Chapter 10

Xander's pov

It was the next day and I was in a study trying to finish up some work that I couldn't do the previous night due to the constant pull to go check up on Ava.

After giving her the vial the tug and pain in my chest stopped and I could finally think. A knock sounded at my door breaking my train of thoughts.

“Come in.” I ordered without looking up from the documents on my desk.

There was a good shortage in silverclaw pack due to the harsh winter so I needed to get more food for them.

“Good morning, your majesty.” The person said to make me look up and I saw that it was Mary.

“Go ahead?” I calmly said, shifting my gaze to what I was doing.

“The servant, Ava, miraculously survived through the night and some of her injuries are gone. Although, the major ones like her leg aren't completely healed.” She said,

“Good, have her meet me in the dining hall.” I said in a dismissive tone and went back to my task.

I paused when I realized that she was still in my office and hadn't moved from her spot.

I raised a brow in question and she stuttered for a moment before saying, “your majesty, I don't think she's healthy enough to start working.”

I slowly raised my head, making her jump in fright.

“Your time here is over, you know what to do next.” She lost words and I watched her leave.

My voice might be calm, but words are a powerful sword to them.

What has gotten into these humans?... I wondered.

“Time for breakfast, alpha.” Lyra said through the mind link.

That was my cue to leave the office. Magnus and Draven met me on the way, “Alpha.” They said in unison with a bow.

I gave them a nod and continued with my walk. The guards at the entrance to the dining hall bowed then opened the door for me.

There was a long table that could seat up to thirty five people in the dining hall. Everyone was already seated and stood up upon my arrival.

“Good morning, alpha.” They said in unison.

I gave them a nod then walked to my seat at the head of the table, the servants had also paused their activities and bowed their heads, the guards lined up by the walls had their fists pressed against their chests.

I sat down then told them to take their seats. It was a sign of respect, no one would sit until the king had taken his seat and ordered to do so as well.

The servants began bringing the food to the table. “Stop.” I ordered, they all paused.

“Where is Ava?” I asked, they all kept quiet until one of them, a brown haired lean kid opened his mouth.

“Sh- she's in the kitchen.” He said.

“Go get her, she's to serve me.” I coldly said.

He looked like he was about to piss his pants as he hurried out of the dining room and into the kitchen. A few moments later he came out with a limping Ava behind him, she looked terrible compared to yesterday.

“You,” I pointed at one of the servants. “Give her your tray.”

The tray held a huge chunk of meat which looked too heavy for Ava but I didn't care. He handed over the tray to her with great resistance, I watched as she struggled to hold on to it wincing in pain.

“Even a drop should not touch the floor.” This made her gaze snap to mine before she immediately bowed her head lest she make history repeat itself.

She limped to the table whilst trying to balance the heavy tray in her hand, little murmurs erupted amongst the werewolves at the table. A look from me shut them up quickly.

She finally got to the table and placed the tray of food in front of me with great difficulty. A little moan of pain escaped her mouth but she bit her lip to suppress it.

“Resume your duties.” I instructed the other servants. “You, join them.” I said to Ava.

She helped them until the table had been set then turned to return back to the kitchen.

“Did I say you could leave?” I asked, halting her in her tracks.

“I thought…” she trailed off.

“You thought what? Do I need to remind you that you are my personal servant, not a general servant?” I asked her.

“Get over here and kneel beside me, you will stay there until I am done.” her eyes snapped up again and they were wide in horror.

Kneeling will be hard for her with her damaged leg would be torture but she brought this up on herself. No one dared insult me, the alpha king and went scot free.

She hesitated then began walking back to me, once she got to my side she slowly started to kneel face contorting to one filled with pain.

The metallic smell of blood filled the air as it began to seep out of her leg but I didn't care. I watched her wince and bit back a scream of pain as she lowered until she finally knelt at my side.

Seeing that she was in position, I turned and faced the werewolves in front of me who were watching with keen interest. Some had smirks of triumph at Ava’s misery, it didn't go down well with me but I pushed down the effect of the witchcraft.

“You may begin.” At that they all dug in, this was going to be a long grueling session for Ava. I smirked in delight at the thought.