72 Try Me 

Amber POV 

As soon as Connor links me I rush toward his office. Something important must be happening for him to be the one linking me. I hope that everything is alright with Olivia and Ace. I know they aren’t my pups by birth but my wolf and I have claimed them. After everything Candace put them through, they still want me to be part of Della’s life, part of their lives. My own pups never treated me as they do. I push thoughts of Candace and Collette from mind as I approach the Alpha’s door. 

The minute I reach for the handle, the scent of sandalwood and leather has my knees damn near buckling. What the hell? “Mate” Paige growls in my head. It can’t be. I rejected my bond with Bart and I would do it again, but everyone knows that when we reject a mate we don’t get a second chance. “I don’t care what everyone says, our second chance is on the other side of that door,” Paige says. 

With shaking fingers, I push the door open. My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest as I step into the office. As soon as I’m inside, my eyes meet a set of chocolate–brown ones that awaken a feeling in me that has long been dead. His chiseled jaw and dark hair fit his complexion perfectly. Some graying at his temple gives his age away, otherwise I’d say he is far younger than me. Despite his clothing, I can tell he’s muscular. He looks like he belongs in a magazine. 

I drop my gaze to the floor. There is no way this man is my mate. Paige pushes forward and speaks the words I’d never thought I’d say again. “Mate.” The room is silent, and I don’t dare look up. Footsteps from behind me have me finally moving to step out of the way. I can feel the tension in the room even before Olivia tells me to take Della for icecream. The minute I scoop her up, I move around the men and out of the office. I’m freaking out as we make our way down the stairs. 

I know at some point we will have to talk, but right now I have no idea what the hell I’m going to say to him. I’m sure I’m not exactly what he expected his mate to be. I am not stick thin or young anymore. Hell, my first mate f**ked everything because he said I wasn’t worthy of him, and he has nothing on the man upstairs. When we finally step into the kitchen, I’m grateful it’s practically empty. I set Della on a stool and move to the freezer. 

I pull out strawberry icecream, her favorite, and put some in two bowls. “Nana Amber” she says, and I turn. I drop both of the bowls when I notice Della’s eyes are glowing purple. I look around, and thankfully the kitchen is now completely empty. “Della, sweetheart, what’s going on with your eyes?” I know I sound stupid, but I didn’t know what the hell to ask. She giggles as she slides off the stool and comes around until she is standing in front of me. 

I crouch down so we are eye to eye. She places her hands on my face. “Nana Amber, you are very pretty. Don’t let those meanies make you feel any different. My grandpa is going to love you and think you’re really pretty too,” she says. “Your grandpa,” I ask. “Yes, my Grandpa Hudson is your mate. He lost my grandma a long time ago, but now he doesn’t have to be sad because he found you” she says. “Della” I start to say, but she giggles again. 

“Nana, my name is Amethyst. Della can hear you though,” she says. Her words shock me so much I fall onto my butt. “Nana, are you alright,” she asks with a giggle. “Amethyst. How can this be real?” “It’s a secret but your family, so I can tell you. I’m the midnight wolf” she says. My eyes must be the size of saucers. My granddaughter is a legendary wolf. If I didn’t know better I would think I was dreaming. 

Fear washes over me te that why the commette hare due sou not really ergering an awer o 

the 

one but our family knows who I am. They are have for grades and says. My heart stare 

feeling of panic settles inside me. A title and takes and Tibet Back at my granislaughter Son wan nana, grandps can handle them, she says 1 puller fra Rug and dray she’s right. I can’t lose hum diem haven’t had the chance to formally meet him. The goddess patted us for a reason and no matter my 

insecurities, I refuse to squander her blessing 

Augustus POV 

I knew there was a reason that Alpha Connor was stalling But Fravar aspected that Huden and his then would be waiting when we stepped into the office was quite taken off guard. But I refused to see ar ounce of fear from me. “So the rumors are true. The mighty king has returned His grow has my act tog to force me to bear my neck, but I fight against it. I will not show this prick an ounce of respeed Hung 

anymore. 

He is the one that turned against the wolves. Had he stayed true to his word none of his kind would died. “Yes, Augustus, and from what I’ve learned we have much to discuss, he says. “We aren’t here discuss things, Hudson. We are here to take you before the full council. You have been in hiding all these years like a coward. You will be stripped of your royal title for what you tried to do to the wolves 

“What is it that I tried to do to the wolves, Augustus? What are the charges against me, he asks, anticntia shred of fear in his voice. “You are charged with treachery against the wolves you swore to protest farting the Lycans better than the wolves. Planning to enslave the wolves to serve the Lycans.” He throws his readi back and laughs. “I’m surprised you can say such bulls*t with a straight face. None of that is true was always a fair king to both Lycans and wolves alike. You on the other hand, have always been a riveting valf who thought you were owed something. You and William thought you could be king 

This time it’s my wolf that growls at his disrespect. “Td be careful pup. I’m being very patient with you, hurt ee lived a hell of a lot longer and my beast isn’t one to take your disrespect lightly. Now unless you actually raves proof of my wrong doing you have no right to traipse in here trying to exert power you don’t have tort recognize your authority as king,” he says. 

“How f**king dare you speak to Augustus like that? He is the head of the council. You no longer have power Hudson, Gregory says. “Gregory, I should have known you would be part of this. You and that pathet William were so close I often wondered if you shared his bed,” Hudson says. Gregory growls and has wait? pushes to the surface. “Gregory, get a hold of yourself. This is not how the council handles things 

His eyes return to their normal color and I turn to face Alpha Connor. “Alpha Connor, these men are a themi: Os the council and wolves. I order you to call your warriors and lock them in your cells until the full council hoids: their trial.” “No, I won’t be doing that,” he says without a second thought. “Excuse me. I gave you an order, 

Alpha Connor. The Red Moon is under the council and you will do as I say or there will be consequences. 

“I will not imprison my pack members without proof of what they have done. Besides, king trumps council, says with a smirk. “Pack members” I repeat. “Yes, Augustus, pack members. Alpha Connor has allowed me and my men to become part of my son’s pack. Nothing is more important than family. Wouldn’t you agree, Ace,” he asks. My heart beats faster when I see the only other member of the Royal family step forward. A member who could take away everything the council has built. 

“Fear looks good on you, Augustus. Is it starting to sink in? Even if you could somehow make your phony f**king charges stick and kill me, my son is still a royal Lycan. The rightful king of Lycans and werewolves, 

<72 Try Me 

he says. “The wolves will never allow another Lycan to rule us. The council will make sure of that” I say, but my words sound hollow to even me. I have to get Cassandra to agree to finally kill these ba**ards. I refuse to go back to being ruled by their kind. 

I refuse to give up everything I’ve gained. “I’m warning you, Alpha Connor, you are making an enemy out of the council if you do this.” “Then so be it. I’m not really worried. I have a feeling the council won’t be around much longer, and I’ll gladly pledge my allegiance to King Hudson and King Ace,” he says, bearing his neck to both of them. He turns back to me and growls. “Now you three can get the hell out of my pack,” he says just as the door opens and warriors step inside. “You will regret this.” 

19 

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