Chapter 5

Violet

The Uncrowned King?

I went still. There was only one Theodore Nightshade I knew of. He was the alpha of the Midnight pack. He was known to be a ruthless, cunning, and cold playboy. Some said he was a tyrant, but he was also the brother of the current alpha king. I wasn’t clear about all the reasons he had gotten the title of the uncrowned king, but I knew enough to know that it was dangerous for me to even consider what he might say. There were always whispers that he was plotting treason, but no proof. The Donovan family had always been loyal to the crown. Everyone knew that so it would be odd for him to be trying to reach out for that purpose.

So, what could he want?

A part of me held out hope that he was calling me about something that may benefit Darkmoon. Midnight was the largest pack and the most influential, politically speaking. In my current state, it was better to make more alliances than not.

“What an unexpected honor to hear from the Alpha of Midnight. What can I do for you?”

“It's more like what I can do for you, Alpha Violet.” He purred in a way that made me shiver. If I had ever had any doubt about the

rumors about his charisma, they were gone now. “I want to make a deal, and I hear you're a woman who never passes up a deal. Not a good one, anyway.”

That gave me pause. A deal? What could midnight possibly want from Darkmoon that it couldn’t get elsewhere? Nothing came to mind immediately, so it had to be that he knew what kind of situation Darkmoon was in right now. I could hope that maybe he didn't know all the details, but he definitely knew enough to make an offer. He wasn't stupid enough not to gather information about any pack that could potentially stand in his way or be a good ally later. And the Donovans were prominent. Maybe he had called me to try and make an ally against the throne of me, but I had my doubts about that.

“Typically, no, I wouldn’t turn down a deal… It’s interesting that you’re calling me, though.”

He laughed. “It's come to my attention that you're in a bit of trouble.”

“Trouble?”

“With that window dressing, not knowing his place.” He tutted. “While I'm sure you could eventually figure out a way out of it without my help, I do know how much easier things could go with my help.”

“I’m not going to pretend that I don’t agree, but no one offers something for nothing… especially not the alpha of Midnight.”

“I see my reputation proceeds me. Good. I had no intention of offering something or anything for nothing.”

“So, what is it that you plan to offer, and what is it that you want?”

“We'll speak more about it in detail after you prove that you're worth the help. I am a man of principle, after all. I'm not going to help someone who won't even bother to try and help themselves or who is unworthy of the help. I think you at least can agree with that principle.”

I set my jaw. “I can… but I doubt you want to interview me or give me a test.”

He chuckled. “Nothing so simple. I’ve already had a glance through Darkmoon’s portfolio while you’ve been in power, and you have me intrigued. You’ve done a lot more than your father ever has.”

I wanted to preen at the praise. It was like a warm balm on my mind.

“I wouldn’t insult you with something simple. I look forward to speaking further with you tonight. See you at the Gathering.”

Then, he hung up without another word. He seemed just as arrogant as I expected him to be not that he didn't have every right to be. If the alpha king died, he'd be the only one left to take the throne. I knew that many people were hoping for such an outcome as the current alpha king was problematic, even at the best of times.

I sighed, mulling it over. The thought was sending me into a darker mood by the moment.

I hated to admit it, but Alpha Theodore and the help of Midnight was the best chance I had to make this all go smoothly, I didn't want to simply agree or give in just because of his reputation. I needed to meet him. I needed to know what kind of person he was to know whether or not I wanted to do business with him or if I could trust him at all.

“Kincaid, what do you know about Alpha Theodore of Midnight?”

Kincaid paused then he let out a bark of laughter. “That man is a legend.”

“What do you mean by that?” It was odd for him to have that sort of mirthful response to talking about any alpha, considering how he had a general disdain for most of them.

“Where to start?” He smirked. “He’s a cunning son of a bitch. He plays the part of a lone wolf for the most part. He's got too much power to be bothered. He knows that. His brother knows that, and anyone who pretends otherwise is an idiot. People criticize him for not being willing to socialize, being a playboy, and all that, but I’d wager that it’s either for show or the man has the mating drive like crazy and hasn’t found his fated mate yet.”

That was interesting all by itself, and I wanted to hear more, but I could barely keep my eye open.

When I woke up, it was about half an hour before the Gathering. I got dressed and headed down with Kincaid. I had originally planned for this dress to be a surprise for Lucas. I hoped it would throw Lucas off and make him make a mistake. He always had a problem with what I wore, preferring that I look more conservative like a proper married woman and luna.

I rolled my eyes at the thought and checked my watch. With the potions Kincaid had given me, I had about two hours before the debilitating pain would come back. It was just enough time to be there show my face safe face and leave. Hopefully, I could talk to Alpha Theodore in that time as well.

The troubling thing was that I couldn't feel the usual depth of my power like I usually would. It was as if my wolf had completely withdrawn, which sucked since it had been there and vibrant and running through me every moment I had been with Theo.

All I could hope was that I wouldn’t need it tonight, or that Theo would be around to give me that feeling again.

When I reached the entrance of the Gathering, I saw plenty of familiar faces heading into the ballroom. If I listened hard enough, I bet I could even hear Lucas inside with Nora and the whispers that were no doubt starting about it all. Each person that glided past me was dressed as expensively as I was or less expensively, yet I felt out of place.

"You look absolutely delectable."

I turned around, relieved and pleased to see Theo striding towards me in a well-cut suit that screamed designer. He was as gorgeous as he had been the night before. My heart quickened as I caught the scent of his cologne, and I felt my power stirring again, building up like a slowly filling bucket. The ache I could feel just beyond the potions' effects lessened.

He smiled, drawing close to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. I almost sighed in relief.

“Any chance I can convince you to blow this stupid event and come back to my hotel room? I promise what I have planned is way more fun than some boring chatter with these idiots."

I laughed, though heat pooled in my stomach as I thought about the night before. I was tempted, but honestly, I really did need to meet with Alpha Theodore. Even if I didn't pass his test, it would at least give me a chance to probe his mind about what he thought his brother might do.

"Maybe after an hour or so."

He sighed. "A man could hope. Shall we?”

“Do you dance?”

“Of course,” he said, leading me toward the dance floor. “Well, too. Though I don't have much practice these days."

"Why?"

His lips twitched. "I hate formal events. Too many eyes and too much gossip."

"I'll do my best to be a charming, graceful dancer, but I'm only a man," he smirked. "You'll have to forgive me if things don't go to plan."

"Why wouldn't they?"

"Because I'm going to be distracted as hell thinking of all the ways and how quickly I could peel you out of that dress.”