Chapter 606
He stared up at me for a second before his trembling hand reached for mine. “Of course, my Queen.” I jolted at his words, and I turned to Rowan, who was already smiling.
“Surprised?” His voice was full of mirth as I stared at him. I just nodded. “You are the Queen.”
My mouth flopped open, and I sat there like a fish out of water. “But I haven’t been sworn in yet.”
Rowan threw his head back and laughed. “I think we have had more important things to worry about than your coronation.” He leaned over and kissed me. “Let’s finish here, and then we can work on our next steps.”
I nodded and turned back to Senith. I pulled him to his feet and motioned for him to step to the side. I called up the next person and then the next, and they followed Senith’s decision. “Are you all sure?” I looked at the six men standing next to me now.
Senith smiled. “You said it was our choice, and yet you seem to be trying to talk us out of it.”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “Fine.” I turned back to the remaining men, and we got to the group of men under Silas. I was going to call Sequan up, but Toya’s father and mother walked out of the trees.
“I heard my daughter has found her mate.” Toya’s father walked over with a smile on his face. “Who is the lucky man?”
“Baba.” Toya let go of my arm and jogged over to her parents. “I thought you were with Tiven.”
Her dad smiled at her and patted her head. “And we were. But as soon as he heard your squeal down the mind- link, he sent us to find you.”
Her mother kissed her cheek. “Your brother is an Alpha, and is healing well. But this is important.” She turned to the men still in chains. “He’s…” Toya’s mother furrowed her brow. “Which one is he?”
Toya turned back to me with a plea on her face. I stepped away from the men and walked over to them. “Alpha, Luna.” I bowed my head, but I heard a gasp, and arms wrapped around my shoulders.
“My Queen.” Toya’s mother wrapped me in a hug. “Please do not bow to us. We are unworthy.”
I pulled back with a grin. “You are Toya’s mother and father. You raised one of the people I love most in this world. That alone earns you my respect.” I stepped back and bowed again to them both. “Thank you for helping my pack when I couldn’t.”
My father walked over and patted Toya’s father’s shoulder. “My daughter, Amy Maclean. This is Alpha Roderick, and Luna Tova. Now you have officially been introduced.”
I stood up with a smile. “Thank you, Daddy.” I turned back to the men. “As for Toya’s mate, we haven’t found him in this mess yet. But you are welcome to stay and watch.” I held my hand out to Toya, and once she slid her hand into mine, we walked back to where we were before.
“Wait…before you continue. I feel like we need to explain these men to your friend.” Silas bowed his head towards Toya’s parents. “Alpha Lightstone. These men are all royal guards.” He nodded to the group. “Royal guards of the disbanded council.” He added with a wince.
Alpha Roderick nodded and turned to his daughter. “Do you understand what that means, Belly?”
I leaned over and whispered, “Belly?” I smirked as she nudged me.
“A nickname from childhood.” She nudged me again before turning to her dad and nodding. “Tiven is the heir, Babsa. And I have learned in these last few years that I do not enjoy the idea of leading.” She turned to me with a hopeful look. “We have spent years growing as a pack together, Amy. And if I can, I would still like to follow you.”
“Urta-
“Agrees with me. She may be an Alpha, but she does not covet the role of Luna. Royal Guard suits her just fine. As long as she can guard you.” Toya grabbed my hand. “Say you accept me.”
I stared at her for a second to confirm she meant it. She started to tear up before I grabbed her forearm. “It would be my honor to have you as a guard.” I pulled her in. “I only want to make sure this is what you truly want. Not because of a mate, or your feelings towards me, but something you truly want for yourself.” I pulled back and cupped her face.
“It is.” Toya nodded.
“Then let’s find your mate.” I turned us both to the group. “Silas, did you want to call up your men one at a time?” He gave me a curt nod.
“Ben.” He waved the first over. Just like the others, we went through the offer.
“Do you want to continue serving Silas?” Silas’s head snapped over to us. I saw him open his mouth, but I held up my hand. “I want everyone to have an option.” I turned to him. “And I know you want men who want to serve you, not men who feel like they have to. That is the difference between life and death.” Silas closed his mouth and nodded. “You can make your own path, Ben.”
He looked between me and Silas. “He has always treated me fairly. I would like to stay with Alpha Silas.” I smiled and offered him a hand up.
“Good. Go stand with him.” I turned to the next guard.
“Sequan,” Silas called out to his guard, and he wove out of the group of men, and froze. His eyes were focused fully on Toya.
“Mate.”
Toya cried out in relief, seeing the Goddess mark on his brow, and she ran to him. “Mate.”
