Chapter 0102
Alaric’s POV
I’m up late again. Working Again
It’s no surprise, really. It’s practically my new routine wake up, work, ex, wote, ex ein, work again… and so on, every day a continuation and repetition of the last.
“We’ve heard back from BloodyMoon about the project proposal, Alpha King, sir,” John
says to me.
“And?” I ask
“They insist we keep the profit share at 50% for each pack. From what I understand, the Bloody Moon Alpha King demands that each pack receive an equal share,” John says.
I should have known that Eamon would not change his mind. So much for me trying to do a good thing
Any other King would be all too happy to get more than their fair share of the profits, but not Eamon. Of course he’s too noble to take an unequal share.
“And about the other matter you asked me to investigate, about the man seen with Ms. Cara Wilson outside of the science competition?” John adds.
“Yes?”
“It was Matthew Bedford, just as you thought, sir.”
“Thank you, John,” I reply, satisfied that I had guessed correctly. I thought he looked familiar, but I’m attending to so many matters these days, learning so many new names and faces that it can be challenging to keep them all straight.
I consider the family idly aloud, “The Bedfords…” The name is very familiar, but I can’t recall specific details about them.
“One of our noble families, but only added to the noble class within the last couple of decades. There are the siblings Matthew and Melinda. Their father struck gold on a good investment deal and then married into a noble family,” John says, refreshing my memory about the Bedford family’s turmoiled past.
“Ah, yes. That’s what has all the other families mistrusting the Bedfords. They are always slow to accept new additions to their ranks…” I trail off, recalling several instances of nobles using their status to look down upon lower born members of the pack.
“Some within our ranks felt that the Bedford family acted a little too entitled the wealth and status that they has gained. The family didn’t participate in council meetings, wouldn’t help with pack business.” John says.
+25 BONUS
Yes, I think, the memories coming back to me now. The Bedfords only wanted their great wealth and power, but none of the responsibility that comes along with it. Our older noble families had sensed that from the Bedfords immediately.
It was an ever–present burden for an Alpha King: how to keep the peace between the families of all different classes, all different personalities.
“And they lost even more popularity after the… ahem…” John coughs, looking uncomfortable, “Situation… with Lilia. They were her biggest supporters within the pack.”
My mouth forms a hard line. Of course. The memory of Lilia, always returning, always coming to wreak havoc in my life.
The repercussions of that brief relationship, the romance that nearly killed Cara and caused political turmoil within my pack, were still present to this very day six years later.
Will I never be rid of that terrible woman?!
“The Bedfords will no longer be permitted to participate in pack business deals,” I say turning back to John.
“As you wish, sir. What should I tell them?” John asks.
“Since they were so unwilling to participate in cooperative projects before and have done nothing but cause problems since they began their involvement, they will not be involved
any future matters,” I reply with authority.
in
I rub a hand over my face and through my hair, trying futilely to remove the weariness. I should probably take a break, but there’s more work to do.
“Are you alright, Alpha King?” John asks kindly, but with hesitation. “Is there anything I
can-
“I’m fine.” I reply shortly, not wanting my Beta’s sympathies.
“It’s just… well…” John trails off, clearly unsure if he should say whatever it is he’s thinking.
“Just spit it out already,” I respond, my annoyance with this conversation growing.
“Yes, sir. Sorry. I just couldn’t help but notice after science competition, where you had seen Cara… well, you always seem to be in a bit higher spirits after seeing her…”
I stare at my Beta, not liking at all where this was going.
“All I’m suggesting, sir,” he says nervously, sensing my irritation, “is that if you have feelings for her, perhaps we could arrange a marriage alliance with Pack BloodyMoon. There would be many strategic benefits-”
“Enough.” I say harshly, “The full moon approaches, and my body is simply preparing for
#25 BONUS.
- Chapter 102
the shift. As Alpha King, I experience it more intensely than you could understand,” I
finish.
“Yes, sir. Right, sir.” John says sheepishly.
“Speaking of the full moon coming up, keep an eye on the pack teenagers. You know how much trouble they can cause with their uncontrolled urges….” I trail off, remembering more than a few times over the years when shifting teens caused big messes.
“Of course, sir.” John says, moving towards my office door to leave.
Before he exits, I call out, “And one more thing I don’t have feelings for Cara Wilson.”
“Yes, sir. Of course, sir.” John mutters before swiftly leaving.
I sigh heavily, putting my face in my hands once more. I scratch my head and stand, moving away from my desk.
I approach the large window, looking across the city. The pack offices are located at the top of the tallest building around, and the view from this window almost takes
my breath away.
I can see all of the businesses and shops, all the cars turning here and there, so much activity. And it is my responsibility alone to keep it going. To keep the pack thriving.
Something catches my eye in the light, the glare passing over the window glass. I look again, letting my eyes readjust and I see it’s me.
It’s my own reflection, looking back at me in the polished glass like a mirror.
I see how age and work has changed me, adding new lines to my face. Many would call my appearance distinguished, but sometimes I just feel old.
I try to picture myself as a boy, to see myself in my youth. But for some reason, all I can think of is the face of that little boy from the science competition. The one with the black hair.
Cara’s son.
The resemblance is striking… even in my mind’s eye, I can see how the little boy’s face. looks so familiar, so like my own.
Could it be?
I immediately laugh at myself, mocking myself. Of course that’s not possible. There’s not
way.
For one thing, the timing doesn’t even make sense. Her daughter Mia is about 4 years old, I would guess. And Mia said she has an older brother….
How old could this one be?
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Chapter 0107
But wait a minute… I thought that science contest had been for children around 10 years of age? Isn’t that what the organizer said?
I try to remember the discussion I had with the event organizer about the age range of the participants, but the details are foggy and I can’t remember.
All of the other children at the competition certainly looked older though… at least 10 years old, I’d estimate.
But how can that be possible?
Cara has only been gone for six years… how could she possible have a child as old as five?!
