Viola spotted the mark imdiately. The rumors had to be true—her step-sister was actually here. When she’d heard Mason, that gossipy oga, whispering about the king’s woman and her origins, Viola had pressed for every detail.
Mason’s description had painted a picture that scread Phoebe. She’d been one of the most stunning girls in their pack, back when she wasn’t constantly dodged flying garbage and cruel taunts.
Their last encounter was two years back, right before Viola abandoned everything—the pack, her Luna position—to flee with her destined mate. No goodbyes, no explanations. She’d known Kevin would’ve murdered her mate without hesitation, and her stepfather would never have blessed the union.
But here was Phoebe, sprawled across the infirmary bed, and sohow she’d beco the king’s mate. The future queen of this entire kingdom. The irony twisted Viola’s stomach with worry.
"What happened to her?" Viola’s mind imdiately jumped to the worst scenario—the king had hurt her. The Mad King lived up to his reputation, after all.
They’d never been close, but Viola hadn’t harbored any hatred either. More like mutual indifference. Yet being so far from their pack sohow shifted her perspective on their shared history.
"Stomachache. I sedated her because she’s incredibly weak. Too much spicy food, I think. The royal gamma fed her those marshmallow sticks loaded with hot spice."
Viola had braced for sothing far worse. Her eyebrows shot up. "The royal gamma did that? If it was burning her mouth, why didn’t she stop eating?"
Six months in the warrior quarters with her mate had taught Viola plenty about the royal gamma. Cheerful and approachable on the surface, the kind of guy who made you drop your guard completely. But he wouldn’t hold his position if he didn’t possess the sa ruthless edge as the king and royal beta.
Helen exhaled heavily, then explained the king’s suspicion about Phoebe losing her sense of taste.
"Keep this between us," Helen whispered, handing Viola her needed dicine. "Co here, let examine you and the baby while you’re here."
Viola extended her hand but kept her gaze fixed on Phoebe. Three months pregnant and battling brutal morning sickness, though Helen’s care had been a lifesaver.
"Do you know her?" Helen asked, following Viola’s stare. She only knew Viola had arrived with her mate six months ago from Briarfang pack, assuming that was Viola’s origin as well.
"She’s my step-sister," Viola admitted after a pause, which clearly startled Helen.
——
Phoebe’s POV
I jolted awake at my usual ti—two hours before sunrise. My body had morized this schedule, no matter how exhausted I felt.
Confusion hit first. This wasn’t my cramped room in the oga quarters, but it wasn’t my luxurious bedroom in the king’s palace either.
The events slowly pieced themselves together—the sharp stomach pain that had since disappeared.
I squinted against the harsh overhead lights, realizing I was in the infirmary. Much better equipped than the pathetic excuse for dical care back at Obsidian Claw pack, which made sense.
I was completely alone.
I pushed myself upright, fighting a wave of dizziness. When I tried to stand, the room spun violently. I grabbed the bed’s edge to keep from collapsing.
Several minutes passed before I felt steady enough to move. I headed for the door, hoping to find my way back to my bedroom, but I was completely lost.
I had no clue where I was. Last night, the king had carried here, so I’d paid zero attention to the route. Now I was wandering aimlessly.
After stumbling through several corridors, I gave up and decided to return to the infirmary to wait for soone who could give directions.
But when I turned around, I froze. The king stood ten steps away, pinning with those razor-sharp eyes.
I must’ve been too distracted and dizzy to sense his approach. Then again, how could I detect anything without my shifter abilities? My senses were completely dulled now.
None of that mattered now. I was trapped between retreating to the infirmary or heading in so random direction. Should I approach him with a proper greeting, or pretend I hadn’t noticed him?
While I wrestled with my options, the king closed the distance with powerful strides.
Instinct kicked in. I stepped back, ready to bolt, but Perry caught my hand.
"Where are you going?" he growled.
His anger was back in full force.
"I..." I stamred, hating how my voice failed when I needed it most. My heart hamred against my ribs as he gripped my hand and dragged back toward the infirmary.
I had to jog to match his pace, but after three steps, Perry seed to realize what was happening and slowed down.
"You shouldn’t be wandering around. What the hell are you doing out here?!"
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