The Alpha King’s Virgin by Charmeleon (Raine & Amari)
The Alpha King’s Virgin by Charmeleon Chapter 96

Chapter 96

RAINE

Watching Amaris leave was the hardest thing I had to do. Faking the rejection was the second hardest thing. It had to look authentic. My tears were real, the heartache was real, because I hated seeing the doubt and pain in his eyes. I could only hope that he wouldn’t believe the lie I had told him. Athan had no claim on me or our child.

I wanted so badly to tell him what Quindin’s motives were for keeping me with him. But if I had, Amaris would have tried to kill him. Quindin was too powerful to be killed by brute force. No, I had other plans. Quindin has to believe that I have completely submitted to him, that I have made peace with my fate. I crumpled to the ground and cried uncontrollably, overwhelmed by what had happened.

“There, there. That wasn’t so hard, was it? You’re still alive.” Quindin’s attempt to console me was laughable. He patted my head rather awkwardly, his tone heavy with irritation. “Enough now. Pippa, get Raine some water.”

He went to watch at the window while Amaris gathered his men. Pippa helped me to a chair while the others looked on. My eyes caught Willa’s hateful stare as she watched me closely. I had to be wary of her. She swore to get me back for what Quindin did to her because of me.

“You’ll be alright, Raine.” Pippa smiled sympathetically, handing me a glass of water. She had kind blue eyes.

I shook my head. “No, I won’t.” I said through my tears. “The pain is unbearable.”

“You belong with us now.” Quindin said without turning away from the window. “The sooner you accept it, the better.”

da

“Like I have a choice,” I added a sob for good measure. Oh, I’m going to kill him for what this was doing to me. Heartless

monster that he is.

Pippa rubbed my back with slow, circular motions, and I let her. It would benefit me, having a sympathetic ally. I was determined to make an effort to befriend her.

“I would like to go to my room now.” Keeping my head down, letting my shoulders sag a little, giving off the impression that I was feeling dejected, broken.

Pippa led me away.

Alone at last, I ran to the window to see if I could glimpse Amaris and the others. They were only specs in the distance. I felt my heart go with him. But he will be back for me, I know that. Our soulmate connection was intact.

‘I really thought you were going through with it, Raine: Tasha finally talked to me. She had retreated to the back of my mind as soon as Amaris stepped into the room.

“I’m sorry, Tasha. It was difficult, but I had to do it to convince Quindin. Now I had to win his trust and it won’t be easy. ‘He has to have a weakness. I must replace out what it is. But to do that, I will have to get closer to him.‘

“It will

“It will be dangerous. Tasha warned.

I smiled, “Yes, I know. But I will risk it. I am doing this for Amaris and our child. Quindin will not win. I will defeat him. No matter what it takes, he is not getting this child.”

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Chapter 96

A week passed, during which I walked about, not speaking much, staring into space distractedly. But in reality, I was

I watching Quindin and the witches closely. Ever in the background, taking mental notes of the spells they did, how they interacted with Quindin as he instructed them.

I felt Willa watching me, assessing my movements, just as I watched them. She didn’t trust me as far as she could throw. me. It cut both ways.

Pippa, I reasoned, was the weakest link in Quindin’s coven. Perhaps because she was the youngest. She didn’t interact with him as much as the others, but she was friendlier to me when no one else was around. Pippa would keep her distance while the others fawned over him, vying for his attention.

“You appear pale.” Quindin remarked as he drew himself away from his books to approach me as I stared out the window.

“I feel cooped up and I have nothing to keep my mind occupied.” I replied in a flat tone without looking at him.

“Would you like to accompany me on a walk outside?” It was the first time he spoke to me in such a good–natured tone. I could almost believe he was genuinely trying to be nice.

“I would like that very much,” I said, giving him a slight smile and took the arm he offered.

It felt wonderful to be in the fresh air again, to feel grass under my feet, smell the scents of the earth and the forest.

It’s th

truly beautiful here.” We were strolling through the vast gardens surrounding the fortress, where I admired the various flowers and topiaries. “Are any of this real?”

“Why would you think it isn’t?” Quindin grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“It looks too perfect, and you seem fond of illusions.”

“You are too observant,” he chuckled. He waved his hand, and the garden disappeared. In its place, a moat appeared, and when I peered into the murky water, I saw strange creatures floating around.

“But I like this better.” Again, with a wave of his hand, the moat disappeared and a lavish orchard groaning with red apples

took its place.

I shook my head. “Show off.”

He snorted. “No harm in having a bit of fun.”

I shifted my gaze to him. It was almost unbelievable to think this was the same man who could be so cruel when he smiled. and laughed like that. What changed him into this monster that he was now? Or was he always like this, a power–hungry man who cared little for anyone other than himself?

“What are you thinking about when you look at me like that?” he asked. The smile was gone now, replaced by two deep frown lines between his amber eyes.

“Nothing really. I was wondering what you would do with me after you take my child away.” I said, pulling my arm from his. “You made it clear that I am of no use to you.”

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Chapter 96

He turned his head away. “You’re still my daughter, Raine. I don’t wish you harm, even if you don’t believe me?

“I wish I could believe you, Quindin.” I walked away, returning to my prison. He still didn’t answer my question