22
From the exit point where we are located, the closest pack belongs to Alpha Connor Fenris. He’s one of the Alphas who was interested in Sophia when we started our journey to the South.
“You are all welcome to stay with the Diamond Heart Wolf Pack for a few days to rest.” The tall wiry man extends an invitation. I want to say no, but I am not foolish enough to make that decision without consulting Sophia and my men.
“Sophia, where are you planning to go?" I finally ask the question that Brian has been asking me.
She knows the benefit of going to the Red Rock Wolf Pack. We’ve already discussed it, but she never gave me an answer.
She looks around and then sighs. “Home, I guess."
“Oakrest Town?”
She shakes her head with a small smile. “Ricker Town. The place where my parents' journey together ended and I was born. That is where the Alpha resides.”
I can see the unwillingness in her eyes to go there, but she has to make this tough decision.
“How far is it from here?”
It’s Saul who answers. “It’s a three-week journey without stopping. It would be wise to take up Alpha Fenris on his offer to stay the night. You all need to rest and recover."
The others agree.
"Also," Alpha Fenris steps up, his eyes on Sophia, "I have a private airfield. I can send you on planes. They will have you at your destination within a couple of hours. I own several airfields in my territory."
Sophia looks impressed, much to my dismay. I'm starting to want to avoid stopping by his territory, but everyone is tired, and if we can shorten the journey to the Red Rock Wolf Pack, all the better.
But I plan to keep an eye on this Alpha who's looking at my mate like a cat that got the cream.
Chapter 7
Sophia
The Diamond Heart Wolf Pack has a massive territory. Unlike in the northern territories, the packs within the South Alliance have their property fenced off. As with Karina's base, the town Connor resides in is quite modern. It's eye-catching, but I'm too tired to pay much attention. Connor keeps pointing out the various buildings, citing famous architects who designed them, but aside from a fake smile and brief nod, I just focus on getting to the guesthouse so that we can rest.
Alex doesn't look very happy, but I assume it's because he's also worn out.
Connor Fenris, on the other hand, seems to have a spring in his step, looking far too smug for some reason.
I don't have a personal opinion on any of the Alphas of the South, but I'm not very impressed with Connor. Even though the architecture is amazing here, and it's obvious that a lot of effort and investment has been used within this town and probably the rest of the Diamond Heart Wolf Pack's territory, I have to wonder if the same investment has been directed toward the well-being of the pack members under Alpha Fenris?
Robert Black also had a luxurious lifestyle, but it came at the expense of his people.
“Since you are the new Queen of the South Alliance,” Connor steps in front of me, reverence in his eyes and tone, “I would be honored if you would stay in my home for the duration of your visit."
Before I can say anything, he adds, “I doubt any guesthouse I provide would be worthy of hosting someone as special as you.”
I’m not somebody who is easily flattered. When you’ve been rejected your whole life, kind words tend to make you wary. Connor's smile and the look in his eyes have me stepping back into my mate's arms.
Is it just me, or do I see a flicker of irritation in Connor's eyes?
I don't have a way of refusing Connor without sounding awful, so I relent. "Thank you."
I feel Alex's hand spasm on my shoulder, but when I glance at him, his expression is calm.
Connor's house is a sprawling mansion with gardens that are well-maintained and thick hedges that have been carved into wolves. While the place is beautiful, it's also a little creepy and gives off the vibes of obsession. Why does Connor need constant reminders that he's a wolf shifter?
I must have murmured the words because Alex suddenly snickers, and Brian, who's been walking next to us, tries to hide his own smile.
"Some people are weird," Alex reassures me.
Brian deliberately turns his face away from us.
We enter the mansion and Connor spreads open his arms, "Welcome to my home! Gladis!"
He snaps his fingers while speaking, and a stout-looking woman appears, almost as if she had been waiting for the summons. Her expression is blank and the black dress she's wearing that covers her from neck to ankles gives her a severe look. She’s almost intimidating. The military-style, tight hair bun doesn't help either.
"This is Queen Sophia," Connor introduces her. "She's the new leader of the South Alliance. She'll be staying here for a few days. Show her to her room, Gladis."
"A few days?" I whisper to Alex. "Just how long are we planning to stay?"
"I would be happy leaving tonight," Alex looks around.
Connor catches that part and quickly says. "Tonight is impossible. We have a new leader of the South. This calls for a banquet, especially with the Alphas of every pack present here."
"A banquet? There's no need…"
Brian gives me a discreet shake of the head before saying loudly. "That sounds like an excellent idea."
The other Alphas chime in, in agreement.
I clench my teeth, anger washing over me. "Brian, if you haven't noticed, my mother's life hangs in the balance. I don't have time to party it up for a few days. I have to settle the pack, and then go to the Central Alliance. I don't have time…"
"Politics, my dear," Brian replies tersely. "Don't worry. You will be leaving tomorrow. Stay for the banquet. Right now, you cannot afford any enemies."
"Why-?
"Because they've seen that the Silver Wolf can be weakened by the excessive use of her magic," Alex breathes. "Brian is right. Until we get to the root of the problem of why your capacity for magic is waning, you are vulnerable. There's a good chance that the Alphas here will attempt to learn more about this perceived weakness of yours or try to exploit it."
My heart hardens.
"And here I thought I could trust them."
Brian gives me a tight-lipped smile. "Lesson number one: you don't trust anybody unless they have proven their loyalty to you. Especially in politics. I'll handle this."
"But he knows, right?" I stare at Connor. "He knows I'm running out of time to save my mother."
"Oh, he does," Alex murmurs, quietly, his hands on my shoulder. "Just wait."
I feel foolish for thinking that now that I am the Queen of the South Alliance, I will be able to trust the people under me. I still don't know who to trust and who to watch. Alex and Brian have to guide me.
The feeling of inadequacy that washes over me makes me shrink into myself.
It's not like I expected myself to know everything off the bat, but I feel naive, and it irritates me. After everything I've been through, why don't I have an ounce of common sense?