Chapter 18

ALPHA PARTHE.

It's been days, and I haven't seen her yet. I made sure to keep myself in check in order to be able to tame whatever feelings were growing in me.

I know she's been suffering. That Squalid dungeon is a place no one will ever pray to end up in. Thankfully, those stupid feelings were dying off already. All thanks to Shikta, who has been there to make sure I forget all about Luxuria, even though a fragment of her still lingers in me.

"Alpha," Vixtin, one of my loyal guards, called from the mindlink, "You have a guest," he said.

"Who is it?" I asked, hating to be disturbed at this time. I was having my alone time. If it isn't someone important, I'll just have to dismiss them.

"It's Alpha Nelfas," Vixtin said, and I frowned.

I hesitated. What is he doing here?

Alpha Nelfas has always wanted to be close to me as a friend, but I do not keep friends. I only keep allies.

Nelfas is from a lineage the Moon Witch warned my lineage never to have anything intimate to do with. This was a secret only passed down across both packs. No one outside our lineages or packs ever knew that.

Such closeness with Nelfas isn't welcome. It brings both lineages closer. What if... What if I see and desire his daughter? Knowing the kind of man I am.

I sighed, rubbing my face with my palm.

"Tell him to hold on. I'll be there shortly." I finally said to Vixtin.

"Yes, Alpha."

I left my chamber after taking all the time in the world. I was hoping my delay would make him angry and leave, but he was quite determined to see me.

"Alpha Parthe!" Nelfas called enthusiastically, standing up from his seat as though he had just seen the Moon Goddess herself.

"Nelfas," I called coldly as I walked towards where he sat in the courtroom, my guards trailing behind me. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Nelfas didn't need anyone to tell him how displeased I was to see him. It was obvious.

His composure faltered. I liked that. Maybe that would keep him away from me.

"I was just passing by and decided to see how you are doing," Nelfas said, taking his seat again when I sat.

Alpha Nelfas' awkward smile lingered, his hands clasped tightly together as he tried to find comfort in the coldness of my gaze. I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest as I studied him. Whatever he had come for, I wasn't in the mood to play host.

"I appreciate the concern, Nelfas, but I don't need any formal check-ins." My voice was laced with indifference, hoping to cut this conversation short.

Nelfas, a man in his late forties, has been desperate to make allies. So why does he want me as a friend instead?

Nelfas adjusted himself in the chair, clearly uncomfortable under my scrutiny. "I must say, your pack seems to be thriving despite the recent tensions with the eastern territories. I've heard stories... impressive stories about your reign, Parthe."

I gave a slight nod, disinterested. "My pack thrives because I allow nothing less. But I'm certain you didn't travel all this way to stroke my ego."

He chuckled awkwardly. "No, no. Of course not. But I did want to discuss something of importance... something that might concern you more than you realize."

I remained silent, my eyes narrowing slightly.

Nelfas shifted in his seat. "There's a gathering of Alphas coming up—a ceremony, you might say. I thought it could be a good opportunity for you to... connect, strengthen ties. You know how these things are."

My expression stayed cold, but he kept pushing.

"All the powerful Alphas will be there. I thought it might pique your interest."

I raised an eyebrow, bored already. "Ceremony? These pointless gatherings... you think I care for such things? Come on, Nelfas," I said with a dismissive wave of hand.

"It's rare and… well, you know how much influence it holds. Powerful alliances are often formed there. Every significant Alpha will be present. It's an opportunity you don't want to miss."

"I've built my own alliances without the need for such ceremonies, Nelfas." I let the words hang, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. But something about the way he hesitated told me there was more he hadn't said yet.

He cleared his throat, shifting slightly as a sly smile spread across his lips. "Alpha Colleen will be there."

I felt my muscles tighten at the name. Alpha Colleen. Now that… that was interesting.

I leaned forward slightly, my eyes narrowing. "Colleen, you say?"

Nelfas nodded, his expression hopeful, sensing a shift in my interest. "Yes, he rarely makes appearances at these things, but word is, he's coming this time. Rumors say he's been seeking new alliances as well, after some... upheavals in his territory."

Alpha Colleen is one Alpha who I could say can compare to me in a way or two. He is one who doesn't seek alliance, just like me.

His pack was powerful—ruthless in battle, feared even among the strongest. An alliance with him could tilt the balance in more ways than one. And if he was in a vulnerable position… all the more reason to exploit it.

"Go on," I said, finally uncrossing my arms and sitting up straighter. Nelfas smiled, encouraged, but I wasn't focused on him anymore. The gears were turning in my mind. Alpha Colleen is actually the key to something far greater.

Nelfas went on, his voice filled with excitement now. "With Colleen there, everyone will be vying for his attention. But your reputation precedes you, Parthe. You could very well be the one he looks to for an alliance. It's an opportunity to strengthen your position among the Alphas."

Alpha Nelfas's words were still sinking in when the heavy doors of the courtroom creaked open, interrupting the conversation. It was Nevada. The head of the maids and mother to one of my mistresses, Zendaya.

She led the maids in with some refreshments for our guest.

Nevada was such a hardworking woman. Too bad her daughter didn't take over from her. Her daughter, Zendaya, is quite the opposite of her - too weak and fragile.

I noticed something wrong the moment Nevada stepped into the courtroom. She froze the moment she laid eyes on Nelfas.

Her face paled, her lips parting ever so slightly as though the air had been knocked out of her. The tray in her hands wobbled precariously, but she managed to steady it before any disaster struck. Nelfas, too, froze in place, his previous enthusiasm draining from his face.

I narrowed my eyes, watching the two of them with keen interest. This was no coincidence. I might not keep friends, but I knew when there was something more beneath the surface. And this... this was something.

I let the silence linger, letting the discomfort settle in before I spoke. "Do you two know each other?"

Nelfas was the first to move, too quick, too eager to speak. "No!" His voice was louder than it needed to be, and his eyes darted from Nevada to me, clearly hoping to quash the question before it could gain any traction. "I don't know her."

His words were sharp, but there was something in them that didn't sit right. The way his eyes lingered on Nevada, filled with something that looked suspiciously like regret... or guilt.

I glanced at Nevada, who stood frozen, her eyes wide and glassy as though she were holding back something dangerous. Her lips pressed together, and after a heartbeat of hesitation, she nodded slowly, her face carefully blank.

"Of course not, Alpha," she said, her voice steady, but her eyes betrayed her. Hurt flickered in their depths before she masked it again, lowering her head as she turned away.

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together, my eyes never leaving Nelfas. "This meeting is over, Nelfas. You may leave."

I saw the shock and embarrassment in his eyes, but I didn't give a fuck about it.