This was a show of his strength. Everyone would think that he’d been the one to kill Neegan and it would quiet anyone who thought he’d been weakened by taking me as his mate.
Only he and I would know that the two of us were stronger together.
The crowd roared with approval, safely reined in by the power of their warrior king.
“I am your king,” he roared, and the rest of the room went wild. He turned and caught Erik’s gaze. Magnar and Erik both raised their glasses in accordance with each other and then took a long sip. With one last cheer, they slammed their mugs down onto the table.
Magnar’s gaze slid to mine and I hazarded the tiniest smile in his direction. His eyes crinkled just a little with our victory.
He was proud of me. I could feel it pulsing through the bond.
He didn’t even have to say it.
Everyone would assume that he was the one that killed Neegan.
But my alpha knew it was me.
Chapter 15
Ariana
The castle processed Neegan’s death as if it was simply a normal occurrence in their day to day lives. They hadn’t even blinked when their dinner had been served with the gruesome remains of him still on display at the king’s table and they hadn’t given him a second glance when the drinks kept pouring and the sound of music went on long into the night.
It sent a message to everyone, including the Cult.
Magnar was a force to be reckoned with and even with me at his side, he was stronger than ever. It would be enough so that they wouldn’t question him again.
Over the next several days, Magnar worked to ensure that the alliance with King Erik was still sound and by the time the visiting king finally left to begin the journey back to Daneridge, he’d cemented it in writing. Magnar had awoken with the rising of the sun to wish Erik a safe journey back. I hadn’t stirred until long after he left, finding that a small breakfast had been waiting for me. There was a note on his pillow too.
“You’re all mine this afternoon, sigma. I’m looking forward to reminding you of that.”
My finger clutched at the piece of paper, those few words meaning so much. Patiently, I stayed in our chambers and waited for him to return, knowing that he’d come back soon, and we’d finally have the day to ourselves without the Cult or anyone else to disturb us. My body warmed with anticipation at the thought.
I was relaxing with a book when Magnar finally entered my room. His eyes sparkled, but there was also a rather dark mystery within them. I shivered a bit anxiously at the sight.
“Ariana,” he purred gently.
“Magnar,” I replied, and his gaze flickered with amusement at the coyness in my reply. I smirked back at him, cocking my head and doing nothing to hide my feistiness.
“It has been some time since I’ve gotten to enjoy your company, my sweet sigma, hasn’t it?” he asked and there was a decidedly dangerous edge to his tone.
“Yes, Alpha,” I answered carefully, reining myself in just a little.
“I never got the chance to take you to my favorite meadow, did I?”
“No, you didn’t, Alpha.” I chewed the inside of my cheek anxiously at the same time my clit throbbed with excitement.
“Do you remember what I told you was going to happen there?” he asked. Those deep green eyes caught mine, holding me captive with just a look. I found it hard to draw in air.
I blanched, feeling a blush creep over my cheeks at his indecent insinuation.
“I… I don’t remember,” I whispered. That was only half true, to be honest. I really just wanted to know what was in store for me today.
“Some time ago, you took your own pleasure without my permission, little sigma, even when I reminded you that you would be punished for it,” he started.
“Yes, Alpha. I do remember,” I blushed. I swallowed heavily with anxiety, suddenly feeling butterflies dance around inside my core. My eyes flicked to his hands. His fingers flexed and the skin across my bottom buzzed with warmth as if his palm had already begun to punish me.
I watched him reach into his pocket. He pulled out a bulbous shiny metal object. One end was tapered to a point and the other had a stem with a glittering blue jewel attached.
“I have a gift for you,” he purred.
I shrank back in my chair. I could guess exactly what that would be used for, but I didn’t want to say it. I couldn’t.
“Let me tell you what’s going to happen today, my naughty little sigma. We’re going to go out to the meadow this afternoon. There, I will strip you and take you over my knee for a hard spanking and an even firmer switching after that. Then I’m going to punish your shy little bottom hole with my gift before I force you to take my knot in your pretty little cunt with your bottom still entirely full,” he snarled.
I cried out nervously even as I felt the first few drops of slick gather in between my thighs. I didn’t want to admit it, but even the threat of his thorough punishment aroused me in a way that I wasn’t prepared for.
“But I…” I began and he growled, the sound low and fierce. My body cramped with visceral intensity, and even more wetness dripped down my bare thighs.
“Your punishment is going to hurt, little sigma, but after it’s over, you’re going to come hard for me. I want the whole city to hear your screams as your alpha reminds you of your place,” he warned, and I shuddered with arousal.
“Yes, Alpha,” I purred in return.
“Get dressed, but don’t get used to it. You’re not going to be wearing it for long,” he warned, and my breath caught in my throat.
I was only
