CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62

Trevor’s POV

She proceeded to the hall, while I headed to my room to put on something presentable, clothes obviously.

By the time I got to the hall, it was filled with all of my people, misfits and rogues as they called us. I had always been proud of being a ruler to them. They made me feel needed, even after the tragic incident that resulted in me being cast out of my pack.

Triton was there, a brother who had been manipulative at times, and even had an entanglement with my mate. Anytime I thought of the fact that Maria carried his child, it made me cringe badly. But now, she was mine not his.

I brushed thoughts of my earlier feud with Triton away. Tonight was for double celebration and not brooding about past wounds.

My eyes scanned the hall, searching for Maria. She was supposed to be here as she came earlier than me. I later saw her in a corner.

My jaw tightened as I saw that she was standing close to Triton, and he was talking to her. I composed myself and walked closer to them.

"Trevor, you’re here." She smiled and walked towards me as she saw me.

I locked her arms gently in my arms, and we headed towards the center, where everything was happening.

Even though I knew that she wouldn’t be rekindling her affair with Triton, I still felt jealous seeing them together. My mind was even more disabled at the thought that they’d be travelling to Veilwood without me.

What if I tried to reconcile with her again in my absence? Or worse, he impregnates her again.

"Relax Trevor, she’s all yours," My wolf whispered to me, calming my mind.

Since that night that I marked her, my wolf, Thunder, had become more active than ever. I didn’t want to be too forward and mark her so quickly, but Thunder pushed through every part of me that night, forcing me to do so. And when I did it, it was the best feeling I had got in a long while.

As we climbed the podium, the chattering died down, and everyone turned to give us attention.

I allowed Maria to address the people first, while I stood back, watching her with admiration in my eyes as she spoke flawlessly.

"I want to appreciate everyone who came out today to celebrate with us." She started, and the crowd cheered in acknowledgement. "Today is Kelin’s birthday, and I wish the moon goddess grants her all the good things she desires."

I saw a bright smile appear on Kelin’s face. My people being happy also made me happy. It was extremely thoughtful of Maria to think of throwing a party for the girl. In the rogue fortress, we hadn’t had any celebrations till today. Honestly, we didn’t think that anything was worth celebrating. In fact, there wasn’t anything to celebrate because there was one blight after the other and the lands were always dry and yielding little crops.

She continued. "I also want to thank everyone for giving me a chance to be a leader and a Luna to all of you." She turned towards me and held my hand. "And I also want to appreciate Trevor, my mate, for saving me that day and nursing me till I was back to good health."

I heard a few gasps escape from the hall.

"Mate?" They whispered among themselves. It was obvious that some of them were surprised. We hadn’t officially announced that we were mates, and I’m sure they were shocked that a rogue could have a mate. It was unheard of in the past years of us living together, for anyone to have a mate.

"We are mates." I announced proudly, while lifting Maria’s hand high in the air for everyone to see. "Your King has a mate."

Cheers erupted and cups were raised in the air. Someone whistled and started clapping, and everyone else joined in clapping.

"Congratulations, Trevor."

"We’re so happy for you."

"This is wonderful news from our king."

Maria was already suppressing a blush from their compliments, while I smiled, waving my hand in the air for their loud voices to die down so that she could continue speaking.

"As much as it has been an honour serving you people, I will have to leave soon."

There were some murmurs from the crowd from that single revelation.

"Why, Luna Maria?" Kelin’s voice pierced through.

"I have to meet my own people and settle issues concerning my pack, but I assure you, I’d be back once everything is over. Enjoy the rest of the party, and happy birthday once again, Kelin."

"Thank you," The girl responded cheerfully.

Wine was brought, and a toast was made to Kelin’s birthday. Later on, the cake was cut and shared, and the party proceeded into the night, with lots of eating and drinking.

The music from the instruments of the local musicians filled the air. My people were now dancing. Men dancing while holding women or women dancing in groups.

Most of the people that weren’t dancing were the men, who were seated among themselves and talking.

I approached Triton who was in a corner with his beta. I didn’t even know the name of this man who accompanied him.

When I sat closer to him to talk, the man excused himself, and I saw him get lost in the crowd with Kelin.

"You seem like a great leader. This isn’t quite how I thought the rogue lands will be." Triton said before he gulped down the contents of his cup.

I chuckled. "I always have to do my best to give them hope. As long as we are alive, we must have hope."

"True. But once we’re done with the forger, you have to return home." He looked around the hall and returned his gaze to me. "These lands don’t look like they can survive anymore. It’s dry and dying."

I let out a sigh. That was an obvious fact. Even though I had tried giving my people hope all these years, I knew the truth that the lands wouldn’t last any longer, especially with the reoccurring blight.

"Even if my people are accepted into their pack, would father ever accept me after everything." I threw my head over the chair, with my hand clasped in front of me. "Would I even survive to the next full moon? What if we can’t find a solution to my curse or defeat the forger before then?"

Triton narrowed his gaze and stared directly on the ground.

"We would get a solution for you, and I would also get a solution for myself."

I arched my brow, not really understanding what he meant. I knew that it was obvious I needed a solution to my death curse, but I never knew about any of his problems that needed a solution. It was only now that it occurred to me that I didn’t know what he was benefiting from the forger. Wealth and power maybe, to be able to rule like our father.

"What problem of yours needs a solution?" I asked, full of curiosity.

He let out a deep sigh and rubbed his temples like it was too much for him to reveal. His left foot tapped restlessly against the ground.

He leaned closer to me and lowered his voice. "I may never be able to rule Lycanthia properly."

I was even more confused. "Did father take away the alpha position from you?"

"No! I’ve..." he hesitated for a while and ran his fingers through his hair. Whatever this was, I knew it was a lot for him to say. Maybe he didn’t trust me fully, to reveal everything.

I looked at him with expectant eyes, eager to hear what his problem was.

"Just forget it. It’s nothing."

He didn’t wait for me to respond before standing up and heading to the jug for more wine.

I didn’t bother going after him for a reply. Whatever it was, it couldn’t be worse like mine which was death, or could it? Could Triton also be faced with a death curse?

I watched him from a distance, trying to pick if I could decipher any problem from afar, but it wasn’t possible. Anybody who looked at me too, wouldn’t be able to tell that I’m cursed to die on the next full moon.

One thing was sure, the forger had promised him something too. No one would carry out the forger’s dirty work without benefits being attached.

While my head was occupied with these thoughts, I felt a hand on my back. I turned to see Maria.

She stretched out her hand to me, and I took it and stood up to join her.

"Everyone is dancing, we should dance too." She said, placing my hands on her waist.

I didn’t hesitate to twirl her around with my hand, like I did when we were alone in the room. She giggled in a way that made my heart flutter, and led me further to the floor where everyone was dancing.

Oh goddess. She was the best thing that had happened to me!