arguing with my mother as she helped me into the monstrosity. Sighing, I walked out of the closet and looked at myself in the mirror. “You look amazing, Jem.” My sister said as she stood beside me. “I can’t wait till I’m old enough to go to a Mating Ball.”

“I would gladly trade places with you, Tiff,” I said to her. I heard Nicky stirring from his bed. He issued a whimper, and I rushed over to my pup as he sat up.

“Mommy, you look pretty.” He smiled at me as he hopped off his bed.

I knelt in front of him. “Thank you.” I hugged him. “I am going to a party with Grandpa and Uncle Iain tonight. So you have to be good for Daddy and Esther.”

He sniffled. “I want to go with you.”

“Nicky, you can play video games with me.” My sister offered. She didn’t play things like Halo but had a couple of game consoles in her room. “And then eat a bunch of ice cream.”

Nicky beamed at his aunt and clapped his little hands. “Can I bring my cars too, Auntie Tiffy?”

She nodded. “Of course. We can set up obstacle courses and race them around my room.” She picked him up. My sister loved her nephew.

“Don’t give him too much ice cream,” I said to my sister.

She stuck her tongue out at me. “What kind of cool aunt would I be if I didn’t give him all of the ice creams?”

“Tiff!” I growled at her. She just smiled at me, and Nicky giggled.

“Okay, girls, quit arguing,” My mother injected. “Jemma, your father, and brother are waiting downstairs. Get your shoes on.”

Sighing, I walked back to my closet and grabbed the pink and white shoes my mother got to match the dress. I reluctantly slipped them on and then picked up my white clutch. Tiffany was standing by the door with my son in her arms. I leaned down to k**s Nicky goodbye. “You be good for Aunt Tiffany, alright?” He smiled at me.

“Okay, Mommy.”

I shot my sister a look. “I mean it about the ice cream.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes. “You are such a mother, Jemma.” She then walked out of my room with my giggling child in her arms.

I sighed as I walked out of the room and down the hall. I was stopped at the top of the stairs by my father. He was dressed in a black tuxedo. He beamed at me as I approached. “Look at my little girl.” He held out his arm and escorted me down the stairs where Iain was waiting by the door.

“You look beautiful, Jem.” My brother smiled at me. He was dressed in a tuxedo like our father. His black hair was slicked back, and his green eyes sparkled.

“Thank you, Iain. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

My mother walked over to us, and I let go of my father’s arm as he swept her into an embrace. He kissed her lovingly on the lips. “I wish I could join you, Phil.”

“I’ll miss my beautiful Luna.”

All of these years and my parents were still completely in love with each other. It made me happy to see. Part of me longed for the same thing. ‘You’ll meet our mate soon.’ Leonora said to me.

‘I’m finding my love, Leonora.’ I replied to her.

‘Your mate will be your love, Jemma.’ Leonora said before retreating to the back of my mind.

My parents reluctantly parted with one more k**s. Then my father leads my brother and me outside to a waiting white limo. I slid in first, followed by Iain and then my father. I took a deep breath as the car drove out away from the packhouse. My head was a jumble of thoughts. I prayed to the Moon Goddess that I would not find my mate tonight. I just wanted to be home playing with my son and sleeping with my boyfriend. I didn’t need a mate.

After twenty minutes of driving, the limo pulled in front of the royal palace. It shone like a white beacon against the forest background. The driver opened the door, and we all filed out. Once out of the car, my father escorted my brother and me into the palace. My wolf began to pace in my head. She was whimpering and whining more than usual. My nerves became uneasy. ‘Our mate is close.’ Leonora said to me.

‘Not for long.’ I mumbled back to her.

My father leaned down to me. “Now you promise to behave tonight, Jemma. No swearing. No rudeness. Just play the part of a proper alpha daughter for a couple of hours.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I replied through gritted teeth. We walked through the grand halls of the palace. It was decorated to the nines for the ball. Other alphas and their offspring were walking in a line towards the grand ballroom. Each one was pausing at the entrance as they were announced.

We paused at the entrance as a spotlight shone on us. My brother and I stood on either side of our father. “Alpha Phillip MacKenzie of Zephyr Moon Pack and his children Iain MacKenzie and Jemma MacKenzie.” A man said into a microphone beside us. I felt eyes look upon us. My father was one of the most respected Alphas in the kingdom. No doubt other alphas were hoping against hope that one of his unmated twins would-be mates to one of their children. We walked down the stairs and onto the grand floor.

I looked over at my brother, who seemed to have locked eyes with a female across the room. I knew the look. My father must have seen the look also and patted his back. “Go get her, Son.”

Iain looked at us and smiled. “Excuse me.” He then rushed towards a red-headed female in a purple dress.

“I’m going to go greet the other alphas, Jemma.” My father said to me. “You behave and just eat food and dance.”

“Okay,” I mumbled to him as he kissed my cheek and walked away. Looking around, I felt lost. Others were clustered in groups talking. I walked towards the elegant buffet and eyed the food that was set out. The stares of thirsty males were not lost on me. I picked up a plate to place some expensive cheese and fruit on it. The scent of a male standing very close behind me made me turn.

“Wow, you are Jemma MacKenzie.” I looked at the tall blond headed male. He was handsome. I’d give him that. He held out a hand. “I am Jude Harrison. Future alpha of the Silver Crescent Pack. I’m pleased to meet you.” He seemed a little nervous to me but nice.

I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Alpha Jude.”

“Just Jude is fine. I’m not alpha yet.” He laughed.

There was an awkward silence as we stood in front of the cheese table. When others wanted access to the cheese, I stepped aside and indicated an empty table. “Would you like to sit with me?” I offered him.

He nodded. We sat down, and I popped a piece of cheese in my mouth. “So, your dad is Alpha Frederick.”

“Yes. You have heard of him?”

“Of course. Everyone knows Alpha Frederick. He is almost as good a warrior as my father.”

Jude shrugged. “My dad is good but not nearly as good as yours.” He had a friendly smile and seemed a lot nicer than other alphas. “Of course, no one is as good as King Cassius.”

“And what about you, Jude. How good a warrior are you?”

He frowned slightly. “I do alright. Though I got my butt kicked by your brother Iain a lot during alpha training.” He sounded so unsure of himself. Not what an alpha should be. I felt for Silver Crescent Pack. It was a strong pack and needed a strong alpha. Poor Jude here did not sound like alpha material.

“You need to have more confidence in yourself, Jude.”

He looked at the table and played with his hands nervously. “I know I am future alpha, but I was just never really into warrior training. I would rather sit in my room and read.” He explained. He looked me in the eyes. “I was kind of hoping that you were my mate. I need a strong Luna, and I heard you were a fierce fighter.”

I smirked as I popped a grape in my mouth. This poor guy was going to lead his pack to ruin. “My father taught me well.”

Jude stiffened and then sniffed the air. He looked around and then locked eyes with a she-wolf across the room. He gulped and glanced at me. “Go get your Luna, Jude.” I encouraged him. “I hope she is everything you are looking for.”

“Thank you, Jemma.” He stood up and then walked towards the female.

Taking a deep breath, I finished my cheese and then stood up. I found a waiter walking around with a tray of wine. I stealthily grabbed a glass and took a drink. The sweet liquid soothed my nerves as I walked around the grand ballroom. There were large pictures of various warriors with the past kings and queens. I spied a picture of my father with former King Terrance and flanked by the Royal guard. I smiled at the sight. Then walked down the line of images. I spied a portrait of a blond-haired woman with violet eyes. I leaned in closer to take a good look at the woman.

“You look just like her.” I jumped when my father spoke behind me.

I turned to him. “Is that Grandma?”

He looked at me and then the picture. “Sure is.”

My Grandmother had been a legendary warrior of the kingdom. She was a white wolf like me. Fierce and deadly. Few others matched her strength and power. “I wished I could have met her.”

A sad sigh escaped my father’s lips. “Me too. She would have loved you.” He stared at the picture of his mother. Grandma Victoria died when my father was sixteen while fighting off a legion of vampires. My Grandfather John was so heartbroken at the loss of his mate that he passed a week later, leaving my father in charge of the pack at a young age. “I should have known when you were born that you are my mother, incarnate. When you came out of your poor mother backward, I should have foreseen the challenge raising you would be.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Daddy.”

“I don’t mean that in a bad way, Jemma. You are a white wolf-like, your Grandmother. Hard to handle. Hard to command. My father had a devil of a time controlling her. I remember some of their fights. I’m surprised the packhouse didn’t burn down sometimes.” He laughed while speaking of his parents. “But still, they loved each other so much.” Tears glistened in his green eyes.

I leaned on his shoulder. “They would be proud of the man you became, Daddy.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kissed my cheek. “You may be a pain in the a*s sometimes. I mean, look at my hair. It was jet black before you came along.”

I frowned slightly at him.

“But I could not be more proud to be your father.”

“Nice save,” I mumbled as he laughed and dropped his arm from my shoulder.

“I saw you talking to Alpha Frederick’s boy, um what’s his name?”

“Jude.”

“Yeah. Poor timid kid. He has no business being an alpha. But his older brother died in a rogue attack, and Frederick has no other children.”

I nodded while he spoke. “He said he wished that I was his mate right before he found her.” I frowned slightly. I don’t know why I was a little jealous. It’s not like I even liked Jude. Well, maybe as a friend.

My father sighed. “Well, I’m sort of glad he isn’t your mate. I mean, Silver Crescent is a good strong pack, and Frederick is a friend of mine. But poor Jude trying to handle you-” He shook his head.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Haha,” I mocked him.

“Philly!” A deep voice boomed behind us. We turned to see former King Terrance approaching us. A tall, muscular man with reddish-brown hair held out his arms as he walked towards us. “There you are.”

“Terry,” My father stepped forward and hugged the former king. They pulled apart, and I felt the king’s eyes upon me.

“Is that little Jemma?” He beamed at me.

A broad smile formed on my father’s face. “It is.”

“My gods Phillip. She looks just like Victoria. Just as beautiful.” He held out a hand to me. “I haven’t seen you since you were a little pup running around, causing mischief with your brother and my son.”

I tried to remember the last time I had seen the king. I was only about seven. Even though my father and the king were best friends, they didn’t see a lot of each other over the years. Mostly only at formal events. They were both busy working to spend free time with each other.

“Cassius told me you were the prettiest girl he had ever seen.”

I blush slightly. “I was only seven, your majesty. I don’t remember.”

“Jemma, your father is practically my brother. Call me, Uncle Terry.” He laughed.

I tried to picture King Cassius. I vaguely remember his dark brown hair and striking blue eyes. He chased me all over the packhouse, trying to get me to k**s his cheek. He was nearly twelve, and I was only seven. My brother did his best to fight off the crown prince. ‘We are going to get married someday.’ The prince would say to me.

“So, where is that son of yours?” My father asked Uncle Terry.

“Cassius should be here shortly. He had to take care of a little rogue skirmish on the northern border.” He explained.

My father nodded. “And you didn’t go help?”

Uncle Terry snorted. “Hell no. Cassius can handle it. He is king now. I am retired.” He patted my father’s shoulder and looked at me. “I can’t wait till you retire so we can go on that round the world fishing trip we have been talking about.”

I laughed at their silliness.

“Two more years, Terry. Two more years.”

My twin was set to become alpha of the pack when he turned twenty-three in two years. He was eager to be alpha now, but my father was making him wait till he was utterly sure the pack would be in good hands with Iain at the helm. “And what about you, Jemma? Have you found your mate yet?”

I shook my head. “I don’t want-” I was interrupted when my father shot me a look. Refraining from saying something rude. “I don’t want to disappoint my father.”

“You could never disappoint me, Jemma.” My father added.

‘Yeah, except when I got pregnant at eighteen. Or when you caught me sleeping with Paul the first time.’ I mumbled in my head.

“Phil! Terry!” Another male voice called out to my father and the king as he approached. I recognized Alpha Frederick, Jude’s father. I took that as my cue to walk away.

“Daddy, I am going to go mingle.”

My father nodded and leaned toward me. “Just behave yourself.”

Nodding, I walked away, and my head hurt as my wolf started whining in my head. ‘Mate is coming.’ She kept repeating. Oh no. I had to get out of here. I looked around for a place to escape when the most intoxicating scent hit my senses. Lavender and vanilla made my legs go weak. Leonora was now howling as my heart raced. I was starting to panic. I was not ready to go with a mate. ‘Don’t run away, Jemma.’ My wolf growled in my head. I spied a hallway, hoping that was where the restrooms were. I kept my head down and rushed forward, then slammed into a chest and nearly stumbled backwards only to be caught by a pair of strong arms. The scent of lavender and vanilla overwhelmed me as sparks shot through my arms where our skin made contact. Leonora was frantic in my head. “Thank you,” I mumbled as I tried to walk away only to be held by the arms.

“Look at me.” A deep husky voice commanded me. The aura of his power was immense. I was instantly inclined to look up at him. My eyes traveled upwards towards the eyes of the man holding me. I gulped as I took in the beautiful specimen before me. A strong chiseled clean-shaven jawline. Short brown hair that was slightly spiked. I tried to avoid looking him directly in the eyes. “Look me in the eyes.” He commanded.

Compelled to obey, I looked into the most beautiful, the deepest blue eyes I had ever seen. ‘MATE! MATE!’ Leonora shouted in my head. I g*****d when I realized who’s eyes I was staring into. “King Cassius.” I squeaked out and looked away from him. He kept an arm wrapped around my waist while one hand traced down my cheek sending sparks through my body. I shivered with pleasure at the touch.

“At long last, I have found my queen.” His husky voice spoke. He gently tilted my head to look him in the eyes again. “I need to see those eyes again.”

We locked eyes again. I was feeling faint. ‘No, no. No. This can’t be happening. King Cassius is not my mate.’

‘Oh yes, he is.’ Leonora growled in my head. ‘Why him?’ I whine at her. Of all the male wolves, why did it have to be the king? I’m no queen. ‘Quit your bellyaching and k**s him already.’ Leonora was fighting me for control. I looked into the king’s eyes as they changed from blue to black.

“I see your wolf is fighting you for control too, Mate.” He beamed at me. I was frozen and unable to move or speak. “You are Phillip MacKenzie’s daughter, right? Jemma.” He smiled.

I nodded slowly. “Yes, your majesty.”

He laughed. “Jemma, call me Cassius or Cass as my friends call me.”

‘I have to get out of here.’ I said in my head. I felt Cassius trying to pull me towards where my father was talking to Uncle Terry and a couple of other alphas. “I-I have to go to the bathroom.” I nearly whispered.

Cassius’s shoulders slumped slightly. “Alright, beautiful.” He pulled me towards the hall and released me. “I’ll be waiting right here for you.”

I nodded nervously and then rushed towards the restroom. Running into a stall I vomited. I placed my hands on the stall walls and braced myself. I stood up and leaned against the stall and panted. ‘This is not happening. I am not the queen. King Cassius is not my mate.’

‘Get used to it, Jemma.’ Leonora growled.

Walking out of the stall, I stopped at a sink and ran the water. I rinsed my mouth out and looked around the fancy bathroom. I spied a large window and walked over to it. It was easy to open, and luckily, we weren’t that far off of the ground. Luckily I was alone in the bathroom. I climbed onto the window sill.

‘Jemma, what are you doing?’ Leonora asked nervously.

‘I can’t do this, Leonora. I can’t be queen. I have to get out of here.’ I swung my legs out of the window and jumped outside. Leonora was growling loudly and howling in my head. She was fighting me for control as I walked away from the palace. I wanted to shift and run home to Nicky, but Leonora was not allowing me to shift. So I did the next logical thing. I took off my shoes and took off running towards home while Leonora protested loudly in my head.