28
LYRIC
I kept counting the hours until morning.
As soon as it was the break of dawn, I planned on leaving immediately.
But when morning came, I was surprised by a breakfast buffet, a new dress, and a nurse checking on me.
I didn’t want to believe that Jaris had thought of these himself.
I freshened up, changed into the fresh dress–a cute black knee–length gown, by the way–and ate to my fill.
The nurse removed the bigger bandage around my head, having it replaced with a small patch. She also told me I was fine and could move about. Not like I had any intention of staying over,
When I finished and went to the other room, I found Jaris already dressed, talking with Kael and Jaris,
Right. He had the general Alphas‘ meeting to attend. Even my father was attending.
I waited for him to finish with his men before I greeted him and told him I was leaving,
“We’re leaving together,” he cocked his head at the door.
Kael and Nerion must have had to do something else because they didn’t follow us out of the room.
I walked behind Jaris as we reached the elevator and waited for it to open up. When it did open, there were two occupants
inside, people I recognized–Alpha Zarek and his Luna, Chloe. I had met them at the funeral last night.
I noticed their eyes dim the moment they saw Jaris. Well, I wasn’t surprised Jaris had a lot of enemies.
After a slight hesitation, he stepped into the elevator, and I did the same.
Alpha Zarek and his Luna were behind us, the air in the small space tense.
“I didn’t know you had a woman now,” Zarek said. “Congratulations.”
Jaris chuckled. “Quite funny. I didn’t know you considered it an achievement. It explains why you were quite sad when a certain woman left you.”
Okay. What the hell was going on?
Fortunately, nothing else was said until the elevator reached the ground floor.
“Lyric, right?” Zarek called as we all stepped out of the elevator.
I didn’t say anything, but he smiled at me.
“It was nice meeting you,” he uttered the words with a certain menace. Then, he smirked at Jaris and left with his Luna, whose face seemed to be covered in shame.
Jaris didn’t utter a word, but I could tell he was pissed. We left the reception and headed for his car.
JARIS
As soon as I dropped Lyric off at the suite her father had reserved, I proceeded to The Silver Citadel for the Alphas‘ meeting. I’d rather be anywhere but here, but it was mandatory as important matters had to be discussed.
Half an hour later, the meeting fully commenced
Every single Alpha was present. The seating arrangement was far from normal. It was arranged in a ring–like position with the Alphas sitting according to their ranks.
The Pack Overseers–which were the Lycan Chairman and Representatives–sat in the first circle.
The second row was occupied by the Sovereign Alphas–which was my Pack and nine others.
The Alphas of the major Packs followed, and then the minor Packs were last. Those ones hardly had a say in public matters.
The Lycan Chairman gave the opening speech, talking about the late King and how good of a leader he had been. He hinted at the fact that investigations into his death were still ongoing.
After that, he brought up some pressing issues like hanging taxes and…
A
Then, we arrived at the main reason for the gat Successfully unlocked! a king.
“As we all know, it cannot be vacant for long. Someone would have to that space. Someone worthy, of course. Since King Thaddeus‘ death was untimely, he was unable to recommend anyone. So now, we’d have to do it the usual way. But as we all know, only the Sovereign Alphas can partake in the challenge for the throne.”
I drank some water while the Chairman spoke about the rules.
“Now, from the Sovereign Alphas, which of you would like to partake in the challenge?
All nine of them lifted their hands. I suppressed the urge to scoff. Seriously?
Seconds passed. The Chairman was yet to move on to the next phase. I noticed all eyes were shifting to me. Then, I suddenly realized what the problem was.
“Jaris?” The Chairman called. “Are you not…. participating?”
“If I was, my hand would be up. I’ve been attentive, Luca.” My reply stunned everyone.
“Are you trying to say… you are not interested in taking the throne?” One of the representatives asked. He was among those who had visited my Pack
I shrugged, nonchalant. “I honestly have no interest.”
I loved power, but I was already getting enough of that, being the Alpha of Darkspire. Almost everyone would bow to my will. I didn’t feel like getting my hands dirty for the extra position.
“Wow.” Zarek, who was sitting across from me, clapped. “I never knew you were so generous, Jaris.”
I bet he’d be grateful. With me out of the picture, Zarek was the one with a higher chance of winning. Yeah, he could kiss my feet.
When the meeting finally came to an end, I went over to the Citadel’s bar to pour myself a glass of Bourbon.
I’m curious, Jaris. Why aren’t you participating in the Alpha challenge?” Zarek asked as he joined me at the counter.
I forced composure into my bones. Could anyone get him away from me?
“Tell me, is it because you do not have a Luna yet?” He leaned against the counter, staring into my face with that smirk I’d very much love to get rid of.
One of the requirements for participating in the Alpha challenge was to have a Luna. Funny how they thought I couldn’t easily get a Luna if I wanted.
A date for the commencement of the challenge had been fixed, and it was to begin in a few weeks.
“What about the lady I saw you with at the suite? She was quite beautiful.”
‘Is your own woman suddenly not enough, Zarek? It’s a bit shameful to compliment my own woman in front of me.” I swigged from my glass while he laughed.
“Do you think she’d be as loose as Chloe was?” His face grew more serious as he asked. “If she’s tempted, do you think she‘ Il cheat on you without hesitation?”
I shrugged. “Chloe left you for me. Take a good look at ‘me, Zarek. Do you think anyone can beat me?”
“You’re not the hottest guy on earth, Jaris. How about we give this a bet?” His eyes beamed. “If you promise not to interfere, I think I can get your woman to sleep with me in seven days.*
I cocked my head to meet his gaze. “Really, Z?”
“Yes.” He shrugged. “Unless you are certain that she’s loose and can easily be seduced.”
“She’s not loose.” My voice came out clipped.
“Then, you have nothing to be afraid of, Jaris. Give me seven days, and I’ll show you how loose your woman can be. Believe me, she’ll be begging to return to my arms.”
A
Subscribed
♡
4 Likes
29
29
