The Reluctant Alpha
Page 11
“First off, I am not going to Italy. Second, I stay with my mate and third, you guys can find yourselves another Principessa and finally, whoever is doing the job right now can keep on doing it.” Mario translated and every eye turned to watch her. “I mean no disrespect but that’s how I feel.” She tucked herself into Dylan’s side. The oldest man in the crowd said something then picked up what looked like a doctor’s back from the floor.
“My great uncle Fredo would like to prick your finger Principessa to test it like I told you, is that okay?” Cami nodded and walked around the table holding her finger out. The old man grabbed it and bit her.
“Hey asshole! That hurt.” Cami jerked her finger away. Dylan snarled again and was at her side instantly. The man murmured something and held out a small glass straw. Cami held her finger out again. “If you bite me again I will seriously mess you up buddy.” The old man laughed and held the glass straw out to her finger, blood was draw up the cylinder. He fitted it with a rubber cap then pulled several vials out with different colored liquids in them then dropped a tiny bit of her blood into each one. He capped them all and shook them gently. His eyes narrowed and he clucked his tongue. “What’s that mean?” Cami looked at Mario who shrugged. The men huddled together and murmured, gesturing wildly.
“Our congratulations Miss, you are gestating.” The man named Fredo said.
“What the hell does that mean?” Dylan scooped her up and held her tight, laughing. He kissed her soundly and laughed again.
“You’re pregnant.” Her face fell.
“I am? How can I be? I…” Her jaw dropped and her eyes went round, “I’m late.” Dylan grinned and Mike slapped him on the back congratulating him.
“Good job sweetness.” Dylan turned to the old man, “Is she your Princess or not?”
“Yes and no.” Dylan quirked an eyebrow. “She is the Principessa Oriana Teodora, which means sunrise and gift of god. Her father gave her the name because she was born at dawn and she is a gift. She is who we thought she was, but she has said that she doesn’t want to be the Principessa. She wants to remain with you, a commoner.” He harrumphed and Dylan snarled again. “She wishes to pass her duties on, is that right Oriana?”
“It’s Cami and yeah, I don’t want any part of it. Who is doing whatever it was that you wanted me to do?”
“A second cousin. He is very capable, very fair, and well liked by the European pack union.” Cami made a face. “He asked that if you wished to refute your duties to convey his appreciation for you trusting him to rule in your place. Also, that if you ever find yourself in Venice, to please visit. If you truly do not want to be the ruler, I must ask that you sign this document disavowing yourself as Principessa, but I must also inform you that once signed in blood it cannot be reversed. You should consider this at great length ‘Cami.’ There is great wealth and privilege with this position.” Cami was shaking her head.
“All I ever wanted as a child was to have a stable home, to live in one place surrounded by people who loved me and to be in charge of my own life. If I was to go with you and live there, I think my life would no longer be my own. There would be many demands and I don’t think that I would enjoy my life like I will here with my mate.” She reached for Dylan’s hand and wove her fingers with his.
“You are correct on every count.” Cami tucked herself into Dylan’s side. “It astounds me though that you have chosen a mate. It is unheard of for a Princess to mate a commoner. Mister Ellis, may I test your blood?” Dylan laughed.
“Yeah sure why not, but I’m biting my own damned finger.” The old man grinned showing huge gleaming white canines. Dylan pricked his finger with a sharp tooth and held his finger out. The old wolf repeated his procedure and threw his hands in the air.
“Now it makes sense. You Mister Ellis are not an heir to any immediate throne but you are of royal blood.” Dylan scoffed. “I make no jest your highness. I believe that you are descended from the Spanish throne, it is diluted but it’s there.” He pecked on the vial full of purple liquid with his fingernail. “ Purple is Spain, while blue is for Italy.” He held up the tube that Cami’s blood went into. “We can see the lineage through the colors. You are probably the great grandchild of King Frutos, which means fertile by the way, he was never married, but he had hundreds of children in his lifetime. This explains why she accepted you as her mate. You see, I am right.”
“No you were wrong, you said that I was a commoner and apparently I’m not. Moving on. Cami have you decided on your fate Darlin’?” She trembled.
“Yes, where do I sign kingdom and all of this nonsense away? Oh, if I do sign will that keep the bad people from hunting me?”
“Yes Principessa, we will ensure that word spreads that you have denounced the throne and will live out your life in America with your mate the commoner. There is no need for anyone to know that you will produce a child with royal blood from two countries. The rumor will say that your powers are shoddy at best and that you want nothing to do with the European Packs. In the future though, this child that you carry will have the same rights to the throne, possibly in two countries, educate your children so that are not as lost as you have been.”
“Okay,” She held her finger up to Dylan who pierced it gently, fire alight in his eyes. Cami scrawled her name across the certificate. “I want a copy of that.” The man blew on the signature until it was dried. Dylan took it to his office and photocopied it on his all in one printer then brought it back to Mario’s uncle.
“Gentlemen, it’s been educational but if you will excuse us, my mate and I have the future to discuss. As alpha of Fern Valley I encourage you to make your visit here short.” Dylan scowled at them. There were several nods and they stood up at once together. Mario shook Dylan’s hand then followed them outside. Dylan locked the door behind them.
“Later Dyl, if you need me call, I’m going to the cabin for a nap. This has been way too intense for me and it was late when the old guy finally passed out.” Mike slid the patio door closed behind him and Dylan armed the alarm system.
“Now about that maple syrup.” He murmured against Cami’s neck, she giggled and broke free from his grasp.
Racing down the hall toward the bedroom giggling she called over her shoulder, “You have to catch me first.” Dylan snatched up the syrup and followed her.
Epilogue
Cami never regretted her decision to remain with Dylan. They married immediately after the Italian invasion, as she called it and took to her duties as the female alpha like the royalty that she was. She gave Dylan many children and the people involved in her parent’s deaths never threatened them. Dylan and Cami share who holds the alpha position at home with their little pack which is common among royals but they never knew that was why. Cami always felt that sometimes a girl just needs to be in charge.