The Alpha King's Daughter novel Chapter 3

I refused to let Viktor interrupt my daily routines, one of which included sneaking through the kitchen to steal one of Sheila's famous muffins. I was almost a hundred percent sure that Sheila and Shannon we're witches in their past life, because it was nearly impossible to get anything past them.

That just made my antics even more fun.

I crept into the busy kitchen, instantly noticing that Sheila was busy ordering some of the other cooks around. I smiled to myself, she was definitely distracted.

I crept up to the counter where a plate of her muffins sat steaming. An audible groan left my lips as I turned to see Viktor sticking out like a sore thumb.

"Do you not know how to be stealthy?" I groaned at him, my eyes keeping track of Sheila.

In a move that surprised me, his dark eyebrow lifted and his obsidian gaze remained locked on me.

I glanced at Sheila, and figured this would be my only chance. I snatched up one of the muffins and shot a glare at Viktor.

"Now hurry up before I get caught." I hissed, taking off in a jog as I headed to the patio doors. I only stopped running once I was sure I was far enough away from Sheila's wrath.

I didn't need to turn to know that Viktor was following me, the aura that surrounded him gave him away instantly.

I stopped to eat my muffin, not daring to do it in Shannon's presence. She would definitely let her mom know of my thievery. I ran my fingers over the delicate petals of each vibrant flower, taking a large bite of the muffin.

I was so absorbed in my muffin and my own thoughts to notice Viktor staring at me. Once again there was that strange shift in his eyes, but it was so distant I couldn't understand what it was.

"Sheila makes the best muffins but I hardly ever get any, so I steal them." I smirked at Viktor and his unwavering gaze.

I let my eyes wander to the gazebo in the distance, and I could just make out Shannon's figure as she sat waiting for me.

"I have to finish it now though. Her daughter is my best friend and she'd rat me out in a second." I huffed.

I know it probably seemed strange. I was talking to a silent and very deadly man without receiving even a single response. It was hard to explain, but I felt like he was waiting for an explanation for my behavior.

After I practically inhaled the muffin, I turned to continue walking but a leather-clad hand stopped me.

I froze as I felt Viktor's large hand tap my shoulder. Turning in absolute confusion, I looked up at the giant who towered over me.

"Um, what?" I scowled. What made him think he could touch me, but I couldn't do the same?

"He's your bodyguard, duh. That is, unless you wanna touch him." Aela smirked, sending all kinds of naughty pictures into my innocent mind.

I felt my eyes lock in on his own and I froze when his hand reached towards my face. In a move that should've been too gentle for someone his size, he let his pointer finger touch my cheek. It was so quick that I hardly had time to register what happened.

When he pulled away I finally realized why he had done that. A gooey chocolate chip sat on the tip of his finger. My face heated up as I wiped at the spot, getting rid of the evidence.

I felt smug at the fact that Viktor had touched me, it felt like a start. "Thanks." I smirked up at him, turning around to continue my walk.

I contemplated a few things as I walked down the garden path, my silent protector behind me.

My father had done all that he could to shield me from boys. Dating was almost unheard of for Lycans, especially Royals. There was no telling who your mate would be, and dating only put innocent hearts at risk. The closest thing I ever had to a boyfriend was Erik. Erik was the heir to another, much smaller Kingdom. He would often visit with his family and spend a few days in our mansion. While we only ever held hands, Erik was who everyone assumed my mate would be.

As completely inexperienced as I am in those kinds of matters, I had plenty of confidence. I didn't feel shy or critical about my body, or what I wanted. Sure, like all people I still had my moments of doubt but for the most part I wasn't afraid.

I ran up the steps to the gazebo, plopping down in the empty chair next to Shannon. I tried to ignore the stunned look on her face as she took in Viktor. I'm sure even as a human, she could sense the danger radiating from him.

As usual, two servants brought out a silver cart only this time it was full of little sandwiches and other appetizers.

"So, that's the bodyguard?" Shannon giggled, but her eyes remained wide. Viktor stood off to the side, his large arms crossed as they looked down on us. Sometimes his eyes would move, scanning our surroundings, but would quickly return to me.

His outfit was formal. A typical black button down with black slacks. The black mask that covered the lower half of his face melted in with his shirt, almost making him look like an extremely large ninja.

I nodded, munching on one of the little sandwiches. "That's him alright."

"Why's he wearing a mask and gloves?" Shannon asked, and I wished I knew the answer to that myself.

I shrugged, pushing the plate of sandwiches towards her, "I have absolutely no idea. He doesn't really talk either."

"Caroline's going to love that." Shannon chuckled, her eyes flickering to my bodyguard. His presence was absolutely impossible to ignore.

I cringed at the thought of Caroline trying to flirt with Viktor, not liking the sour taste it put in my mouth. "I wish her the best of luck with that." I chuckled dryly.

"He looks like he can handle himself." Shannon whispered to me, chuckling under her breath.

"He does, doesn't he? He's massive, even for a Lycan." I shook my head, taking a sip of water.

Shannon glanced at Viktor one last time and thankfully changed the subject.

"So, are you excited for your birthday?" Shannon grinned and nibbled on one of the finger sandwiches.

I shrugged, already knowing how my birthday would go. "I'm sure Dad's going to make a big deal out of it, throw a huge ball or something."

"You should be excited, it's the best chance you'll have to meet your mate. Guys will be lining up to meet you." Shannon grinned. She loved parties, well she loved any reason to wear a beautiful dress.

Sheila never had enough money to buy Shannon a new dress, but my Dad always ordered one for her and Caroline. I'm not against extravagant parties, I just find it exhausting being the center of attention. The pressure of having to remain poised and talk to everyone was high. It was something that took me many years to get used to.

I frowned, "You're right. What if I don't want to meet my mate?"

"Why on earth wouldn't you? I wish humans had a destined soulmate. Do you know how many times I've had my heart broken?" Shannon shook her head incredulously.

I shrugged and let out a tired sigh, "It just means everything will change. Shortly after I find my mate, Dad will step down. I'll have all of these people to look after."

"You'll do amazing, Arabella. Whether you accept it or not, ruling is in your blood." Shannon nodded positively.

Even if I tried to deny it, I knew she was right. I could feel my father's Alpha blood running through my veins, magnified due to him being the Alpha King.

"Now that you have your bodyguard, you can finally leave the grounds." Shannon pointed out, causing a wide grin to spread on my face.

I gasped, "You're right! Let's go get coffee!" I chirped, finally feeling like this bodyguard thing wasn't such a bad idea.

"You and your coffee. There's coffee here!" Shannon chuckled.

I pouted at her, "It doesn't taste the same. Plus their chocolate chip muffins are almost as good as your mom's." I licked my lips hungrily. I could eat quite a lot, even for a Lycan but my craving for chocolate chip muffins was never satisfied.

"You and your muffin obsession." Shannon rolled her eyes.

I shrugged, "You can't blame me. Their dessert that's acceptable to eat at any time of the day."

"You're right. Well, luckily I'm off work today. I have to help mom in the kitchens later but we can go now if you'd like?" Shannon gave me a smirk.

I beamed back at her, "I'd love to go! Let's get this cart back to the kitchen and I'll let our driver know."

I lugged the cart down the stairs of the gazebo and pushed it in front of me as we walked back to the kitchens. The dark aura coming from behind me was ever so present in my mind. While it felt threatening and ferocious, I had to admit I felt safe.

I pulled the cart into the large kitchen and settled it against the wall.

"Arabella, you should've just mind-linked us when you were finished." One of the servants, scolded me, a small smile playing on her lips. The smile vanished when she locked eyes with Viktor and his menacing aura.

I gave her a gentle smile, "We had to come through the kitchen anyway."

"Arabella!" Sheila's voice yelled from the massive dining room.

"And you thought she wouldn't find out." Aela cackled in my head.

I felt my face pale as I looked at Shannon in shock, "Crap, we need to leave!" I left Shannon in the dust, running through the house until I made it safely out the front door. I hadn't turned to see if Viktor followed, but I wasn't surprised to find him standing a few feet behind me.

"Dad, Shannon and I are going to the cafe for some coffee." I mind-linked him, letting him know where I would be.

His voice was quick to reply, "Is Viktor with you?"

I rolled my eyes, "Of course. I don't think I could escape him if I tried."

"Do me a favor and don't try, Bella." My dad's relieved voice flooded my mind.

I smirked, "Aw Dad, you think I'm that talented?"

"Actually, I know you're that talented. Behave, Bella." My Dad's stern voice replied, but I could practically see the smile forming on his face.

"Always, Dad." I chuckled, ending the mind-link.

I hopped into the backseat of one of the black SUV's we had in our employee parking lot. Shannon was quick to hop in next to me, shooting me an incredulous glare.

Viktor climbed in the front, flipping down the mirror to keep an eye on the two of us.

"Where are we headed Miss Arabella?" The older human driver turned his head to smile at me, his eyes flickering to Viktor wearily.

I gave him a wide grin in return, hoping to ease some of his anxiety. "Just to the cafe."