MEETING ALPHA LEO

The next morning, the three lords set out for the Darkwood pack.

“How sure are you that he would not turn his back on us?” Delta Ralph asked, skeptical about trusting the Lone-wolf Alpha.

“He has no reason to reject, we're offering him expansion,” Alpha Hulbert replied.

“But he's also known for being a lonely wolf, he hates alliances and can't be trusted. I heard he is more dangerous than Stephen.” Ralph protested.

“I doubt that. Even so, leave that to me,” Hulbert said in a thoughtful manner. 

“Hmm… okay” Ralph agreed.

They walked in silence until they got to the borders of Darkwood.

They were accustomed by warriors who only let them in after they showed them their identity plaque.

“They will lead you directly to our Alpha,” the leader of the warriors told them while pointing at two of his warriors.

They were given a strap to put on their arm. “Do not take it off. It's the only thing that will protect you inside. If it's not on your wrist, be ready to take whatever comes your way, and we won't be held responsible. Now follow them.”

Darkwood, as its name implied, had structures that stood tall and painted in dark colours.

The street was a sight for sore eyes. They had flowers on both sides of the road and there was not a single litter of dirt on the ground. It seemed like everything was planned and followed by schedule.

Everyone was in black colour, it should have given an eerie scene, but the wolves pulled the shade so well that it brought out the beauty.

They soon arrived at the Alpha's castle. After they were scanned by the guards at the entrance, they were led into the waiting room.

“To what do I owe this visit, men?” Alpha Leo said the moment he came in. He could sense that it had something to do against their king.

“I have a proposition for you,” Alpha Hulbert started.

“Go on.” Leo prompted.

Alpha Hulbert cleared his throat. “You see, our king does not care about us. He even kept a traitor's daughter as his mate, bringing bad luck to our town.”

“What am I to do then? Call him to order?” Alpha Leo demanded with his eyes pierced at them. He could sense their deceit.

“We need to put a more suitable person, and for that, we need your help. We will give you anything you want… just ask, and it's yours.”

“And if I choose the throne?” he asked with a lopsided grin.

The three glanced between themselves. Hulbert cleared his throat and scratched his head. “Uhm…”

Enjoying their squirm, he relaxed at the back of his seat to watch their discomfort.

“Haha, I don't need the throne… neither do I desire anything from you. Go back to whomever you work for.” He said, getting up from his chair.

“We will offer you land to encroach your borders.”

Alpha Leo could sense their desperation. He then sat down back, intrigued by who would dare go against Derek.

“What's the plan?”

“We plan to remove him from the throne with your help, of course. We will feed him poison or overpower him, whatever the situation allows.” Ralph spoke up.

Hulbert glanced at him, silently chastising him for giving out information when they were not sure of his stance.

Alpha Leo noticed the exchange between them and decided to pounce on it.

“We can't work together if there's no trust. I need to meet with your leader before agreeing. If not, there won't be a deal”.

“But I'm the leader,” Hulbert insisted.

“I mean, your actual leader! Don't take me for a fool, Hulbert” Alpha Leo glared at him.

“Okay, we will be back in a week,” Ralph replied, not wanting to piss off Leo.

“I think we're done, then?” They nodded.

“My guards will see you out.” He added and took his leave.

“Are you sure he can be trusted?” Alpha Stephen asked after Hulbert relayed their encounter to him.

“Yes. He seemed driven when he heard we would be given lands. Everyone can be bought, it's just the price that differs”. 

“Good. Next week, I will meet with him then.” Alpha Stephen agreed. “Send your men to the border we share with the humans, instruct your men to slay any human there but should spare one and drop Derek's name carelessly, I need to cause some controversy to assure why he should join us.”

“Okay” Hulbert replied.

“What about Ralph? Was he of any assistance to you?” 

“He was the one that agreed to your meeting. "

Stephen then nodded and continued his meal.

***

Carly just finished the twentieth room she was assigned to clean when Zoya came in and asked her to restart again.

“They are still filled with dust, clean further. Until I'm satisfied.” Zoya ordered her and walked out.

Carly collapsed to the ground, wondering if she were about to die that day. She had not eaten since the previous day and her strength was failing her.

Just when she felt herself slipping into oblivion, she heard Rick's voice. It sounded like it was coming from a distance, and she struggled to open her eyes.

“Rick?”

“Yeah, princess?” He was hovering above her.

“I think I'm dying… Do you think I'll be able to meet my father? What about my mother…will I be able to finally apologize to her?” She slurred.

“Wake up, stay with me!” he shouted and tapped her until she opened her eyes. “Look at me, you're not dying… you hear me?” He told her and then propped her up until she was in a sitting position.

“Take. Drink.” he gave her a bottle of water.

She took it and gulped it until she felt herself coming back.

“I brought you food.” He handed a napkin and when she unfolded it, she found her favorite snack in it.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile to convey her appreciation.

“It's totally fine, princess. You scared me,” He gave her a worried look.

“I'm sorry” She bent her head.

“Don't be. Damn… stop apologizing for something that was not within your power. Even if it's within your power, stop apologizing.” He chided her softly, running his hands through her hair.

“How did you know I was dying, anyway?” She asked curiously, he was always there to rescue or comfort her.

“Mandy told me she was worried about you, that you've not come back to nap, and you’ve been absent from the dining area. She said she wasn't sure you've eaten since… you have a good friend, princess.

“Yeah… I know. Thank you,” she smiled. 

“Now, what's left for you to do?” Rick asked, scanning everywhere. 

“She wants me to clean everything again. The hate she has for me is big,” Carly grumbled, earning a laugh from him. 

“You're beautiful. I bet she can't stand that.” He consoled her.

“She just wants the Alpha and since he does not want her, she's taking it out on me. "

“Are you close to the Alpha?” He asked with his right brow raised. 

“The monster despises me. I'm his supposed mate, but he rejected me… I thought you knew?” 

“I had no idea. I told you I won't listen to any gossip about you. I meant it.” He shrugged.

“Oh…” she whispered.

“Look at the bright side, we have a whole chamber to ourselves, what better time to tell stories,” He said, spreading his arms wide and earning a chuckle from Carly.

“I found out he was my mate the day I tried to run away.” she responded soberly, “He rejected me openly, I even earned a scar on my chest,” She gave a sad chuckle.

“I'm sorry, that's brutal.” He said with a wince.

“Yeah. But like you said, don't be sorry for things that's not within your power,” she replied and they both laughed, the stress easing from Carly's shoulders.

“Do you ever dream of being free?” Carly asked Rick in a whisper.

“Every fucking time, princess.” He replied solemnly, “perhaps one day.”

“Perhaps…” she whispered with a twinge of hope.