The Beta’s Regret

Chapter 222

(Eden’s POV)

I was still standing.

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Eros held my chair behind me and waited patiently for me to sit But when he saw I didn’t make a move, he touched me.

I sat down, my eyes glued on Cheryl, who winked at me. Just like Susie, Cheryl was a recipe for disaster. The vampire was a walking, talking, breathing danger.

“Welcome.” I heard Elder Vallarta greet. I ignored him, my gaze still fixed on Cheryl.

“What are you doing here?” I said through clenched teeth.

She shrugged. “The same thing you are here for.””

I frowned. I looked at Ryker, who looked tense. From the way the muscles on his shoulder looked, I had a feeling he was gripping his knees as tight as he could.

“We have a new guest.” Elder Crandall continued.

He looked at Cheryl.

“This is Cheryl, daughter of Lady Maria.” Cheryl’s smile became wider.

I looked at Elder Crandall. “Why is she here?”

He raised a brow in surprise. “I thought you were aware of the relationship between Miss Cheryl and Ryker.”.

I frowned. I felt a feeling of dread hit me. I didn’t want to believe that Cheryl was here for what I assumed she was here for.

“No, I don’t.” I said it as stiffly as I could.

Eros, who sat close to me, gave me a look. He must be wondering why I was suddenly guarded.

“Miss Cheryl here claims that she is mates‘ with Ryker.” Elder Vallarta said.

My head snapped to Cheryl. “Mate?”

She shrugged. “That’s what it seems like.”

“No way.” I snapped. “Ryker!” I looked at him. His lips were pursed in a straight line.

It didn’t look like he would say a word. However, he looked mad.

“Now that we are all here, let’s get started.” Elder Crandall announced.

Immediately, the maids entered with different dishes. The room was filled with different aromas.

But nothing took my focus away from Cheryl, who pretended that I didn’t exist.

When the maids had served the food, Elder Crandall took a half–filled glass of wine and tapped his spoon against it.

“Everyone!” He called our attention. “We are here together not just for a meal, but to celebrate the acceptance of diversity amongst us.”

He looked at Cheryl and tipped his glass to her. She beamed a wide smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

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Chapter 222

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“For the very first time, we will be having a female full–blooded vampire competing to be Queen. It had never been heard of that a full–blooded vampire reigned as Queen, but if Ryker prove himself worthy, we will be breaking history for the first

time.”

He grinned. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” The remaining elders in the room, along with Cheryl, who said loudly.

Glasses clinked together, and a soft laugh filled the room.

Elder Gallegos, who had been quiet for some time, spoke out.

“This is also the first time that the crown will be contested for by two royal Princes. This has never happened.”

Elder Crandall nodded. “Yes. There was never a time when the crown was fought for.

“And what makes it better is that the queens would also have to prove themselves for the position.” Elder Gallegos said.

I turned to him sharply.

“What?” I asked. “What does that mean?”

Chuckles filled the room. I wasn’t exactly sure what the elders found amusing, but I had a feeling they were getting some kind of amusement from what was happening.

“Since Ryker has not denied Cheryl’s claim to be his mate, we have accepted to allow her to contest along with him to become his queen. The same applies to you and Eros. If you fail the queen’s test, you will lose the title.” Lord Vallarta announced.

I felt Eros clench his fist beside me. A low growl released from his lips, and I knew that any moment from now, Eros would

react.

I held his hand in mine. He wasn’t pleased I was trying to stop him. He gave me a stern look.

I could feel his emotions.

“Beast wants to tell the elders that we are pregnant.” Tiara said in a panic.

My eyes

widened, and I held on to his hand tighter. It wasn’t information I wanted to share.

Eros’s thoughts were written on his face. He wanted to protect me.

I smiled, pleased that he would never stop defending me.

I shook my head, telling him not to succumb to what he felt.

After a few moments, Eros gave up and relaxed. He leaned against the chair and clenched his jaw in anger.

I prayed that the Elders would say something different, bring up another topic that would ease the tension. I tried to think of what to say to ease the atmosphere.

“Eros and I will make sure to do our best.” I said.

The Elders nodded.

Suddenly Ryker spoke up. “When Eden and Cheryl fight for the position of queen, what happens to the winner? Will she get married to the crown king?

There was a sudden silence in the room.

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Chapter 222

My eyes widened. I gave Ryker a sharp look. He avoided my gaze and looked down at his food.

Cheryl had her lips stretched in a nasty smile. I felt irritation crawl up my spine.

There was no way I would allow this leech to latch onto Eros. I would fight tooth and nail if I had to.

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We all knew what Ryker’s question meant. He was trying to say that if Eros won