Chapter 113 The Kind of Look
At Reed Manor, Nightcrawler Pack
After a quiet lunch with Abner, his wife, and Althea, the Alpha King set his cup down and spoke in a measured voice. “I must ride out to inspect the borders. I will be gone for some time. While I am away, Althea will remain here.”
The words lit Althea’s face. Before she could think, she sprang forward and pressed a quick, impulsive kiss to his lips. Gavriel stiffened; Althea’s eyes widened as if she had been burned.
She stumbled back, cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry. I— I was carried away, Your Majesty,” she blurted, bowing her head.
Gavriel’s mouth tightened. “You still have a hangover from last night, it seems,” he said in that low, even tone that made her throat dry. Althea swallowed and lifted her face to meet his gaze. His stare pinned her, sharp and unreadable.
He turned to Abner. “Alpha Abner, I entrust Althea to your care. See that she remains safe and does not slip away. If she leaves your pack or is harmed while I am away, you will answer to me.”
Abner rose and inclined his head. “You have my word, Sire,” he replied. His manner was respectful and steady, exactly the assurance Gavriel wanted.
Gavriel nodded once, then his eyes flicked to Althea for a heartbeat, his voice became softer but no less firm, “You stay out of trouble.” And in that glance, there was something almost like concern before the mask returned.
Althea’s hands trembled at her sides. “My King,” she whispered.
Gavriel swept his cloak around his shoulders, then turned for the doorway. Before he left, he looked back one last time. For a moment, his expression softened, just enough for Althea to hope, and then the Alpha King was gone, swallowed by the corridor’s shadows.
“My Lady! You can finally go out and stroll!” Melva exclaimed from the corner, rushing toward her in excitement.
Luna Ruth smiled and said warmly, “Let’s not waste any time, then. I’ll personally give you a tour. Our pack members prepared something for you. They wanted to hand it over themselves and thank you in person. But the Alpha King hasn’t allowed just anyone to come in or out of the manor until the entire territory is cleared.”
Melva beamed. “Then let’s hurry! I’ll help you change into something more comfortable for a walk. Or would you prefer to ride a horse? It’s been a while, let me find you something suitable for horseback riding!”
Althea chuckled softly while Alpha Abner added, “I’ll make the arrangements, then. Ladies, we’ll wait outside.”
With that, Althea and Melva hurried back to the bedchamber. Melva eagerly began helping her change.
“My Lady,” Melva said with a mischievous grin, “it seems the Alpha King is really starting to warm up to you. Whatever happened last night must’ve worked. I’ll leave another bottle of wine for later, get drunk again if it helps!”
Althea’s face flushed crimson. “But won’t he get mad if I drink again? I was so… loose last night. I remember bits and pieces, though some parts are still hazy. I think I was a little too bold, maybe even vulgar.”
Melva laughed. “Well, he didn’t seem annoyed. So maybe he liked it. Even earlier, he froze when you kissed him. He said something, sure, but he didn’t get angry. He probably thought you were still tipsy and decided to let it slide.”
Althea only sighed, but Melva continued encouraging her. “Just be yourself, My Lady. Relax around him. I truly believe he likes you now. I mean, he looks at you differently.”
Althea frowned slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “How does he look at me?”
“Hmm,” Melva thought for a moment, her lips curving into a smile. “It’s the kind of look where he can’t take his eyes off you. There’s longing there—and concern too. Also—”
“Stop.” Althea quickly cut her off.
“My Lady?” Melva asked, brows knitting together as she finished tying Althea’s hair into a bun.
“It’s fine,” Althea murmured. “I don’t want to give myself false hope, so it’s better not to ask things like this. The truth is, I’m still Cain’s daughter. And his beloved sister… she lost her mind and is barely living because of my father.”
She drew a shaky breath, her voice turning faint. “I understand it all. Gavriel’s hatred, even the Queen Mother’s. I may not be my father, but they’ll always see my father in me. No matter what, I’ll still be his blood.”
Melva shrugged and said, “Indeed, but still… it would be nice if… I mean, you and the Alpha King look really good together. If only Alpha Cain weren’t your father, I’m sure you’d be his Luna, our Queen. It’s just that…”
Althea gave her a faint smile. “Melva, that’s enough. I know where I stand, and I’m not asking for more. All I want is freedom for both of us. Although…”
She trailed off, a teasing grin curving her lips. “You found your mate, and you and Simon look good together, too. I just hope things work out between you two. I want you to have a normal life, a family you can call your own.”
Melva pouted and said firmly, “You’re my family, My Lady! I’ll be wherever you are.”
Althea sighed softly and turned to take Melva’s hands. “Don’t tie yourself down because of me.” Then, with a light chuckle, she added, “Don’t be clingy, Melva. You know how much I want to be the aunt who gets to play with your future children.”
“But—”
“No more, Melva…” Althea cut her off with a playful pout. She stood up and took Melva’s hand. “Come now, let’s have some fun today.”
She pulled Melva outside, excitement lighting her face. It had been so long since she last went for a stroll. Her smile widened when Ash leapt off Rudy’s arm and jumped straight into hers.
“I missed you,” she said with a grin, hugging the little creature close.
“The Alpha King told us to let it stay by your side now that he’s away,” Rudy said with a small smile.
“You must be mad, huh? That Gav— I mean, the Alpha King had you caged? I’m sorry about that…” Althea murmured as she gently brushed Ash’s fur.
She almost forgot to address Gavriel properly; she was growing used to calling him by his name whenever they were alone. It fascinated her that he never corrected her—or demanded she address him formally. Her cheeks flushed as memories of their nights together crept into her mind, especially how he would command her to cry his name during their most intimate moments.