My Mate and Brother's Betrayal

32 Hello Sister

Jared POV

As soon as I leave the cells, I start my search for Matilda. I know he wouldn't keep her where other members of the tribe would see her. The only other place that makes sense is with that f**king old hag. I follow a dark stairwell that leads to an area of the castle where no one but myself and the king go. I don't give her the courtesy of a knock when I reach the door. She is seated in a chair staring off into space when I step into the room. She is in some kind of trance and doesn't even flinch at my presence. A quick look around the basic rooms and I realize that Matilda isn't here. Where the f**k did he put her? I don't dare ask him again after his earlier reaction. The only person that knows we are fated to each other is the two of us, and she knows better than to open her mouth. Not that it matters because she is never allowed to leave the room unless I'm with her.

"F**k” I say out loud. Turning just in time for the old hag to be standing in front of me. "Where is the king" she asks me frantically. "He was in his office the last time I saw him about an hour ago. What is going on?" "The Red Wolf is here. She has breached the magical barrier. I've seen her in the castle, but I have no idea what room she was in because you fools have practically kept me prisoner in this goddess-forsaken hole," she says.

"In fact, why are you here and where is the mutt I have to help with her fertility potion?" "I'm looking for her now. I had thought perhaps he put her here with you. It seems the king has decided to deal with her himself." Something flashes in her eyes and I take a step back. A knowing smile spreads across her face.

I quickly grab her by the throat. "I would think very carefully about what words leave your disgusting mouth next." "Of course, sir. Your secret is safe with me. I need you to take me to the king now. If the Red Wolf finds the mute, the king will lose his crown. He will lose everything he has worked so hard to have. My visions are never wrong," she says, and I release

her.

We make our way back up the steps and through the hallway that leads to the foyer. I quickly look around, hoping that most of the elves have busied themselves with meals and work. I sigh in relief when the room is empty. Leading her toward the stairs, we make it up three steps before that slave Myra's voice stops us.

"I didn't realize you were still alive." Both myself and old hag turn to face her. "Myra, I would say it's a pleasure, but we both know that is not true. I thought the king banished you from the castle long ago. Sneaking back in to avenge your pathetic son's death after all this time," the

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32 Hello Sister

old hag says.

"I could say the same thing to you about being thrown out of the castle. Didn't the former queen throw you out when she caught you drugging her? I can see that time has not been kind to you after the queen's wrath spell took hold. My son is at peace and my daughter has given. me two beautiful grandchildren. I have no need for vengeance. I've had a good life unlike you," Myra says.

"What the f**k is going on here? We don't have time for your petty little fights. Go back to the queen, slave, before I tell the king you are insulting his guest.She throws her head back and laughs. "It's funny I walked in through the front door, but you tried to sneak this pathetic elf in without her being seen. I'd say that makes me the guest and her the embarrassment, but no worries, we will have our time, Magnolia," Myra says and turns to walk away.

"What the f**k was that" I say when we reach the top of the stairs. "Just a little bit of a family reunion. It's not important. Take me to the king" she says. Did she just say family reunion? "Now" she says, snapping me out of my shock. I wonder if the king realizes that the slave and

hag are related. As soon as we reach the door, I knock twice.

When the door opens, I'm shocked to see that little elf b**ch is the one opening it. David is seated behind his desk, irritation clearly written on his face. "My king, I apologize for interrupting, but we need to speak to you about an urgent matter." He stands buttoning his suit

jacket. "We" he says the one word like a question. "Myself and the seer my king.""I can leave David. It seems like whatever they need to discuss is important," she says.

Did she just call him by his first name? His own queen doesn't do that. "Thank you, Lily. I will come to find you when I'm finished. Why don't you go find Jasmine and visit the children." She

nods and leaves the office. Once the door closes behind us, David retakes his seat behind the desk. "What was so important that you needed to interrupt my time with Lily," he asks.

I can't believe that little sl*t was so willing to be his mistress. She seemed like she would fight it a little bit more, but I guess I gave her too much credit. "My king, do you think it is wise to allow her to speak to you with such familiarity? I'm sure that might bother the queen."With speed that doesn't give me time to react, not that I would, he rounds the desk. He is so close to me that I can feel his breath on my face.

"Are you f**king questioning me? I think you have forgotten your place, Jared. Maybe I should take you to the cells and remind you of exactly who is in charge. That is the second time today that you have disappointed me. Don't make it a third. Now I'll ask again why the f**k are the two of you here?" Before I can answer, the hag does. "My king, I've had a vision. The Red Wolf has breached the magical barrier. She is somewhere in the castle" she says. +8 Points 

32 Hello Sister

His face goes from impassive to downright deadly. "Are you telling me that b**ch made it past.

the defenses that have been protecting the kingdom for thousands of years" he asks, his voice rising with every word. "I know what I've seen my king. I cannot tell you how she made it inside undetected, but she is here. We have to stop her from finding that slave? His powers cannot be awakened, my king."

"You don't think I know that you stupid b**ch. You are the one that insisted I couldn't kill him. If I lose my crown, you won't have to worry about returning to that rundown cottage you call your home because I will kill you myself. Now between the two of you, I suggest you figure out where the f**k the wolf is hiding," he says. I nod leading her back out of the office. "You had better hope we can find her, or we are both dead."

Lily POV 

I swear I've never paced this much in my life. Grant steps in front of me and smiles. "I've never seen you doubt yourself, so don't start now. That was an amazing plan and your mate is the true King of Elves. The goddess didn't do all this for him to fail" he says. "Thank you, Grant." The door opening has us both turning toward the sound.

Drake steps into the room and Ariel purrs. I fight the urge to roll my eyes at my wolf. She has been relentless about completing our bond with Drake. I want that as much as she does, but we need to make sure that we are ready for the Elders. When my eyes meet Drakes again, he smiles. He must realize I'm talking to Ariel. I can't wait for him to meet her.

Even with the illusion, I can see his true form. I move toward him and as soon as I reach him, he pulls me into his arms. Every touch seems to strengthen our bond. The tingles that started out faint are now strong and intense. "I can't wait to see what they feel like once we mate," Ariel says, and I'm sure my cheeks just flushed pink.

Drake notices but, thankfully, doesn't say anything. He turns but keeps me tucked against his side. Matilda is sitting on the couch next to Liam. She still hasn't said much but I'm sure in time she will feel more comfortable around us. I can't imagine what she has been through. Grant takes the seat next to them just as Lily rejoins us with a tray full of tea. Before Drake can speak the door to the room opens and a very pissed off Myra steps inside. "Myra, what's wrong," Jasmine asks, stalking toward her. "I know how David knew about where Lily was. I never expected that she would be so evil, but I should have known better after all she did." 

"Myra, you're not making any sense. We knew that David had someone who could detect my presence. That's why my mother and aunt put the protection spell on the pack." She offers me a sad smile. "I'm so glad you had them to protect you. It doesn't make what I'm about to say

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32 Hello Sister

any easier. The person that was helping him all this time is my sister," she says.

I can see the pain and sadness in her eyes. "She is younger than me, but you wouldn't know it. looking at her. She was very beautiful and had the gift of sight. She was also a spoiled brat growing up. My parents indulged her because she was their baby. When David's father found

his beloved she was upset because they were dating at the time. He quickly broke things off with her, and she was irate," Myra says.

"Despite the king's warnings to stay away from his queen, she attempted to poison her. What she didn't realize at the time is the queen herself was of royal blood and cursed her to be as ugly on the outside as she was on the inside. After the queen was done with her, the king banished her to live as far away from the castle as possible," she says.

"Why didn't he just kill her" Jasmine asks. "She managed to show the king a vision that made him spare her life. To this day, I have no idea exactly what it was, but it had something to do with David. The last thing she said before the guards dragged her from our parents' home was that we would all suffer for not protecting her and the future would be hell for those that

betrayed her. I still think she had something to do with the queen dying even though Allistar insisted that the guards assigned to watch Magnolia said she never left the cottage," Myra says.