Chapter 167
Sebastian's POV
After spending some time talking with Edward in the private box at the stadium, I decided it was time to rejoin my family. Edward expressed interest in accompanying me, wanting to say hello to Eleanor. As we prepared to leave, Maddox and Quinn approached, having been hovering nearby waiting for their chance.
"Your Majesty," Maddox said with a forced smile. "We were hoping to speak with you."
I shook my head. "Not now."
"Please, Alpha King," Maddox persisted, his tone bordering on desperate. "It's important. We just need a moment of your time."
I noticed how he addressed me as "Your Majesty,". These fools were trying to flatter me after conspiring with Killian against me. The audacity was almost amusing.
"Alpha Blackburn," I said coolly, "I believe you led an attack on my manor not long ago. Consider yourself fortunate that I'm feeling merciful today."
Maddox paled slightly but pressed on. "About the tributes... we were hoping—"
"Let me stop you right there," I interrupted. "The tribute system doesn't allow for exchanges. Maggie and Natalie have started new lives. Maggie will marry Benedict Savidge during the Purplemoon ceremony, and Natalie is four months pregnant and will marry Samuel Callaway. They are now nobles of Clifflands, which makes them your superiors in rank."
Quinn stepped forward. "Perhaps we could discuss some arrangement, a temporary visit? We just want to talk to them."
His words ignited my temper. Fenris snarled inside me, wanting to tear into this pathetic excuse for an Alpha.
"How dare you," I growled, "How dare you even speak to me after what you did? You let your men take turns with your wife for entertainment while you watched."
Maddox's head snapped toward Quinn, shock evident on his face.
Apparently, he hadn't known the extent of Quinn's depravity.
"If you were my Alpha," I continued, "I would strip you of your title, confiscate your lands and wealth, and have you imprisoned." I turned to Edward. "You're too soft on these people, Alpha Edward. Forestvale needs a firmer hand."
Quinn sputtered, trying to explain himself. "It wasn't like that! She agreed to—I didn't force—"
"You traumatized that woman," I cut him off. "Samuel had to work hard to help her overcome what you did to her."
I turned to Maddox. "And you. You shifted your wife and beat her with silver. Nova's white fur still bears the scars of your cruelty."
"That was different," Maddox protested weakly. "She needed discipline. Alpha females must learn—"
"Shut up," I snapped. "Your excuses mean nothing to me."
Their expressions confirmed everything. These men had found their fated mates and thought it gave them license to treat their chosen mates like garbage.
"What kind of men are you?" I asked, disgust evident in my tone. "Did you ever consider that your 'fated mates' might have had other motives for pursuing you? That perhaps they saw an opportunity to advance their positions by claiming a connection to an Alpha?"
They both looked stricken, and I felt a deep satisfaction. Let them question everything.
"The answer is no," I said firmly. "Consider yourselves lucky I'm in a good mood, or I might decide to take disciplinary action against both of you."
We approached my family's box, and I turned to Edward. "I think it's best if you visit Eleanor another time. Benedict and Samuel are inside, and I'd rather not have a confrontation in the stands."
Edward nodded, understanding the wisdom in my suggestion. "Of course, Your Majesty. Another time. Please give her my regards."
As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel relieved that we had formed an alliance. The real investigation was about to begin.
When I entered our private box, Eleanor looked up at me with expectant eyes. I smiled and leaned down to kiss her, reassuring her that all was well.
"You seem less troubled than this morning," she observed.
"I am," I confirmed. "Edward and I made progress."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow, making me smile. She had been right about Edward all along.
"You were right about him," I admitted. "He's been deeply misunderstood."
Eliza delivered the items to Qiana, Eleanor linked me . Four of our men are watching her now.
I nodded subtly and glanced at Benedict. I needed to tell him that his family member was involved, but I dreaded the conversation. How could I explain this without revealing Qiana's role? I didn't believe she was the mastermind, she was being used. Someone wanted me to catch Qiana and implicate my Beta through her. My instincts told me to protect them first and investigate later.
We'll wait and see what they do with what Eliza gave her, Eleanor added.
We decided to cut our attendance short and head home. I went straight to my office with Eleanor following close behind.
Eleanor sat on my lap as I checked emails on my computer, still trying to track down my older half-brother and Helena's child.
"When will we receive the list of Alphas who filed the petition?" Eleanor asked, playing with my hair.
"Delta Stefan will bring it tonight," I replied. "He's my most loyal officer."
"Garth is loyal too," she pointed out.
I wasn't sure how to respond. Garth had struck Eleanor on the road to Clifflands.
"It's okay," she said, reading my hesitation. "Samuel hit him hard enough that day to satisfy me."
"I trust Garth too," I admitted.
Eleanor kissed my forehead. "That's sweet."
The door opened, and Benedict entered with Samuel behind him. Maggie and Natalie followed, looking for Eleanor.
"Don't get up," I whispered to Eleanor, who was still perched on my lap. My body was reacting to her proximity, and I didn't want to embarrass myself. We hadn't yet told our friends about being fated mates.
Samuel had Natalie sit on the sofa, then poured her a glass of juice from the refrigerator. Benedict also poured a glass for Maggie.
"What's happening with Qiana?" Benedict asked, concern evident in his voice.
I decided to first tell them what Edward had revealed.
"We'll talk about her later. First, I want to say that Edward told me Quinn and Maddox put him up to asking for a tribute exchange," I revealed.
Maggie coughed, juice spraying from her nose.
"What?" Natalie gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "They want us back? After everything they did?"
"I think they've lost their minds," I said. "Or they're taking something they shouldn't be."
I explained how Quinn wanted to trade his mate for Natalie, and how Edward later explained that Quinn had discovered the triplets weren't his.
"Quinn can't get women pregnant," I added. "He regrets how he treated you, Natalie."