CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTEEN
+25 Bonus
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTEEN
Nolan’s POV
I knocked once before stepping into the Alpha King’s office. He was sitting behind his desk, staring out the window like he’d been lost in thought for a while. When he finally turned, he gestured toward the chair in front of him.
“Come in, Nolan,” he said. “Have a seat.”
I sat down across from him. His tone wasn’t cold or hostile, which was unexpected. It made sense. After everything that had happened, after saving Talia twice, I didn’t think he’d treat me like an enemy this time.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,”
,” the Alpha King said. “I thought it was time we spoke properly.”
He opened a drawer and pulled out a folder, setting it on the desk. Inside were a few photographs. He spread them in front of me. The first showed him with my father. They were younger, probably around my age now, both smiling like brothers. The next was a family photo of my father, my mother, and me, with my father’s hand resting on my shoulder.
Seeing those pictures brought up bitter sweet memories I’d buried deep. They were from my first trip to Silverfang. Back then, the pack had started to feel almost like a second home.
“Do you remember those days?” he asked quietly.
“I do,” I said. “I never forgot.”
A faint smile crossed his face. “You were a quiet boy back then. Always following your father. I remember you once told me I was the man you admired most after him.”
I remembered that too, right up until the day he betrayed us. “Is that why you called me here? To reminisce?” I asked.
The Alpha King chuckled, which made me frown. “What’s so funny?”
“You sound just like your father when he is angry,” he said.
I crossed my arms. “If this is just about the past, you’re wasting your time. I won’t look back.”
“I’m not trying to waste your time, Nolan,” he said with a sigh. “I wanted to talk before the Sacrifice Ceremony. There’s something you should know.”
“And what’s that?”
“Your father’s memorial day is coming up,” he said. “It’ll fall right after the ceremony. I thought maybe we could commemorate it together.”
That caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected him to bring up my father, much less suggest honoring him.
“I haven’t observed his memorial day in years,” I said. “There’s nothing to commemorate while his killer is still out there.”
“You still believe there’s more to it than what was reported?” he asked.
“I don’t believe it,” I said firmly. “I know. My father was accused of crimes he didn’t commit. Until I uncover the truth, I can’t celebrate anything.”
He studied me for a moment. He looked sad, maybe disappointed. “You’ve carried that resentment for a long time,” he said.
“And I’ll keep carrying it,” I said flatly. “Until I bring him justice.”
He didn’t respond. He just gathered the photos, tucked them back into the folder, and slid it into the desk drawer.
Finally, he said, “If you want to keep investigating, I won’t stop you. You have my permission.”
1/2
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTEEN
+25 Bonus
I narrowed my eyes. “There’s a catch, isn’t there?”
“There is,” he said. “You’ll stay away from Talia.”
I stared at him, unsure I’d heard him right. “Excuse me?”
“I want you to keep your distance from my daughter Talia,” he said, his tone steady. “She’s been through enough. Whatever is going on between you two, it ends now.”
My wolf’s voice rose furiously, and I winced. ‘Don’t agree to this. He doesn’t get to decide what we do with our mate.’
I clenched my jaw. “You’re assuming there’s something between us,” I said carefully. “Talia and I are nothing more than
acquaintances.”
“Acquaintances don’t risk their lives for each other,” he said. “I saw your face when she was unconscious, Nolan. I’m not blind.”
My hands tightened on the armrests and said, “I saved her because it was the right thing to do.”
“I don’t care why,” he said. “I care about keeping her safe. If you plan to stay in Silverfang, promise me you won’t pursue her.”
He didn’t use an Alpha command, but the authority in his tone made it clear there was no argument to be had.
My wolf growled again. ‘He knows she is our mate! How dare he make us promise!’
“You’re asking for a promise I don’t need to make,” I said. “Talia is your daughter. I know my place.”
“Then promise me,” he said again.
I met his gaze.
“And if I don’t?”
“Then you’ll leave Silverfang before the ceremony,” he said without hesitation. “And you won’t return.”.
My wolf snarled in protest, but I pushed him down. Leaving would mean giving up on clearing my father’s name, and that wasn’t something I could live with.
“Fine,” I said finally. “You have my word.”
He studied me for a long moment before nodding once. “Good. That’s all I needed to hear.”
I stood. “If that’s all, I’ll be going.”
As I reached the door, his voice followed me. “Remember your promise, Nolan.”
Comments
Support
+2
Share
212
