Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 142: A Man-to-Man Talk

*Theo*

Before I could do or say anything else, Ciana artfully avoided my half embrace and skittered away.

I remained speechless as I stood there, watching her run away from me again. My head tilted back and I closed my eyes.

She had been so close. I could still sense her warm presence in the air and I inhaled deeply to indulge myself in her enticing, waterlily scent a little longer.

However, that single word breathed out from her pink and alluring lips rang in my ears and was sharper than any knife. It sliced through my chest and left my heart throbbing helplessly.

***

It only took Alpha Black two days to arrive at the palace. I was waiting for him at the front doors before he could run into Ciana. We hadn't had a chance to fill him in on what she was going through.

"Alpha Black," I greeted, nodding respectfully to him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I didn't expect the king himself to be my welcome party," he replied politely, slightly lowering his head to show respect to the crown, but the way he carried himself made it feel as if we were equal in status.

And I greatly appreciated it. Because he treated me as someone that he respected as a person, not due to my title. Even if I hadn't been the king, I was confident that he would do the exact same thing.

He lifted his eyes and looked me over quickly and meanwhile, I also got the chance to do the same to him.

He was a tall and good-looking man with a full build. Jake told me he was my father's age, but other than some hint of gray in his jet-black hair, I wouldn't think he was in his fifties. Probably because his piercing grayish-blue eyes caught most of my attention immediately.

They were deep and calm and through them, I knew for sure that their owner was a man full of stories. I could see where Ciana got her bright, captivating eyes from.

"You got here a bit sooner than we anticipated," I said as I gestured toward the meeting room.

"Where my daughter is concerned, I don't leave anything to chance. Where's my daughter, Your Majesty?"

"I assure you, Ciana is fine right now," I stated quickly so he wouldn't get the wrong idea. "However, she is dealing with something and I wanted to update you before you saw her."

He narrowed his eyes at my reply. Without saying anything, I could already sense the warning from his gaze.

"Please, tell me what is happening with my daughter."

His piercing eyes told me silently that if anything happened to Ciana, we'd all feel Alpha Black's wrath, something I would never want to deal with from my future and only possible father-in-law anyway, but especially after meeting Soren Black in person. I bet no one in the world would want to mess with this composed yet extremely dangerous man's beloved family.

So I decided to be completely honest and straightforward with him. If anything could help me with the man in front of me, my gut told me it was honesty and sincerity.

I looked him in the eye. “I'd like to start by saying that I love Ciana more than anything in the world. I'll do anything to protect her and treat her well.'

him by surprise, and he

the crown was an honor, but I was sure my title wouldn't earn me any additional points from Alpha Black when it comes to

with that. In fact, I was grateful that my Ciana had loving parents who truly cared about

before he said, "I appreciate that. Fathers

and I got the impression that while he appreciated my gesture, he wasn't

you before you see Ciana is that we need your help. Actually, Ciana needs your help," I clarified. "Not

started to build

I apologized sincerely. "Please allow me to fill you

everything that Ciana and I had been through together, especially with some parts of them being secrets

decided to be completely transparent with him, not just because I immediately knew we both had a common goal to help Ciana, but also because as dangerous as he was, I knew I could

It was my instinct.

little time, but I'll be as concise as I

seemingly calm the entire time. The only way I knew he was worried and upset from time

done, he took a few moments to process the

seemed to remember everything before she arrived at the palace. As for her memories about the palace...She’s expressed familiarity with some things but she

I appreciate you taking care of my daughter in her time of need. Now, I really

took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, calming my rapid heartbeat. Yes, I was

I was a father, would I allow my daughter to

to convince Soren that I could make Ciana happy and that I was going to protect her,

as confused, anxious and...helpless as I was, I was desperate for

her. Nothing could change

felt the same, and given

might take, I would never allow myself to just give up on our relationship and our future. At least,

At least, not now.

the eye and said slowly, “Alpha Black, I love your daughter, and I would like to ask

agree or

know it's a lot to ask," I added firmly, "but I'll keep trying until everything is fixed and I'll never

gaze as he responded slowly and seriously. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, I'm afraid

I sighed.

honest, I hadn't expected him to immediately agree to my request for her hand. It sounded illogical, but somehow I was glad he said no, because

based on what you told me, she's not in the right frame of mind. Not to mention, life with you

in his words, and I knew it would take a lot more for

concerned about Ciana's injury than I am. I'd rather die ten times over than see her hurt. At least, may I have the honor to court

be injured again, and unfortunately, royal life by default would be

ask you to

to force me to leave her here? My pack supported you because they believe you can restore justice and peace. If you're planning to go to

he questioned.