Chapter 155
Chapter 155
Knightly
We arrive at the massive building formerly known as the Royal Threads headquarters. The enormous sign has been changed. I can’t see what it says from down here, but the lettering is now gold, and it looks fantastic against the black tint of the building. There is a massive crowd at the entrance, along with an army of paparazzi and reporters. I look over at her and begin to enforce my hold on Buddy.
“It’ll be okay,” Phoebe grins.
The door on my side is open, and I exit the car. The crowd goes insane when they realize it’s me. I grin and hold out my hand for my mate. An audible gasp echoes through the crowd when Phoebe steps out beside me.
My mark on her shoulder is on full display. It’s the first time I’ve caught a glimpse of it in a long time. I’d been ashamed of the problem it caused, and I thought the feeling was mutual, but seeing it now makes Buddy bristle with pride. It’s healed now, and it looks good. No longer the angry mark it once had been. She’s fully accepted our bond without fear.
“Ready?” she asks. I give her a nod.
There are other designers and their mates here giving red–carpet interviews. They’re a little distracted by us, but they carry on as we step away from the cars. Malcolm and a few other guards join us.
Phoebe leads me towards the center, where she slides her arm into my coat. I smile at her and then turn to face the cameras. The people are calling out to us the way they usually do in the stands. I love that they’re not doing anything to insult her. They seem to want to see more of us.
When she steps away, she places her hand on my chest and then bows, making all the girls scream as I’m photographed without her. It makes me nervous when she’s away from me, but when I glance over to her, she’s not too far, posing for the cameras. The guards stay with her as they’re instructed always to do. I look around to make sure the coordinators don’t stop me.
Quickly, I reach for the markers and mini notebooks from those in front of me. I glance over at her as the same girls whose booklets I just signed wave her over so that she can sign them as well. She gets bright red as she scurries over to them. I watch her for a moment to see her look over my autograph. She smiles and adds to it. Something exquisite to the Gothic style I’ve practiced over the years. The first girl falls in love with the design and looks up at her with tears in her eyes.
“My Queen,” someone calls out to her. We both look in their direction.
“Oh, my god. You’re The Rogue Streamer.” Phoebe beams. “I love you.”
“You watch my channel?” the girl is stunned.
“Yeah, yes. You are one of the first on my media lists. I love the way you explain the new changes and news, even if it’s not in our favor. Thank you for everything,” Phoebe waves me over.
“Would you be open to answering some questions?” She tries to steady her excitement, but it’s all in her eyes.
“Hell yeah, shoot,” Phoebe takes my hand when I get close to her.
“I guess the biggest question everyone is asking is why you and the royal heirs were hidden away for so long?” The girl’s eyes meet if Phoebe can’t.
may answer
“It’s not a very interesting story,” Phoebe laughs before I can tell her that’s not an appropriate thing to ask. “When Knight and I met, there was still so much going on with the Taylors. Many people were after him, and our priorities shifted once we realized I was pregnant. The two of us decided that it would be best for the three of us to remain hidden in plain sight until the pups were old enough to shift.”
I keep my eyes on her for a moment because with that simple lie, she erases every accusation made since then. It makes me look like less of an asshole.
“You were scrutinized for a whole lot of things after the fall of Amber Hills. Showing your family would have solved many of those accusations, she turns the mic to me. “Finding your mate would have taken priority. The Taylors wouldn’t have had any ground to stand on based on fated laws. Everything would have gone in your favor.”
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08:17 Thu, 5 Jun
Chapter 155
“Those accusations were the least of my problems. It wasn’t easy, sure, but the safety of my family will always come first. I can be accused of whatever anyone wants to accuse me of, as long as my mate and my pups are safe. It’s all just hearsay provided by the Packlands media, is all I can say, even if all, else is a lie. That will always remain true.
“As the new King, you’ve made substantial changes to the old Rogue Law. Will we be expecting more interference to release those of us still in Packland dungeons?”
“Yes,” I look over at my mate. “Phoebe and I are cutting ties with all packs that refuse to release our wolves to start. As our population continues to grow we will establish more embassies and living arrangements worldwide. Once we have the locations and treaties in place, that information will be available to the public.”
“Phoebe.” Someone calls out for us.
“When will we be able to see the prince and princess?” she asks.
“That’ll be all for today.” Malcolm steps between us, and we’re motioned to move on.
“Thanks, Mal. I was going to say something stupid,” Phoebe says as we’re escorted to the center.
“Yup. I saw that little glint in your eye when you turned your attention back to her, My Queen,” he chuckles.
“You are just full of surprises,” I say, pulling her into me. She grins, looking up
at me.
“What’s a little white lie to all the shit we have to take from everyone else? The people love to gossip, and now they have a reason to go against the packlands,” she shrugs.
“Derek,” I say mockingly. “Is not going to like that.”
“He can fight me for it,” she laughs.
The crowd begins to chant kiss. I look over at them to see them all jumping and calling out the one word. I tap my ear, pretending I can’t hear them. They only get louder. Phoebe tightens her hand in mine. I can already feel her secondhand embarrassment.
“You can’t-”
I pull her roughly against me, and I kiss her before she can finish that sentence. The crowd on both sides all cry out excitedly. I hold her against me when! pull away. Her eyes zero in on me with a glare.
“I can and I will whenever I want. That was the deal,” I smirk. “Did you get that lipstick on me?”
“Of course, not. I’m prepared for everything at all times. Like I’d wear a lipstick that would leave evidence of your pervy–ness,” she scoffs.
“Pervy–ness?” I laugh. “That’s like calling the pot a kettle, Angel. Don’t act like you don’t want to tie me up in your reinforced basement where no one can hear me scream. I’ve seen you snap already, baby. You can’t hide that shit from me, I’d actually like to see how far you’re willing to go.”
“Knight,” she laughs, trying to pretend everything is fine. “You’re an asshole.”
AD
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