"Well," Dorian said, smirking, "being Alpha Lucas’s Beta cos with a few perks."
He puffed his chest slightly, as though rembering who he was, even under the gri and bruises. Beta of the Silver Pack. Lucas’s right hand. The shadow to a very large, very growly Alpha.
Well that was the past.
"And yet, here you are, betraying him. It simply ans his thod of ruling... isn’t effective."
Dorian raised an eyebrow as he casually adjusted the torn remains of his shirt. "Let’s just say I hold a grudge," he replied with a grin that didn’t quite reach his tired eyes. "You want the Daughter of the Moon? I can help you with that."
"And?" King Herod asked, tone dipped in curiosity.
"And?" Dorian echoed, blinking with theatrical innocence, even placing a hand over his chest like the idea of compensation wounded him.
King Herod tilted his head, studying the rogue Beta in front of him. Dorian didn’t cower. He didn’t stamr. Herod wasn’t used to that.
"I assu you want sothing in return," Herod said, the faintest trace of amusent dancing at the corner of his lips.
Dorian’s face lit up. "I would like a blank cheque, Your Highness. To be cashed at a later date." He twirled his fingers in the air, as though plucking an invisible coin. "Whatever I want, when I want it. No questions asked."
Herod’s eyes narrowed. "I’m guessing a taphorical blank cheque here."
Dorian nodded enthusiastically.
The Alpha King leaned back on his throne, fingers tapping the carved armrest as he studied the insolent creature in front of him. He had received Lucas’s letter not two days ago. It had reeked of challenge. Herod’s eyes darkened at the mory.
"I received a letter from your Alpha," he said finally, "He has the Daughter of the Moon as his mate. That can always be undone. And he also has one of my assets. I want them both."
Dorian’s smile curled. "Ah, so he knows about your interest. Delightful. This ans we’ve got a running start. My advice? Respond to the letter, Your Highness. I know Lucas Raventhorn. Know what makes him tick. His weaknesses, his habits. We can use that knowledge to get you your girl."
For a mont, Herod didn’t speak. He rely observed. There was sothing infuriating about Dorian. He was half mad, half genius, and probably three-quarters trouble. But beneath the dirt and bruises was a man who had walked into the jaws of his enemy. That kind of bravado or stupidity was valuable.
"Now," Dorian said, suddenly clapping his hands together, "I would like a bath. Food. And a proper bed to sleep in. Preferably without rats."
He turned to Alaric, whose expression hadn’t changed in the last ten minutes. "What do you say, magic man?" Dorian asked with a wink. "Will you conjure so bubble bath and room service? Maybe a scented candle or two? I’m traumatized. I deserve aromatherapy."
Alaric blinked once. Slowly.
King Herod waved a dismissive hand. "Give him what he wants. Within reason."
Dorian bead. "You won’t regret this, Your Majesty."
"I already do," Herod muttered under his breath.
As Dorian was escorted out, Alaric leaned toward the King and whispered, "We’re trusting him?"
"No," Herod replied, standing slowly, "we’re using him. There’s a difference."
Alaric was growing increasingly irritated by Dorian’s very existence. Every word the man spoke felt like an itch Alaric couldn’t scratch.
*****
Dennis ran his hands through his hair. His eyes bounced from Lucas to Ava to Zoe and back again.
"So let get this straight," he said finally, exhaling deeply. "The High Council is willing to help fight the Alpha King... just to get the amulet?"
Lucas nodded without speaking.
Dennis turned slowly to Ava, blinking. "And they don’t know we have the amulet?"
Ava shook her head, a little guilty. "We said nothing about it. Not a word."
Dennis dropped his hands to his sides in mock surrender. "Wow. Okay. Cool cool cool. Just lying to the High Council. Totally normal Tuesday activity."
He threw his hands up and paced a little, then pointed at Ava. "This amulet, it’s kind of... well, yours, right? Technically? Celestially? Like, your wolf DNA has dibs?"
"It... connects to my wolf. When it’s with , I feel her closer. But I was able to summon her once without it—when I was in danger. So maybe she’ll show up again when I need her most."
"Yeah, that’s not the most comforting backup plan."
"What other options has the Council given?"
"None. Either this... or Lucas has to step down as Alpha."
Ava turned toward Lucas, her expression tight with anxiety. He had been so quiet. The fire in him now simred cold under layers of silence.
"Lucas?" Dennis called, voice soft with concern.
Lucas looked up. His jaw clenched once before he spoke. "The Alpha King controls the entire north. His army is bred, trained, and loyal. We can’t walk into this blind. Zoe? How strong is his army?"
Zoe t his gaze squarely. "Strong. Disciplined. But not unbeatable. And the size of a whole city."
Lucas leaned forward. "We have a couple of thousand warriors, including the Silver Pack and gammas from territories under my control. But against the Alpha King’s forces? We stand no chance." He paused, glancing at Ava, his gaze softening. "With the High Council’s backing, they can rally an army from the entire East. We could match the Alpha King’s numbers. So, to keep you safe, we let the Council have their way."
Ava t his eyes, her nod affirming their shared resolve.
"So, I guess we’re going to war, and soon," Zoe said.
Dennis interjected, "We hold on to the amulet until after the battle before handing it over to the High Council. They may change their minds if they have the amulet beforehand."
Lucas turned to Ava, taking her hand gently. "I was thinking... that at the next full moon, we hold the Luna ceremony and the mating ritual."
Ava’s smile was radiant, a beacon amidst the looming darkness. "Yes."
Dennis shifted nervously, glancing at Zoe. "You want to... uh... we should probably... I an, if we’re going to war, we don’t know what to expect... so if you..."
Lucas rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Oh, for fuck’s sake! He’s trying to ask you to marry him."
Ava chuckled, finding Dennis’s stamring endearing.
Zoe’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
@Leaf: Welco on board
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