Chapter 72 NIGHT SHENANIGANS
(Adam's POV)
I woke up already annoyed.
Not tired-annoyed. Not sick-annoyed. Just plain, sharp, focused annoyance.
Mira-annoyed. ‘Cause I saw her annoying face in my dream and I don't know why she was in my fucking dream. She was getting on my nerves, with her fake high pitched voice, even in my dream!!
I stared at the ceiling and thought, nope. Not today. I'm not letting that smart-mouth snake hover around Kael again while smiling like she owned the place. Not after yesterday. Not after the way she said Alpha like it was a pet name she was trying on in front of me.
Kael was still asleep beside me, one arm loose around my waist like he’s trying to keep me from rolling away. I lay there listening to his breathing, slow and steady, and told myself I wasn’t jealous. I was just… aware. Protective. Reasonable.
“I’m coming with you today,” I whispered to him even though he was asleep. “Everywhere.”
He stirred when I tried to get up, immediately tightening his hold.
“Adam?” he mumbled. “Where are you going?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I said. “I’m staying with you.”
He cracked one eye open. “That’s not usually how that sentence goes.”
“I don’t care,” I said. “I’m coming with you today.”
He pushed himself up on one elbow, studying my face. “Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m feeling motivated.”
“That worries me more,” he said gently.
“I mean it,” I insisted. “I want to sit with you. I want to see things. I don’t want to stay in the room.”
He hesitated. “Today is… long.”
“So am I,” I said stubbornly.
A small smile tugged at his mouth. “You’re tired just standing.”
“I can sit,” I said. “Next to you. Where I belong.”
That made him quiet for a moment, it's like he gets what's going on in my head.
“You don’t have to prove anything,” he said softly.
“I’m not,” I lied. “I just don’t like being alone.”
He leaned in and pressed his forehead to mine. “Okay, then you can come with me. Just prepare to sit for long unending hours.”
“Are you trying to scare me into chickening out?”
“Hmm, I don't know what that means but I'm not trying to scare you. Today is the day for a homage ceremony. It's usually long and boring.”
I do not mind.
The hall was massive. High ceilings, stone pillars, banners hanging from every surface. The smell of people hit me immediately: warm, earthy, sharp, sweet, everything at once.
Kael guided me to the raised platform where his seat and mine was, his hand firm around mine.
“You okay?” he murmured.
“I’m okay,” I said automatically.
He sat, and I sat beside him. Not behind. Beside. My shoulder almost touching his arm.
People started coming in waves.
They bowed. They knelt. They spoke loudly or softly, depending on how nervous they were.
“For the Alpha,” one man said, placing baskets of grain at Kael’s feet.
“My thanks,” Kael replied warmly. “Your harvest honors us.”
A woman came next with jars of honey.
“For the pack house,” she said.
“You are generous,” Kael said.
I watched faces. Watched hands. Watched eyes flick to me and away again.
Then Mira stepped into view.
She was dressed formally, pale colors that made her look important without trying too hard. She took her place near Kael’s seat like it was natural. Like she belonged there.
“Next,” she called smoothly.
Two men lifted crates while she smiled and nodded and commented.
“This will be stored properly,” she said. “The Alpha values such contributions.”
She didn’t look at me.
Someone brought deeds.
“Land from the east ridge,” the man said proudly. “For the Alpha to use as he sees fit.”
Mira leaned forward eagerly. “Oh, this will be perfect,” she said. “The Alpha has long spoken about expanding communal housing. Perhaps even a training ground.”
I frowned.
Kael said nothing, just nodded politely. “We will consider it carefully.”
Mira touched his arm lightly. “You always do.”
I stared at her hand.
More gifts. More words. Sons presented to serve.
“My boy wishes to serve you. I wish he’d be trained to join your army,” a father said, pushing a nervous teenager forward.
Kael smiled kindly. “He will be treated fairly.”
Mira bent down slightly. “You should be proud. Serving under our Alpha is an honor.”
She said “our” like it included her and excluded me.
Her comments were just ridiculously sounding like she's endorsing a political candidate.
Hours passed. My back ached. My head felt light, like I was floating just behind myself.
“You can lean,” Kael whispered.
“I’m fine,” I whispered back.
“You’re shaking.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
I leaned anyway.
When the last group finally bowed out, the hall quieted. The echoes faded. My ears rang.
Mira clapped her hands lightly. “That went wonderfully,” she said. “The people truly adore you.”
Kael inclined his head. “They were generous.”
She stepped closer. Too close. Her fingers brushed his sleeve again.
“You inspire such loyalty,” she said. “It’s remarkable.”
I swallowed.
She glanced at me then, her smile turning thin. “You must find our customs… difficult.”
I blinked. “Why?”
“They’re a lot,” she said sweetly. “For someone not raised among us.”
Kael finally looked between us. “Adam has done nothing but adapt.”
“Oh, I’m sure,” Mira said. “It must be overwhelming though. All this responsibility. All this… expectation.”
My chest tightened.
“I manage,” I said.
She tilted her head. “You do look pale.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you?” she asked lightly. “You seem… weak.”
Kael straightened. “That’s enough.”
She raised her hands in mock apology. “I meant no offense. I worry for the Alpha. Stress takes a toll.”
I wanted to match her energy, I wanted to be rude right back, but I felt dizziness creeping in.
The room tilted.
I blinked hard, trying to remain okay.
“Adam?” Kael whispered.
I brought a hand to my face and felt wet warmth.
Blood. Again.
Mira’s eyes widened slightly. More interested than concerned.
“Oh,” she said. “Does this happen often?”
Kael stood abruptly. “The physician—”
Mira spoke over him. “Are you always this weak?”
The words hit harder than the dizziness.
I stared at her, mouth open, ears ringing.
Kael turned on her, voice sharp. “Leave.”
She looked surprised. “Alpha—”
“Now.”
She stepped back, lips pressing together.
I sagged against Kael, suddenly exhausted.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, though I didn’t know why.
Kael’s arms wrapped around me immediately. “Don’t. Don’t apologize.”
As he lifted me, my thoughts spiraled.
If I’m already unwanted… why add a child to this mess?
The hall blurred behind us. Mira’s eyes followed.