Chapter 9: CONCERNED PARTY

Alpha Leonard

“Has it all been rectified?” I frowned as Gavin handed me the tablet.

“All has been rectified,” he said. “There were only a few people who went to the academy. Moreover, it is not nearly enough for people outside to know the hidden parts. I’m betting someone on the inside must have shown them. At least, I don’t believe they’re trying to spark war intentionally.”

I slammed my hand down on the table. “If this is not about war, what else is it about?”

I was breathing heavily, my beast stirring within, seeking vengeance.

“My woman,” I said. “They attacked my woman. She was hurt, and now my child is dead. If this was a chance to weaken me, I would let them know they have succeeded in destroying the centuries’ worth of peace that my grandfather and father worked hard to keep. They should know they’ve succeeded in destroying everything.”

“I believe the War Council might have something else to say.”

I folded my arms and watched Gavin pace before me for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

“Gavin,” I said, “you know very well how protective you are of your mate. If someone were to hurt her, endanger her life or the life of your child within her, what would you do?”

Gavin frowned and then slowly shook his head. “I’ve been insensitive,” he said. “Forgive me, Alpha. I will run the request. But, Alpha, Scott is not meant to be a friend.”

“Wait,” I said, holding up a hand. “I want to know the person who invited Scott. Who is that person?”

After all, I thought to myself, as long as the knowledge was hidden, the perpetrator had leverage. The person, I thought, would have to be someone who genuinely hated this establishment of mine.

“I will find them,” Gavin said. “Believe me, Alpha. Give me a few days.”

“A spy,” I said. “Not exactly the easiest thing to uncover.” I mumbled, “Or at least not exactly a spy, but someone planning treason.”

“Be discreet,” I said. “Contact the Corps of the Midnight. Ready to do it yourself; you’ll end up getting noticed soon enough.”

Gavin gave me a swift nod before quickly leaving my office.

A few moments by myself, my father came to disturb me. I watched the older version of myself walk into my office, a sense of belonging evident in his demeanor. Then again, he was the elder Alpha, and technically, he did own the place.

I smiled as I walked toward the fireplace, an image of myself as a child standing beside him in that exact spot flashing through my mind.

“You should have told me you were coming, Father.” I smiled as I stood at my feet.

“This is not official,” Father said. “Merely a courtesy. I also wished to talk to you about something.”

Father turned away from the fireplace and gave me a smile that did not quite reach his eyes.

“What is it?”

Father shrugged. “Nothing, just that a few things have come to my attention. A few things that are rather concerning, to say the least.”

“This is about my choices? Or is this about an attack? Do you think I’m weak, Father?”

He shook his head.

“Oh, hardly,” Father said.

He let out a breath and walked past me toward the window behind my desk. The sun following him was one of warmth and serenity. Recently, the old man had liked to spend his time with nature—not as his four-legged self, but as his human self, with his hands buried in the earth. I was willing to bet his hands were caked with dirt.

“This is about your marriage,” Father said. “It’s not that I stand against it, but customs such as these have been lost to our people for centuries. There was a reason behind them once. We did it because the concept of holy marriage was important. But those times have long passed. Have we not changed?”

“Is that why you’re here?” I smiled.

“Yes.” Father gave a quick nod.

“Then I shall, unfortunately, disappoint you, old man. I have made my choice. And I did not make the choice because I wanted your approval. I made the choice because I ended my beast’s yearning the moment I chose her. I will have her as my mate. I’m married to her, whether you approve of it. I made that decision, and I will not go back on my word.”

“And if you’re unwilling to speak to me about the attack—”

I could practically feel a little bit of anger boiling within. Of all people, Father should have been the one to know better.

“Who put you up to this, old man?”

Father let out a sigh.

“A concerned party,” Father said.

“Someone who clearly does not favor my arrangement has come to you,” I said. “And the only person who does not benefit in a physical sense from my arrangement is Rose.”

The sheer audacity.

Father was silent for a moment. He then shook his head and clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“I should have thought you were smart enough to see through things like that,” he said. “Yes, Rose came to me, at least as we think, as your first mate.”

I found myself scoffing.

“Rose is no more a mate to me than the Moon Goddess herself,” I said. “All the signs, all the signs that should be present for me to accept her as mine, are not there. Nothing, save for one key thing.”

I stepped toward Father.

“The fact that I feel a binding around my heart. Every other thing is apparent with Florence. I’m not letting Florence go, Father,” I said. “She’s mine and mine alone. And those who deal with her will feel my wrath.”

I stepped back and turned toward my desk.

“If that is all you wish to say, Father, then I believe it’s time for you to go back to your gardening. Maybe having a hand in the earth will help you think about how age has not weakened you as much as your beliefs have.”

I turned away from Father, conversation over.

“Despite what you think,” Father said, just as I reached the door, “you do your father a disservice. For we both know if I had won the title in a battle, as you won from Grandfather, you would be dead by now.”

I allowed an exhalation of irritation to escape. “Let’s face it, Father, if this has to do with Florence any longer, I will not sit still and listen. And if you’re unwilling to accept her, then you are welcome to spend the rest of your days planting seeds.”

I left Father in the office alone, feeling a slight bite within. Maybe I had been harsh. But my child was dead. Florence was mine. Those two things mattered the most.

The journey from my office to the mansion was quick. When I got there, I found Rose sipping on tea without a care in the world. As I walked into the living room, she sprang to her feet.

“My mate,” she said.

“It’s lovely to see you,” I said, cutting her off. “It is never lovely to see you. Do you think that I owe you any time? I don’t,” I said. “Florence is my wife. Yes, you’re my mate, but we both can’t feel that special bond. Don’t force it.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re saying,” she blinked several times, her heart racing in panic.

“You went to my father,” I said.

“Never!” she shook her head. “I would never do something so wicked to you. I respect your decisions,” she said. “I respect them with my whole heart. And if I don’t, may the Moon Goddess deem it fit to take away my gift.”