186- When the Alpha’s Watch Falters
POV Aldren Valmorin:
My men piled the cuts of meat generously onto the wooden boards. Around the table, the sides were grilled vegetables and our traditional mamaliga polenta.
Women and children danced around the bonfire, where two of our musicians played the tárogató, a wind instrument, and the cimbalom, a hammered string instrument. Vibrant beats merged with a sound as enveloping as a flute. Everyone knew the lyrics to that melody, because it was ours. That night, they sang it at the top of their lungs:
“In the dance of flames, our shadows meet
Sparks of power and freedom ignite
Our ancestors watch us, proud and bright
We are Valmorin, the brave echo of our forebears.
United, we rise, fearless and strong
Nothing can break us; we are force and resistance
With falcon eyes, our guard never ceases
In eternal vigilance, our essence endures.”
I had no intention of joining them in song, but a small hand grabbed mine. I looked down and found Félen, one of the cleverest and most agile little ones of my pack.
“Alpha Aldren, come!”
The others, scattered around, saw the five-year-old pup—dark brown skin and round hazel eyes—inviting me and decided to draw closer. Julin, his sister five years older, appeared and took my other hand.
I knew those little ones feared disappointing “Alpha Aldren,” as they affectionately called me, but I also imagined they sensed my complete devotion to them.
Greater than my love for my pack was my love for the pups.
I tickled the youngest, drawing laughter from him, before accepting his invitation. Most loved to dance and sing, but whenever I joined in, a ring of clapping and whistles would form.
Nala and Teneris were first in line, watching me join my people with eyes shining in devotion. Something I admired in both of them—beyond their unquestionable beauty—was their hope, which never died.
Hope that one of them would have me as Queen of Valmorin.
Like the last stubborn flame of a bonfire during a gale that heralded a storm, they believed that if they competed with one another, one of them would claim the position of my mate. Yet I had married only my commitment to protect my people, and so it would be until the end of my life.
Raising my arms as if pushing fallen clouds back into the sky, I moved around the bonfire to the rhythm of our melody. Everyone followed my steps, joyful and exhilarated.
I, instead of focusing on the grandeur of that union, searched the flames for a sign of betrayal.
Which, unfortunately, I found.
I received the agreed signal I had been waiting for from Victor, standing on the other side of the bonfire. I directed a look to him showing I had understood, and he went on his way.
Regardless of what might happen that night, I continued my dance, certain that something was wrong, yet that everything was still under control.
The autonomy of the lives of those who dared to defy my orders was theirs; but the determination of the consequences—and how far they would go—was mine. Nothing escaped me.
I ended the dance and calmly moved away from my people, promising I would return soon. And I would, because that night I belonged to them. Damn those who disturbed me.
I couldn’t remember the last time betrayal had caused me pain. The hypothesis of what might have happened painted itself in my mind, and no beautiful picture emerged there.
As I distanced myself from the crowd, it became unnecessary to feign gentleness.
My breathing grew erratic and my claws pushed outward. I crossed the iron gate at the corner of the high wall, kicking up dust as I passed.
Victor waited for me outside the door and wasn’t surprised to see me furious; he had expected it.
“Where are they?”
“He took Nerin’s keys and went down. I believe they’re still below—the manor is surrounded.” I passed him blindly, heading for the basement. “Should I accompany you, sir?”
“Come in. Stay outside the door with Serpentino. Await my next order,” I replied without breaking stride.
I breathed, nearly losing control to my beast, searching for wisdom to deal with that situation. I heard no noises in the stairwell and imagined the two of them were at the back.
I wanted to know what they were saying behind my back, so I tore off my boots and opened the door slowly, controlling my fury. I descended the stairs with silent steps so they wouldn’t hear me arrive.
I flared my nostrils upon reaching the floor, searching for them by scent. They were close. The moment I felt the vibration of footsteps approaching, I stopped where I was and crossed my arms, restraining myself from advancing with brute force, just as my beast wanted.
Fuck, Kehin! What the hell is your problem? What the fuck!