Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

I returned to my room after dealing with the affairs for the day. I knew Aliana would not be there, but I hoped she would not linger in her father’s house because I needed company. I needed her company.

I planned to visit Woodland and spend two days there with Aliana. A change of scenery might help our relationship, and I knew she would like it too.

I could not get over the image of her bruises in my head and the fact that she just took it. What happened to Aliana was a reality for the werewolves.

While my mother beat her, she dared not retaliate. I could just imagine my mother taking it too far. Aliana would have just taken it like when Ingham decided to make an example of her. Abolishing the Unity law was crucial.

What if I am not there?

What if the Lycan that is hurting her takes it too far?

I was afraid, and the need to abolish the law felt urgent.

I entered the room and sat on the couch to think about everything happening. Fredrick was a huge problem for me, but seeing the crest of Hill warriors on the scene and knowing some of the warriors were from Hill bothered me.

Although I had sent a letter to King Aleksander to inform him of what I had learned, I knew I could not trust him. The truth was they both wanted the same thing; the resources of Forest, and they would do anything to get them.

I did not know how far Aleksander was willing to go, but I knew Fredrick would do anything to get his hands on Forest.

I did not know if I could trust King Aleksander, but I planned to take the matter to the joint council. Since Forest had no representative in the joint committee because of the werewolf situation, I would have to place my people there. I planned on nominating Qusack and Abraham as representatives. I do not know if I need to be king for that to happen, but I will find out on that day.

“Alpha, your mother hasn’t left her room or eaten all day,” I heard Erica’s voice in my head, and I did not want to deal with this. I just wanted to relax and spend time with

Aliana. Bane and I needed peace. I wondered why my mother loved to seek attention this badly. It had just been two days, and I was tired already.

I did not want to seem insensitive to her, so I got up and decided to go and check on her.

When I got to her room, I knocked a couple of times, and no one answered.

her so she would know I was the

was crying. I stepped into the room, and the curtains were closed. It was dark. There was no light but that of the lamp by her bed. She went to sit at the foot of the bed without saying a word to

on

this?” I asked her calmly, and

emebarrssed me, Niko. You belittled me because of a girl. You stripped me of my title and said no one should help me. You gave people a reason to disrespect me because of a girl,” She

want to be an evil

had these people when I was nobody. A lot of them lost their lives fighting my cause. They helped me get my revenge

Aliana that you beat up, you would be dead if it weren’t for her. She had no reason to care for you, but she did. She did not even know who you were. To her, you were the mother of the man that killed her people, humiliated her and her father and took over their territory. I took her from her father so

I am afraid that they will harm you like they did your father,” She said, crying, and I nodded, understanding her point, but I also knew that Aliana would not harm

then why would Gabriel tell you to return with your

needed us to be safe. He might have only said I could return because he believed I would not, knowing how badly my brother wanted Forest. He might not want the death of a pregnant woman on his hands. I needed to be careful. I did not

to her and held

do. I love you so much that I could not kill you. I carried you for many years, hoping you will come through. Please do not make me regret my prayers. You

Word gets out that you are with a werewolf; they would move against you. I know Fredrick; he has wanted to get his hands on Forest for a while now. Do not give him a reason to succeed,” she said, pleading

if telling her how I felt was

help the fact that I am drawn to her. Had she been a Lycan, I would have claimed and married her. She has a hold on me, one I can’t shake off,” I confessed and sighed. I needed my mother to accept Aliana. I

you will give her a chance,” I said, and

that killed my mate? Will that not be madness?” She asked me, and I disagreed because I had learned to

to health,” I said, showing her a brighter perspective, and she shook

ascend, and you are to have a

in my father’s footsteps. I will be without a queen and keep a werewolf mistress. There is no law against that,” I said, and

and I knew she would not bend. Something in her eyes let me know I was wasting my time. Knowing I needed her to

that I marry someone. But I will still keep Aliana with me regardless. Do not ask me to give her up completely because

the kind of heartache your father subjected me to,”

put me in her shadow, calling her name in his sleep,