CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 68

ALPHA QUEEN VESPA

I sat in my study as I reviewed the territory maps. A knock at the door interrupted my concentration.

"Enter," I called, not bothering to look up.

Ray stepped inside and bowed. "Alpha Queen Vespa, Alpha Deric and Alpha Miker are requesting to speak with you. They're waiting in the communication room."

I set down my pen with deliberate slowness. "What do they want?"

"They didn't say, my queen. Only that it was regarding the celestial conjunction."

Of course it was. I stood, smoothing the front of my deep crimson dress. "Tell them I'll be there shortly."

Ray nodded and retreated, closing the door silently behind him. I glanced at my reflection in the window – regal, imposing, untouchable. Perfect.

"Alpha Queen Vespa," they greeted in near unison as I entered, both inclining their heads respectfully.

I took my seat at the center of the table. "This had better be important. I was in the middle of reviewing our border patrols."

"We wanted to check if you've made your final decision about attending the celestial conjunction," Alpha Deric said, his voice carefully neutral.

I raised an eyebrow. "I told you I would go. Has that changed?"

"No, no," Alpha Miker interjected quickly. "We simply wanted to confirm and discuss our approach."

I leaned back in my chair, studying them. Alpha Deric with his perpetually furrowed brow and Alpha Miker with his too-eager smile. Both trying so hard to read me, to anticipate my reactions.

"My decision stands," I said finally. "I will attend."

Relief flashed across their faces – barely perceptible, but I caught it. Interesting.

"Excellent news," Alpha Deric said. "We've been thinking about how to present ourselves at the conjunction."

Alpha Miker nodded enthusiastically. "The Northern Territories had never made an appearance at such an event. We should make an impression."

"An impression," I repeated dryly. "And what exactly did you have in mind?"

The two alphas exchanged glances.

"We thought," Alpha Miker began carefully, "that it might send a powerful message if we arrived... together."

"As a united front," Alpha Deric added. "With you, obviously, as our leader."

I tilted my head slightly. "Go on."

Alpha Deric straightened his shoulders. "We could attend as sub-alphas under your reign, demonstrating the strength and unity of the Northern Territories."

"It would show the other territories that we stand united behind you," Alpha Miked continued. "That the Northern Territories are not just a collection of independent packs, but a cohesive force under your leadership."

I studied my nails, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably. "How very... thoughtful of you both."

"We only want what's best for the Northern Territories," Alpha Deri insisted.

"And for you, Alpha Queen," Alpha Miker added quickly.

I stood abruptly, and both alphas tensed. "I appreciate your... suggestion. I will consider it and inform you of my decision before the conjunction. Is there anything else?"

They shook their heads, clearly disappointed by my non-committal response.

"Then I'll bid you good day."

I was not impressed by their offer at all.

I turned and walked out of the room, my mind already analyzing their motives. They wanted something – they always did. The question was what?

\---

"Can you believe them?" I paced the length of Ryker's living room later that evening, recounting the conversation. "Suddenly they want to present themselves as my loyal sub-alphas? After years of barely acknowledging my authority?"

Ryker lounged on his couch, watching me with an amused expression. "They're scared."

I stopped pacing. "Of what?"

"Of you." He sat up straighter. "Think about it. You suddenly decide to attend the celestial conjunction after years of refusing. They don't know why, but they know you well enough to realize you must have a reason. A reason aside from the fact that they convinced you. They are also scared that you might take their position soon. So they want to be on your good side."

I considered his words. "So they're trying to align themselves with me in case I'm planning something."

Their niceness would not stop me from taking those final territories whenever I was ready to do so.

"Exactly." Ryker stood and crossed to where I was standing. "They're trying to buy favor, to make sure they're on the winning side of whatever you might be plotting."

A laugh escaped me. "I'm not plotting anything. Yet."

"They don't know that." Ryker's eyes twinkled with mischief. "And honestly, their fear of you is delicious."

I couldn't help but grin. "It is, isn't it?"

"Alpha Deric and his perpetual scowl," Ryker mimicked the alpha's signature expression, drawing another laugh from me.

"And Alpha Miker," I joined in, adopting an exaggeratedly eager smile. "'Oh, Alpha Queen, we only want what's best for you!'"

Ryker snorted. "As if they've ever cared about anything but their own territories."

"Remember when Alpha Deric tried to expand his hunting grounds into the eastern quadrant without consulting me?" I shook my head.

"Or when Alpha Miker attempted to negotiate that trade agreement with the Southern Territories behind your back?" Ryker added.

"And now they want to present themselves as my loyal subjects." I rolled my eyes. "Pathetic."

Ryker moved to his kitchen and returned with two glasses of wine, handing one to me. "So what will you do? Accept their offer to play sub-alpha?"

I took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. "I'm not sure yet. There might be advantages to arriving with an entourage."

"The intimidation factor alone would be worth it," Ryker agreed. "Imagine their faces when Alpha Vespa arrives with her loyal alphas in tow."

"The real question is what happens at the conjunction itself," I mused. "Being seen as a unified front would send a message to the other territories."

"That the North is strong again," Ryker nodded. "That you're strong."

"I wonder who else will be there. It's been five years since the last conjunction."

I was genuinely curious now.

"Five years can change a lot," Ryker said softly, coming to stand beside me.

I felt his presence at my shoulder, warm and reassuring. "Yes, it can."

We stood in comfortable silence, watching the moon rise higher in the sky. I watched the sky interestingly as I tried to imagine what this year's conjunction would look like or feel like.

"Whatever you decide," Ryker said finally, "I'm with you."

I turned to face him, our eyes meeting in the dim light. "I know."

Ryker pulled me close, and locked his lips with mine.

"I love you, Queen Vespa," he whispered.

He was the only one among the men I slept with who ever said that to me. And it happened only once in a blue moon. I smiled as I looked away from him quickly.