Chapter 39
“I realized that you and I haven’t had the chance to chat,” he states. “Just one-on-one. I figured now might be a good time.”
I nod at him, feeling a little more at ease. Then again, he’s studying me quite carefully.
“Have you enjoyed your stay?” I ask.
“I have,” he confirms. “Kane’s pack is doing quite well. They seem like good people.”
I want to laugh at this, wishing I could tell him how rude and awful they’d been to me. However, I stay on my best behavior as I’m reminded of my agreement with Kane.
“And what about you?” the Alpha King asks. “Have you been enjoying your time in Kane’s pack?”
That’s laughable, and I almost do laugh. However, I somehow swallow down the urge.
“I have been,” I lie, surprised to find it sounds convincing. “Kane is clearly a respected Alpha.”
That last half wasn’t a lie. In fact, some members of his pack practically worshipped him. Bianca more than the rest, most likely.
“Yes,” the King says. “But how are you enjoying it?”
His question strikes me as I consider how it could be seen as kind, considerate. However, I know it’s
another hidden test at its core.
“I enjoy it a lot,” I state. “I never realized that Kane and I would get along so well.”
Lies. Lies. Lies.
But I must have sounded convincing because the Alpha King appears delighted.
“Of course we matched you two together for the sake of a powerful heir,” he states. “But what a wonderful surprise it was that you two also happened to be mates.”
Yeah…wonderful.
“I admit that I was a little worried after I saw the stunt you pulled at the Luna ceremony, but it appears you’ve sorted it out, yes?” the Alpha King continues. “You’re just as headstrong and unpredictable as your mother – an admirable trait.”
I nod at his words, knowing I had my mother’s same fire. However, I then watch as his eyes soften as he continues to take me in, scan my face.
“You also look just like your mother,” he says softly, fondly. “It’s uncanny.”
I swallow at this, feeling strange under his gaze. A gaze that is longing, maybe even a little pained. It’s then that my heart jumps, wondering if there was more to the Alpha King’s visits when I was a child.
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Maybe he hadn’t merely been “checking on things” but had wanted to see my mother. I remember the stolen glances between them that had confused me at the time. Perhaps there was more between them than I had ever realized.
I’m still rolling the idea around in my head when the door to the room opens.
“Ah, here you two are,” Alexander states, coming over to join us. “Is our King bothering you, Evie?”
His nonchalance and casualty causes a wave of warmth to meet my cheeks. I give an awkward laugh.
“I was just telling Evelyn how much she reminds me of her mother,” the Alpha King states.
“Ah, yes,” Alexander says, amused. “I remember a time when he bragged about your beauty. He even hypothetically proposed a marriage between you and me.”
My cheeks grow even warmer, noting that Alexander has brought this up before – in front of Kane. Again,
I have to laugh off his words, wondering again if this is part of another test.
“How considerate, “I offer. “But – it appears that ship has sailed. Kane and I are very happy together and lucky that the Alpha King suggested our union.”
I expected Alexander to be happy for me. Only, he doesn’t say anything. Meanwhile, the Alpha King is smiling, offering a laugh of his own.
“Yes, it appears I made the right choice,” he says. “And you’re right, Kane’s pack is doing well for itself.”
It is. Even despite the inner party loving to push me around whenever they please.
“Speaking of which,” the Alpha King continues. “As you’re aware, I’ve been making my rounds and inspecting various packs. Now that I’m wrapping up with Kane’s, I think it would be wise to just go ahead and check in on your pack too.”
Oh.
“The sooner the better!” the Alpha King declares, smiling at me. Again, it looks like some sort of secret, especially as he says, “And I’d like you to accompany me.”
Oh no.
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