Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate: The Alpha Queen

By A E Randell

With Narcissa and Ada's sentence having been passed and the Enclave seemingly behind her inheritance of the crown, Ann's future as Alpha Queen seems secured.

What she didn't count on however was just how far the Coven's influence has spread in her father's complacency as the former Alpha King.

As she settles into her new role and discovers a threat that has been ignored for too long rising along her borders, how will she manage the challenges faced when attempting to battle a war on two fronts, and the subversive plots that seek to not only tear her from the throne, but aim to destroy her life.

Ann finds herself having to rely on old friends and new allies just to survive, but will it be worth the tragic consequences that follow?

The much-anticipated sequel will soon be available for purchase on Amazon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Mar 31, 2023

Book preview

Chapter 152 The Most Dangerous Opponent

The ground beneath them seemed to erupt as vile, twisted creatures emerged as far as the eye could see, bringing with them a stench that was so overpowering a multitude of hands flew upwards to cover their faces with the masks of their attire as they gagged violently.

The rotting flesh of the gargantuan beast that seemed to detach itself from the mountainside rippled disgustingly as it lumbered towards them, vile fluids oozing from the open sores and dripping down onto the mass of creatures swarming below it.

The entire convoy seemed to freeze momentarily in pure, unadulterated terror as the scene that looked as though it had been ripped straight from a horror movie unfolded before them.

In seconds, the Enclave's guards sprung into action. Those that couldn't shift readied their weapons and offensive magick as the sound of breaking bones whilst the shifters changed filled the air. An eerie symphony rippled through the landscape, filled with the cacophony of grunts and otherworldly shrieks, punctuated by the snap of bones and hum of magick in the air, the only human sounds were the hastily shouted orders and the manic laughter that seemed to spring incessantly in their ears.

With me! The lead guard roared as he rushed forward, his glaive glinting dangerously as it arced through the air in a murderous rampage. 

The guards rushed forward, engaging the assailants head-on, the predatory shifters savaging those that dared to come within reach as bursts of magick were fired overhead, decimating the ranks of the creatures that swarmed them.

The drivers scrambled down from their positions as the beasts began to panic, lunging at anyone that came close to them whether friend or foe. As soon as they had been unhooked from their burdens they charged headlong into the fray, disregarding everyone in front of them.

They cleared a path effortlessly before them as they surged forward, tossing bodies wantonly through the air with their tusks. The unfortunate victims that were either not paying attention or simply weren't fast enough to move out of their path were quickly trampled into a grotesque mess under the stampeding of their heavy hooves.

The guard's eyes flicked across to where the beasts forced their way through as he dispatched the attackers closest to him and saw that they were effectively making a direct path toward the gargantuan beast that lumbered its way toward them. 

He whistled to a few of the men closest and immediately they switched their focus, following his lead as he charged headlong down the gap in the ranks of their foes toward the most dangerous opponent on the field by far.

If they could dispatch the most obvious threat on the battlefield quickly, then it was just a matter of finishing off the stragglers. The smaller creatures that swarmed around them were only an issue because of their numbers. 

His heart pounded loudly in his ears, and his breath was beginning to come in ragged bursts as they finally reached within striking distance and as they launched their attack against the rotting mass, flesh falling in chunks and the beast relatively unbothered by the damage that they appeared to be doing, a deep sense of dread began to take root.

The creature glanced down at the tiny figures slicing away at his legs and seemed to frown as he lifted his leg and swept it sidewards, knocking 2 of the guard across the field, soaring above the enemy before landing in the middle of a large group and screaming as they were swarmed.

The lead guard had managed to avoid the first sweep and roared in fury as he redoubled his efforts.

The static of the magick flew past rapidly now, narrowly missing him as the magick users began to focus their efforts on bringing the beast down before them, their concerted efforts creating large holes in the body as it began to become increasingly irritated with their attacks, swatting at the figures as if they were flies.

With a lazy swing of its gargantuan arm, the enormous monstrosity missed the guard with his first shot but one of the smaller creatures that had taken him by surprise had distracted the guard enough for the second swing to connect violently with the guard's body. Sending him soaring into the air, before crashing into a broken heap on the floor, his body now lying motionless.

The woman's laughter intensified from within the cage as the elite escort that had been provided to see them safely to their new prison where they would await their death sentences was slowly, but surely, whittled down until only one driver remained.

He stood silently by the side of the cart, gripping his concealed dagger tightly as the gargantuan beast lumbered towards him and came to a halt, peering down at him curiously.

It fucking took you long enough you rotten shit… he grumbled as he strolled casually past him, stepping over the dead that now littered the floor.

The beast groaned forlornly as it lumbered after the tiny figure in front as they made their way to the cages on the cart and the driver looked back at it with a frown.

What? Don't you look at me like that! You aren't going to make me feel guilty for your own ineptitude at getting rid of them! If you had been quicker they wouldn't have done so much damage! The driver argued furiously shaking his fist angrily in the beast's direction as it moaned miserably.

The driver sighed heavily and massaged the bridge of his nose with his fingers in exasperation.

Fine! Goddammit… I'll fix you up when I get back… for goodness sake... will you just get these open… He grumbled as he gestured towards the sealed cages.

The beast replied with a guttural gurgling sound and reached over him, taking hold of the cage with both hands and ripping the roof seal open in a matter of seconds, before peeling the cage open as if it were no more than an orange.

The driver's face split into a wide grin as a woman emerged from inside and stood peering down at him imperiously with an arrogant tilt of her chin.

Figured you'd need rescuing. The driver gloated as the woman narrowed her eyes at him.

It took you long enough. She snapped testily as she smoothed her luxurious robes down and looked around her in distaste.

The driver roared with laughter, tipping his head back as he did so.

Come now sister, are you not happy to see your brother?

As happy as a condemned woman could be... She answered with a bitter twist of her lips.

Pah! Ever the pessimist Narcissa! He chuckled, ignoring her icy glare completely. Now, where's my favorite niece…

Sobbing like the pathetic child she is. We should leave her here, Ely. Ada serves no purpose anymore. Narcissa snapped as she waved her hand dismissively toward one of the other cages.

Her brother chuckled darkly.

Oh, I don't know about that. The master can always find a use for pretty young girls… you know that…

Chapter 153 You Remind Me of Your Mother

Ann and Adam stood side by side on the balcony, waving down to the crowds that had gathered below.

The noise from the crowd was almost deafening. It almost seemed as though they were fighting with one another over whose voice could shout the loudest and reach the newly crowned Alpha Queen's ears first.

Adam chuckled softly.

All this is for you, my Queen. He murmured as he took her hand and brought her fingers to his lips, kissing it gently.

Ann giggled lightly, her nerves getting the better of her as loud cheers echoed through the air.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for their excitement and the more than warm welcome, but I've done nothing to prove myself to them yet. She replied with a worried smile.

Is that really what you think? Adam murmured quietly, Ann, take a step back and think about it for a second. These past few months have thrown so much at you and the accusations and lies that were thrown in your direction put you under intense public scrutiny. Yet, no matter what Narcissa and Ada threw at you, you continuously emerged triumphantly with your reputation intact.

Yes... but I couldn't have done it without you, you know? I've had a lot of support.. Ann protested weakly before Adam held a hand up to stop her.

Ann, stop. Take a second to remember where you're standing. If I know Maeve as well as I think I do, I'm sure she will tell you to stop with the self-doubt.

'He's right you know... but I don't intend to do it in such a nice way. Listen up sugar-puff, sure, acknowledge that sometimes everyone needs a little help but stop being a crybaby. I'm not having you throw a little pity party for yourself every time you're insecure about your abilities. You're a goddamn Queen now... act like one.' Maeve smirked, 'If the Moon Goddess wanted us to fix everything for ourselves, then she wouldn't have granted us mates in the first place. For once in your life use your common sense.'

'Wow... a little harsh there, Maeve. I'm not throwing a pity party at all, I just..' Ann replied, a little taken aback by the passion in her words.

'Ann, whatever you're going to say I want you to know that I'm not listening and I intend to ignore it anyway. Just shut the fuck up, accept it, and enjoy this day as a celebration of a new beginning for us all… and while we're at it... I still want that portrait of me in our crown.'

'Are you serious? I thought you were joking when you said that…' Ann snorted in a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

'Deadly. Serious.' Maeve growled. 'I don't understand why you're laughing.'

'I'm not sure the Elders will agree... it's not exactly protocol...'

Maeve snorted and bared her teeth.

'Fuck the protocol and fuck the Elders too. There's nothing wrong with me wanting to feel pretty sometimes too… and the crown is shiny… and I want to wear it...' she pouted sullenly as Ann debated how best to respond.

Luckily for Ann, she was drawn out of the bizarre conversation by a voice from behind her. 

Your highness, the people have seen you now, so I think it would be wise for you to withdraw and return inside. 

As she turned, her eyes met the gaze of the elder that had conducted her coronation ceremony and he smiled warmly at her from the doorway. 

The celebratory feast will be underway shortly and your presence is required before it can begin. He advised with a small bow.

Ann nodded and glanced backward, her concerned stare focused in the direction of the thousands of people below.

Seeing her hesitance the Elder chuckled good-naturedly, his severe features crinkling into an expression that was not unlike one that you would expect to see on a kindly grandfather.

The people will not miss out, your Highness. They will be escorted to the plaza, where food and drink has been provided for them. I promise you, their feasting and additional celebrations will last far longer than ours… He smiled as a wicked glint crept into his eyes, It will probably be much more fun as well. 

Ann grinned before she could stop herself and froze momentarily, not sure if it was particularly 'Queenly' behavior but the Elder returned her smile warmly.

There is no need to be stone-faced all the time, your highness. Despite our fearsome reputation, we elders are no different than any other individual that resides within our kingdom. Apart from our current privileged positions of course… and the ever-increasing years that only add to our already ancient status... but we won't talk about that. He chuckled, as he gestured for them to enter again. 

With a final wave to the crowds below, and feeling incredibly guilty as the sounds of disappointment drifted up toward them, they turned and left the balcony leaving the cool air behind them.

Mimi had been correct in her prediction of the chill that would await Ann on the balcony and she had found herself incredibly grateful for the thick cloak that chased the chill away. She pulled it tighter around her as she made her way inside to the equally chilly stone halls of the Enclave. 

Now, if you will allow me the honor of escorting you both to the banquet hall, I would be delighted to show you the hospitality reserved for the Alpha Queen and Consort. The old man smiled as he gestured for them to follow.

Ann and Adam exchanged a brief smile with each other before they followed his lead out of the grand hall and through the twisting stone corridors. 

You know, you remind me a lot of your mother, my Queen. The Elder commented as he turned to look at Ann with an almost sad smile. 

The comment startled Ann, as she hadn't been expecting the topic of her mother to be brought up so quickly, but she didn't let it show.

Really? Did you know her well? Ann enquired politely as the sound of their footsteps echoed around them.

The Elder chuckled softly and nodded.

Yes, since she was a child actually. he replied with a sad sigh, Not a single one of us supported Narcissa's intrusion into the Royal household, but there was nothing that we could do. We attempted to safeguard both you and your mother, but we clearly underestimated the lengths that Narcissa was willing to go to. We feel that part of the blame for her death, and your misery, lands squarely at our feet. 

That's nonsense. Ann answered quickly with a frown, The only people that are to blame our my father and that… that... 

You are too kind, my Queen. However, we intend to atone for our lack of foresight as we can. The Elder interrupted with a tone that brokered no argument as they pulled to a stop in front of yet another set of heavy ornate doors.

The sounds of laughter and gentle music could be heard from within and Ann knew instantly that within the room beyond those doors, lay her first official banquet as Alpha Queen.

The Elder smiled warmly at her as the doors slowly opened, the sounds of merriment increasing in volume as they did so.

Are you ready, my Queen? 

As much as I'll ever be, Ann replied confidently as she took hold of Adam's hand and they made their way inside.

Chapter 154 Emergency

The hum of chatter faded as soon as the Steward announced their arrival and every person in attendance stood and turned to watch the newly instated royal couple with interest. 

Ann took a deep breath to steady her nerves as unobtrusively as she could. She forced a demure smile on her face as she and Adam made their way toward their seats and tried desperately to ignore the countless judgemental eyes now focused solely on her.

The Royal Table sat at the far back of the room, elevated slightly above the others on a beautifully sculpted dais. Two ornate chairs, crafted in Silver and decorated expertly with reliefs of the Moon Goddess and her first children sculpted into the metalwork, sat central to the table, flanked on either side by additional chairs for the most senior of the Royal Enclave.

As Ann and Adam passed the many faces of the wide array of dignitaries assembled in the banquet hall, they held their heads high as the surrounding shifters bowed their heads or bared their necks as a sign of respect to the passing couple. 

'Oh look how respected we are already!' Maeve preened proudly as she fought the urge to extend her dominance just a little, 'Clearly, they appreciate that we are a magnificent fit for the throne.' 

'Clearly,' Ann replied with a chuckle, 'Not all of these faces are friendly though. Politics and diplomacy are tricky at the best of times, especially with the devious hearts behind some of these faces.' 

'Oh yes, because you're an expert on spotting sinister intentions,' Maeve sniggered sarcastically.

'Are you ever going to let that go?' Ann replied with a little sigh as her frustration leaked into her tone.

'Evidently not. You're a big girl. You can take it. Own your problems before they own you and all that…' Maeve replied nonchalantly. 

'Well listen here clever clogs, I might not be the best at understanding and spotting things outside of the palace but I have, however, been around diplomats and politicians since a young age and I know exactly which ones I need to look out for.' Ann bit back defensively, 'Whilst some are happy to work on a mutually beneficial relationship, there is still a good amount