Dimitri’s POV
I was pissed as fuck.
Every fucking man in the room was looking at my mate. I wanted to elongate my claws and pick their eyes out one by one.
I hated the way they looked at her. I hated the way they smiled at her. I hated the fact I knew exactly what they were thinking. I hated the fact that I knew exactly what they wanted.
I also didn’t like the idea of this Ali spending time with my mate. I didn’t know her. I didn’t know what she wanted. I didn’t know if Maddie would be safe with her.
I was angry and I wanted to get Maddie out of there. I wanted to hide her from their prying eyes. I wanted her all to myself.
I knew how irrational and selfish that was, but I didn’t care.
Are you okay? She mind-linked me.
No. I said angrily. I want to take you out of here. I don’t like the way they are looking at you. I know what they want and it’s making me so fucking angry.
Maddie reached out and placed a hand on my thigh. She squeezed it lightly and my whole body shivered.
None of it matters, Dimitri. She said softly. I am yours. Every part of me belongs to you. They can look at me and they can think whatever they want. You will be the one sleeping in my arms tonight, not them.
My whole body tingled. My heart started racing. The need to be alone with her and show her just how fucking much I loved her exploded inside me.
I love you. Maddie added. Only you, Dimitri. No one else.
I placed my hand on top of hers and squeezed it. It was a good thing that we were mind-linking and not talking because there was a huge lump in my throat and I wouldn’t be able to speak.
Fuck, Maddie, I love you too. I responded. I can’t wait to fall asleep in your arms tonight.
She glanced at me and smiled. I was lucky I was sitting down because my knees buckled.
“We need to join forces and protect our borders!” someone exclaimed and I shifted my focus to the discussion. “We can’t let them destroy our packs and our lands!”
I took a deep breath and released it slowly.
I needed to focus on the meeting. I needed to stop imagining all the ways I would end the Alphas’ lives.
“Did you manage to capture any rogues?” I asked, making the Alphas look at me. “Did any of them talk?”
“No, my King,” Alpha Theodore said. “Every rogue we captured refused to talk. Some of them died during torture.”
Maddie flinched a little. I squeezed her hand tighter.
I am sorry, princess. I mind-linked her. I know it’s not something you want to hear, but it’s the truth. Rogues and enemies are being tortured for information.
Maddie sighed quietly.
I know. She said softly. I wish there was another way, though.
I lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. I almost smirked when I saw the jealousy in Alpha Lucius’ eyes.
“We need to find out who is behind the attacks,” I said. “The rogues aren’t organized enough to pull off something like this. Someone is behind it. Someone sent them to do this.”
“What do they want?” Alpha Rhys asked. “What is their ultimate goal?”
He looked around the room, but everyone was silent.
“The throne,” I said. “Someone is after my throne.”
There really was no other explanation.
“But who, my King?” Alpha Alistair asked. “Who would want to go against you? Who would want to go against the Kingdom?”
“We are finally at peace after years of endless wars and battles,” Alpha Jack added. “Is there really someone out there who would want to go through that again?”
I sighed and shook my head.
“I don’t know,” I said. “People would do a lot to gain power. They would sacrifice anything and everything.”
Alpha Alistair furrowed his brows and looked at Maddie.
“When did you find your mate, my King?” he asked and my entire body tensed up.
I resisted the urge to growl at him.
“Why?” I asked, trying to remain calm.
Alpha Alistair looked back at me and took a deep breath.
“I am just wondering if the attacks started before or after you found her,” he said. “There is a chance that this could be about her. Maybe they don’t want your throne. Maybe they want your mate.”
I saw fucking red. My hold on Maddie’s hand tightened. My heart was trying to break through my ribcage.
No. Fuck no.
“It’s not about me,” Maddie said, making all of them look at her. “Rogues were attacking our borders before I turned 18.”
I could feel my heartbeat in my eyes and ears. I could feel my blood rushing through my veins.
Alpha Alistair nodded.
“You could still be used as a way to the throne, my Queen,” he said. “We need to protect you.”
I forced myself to breathe. I needed to focus. I had to stop thinking about someone taking Maddie from me.
If they knew who she was…
“She is safe, Alpha Alistair,” I said, trying to sound calm. “She is protected. Nothing and no one can get to her. Nothing and no one can hurt her.”
Alpha Alistair looked at me. An unknown emotion flashed in his eyes. He gave me a small smile and nodded.
“I am sure you are taking great care of your mate, my King,” he said. “I am just offering support and my knowledge. I would hate it if something happened to our Queen.”
My stomach twisted. Nothing would happen to her. She was safe and protected. They would have to kill me to get to her and that would never fucking happen.
“Thank you, Alpha Alistair,” Maddie said. “We would love to hear your opinion on the subject. Your knowledge and experience will surely be of great help.”
Alpha Alistair looked at her and smiled.
“It is my privilege, my Queen,” he said, bowing his head a little.
Maddie caressed my thigh with her thumb and I relaxed immediately. Her touch was like a cure. She took my pain and my fear away.
She was my everything and I would go to hell and back to keep her safe.
No one was going to hurt her. No one was going to take her.
I wasn’t going to let it happen.
