The Alpha Queen And Her Chosen Mate – Chapter 22

Kelly

“But I don’t want to see him!” I huffed.

“Kelly, you volunteered to put your name on that list and now you are being called upon. This is not up for debate!” My father yelled.

led, flailing my arms. “How long was I supposed to put my life on hold for?”

.” My father said in a deadly calm voice. “King Derek is an honorable man, Kelly. I will not have you playing games with him.”

d.

en goodbye.”

– – – – –

to surface. Fortunately, the pills Emmett gave me were strong for moments like this. How could my father threat

wolf.

swer. But he did. And surprisingly, he seemed super nervous. It was kind of cute to see an alpha king like that. Maybe meeting him wouldn’t be so terrible after all. I mean, as a pre-shifted teen I did have a mega crush on him at one point. I haven’t seen him in years though. Would I be able to rekindle that crush? While also ignoring my other crushes? I guess we’ll see. Derek and I made plans for the following week. I agreed to go to him. Anything to get out of the palace and away from my father.

uld go meet him there. So here I was, driving over. Nothing but a long stretch and lots of time to overthink.

y. I might not have even a slight chance left.

t because he had a work emergency and perhaps was nervous about our date too. He said food was on the way and just a few minutes later, a tiny human came bursting i

I got extra chicken

“You can just set them down on the table, and shut the door on your way out.” I said.

She began to stutter, obviously f

h, Valerie, that will be all.” Dere

ening the containers of food.

eep.” Derek sighed.

eat. I needed to do something to break the silence.

conversation.

y? I love onions in my salad. But that’s okay.

were able to make light conversation throughout our meal. I didn’t see any noticeable red flags, so far so good.

ur father steps down, of course,” Derek asked.

either love or hate the idea. Let

ey. I would prefer the former.” I shrugged. I could see the wheels turning in Dereks’ head. He didn’t seem to like the idea. Time to backtrack. “I know it’s a lot to mull over,

ve the forest.” He s

yes.

s Jeff and I go out for dr

flag. How often does he drink? Ignoring my apprehension, I gave a simple answer. “Yeah? That sounds like fun.” I could always

about you?”

all sounds like fun to me,” Derek no

me to break the ice, again.

no matter who you choose, you are happy. I know you already met with Angelica and Annalise, and maybe you have made a decision already, but if you haven’t, I think we have a fair chance together. I like you Derek, you’re a good guy. I know some of your past and you probably know some of mine. You work with my father well, you even have an alliance with our kingdom, something my father doesn’t ta

ll me out for my bullshit here and now.

choice. But I wouldn’t force an arranged marriage on you just to please the council. I want you to want me, not feel obligated,”

swer.

flight tomorrow afternoon? Get to know one another more?”

.

ill see you later then.” I stood up and Derek followed, escorting me out

or a hug. If I was supposed to potentially be his queen, a handshake was not a good start. “Drive safe.” He said, shutting my car door and waving me off.

alty was like. If I ever chose my own mate, they probably wouldn’t know all that came with being a royal. The expectations, the commitment, the sacrifices. At least Derek already knew that. That was one point for him. He was also hot as hell. Another point. Successf

ate getting

per, asked.

y. Thanks.” He said, lost in thought.

elly?”

. “So I was thinking today you should give me a tour of the palace before I need to leave for my flight.”

Silence.

s meet?”

to break the ice. More silence.

Derek?”

help me!

d.

ork stuff.” He shook his

said, trying to hide the irritation in my voice.

“Yes, another time. Thank you for understanding.” He

g was going, but understanding none the less. My father was king. He looked like Derek did on many occ

back to the airport.” he said, taking his napkin off his lap and setting it on the table.

st done anyway!

r?” I gave a dry laugh.

it up to you next time,

time.