The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 13: Locked

**Florence**

I fixed my dress, smoothing out the fabric after washing my hands, and faced my reflection in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile onto my face, a habit I had developed over the years to encourage myself in times of stress or when things didn't go according to plan.

It was always up to me to uplift my spirits, as no one else had ever done so for me. In my 28 years of existence, apart from my wolf, I had never had someone to boost my morale or offer encouragement. It had become the norm, but that didn't mean I didn't yearn for it at times.

"Why am I thinking about this now?" I muttered to myself, my tone dry.

With one last sigh, I opened the door, only to be met by the man who always seemed to be by Nicholas's side. Earlier, I hadn't had the chance to thoroughly scrutinize his appearance, but now, with the bright light and a close-up view, I couldn't help but notice his curly brown hair falling over an innocent and charming face, complemented by clear gray eyes. Honestly, the men on this plane seemed to have looks worth boasting about. I wondered if all Lycans were the same.

"What now? Please tell me your Alpha didn't think I would be able to escape this godforsaken plane," I snapped, frustration seeping into my voice.

Instead of answering, Isaac spoke politely, "Pardon me for this."

Without any warning, he grabbed my upper arm and tugged me away. I protested, "Where are you bringing me?!" but Isaac held onto my bicep firmly, forcefully pulling me along.

He opened a door and roughly shoved me inside, causing me to stumble forward before the door slammed shut. I immediately tried turning the doorknob, but it was locked.

"Hey! Open the damn door!" I gritted my teeth, but the sound of retreating footsteps told me it was futile to call out for the man to come back.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I surveyed the room. There was no point in yelling or panicking; it wouldn't change my situation. My eyes fell upon a neatly arranged set of clothes on the bed—a sweatshirt and jeans. A pair of sandals lay on the floor.

"Thank goodness I can finally get out of this flimsy dress," I mumbled, picking up the clothes.

With the clothes in hand, I approached the only door in the room. As the only woman among Nicholas's group on this plane, it made sense that the clothes were intended for me. Perhaps Nicholas had a small conscience, allowing me the opportunity to change.

Inside the room, I lost myself for hours, mindlessly changing TV channels. None of the programs held any interest to me. Despite the loud and animated conversations of the men outside, my thoughts remain focused on what awaited me upon our arrival at the Moonstone Pack's destination.

Throughout the entire journey, no one approached me or inquired about how I was doing. They didn't even bother delivering any food. Thankfully, despite having only eaten a small breakfast, hunger wasn't an issue. If I knew any better, it was likely my mate's intention to starve me.

Letting out a sigh, I set the remote aside and headed into the lavish bathroom. As I stood there, I turned to face the mirror and was disheartened by the sight of my pale lips tightly pressed together and my weary eyes. Everything that had transpired was taking its toll on me.

Shaking my head, I brushed my hair, relishing the sensation of the soft strands gliding across my fingertips. I then turned on the faucet, splashing water on my face in an attempt to freshen up. I tried to summon a smile, but the sadness in my eyes betrayed me. Taking a deep breath, I exited the bathroom, determined to focus on the movie playing on the TV.

Soon after, I overheard the pilot announcing our impending landing. Hearing the announcement brought back a sense of composure. As the plane smoothly descended, I caught a glimpse of the golden sky, the sun on the verge of setting outside the window.

…..

**Nicholas**

I heard my Gamma approaching my seat and I undeniably heard how stubborn my little mate was conversing with my warrior a while ago.

"I already brought her to the room, Alpha," Isaac reported.

"Good" I replied, and put down my phone. I instantly opened my laptop and started reading emails that needed urgent attention.

"I also already informed the board of directors that you will not be able to meet them tomorrow. And the transfer of 20 million to Barbara was successful and the other 20 million will be sent after a month just like the terms," Isaac added, providing updates.

I nodded once again, appreciating his thoroughness. The business transactions needed to proceed smoothly, even with the unexpected turn of events. It was crucial to maintain stability within the pack, and the business realm.

"Before you rest, make a call to Julius's group if they find any valuable clues about the incident in the Swiftmane Pack," I instructed, emphasizing the importance of resolving the issue promptly.

Isaac bowed respectfully before returning to his seat, leaving me to contemplate the whirlwind of events that had happened to me. My initial plans had been changed the moment I saw Florence on that auction stage, realizing she was my mate. It was a connection I couldn't ignore.

I couldn't deny the turbulent emotions that had swirled within me when I first laid eyes on her. She had challenged me, meeting my gaze with fire in her eyes, and I knew right then that bringing her to my pack was the only solution. I cannot risk her safety for the sanity of my wolf. However, her defiance and feisty attitude made the possibility of escape a concern.

After long hours in the air, the pilot's announcement of the impending landing reverberated through the plane. I stood up and walked to my room of Florence with Isaac behind me and holding a small briefcase. I let Isaac open the door and I stepped in, seeing Florence glaring at me. She must have heard that I am coming. I couldn't help but notice the mixture of emotions crossing Florence's face—fear, defiance, and perhaps a glimmer of hope.

But my mind was already set and there was nothing that could change it—even her.