noun ~ the process of dealing with or controlling people or things

After the whole, telling off the men for pointing fingers with no evidence, they had latched onto the witch idea. They now have strong belief that a witch, or clan, were behind the tack. Vampires didn't just spontaneously appear in a thick fog, and lights and electrics don't get cut without someone there to do it. The only option had to be a witch.

I had watched as the King grew uncomfortable, his mate being half-witch I expected it to be hard for him to discuss. However, the more the facts piled up, the more of an unsettling feeling I got. As the men in the room complained, threw sexist comments, or spoke harshly of the Omega, I had stayed lost in thought. I had to reign in my anger, knowing that if they slipped up one more time I would go full out Celimene on them. She growled in approval.

The King feeling uncomfortable about the conversation was normal, but it was the way he did not speak up about it that had me wondering. Surely he would defend his mate if it would come to it, but it was a rather large coincidence that the moment they are crowned, there is an attack that is potentially led by witches.

Witches who recruited vampires, who attacked women, Luna's. Why? Was it a taste for Luna blood? Was it a warning that they can attack anytime, anywhere? Or was it deeper than that? Were they looking for someone, was it my blood, as conceited as it sounds, they wanted? Or, were they biting the Luna's to show just how weak hierarchy can fall when Alpha's mates are inured...

If it wasn't for Phoenix and Charlie, most of those vampires would have been alive longer and caused more damage.

My eyes snapped up when my brain seemed to combust. So many questions, so many possibilities. But first, I needed to know why I had this strange ability to understand people... How could I see who was good, or bad? How could Celimene see that Calida was 100% human when no one else could? Why am I the only one in this goddamn room who doesn't see how strange the new Queen is? Why isn't she here? Why isn't Nox here?

Too many questions.

I need to calm my mind.

I inhaled deeply, seeking out my mate's warmth in the room. His hand was on my knee, clasping my palm gently. I looked up at him from where I stared at my lap, to see his harsh glare settled on an Alpha further down the table.

I tuned myself back in to the conversation.

"How do we know that the women aren't in on it?" He spat, throwing his arm in the air. "Half of them manage to get bitten by a vampire yet not changed? They could be conspiring to knock us men from the top spot!"

The group was divided. Growls of warning came from those who I suspected had mate's injured, but ones of agreement came from a select few. When the man's eyes turned to me, they narrowed.

"You, why are you in here? You were bitten, you are a Lycan, and you could very well be a part of this! Women do not come in the King's meetings." He growled.

I tensed, a grumble forming in my throat. He kept his good-for-nothing glare on me, waiting for my response. I heard Phoenix growl lowly, a warning for the man to watch his step. His eyes left me then, darting to my mate as though he forgot who he was. I watched as he swallowed, his glare vanishing as a look of indifference appeared instead.

I cleared my throat. "You are ridiculous."

"Excuse me?" He sneered.

I felt Phoenix squeeze my hand but I continued. "You heard me."

He growled at me and I bared my teeth in return. Calling upon Celimene's courage was easy; the girl was ready for a fight. I could feel her canines aching with the need to tear into him for disrespecting us. To warn him we could bite back too.

"I have been sat here, the past however long, listening to you self-righteous idiots argue about the possibilities of the attack. You are jumping from one reason to the next without any evidence to back your claim. You are in the dark, and you know you are otherwise you wouldn't be throwing these accusations around. You accuse the women, because you see us as weaker but even if we are weaker by strength just know we are smarter, and more eager to knock down a male bravado or two on our quest to this so called victory." I growled and he shifted in his seat as his wolf's eyes made contact with my own. "None of you in this room are focused, you are too pent up on alcohol, cigarettes and a need to be Alpha that you are not thinking clearly."

Some bowed their heads, others mumbling in what sounded like shameful apologies. I never felt more powerful; being able to make Alpha's and Beta's feel bad for themselves.

"You treat each other like dirt, and treat those below you like dirt. I am not surprised that we are having attacks when you cannot focus on looking after your pack like a good Alpha." I shook my head, before turning back to the King. "Your Highness, this meeting is going nowhere. It has been a few hours and I think a break is in order."

He blinked up at me, surprised. "I agree. Let's have a couple of hours gentlemen, go for a run, have some food. Meet back here for... two fifteen."

Grunts of agreement filled the room and I felt my frustration leave piece by piece as the men left the room. Once only a few remained, I felt my wolf back down and she left me to my own devices. She grumbled about it, of course, but I took the reins back happily.

"I am sorry I lashed out, Your Highness." I bowed my head, awkwardly.

I knew he was the leader of this meeting, and I had let my wolf take control a few times. I hope he didn't see it as disrespectful...

"Please, it is Alexandar to you, Nova. We are practically family after all." He mused, standing beside his chair. "Besides, you really rallied them together. Meetings usually don't go down well, you did a really good job."

I blushed, sneaking a glance at my mate who was watching me with amusement. He was still sat in his chair and angled towards me. He was leaning back against it with his legs spread and arms crossed as he watched me.

What a perfect seat to rest on... Cel purred.

"Sure you don't want to be in rule?" Alexandar teased.

We laughed, clearing the awkward tension. He continued to talk to Phoenix but I found my eyes falling to the silent dark eyed man behind him. He was watching me with what looked like fascination but it was hard to tell. I kept my face void of many emotions as I stared back at him. Celimene had come back to attention at the new gaze, her curiosity about the strange man was eating her up.

I feel like I have seen him before. She muttered.

This time, I felt my façade slip and I looked at the man with more curiosity than I did before.

How so? I wondered.

I don't know. Does he look familiar to you? She grumbled.

I studied him again, my gaze landing back on his. He was still watching me too, in our own little stand off.

Not at all. I mumbled. Who is he?

I don't know. He was never introduced. She replied.

She fell silent then, as we held the stare. The man did not back down for a while as the King and Phoenix continued to talk quietly to each other. When Alexandar began to step away, the strange man smiled gently, nodding his head towards me as he fell into step with the King.

Phoenix's hand came to my waist and I turned my attention from the man's back to my mate. He raised an eyebrow at me but I shook my head, signifying that I would tell him later.

We turned to leave the room, Charlie falling into step behind us. I was more curious now then ever. Who was that man?

***

I groaned, falling face first onto the soft sheets of my bed. I heard Phoenix snicker from behind me, the sound of him taking off his shoes met my ears. His footsteps leisurely made their way towards the bed and I felt the gentle dip as he sat beside me.

"You okay?" He mumbled.

I sighed, pulling my face from the bed to look up at him. "We were in there for six hours. Six. Hours."

He laughed at me, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "And you were great in there, you really got them to listen to you."

I smiled at him, thanking him for the compliment. "You were too."

He rolled his eyes. "You're the one who got them thinking about the witch possibility."

"Well, it's the most likely option. It is only fair that we look into it."

He chuckled, his hand falling to play with my hair as I lay on the bed. It was close to nine o'clock in the evening now, my whole day planned around this huge meeting. I don't know why it took so long, but every man in that room seemed to have his own speech lined up.

When we had come back from the dinner break, it was easier. We had been the first to arrive along with the King entering at the same time. Many wolves bowed their heads at the three of us, someone apologising for earlier. The strange quiet man did not reappear, and it made me wonder if I had imagined it.

"Phoenix..." I began.

He appeared to be deep in thought, laid beside me on his back with his arms behind his head. "Hmm?"

"The man, who came in with the King... You saw him too right?" I wondered.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating the mattress. "I did."

"Good." I sighed, "But who is he?"

"Once of Alexandar's old friends I believe." He explained. "He doesn't talk much, had a curse put on him years ago that rendered him speechless by tongue."

"By tongue?"

"He can still mind link, but only to family or his mate. But I believe he is mateless."

My mouth fell open in understanding. "So how does he communicate?"

"Usually pen and paper, but I believe he and Alexandar have a good bond so they know what each other's already thinking about." He chuckled.

I frowned. "Is he like, an informant? Why was he there?"

"He was at the party; he saw it all go down." Phoenix hummed. "I suppose for moral support instead..."

"Instead of the Queen." I finished and he fell silent. "She should've been there."

"It's not traditional for the Queen to enter meetings, she tends to get involved once something has been arranged." He sighed. "You were the first woman in there. Historically."

I felt my eyes widen in surprise. "I was? That's crazy... I'm surprised Alexandar did not bring her, since he is so set on changing his father's ways."

"Maybe she didn't want to come." Phoenix bargained.

"Maybe she is guilty." I darted back.

He fell silent again and I paused, fearing that I may have gone too far. I lifted my head to look at him, finding him staring at the ceiling with furrowed eyebrows.

"Am I being ridiculous?"

His hazel eyes came back down and studied my face. He frowned as he did so but gently shakes his head.

"I think it's a perfectly good observation."

We stared at each other, a silent understanding that this was not a conversation to be said in a busy castle.

So you think, my weird feeling, and her not showing up... could be linked? I asked, rolling onto my stomach.

Perhaps. He nodded. How certain are you on this feeling?

Very certain.

Then perhaps it is a good reason to start observing the Queen more.

I found my jaw clenching. She seems innocent to the eyes, but something just doesn't feel right about her. Her nor Alpha Nox.

You still pent up on him? He wondered.

I nodded. He isn't... He doesn't... I don't know, I just don't trust him. He kept on giving me weird looks the whole night, and then he somehow is attacked? I have dual memories of him... So many weird things going on.

Okay, so we either discuss them or move on. What do you want to do? He smiled, stroking my cheek gently.

I dropped my gaze to his lips, the small smile making my stomach flutter. I think I'm gonna sleep on it. A lot was unpacked today.

His thumb traced my lower lip and I noticed the way his eyes darkened as he did so. Well, it's still early. We could always do other things...

I smirked at him, feeding off his emotions through the bond. I pulled myself to a sitting position, straddling his hips and leaning down so my face was above his. He was grinning at me, his hair falling about his face as his hands moved to hold my waist. I pushed it back with a smile.

I quite like that idea. I teased.

**sexual content**

He growled and leaned forwards to catch my lips with his own. I melted into him, taking the control of the kiss as our lips and tongues explored each other. Every time I came up for breath, he sucked on my skin causing me to moan quietly. I ground my hips into his, feeling the warmth spread between us. I felt him grow hard, a muffled moan escaping his throat as his trousers stretched too tightly when I leaned away.

"Can't do anything with these damn clothes in the way." He growled.

I giggled as he bent his body, pulling me up onto my knees. I stayed hovering over him as he yanked off his trousers and boxers, pulling them to his knees before kicking them away with his feet. I was only wearing a dress, and he wasted no time in pulling that from my head. I lightly traced the skin exposed by his shirt before slowly undoing the buttons. He groaned, thrusting into my still covered groin as I took my time. Once his chest was exposed, I dipped my head down to kiss at his chest.

I heard the sharp intake of his breath, his hand coming to grab at my ass and grind into me as I sucked on his skin. My tongue flicked along the underside of his jaw before I came to capture his mouth with mine once again. I felt my panties getting wet, the eager ache I felt inside was too much for me to go without much longer.

I leaned away from him, keeping direct eye contact as I sat on his thighs. His eyes were filled with lust, dark with hunger as I pulled my panties to the side and slid on top of him. His held fell backwards, a small groan escaping him. I chewed on my lip, holding in the satisfied moan as he filled me.

A moan finally escaped me when I lifted myself. "Phoenix..."

"Fuck, you feel so good Nova." His voice, deep and raspy.

One of his hands was holding my hips, supporting my movements as the other trailed up my body to palm at my breasts. I moaned, my head falling backwards in pleasure. He was so deep, I could feel him everywhere. Hot, intense need filled me as I began to beg myself for the high.

I raised myself up onto my feet, throwing myself into the pleasurable rhythms. Phoenix's hands trailed fire down my waist and hips, small grunts and groans of ecstasy leaving his mouth. He held me steady, as he began to take control from my slower pace to thrust himself harder into me. I squealed before moaning in delight as he found my sweet spot deep inside.

"Phoenix..." I moaned, my chin falling to my chest as her mercilessly pounded into me.

"What do you want baby?" His voice, a harsh whisper between thrusts.

"Please... I need too..." I shook, the never-ending heat spreading within me as I reached my peak.

He never lost his momentum, pounding into me with a vigour like never before. His thumb on one hand, slid down slightly from where he held my hips and thighs, to massage at my bud. My eyes widened in surprised delight, falling down to gaze at his face. He was biting his lip as he watched where we were joined but when I made eye contact, his darkened hazel raised to mine.

"Fuck." He cursed.

His words and hands were all it took for me to fall over the edge. A massive moan of delight left my lips as he continued to ride me there. It wasn't long after I was quivering over him with my finish for him to find his release. His head fell back in pleasure, rocking our hips together his hips found his release.

*** end of sexual content***

He opened his eyes, long dark lashes gazing at me. We were both breathing heavily and as we came down from the high, I found my legs shaking from the effort. I laughed heartedly as I climbed from his lap and laid beside him.

"I love you, Nova. My brave, amazing woman." He randomly chimed.

I laughed, leaning over to kiss him. "I love you too, my handsome, brilliant man."

He grinned at me, pecking my lips once more. "So... shower?"

•••
Hello
So I listened and I made this one a little dirtier for u

I've created a reading list of some of my all time favourite fantasy (mainly werewolf) books so if you're ever looking for something else to read, have a look at my picks!
All are from my own opinion no one made me add their book haha

wc: 3017

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