Page 5

Lucinda POV

When the Alpha King walked into my office, I had my game face on. I was still worried about not having Devon here. When he said he wanted to have tea, I mind linked Grace. "Grace would you bring some tea to the Alpha office please and keep an eye out for your Beta, thanks."

"No Problem Dear"

After mind linking and giving the King his papers, which caused a bit of electricity throughout my fingers which nobody really noticed. I peeked to my left and can see Ollie trying to contact Devon via phone. I have tried to contact him via mind link but it seems to have it blocked. When he comes he is in serious trouble.

Grace came quickly and apologised for not seeing Devon. It's not her fault, so she suggests his mate, Abigail. I'm such an idiot for not thinking that. When Grace left the office, I went into deep thought. Thinking of what's was more important than having the meeting with the big boss and also ignoring alpha orders. Suddenly I felt a poke on the left side. With that, I'm out of deep thoughts and looking at the open door. And who is standing there, my missing Beta. So I shouted, " WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DEVON!" To my left, I can hear the other two trying not to laugh.

"I'm so sorry Lucinda, I seem to have lost track of the time. Abigail had me do things for her since you know she's pregnant." Devon said slyly.

"It's Alpha Lucinda to you Beta. I told you about this before and when it was taking place. Also, why were you blocking your link, you know not to." I said angrily at him. I didn't care that the King was here with his half brother.

"Well, I didn't know, Alpha. But shall you continue with this meeting, now that all parties are present." He said while walking to my right side. I saw him give a sly smile towards Beta Carlos and he gave one back.

I looked at the Alpha King and he saw what I also saw. He continued to look through the papers and asked questions on it. I'll spare you what it went through. It was pretty boring and long.

What felt like a lifetime, I sent Oliver and River to show the Alpha King and Beta to the dining hall in the packhouse. Devon was now standing in front of my desk. "What's the matter Lucinda, you look tense."

"Devon, why on all days do you decide that you are late to a meeting. You are never late to those."

"Well, I couldn't leave MY mate when she needed me. But you wouldn't know that cus you don't have one"

"Don't you dare go there. This is not about mates. It's about you and how you are lately acting towards me. It's like you don't want me here." I hissed at him. I can feel my anger levels going into overdrive.

"Yeah it's like that, but don't worry I can't get rid of you since you are soo loved by the pack and it wouldn't be in their best interest."

"Wow, I feel so loved. You are lucky that your half brother is here tonight and I'm letting you see him but tomorrow when he leaves. You are getting punished. Am I understood Beta."

"Crystal clear, Alpha."

"Good, Now get out of my office." He quickly turned and left my office. I sank back into my chair while rubbing my head with my eyes closed. Why the hell is going on with that boy? This is so unlike him. Glancing at the time, it was about half an hour into dinner. I had to make an appearance tonight, so I took a deep breath and headed to eat with everyone.

Approaching the doors, I could hear the members chatting and laughing. Just standing there and taking it all in, I didn't notice River behind me. "I hope you are going in and not just standing there?" I jumped a bit and looked behind me.

"Geese River don't scare me like that. Yes, I'm going in, just building the courage to. It's been a while since I've done this."

"You be fine, they do notice you not being at the head table. So they would be happy to see you and show the King that you interact with the pack."

"Why can't you be Beta, you are wise."

"Nah, your father offered me the same position but I like training the warriors and to deal with the lookouts." He waved his hand at me.

"I suppose so." Looking down and taking a deep breath in than out. My hands took the handles and into view came all my members and the head table. Everything went quiet and everyone had turned to face me. This made me feel self-conscious.

Walking in, with River following behind, I looked at the head table. There was my empty seat in the middle. To my left is Oliver and to my right is the Alpha King. Thank god, I didn't want to sit next to Devon. Next to the Alpha King is Carlos and then it is Devon.

Reaching my seat, I looked out to all my members and spoke to them. "I apologise for absence and lateness, please continue with your meals and convocation". With that, I sat and a plate of food came out for me and the atmosphere was like when I was standing behind the doors. Starting to eat and looking at everyone, now and again members would glance at me and give me weak smiles. This is what I don't want, pity smiles. After all this time, they still do. I even told them not to. Oliver nudged me and whispered, "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just wish they don't give me the pity smiles, they didn't die yesterday." I whispered back.

"I know. But the more you do it, It may go away."

"We shall see." I ended the convocation with him and turned to my right and politely cleared my throat which caught the attention, King. "How are you liking the food and the pack members, your majesty?"

"The food is wonderful, nearly as good as mine back in my pack. Also, your pack is very welcoming. They all stood and bows when I came in. You know how to teach manners."

"Thank you, just a shame it doesn't continue in the inner circle."

"What do you mean by that"

"Nothing for you to worry about, Please enjoy the night." I couldn't stay here, I only ate half my food. But I stood and walked fast out of the hall. Quickly looking back, the smirk on Devon's face was clear. He is definitely up to something. I rushed to the kitchen, picked up a snack and went straight to my room.

King Zaliver POV

When Lucinda left the hall, it was very clear that she was not happy being here. Carlos had to make a comment about it. "Well, that's not an ideal alpha who runs from the pack. We might have to change that."

"Stop it, Carlos, she's doing a fine job. Just you and Devon go hang and catch up." With that, they both left. I didn't realise that her Gamma and Delta were helping pack members out. I stood up and walked towards what I think was the Gamma. "Umm is Oliver your name?"

He stopped what he was doing and replied with, "Yes, your Majesty. How can I help you?"

"Please Zaliver would do, is this normal for you and Delta to be on your own?"

"Yes, Lucinda hasn't been in the hall since her parents were killed. As you saw for yourself the pack still hurts and haven't really got over it. It was out of nowhere when we were attacked and the pack blames for not protecting the important members. So at mealtimes, it can be me on my own at the table. River tries to come but with training, it can be impossible even Devon doesn't often come to oversee since his mate is pregnant. Devon is a different matter. I don't know what's wrong with him, he is acting that he owns the place and comes and goes as he pleases. He should be the one overseeing the meal times since he is second in command when Alpha is not around." Oliver's ranting was an eye-opener. White Rose pack hasn't got the perfect inner circle like before. So it seems an insecure but respectful alpha, stroppy beta, caring gamma and a train hard delta. Out of the 4, the beta is the pain

"Oliver, can't you convince Lucinda to drop Devon as Beta?" I had to ask since it could solve some problems in the pack. We have now started to walk me back to where I was staying. It seems that what they had planned for this evening was cancelled, strange.

"I have and so has River. It seems that he likes to play a trick on her to convince that the pack would not do great with him, not being beta. So he likes to corner her. But if you can try to convince her, things may become happier. Arguments may not be so common and we all can agree on the same things."

"I may try before I leave tomorrow. Thank you, Oliver, for your insider. You would be a great Beta".

"Thank you Zaliver, I hope you have a good night rest" With that, he bowed and left to go somewhere. I walked into the room and undressed into nothing except boxers. And just laid on top of the covers and thinking about the day. How different it played out and all the things that I have learnt. Also, those electric sparks when our fingers brushed with each other. Could it be that she is my mate?