Page 25

The throne room was filled with groups of wolves, all of them from one of four packs.

We had the future alpha kind narrowed down to four men. All of whom I have met previously on multiple occasions.

None of which stand here today.

After all the best reflection on an alpha is their pack members. It would do no good to have them hovering over the men selected to represent them.

Less honest opinions.

Less honest actions.

When the Alpha is looking over your shoulder, one is more inclined to sing his praises and be on their best behavior.

Each pack member reflects the decency of their alpha.

So far, all of the men present seem to be decent wolves.

My gaze slid to mason as we walked into the room, whispering, "honestly Mase, I am shocked no ones had me murdered yet. So many eyes gleaming with greed."

My beta sighed, "Alpha..."

"Fear not Mase..." I waved him off as I sat in my utterly ridiculous throne, "I may be stubborn but I am not stupid. I have payed close attention to the wolves here and who they represent."

He didn't look nearly as relived as I thought he would as he stood next to my throne.

Very litter effects Masons spirits outwardly, worry almost never crossed his features publicly.

A beta is an alphas only confidant save for their mate once found.

Even then, a man often wishes to spare his mate from too much stress and as such. Alphas often skim gruesome details with their mates, depending on the woman.

Nearly always when they are are pregnant.

A betas ability to publicly appear calm even knowing the worst of circumstance is essential.

There was only one thing I could think of that could cause such behavior.

It was also something Mason was failing to do for the first time in his life.

"Mason." I whispered harshly as the room began to calm, "is all well with Veronica?

You seem troubled. I know the pup has yet to arrive, is she unwell?

I thought the doctor said she had another week before it became dangerous? "

"Its not Ronny," he muttered, "I just worry at your sudden haste for a replacement."

"Perhaps I am simply tired of being pestered and have decided that i should pick a replacement for your child if it turns out it is not a male alpha."

"But.." Mase started to protest before sighing, " very well Alpha."

I shot him a strange look before clearing my throat loudly.

The entire room silenced.

My gaze shifted over room, "I have selected the future alpha king."

Absolutely no one spoke. No one even breathed.

"If my Betas child is born an alpha then said child shall be the future king." I said nonchalantly, "and if it not the the next Alpha king will-"

A small gust that should not exist blew through the room, brushing past me and over Mason.

My entire body grew tense as I scanned the area for threats, seeing nothing.

At least not until the massive double doors of the throne room flew open.

Noviana stepping through the threshold, wrapped in a poor excuse for a dress that consisted of intricate layers of gauzy laxce.

It left nearly nothing to the imagination.

"Hello." She breathed softly yet somehow audible to all, "for those of you unaware, I am Noviana Nivara." He gaze traveled the room, resting on me a moment before skipping to Mason, "you have summoned me."

My beta blinked, "I did no such thing."

"You did." She murmured, slowly walking through the crowd of wolves, each of them ready to attack.

I had long since had word sent through our kind. Not wanting any of them to die for not knowing she was blood bonded into safety from our kind.

Just because they knew they couldn't didn't mean they didn't want to.

"You were calling." She continued, "in your mind. You have agreed to our bargain, yes?"

I turned my gaze to my Beta, furious, "deal?"

Mason ignored me, "I...I suppose I have miss Nivara."

Her lips, painted in such a dark red they were nearly back twitched up.

Then the woman spoke the words she never should even have known as she continued to approach me, "I, Noviana Nivara, wish to be yours Sebastian Blackburn as mate for the rest of your life, short as it may be.

I will be mother to your.." she paused gaze flickering to the ceiling, brows furrowing, "pups and the next future king to bring the wolf people into the next generation.

" She reached the dais my throne sat upon, "I Noviana Nivara promise to adore you and," her eyes danced with amusement, "satisfy you as your bonded one.

My son, sired by you may be the future king of wolves. But you, mate, shall be my king."

She stopped. Blinking at me as she stood before me.

My fingers gripped my throne roughly as she cupped my jaw, "my. My. What strange patriarchal promise." She leaned down, kissing me softly, "although, I do like the part about satisfaction. It seems very promising seeing as you are an excellent lover."

"What," I growled out, "are you doing here?"

"Learning." She hummed softly, "how to be a wolf mate. In a more than sexual manner. The stars gave me that strange speech."

"Why do this?" I asked, growing even more irate, why start the mating process between wolves?

"I make due on my deals." Was her simple reply.

Mason stepped forward, "in light of this...interesting turn if events-"

"Mason." I warned.

He silenced.

Nova looked over me, eyes narrowing.

"The next alpha must be chosen to-"

Her hand suddenly found its way to my crotch and her tongue to my jaw.

"Tomorrow?" She murmured, "the stars tell me after my decree to you as mate you are to bed me. Right away."

I scowled at her, "just because you-"

"Actually alpha..." Mase cut in, "it is uh...wolf law."

Shit.

I snarled, causing a light laugh to emerge from the blonde woman, "fucking hell fine!" I stood, Nova elegantly moving off my as I did, "tomorrow then! Since the evil little woman decided to play wolf today. Tomorrow I announce the new Alpha."

I stared from the room, growls still radiating from me.

"Oh I do hope he stays aggressive." She rang from behind me, "I am finding the living parts of you wolf men almost as useful as when I cut them up and use them for spells."

"Noviana!" I snarled behind me, "hurry your ass up before I choose to break an ancient law in favor of throwing it out of this palace."

Another whispered laugh, "how interesting a concept that is." Before I knew it she was beside me, "I do hope your rage fuels your arousal."

I lead her to my chambers, shoving open the door, "on occasion."

Her gaze flickered to my arousal, "now apparently." She hummed, "why are you still clothed."

"I'm not going to fuck you Nova, just make them think I did."

She frowned a bit, "well it that case I should have fucked the elf."

My gaze shot to her, her expression indifferent as ever, "what?"

"The elf I had in my chambers." Nova commented, "your beta interupted before I could rid him of his trousers-"

I pinned her to the wall, her thin body pressed against my own, "you touched another man?" I snarled.

"Nearly," she replied, "but I found myself interrupted and unfortunately no longer aroused by our earlier meeting that day.

It would appear my body only grows heavy with arousal when presented with yours.

I desire sexual intercourse, you didn't wish to have it with me at any future time. So I decided to find it elsewhere."

"Elsewhere." I repeated, positivity livid, "you, Noviana do not get to find release elsewhere."

"Why?" She asked, head cocked, "scrying and spell casting is difficult when distracted by my own arousal slicking my neathers and thighs. To work I must be focused, my focus at the time required I sate myself, so I found a male because i know I like their anatomy."

"Because you-" I cut myself off abruptly.

"Because what?"

I just shook my head, "you-"

"You are still aroused, I find your rage enticing. Why are we still clothed?"

I barked out a harsh laugh, "is that really all you are thinking of right now?"

"Perhaps." She deadpanned, giving my erection a squeeze, "and perhaps your inner beast desires to stake its physical claim after another man saw me bare."

"He what?!" I practically shouted.

She seemed utterly unfazed by the sudden elongation of my canines, "do you intend to bite me durning intercourse? Your even more aroused while angry, if you do bite, I will need a sample of my blood mixed with your saliva."

This. Fucking. Woman. "Shut up Noviana before I find something else to full your mouth."