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.

linked her so she would know I was the one at her door.

swollen, and it was evident she 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

sit on the

meaning of this?” I asked her calmly,

should help me. You gave people a reason to disrespect me

anymore. You are my mother. If I ever succeed and become king, you won’t be Queen. I also do not want to be an evil bastard. A little kindness would go a long way. Beating and insulting people is

revenge and take back my home. The survivors are all I have, and they deserve respect. We wouldn’t be

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 she would have no honour and no children. I took her to make Gabriel suffer, but she still cared for you. The least you could do was be grateful for her kindness. But instead, you chose to be mean and beat her up.” I said,

not want anything bad to happen to you, Niko. 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

because if they truly did what you claimed they did, then why would Gabriel tell you to return with your child when I am of age and that he will

was hunting me, and Gabriel killed my mate. What if he changed his mind and killed us? I 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

her and held her

I carried you for many years, hoping you will come through. Please do not make me regret my prayers. You should seek ways to make me happy and make my life easy. Not complicate it,” I said, and she

against your coronation request. 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

did not know if telling

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

give her a chance,” I said, and she looked at me with tears streaming

Niko? How can I love the daughter of the man that killed my mate? Will that not be madness?” She asked me, and I disagreed because I had

love the woman that makes your son happy and nursed you back to health,” I said, showing her a brighter perspective,

ascend, and you are to have a queen?” She asked, and

follow in my father’s footsteps. I will be without a queen and keep a werewolf mistress. There

knew she would not bend. Something in her eyes let me know I

will still keep Aliana with me regardless. Do not ask

not subject a fellow Lycan to the kind of heartache your father

did not know her, Mathias put me in