Chapter 12

Valerie POV

Unable to believe my eyes especially at Claven’s audacious attempt to define the alpha’s orders. Every time I was certain that he would be definitely losing his head, he ended up keeping it and pulling his way with words. Claven has always being the only one who ensured I was comfortable in the pack. He’s one you might call emotionally unavailable at least that’s what he wants everyone to believe. When deep down, he’s a softie. One time o could have sworn he was born into the alpha’s lineage because of his boldness and unapproachable aura. No one said it hit for some guards, they feared his fury even more than the alpha’s.

Standing in that space, he wasn’t moved not by the Alpha’s anger or even the tension of the Luna. The determination in his eyes is like no other. Curiosity rising in my heart for the first time. Who exactly is Claven? Why does he have little or no fear for the alpha? Why does it seem like if he doesn’t have his way he can burn the bridges and probably set the pack ablaze?

Still browsing over my reality when my head wagged in Xandia’s direction. Her once anger at him for speaking to her rudely was gone. Her cheeks were red with blushing. I know Claven has med his stand in our favor but…something else was in her eyes. More like… admiration or worse, a crush.

My heart sank into my stomach just from thinking of it. Seeing her stupidly blush for him not even considering our place in her father’s chamber. Although to he quite honest, I’ve noticed her admiration for him a while ago.

Although, she never spoke about it or even implied it. It was always in the inaudible actions. How her eyes dilated whenever he made a bold statement or even defend any weak guard. He’s the crush of most omegas. Just that, with Princess Xandia, it’s different. She can move from just wishing for him to having him.

I caught myself slowly clenching my fist. An act that only happens when anger swells in my heart. Xandia’s feelings opened me up to mine. The truth that not only her had an eye for him. How won’t I admire the only person who has being a firm companion to me ever since the death of my parents? Those his tough acts of love and kindness. Never being open to express his emotional vulnerability but showing kindness nonetheless. My mind flashed some of our moments in his cabin.

Then, it’s like placing two of my most important things side by side. I also love Xandia. Almost as much as I like Claven. Her sacrifices for me, risking her own life just to save me. That’s a real sister bond that I’m not blind to. For all her sacrifices, if giving up my desire for Claven is all I can give back, then that’s fair enough. I’m not going to fight it, I’ll rather let her have him. Trading my happiness for her should be no big deal. She has rushed her birth right and even position just ensure I’m alive and not cheated.

Pinching myself back into reality. How did I even up thinking so far? Returning my attention to the issue on ground. A blazing alpha, fighting with his ego right in front of everyone. The temptation to pity him subtly was rising in my heart. I know he wants Xandia to be a very powerful alpha, yet he still has to deal with taking back his words.

He heaved a deep sigh that prepared my ears for his verdict yet he said nothing just sharing his gaze between me and Claven. He was not getting younger and just like the rest alphas before him, he would have to step down someday and works want his lineage to continue. The only lineage he had was, Xandia and she has to be strong enough of not the council would throw stones at her. The worst thing to happen to a kingdom is to have an alpha that is labeled as weak. He knew that.

“My lord,” Luna’s pleading voice came again. “Please, it’s not too late to consider Claven’s request.” Clasping her palms together like a praying mantis. “He’s the smartest and strongest wolf in this pack house. Has being a protection to us after the death of your beta. We know his abilities and we need him to awaken the powers in our daughter.”

Despite her hands caressing him, the alpha was silent. Soon springing to his feet, he paced about for some seconds. His hands locked behind his back as he perambulated around his throne.

“My lord, please say something.”

“Let me think!” Stumping his feet and eyeing her to keep shut. This is obviously one of the biggest decision he would have to make. Squinting my eyes, I try to peer deep in his soul. Try a rough summation of what might be going on in his mind.

First is that Claven is not one to joke or go back on his words. A trait he shared with the alpha. Secondly, he had to deal with the choices before him. Fling me away from the pack and watch his pack crumble due to Xandia’s weakness or, taking the so called daughter of the traitor in not as a maid but as a trainer to his daughter and watch his pack flourish.

Any choice he made, he would still have to explain it to the council. So he had to choose his poison and that had to be done carefully.

The silence that followed…

Apart from our breathing, nothing else was being said. The alpha just pacing gently, the luna wearing fear like a worthy face mask as she latched her eyes to her husband. Also Xandia still wore her flushed expression as she fixed her gaze on Claven. Claven, on the other hand, had little or no interest on his face. All he seemed to he interested in was the Alpha’s verdict. If a pin was to drop in the chamber, it would be the loudest resounding bell. No words found quantify or explain tgat moment so we let silence do its thing.

Unable to carry the burden of the lingering silence, I leaned forward to Claven. “You didn’t have to go as far as threatening the alpha.” In a stifled voice, “he might have our head on a platter.”

“Yours was already on the platter from the moment you agreed to his decision of becoming an omega.”

His words stung like a cold knife tip in my heart. “I don’t understand.”

“When a warrior chooses to bury their skills and potentials, they might as well just be considered dead.”

A scorn rising in my throat, what a blunt expression. “I’m serious though. I don’t deserve all these kindness.”

A soft smile crossed his face. “I agree. I’m just doing this to honor my memory of your parents.” A muffled giggled escaped his lips. “Why would o risk my life just to help a stubborn girl who would listen to no one but herself?”

I knew he was trying to be petty and blame me for leaving his cabin in the first place. He has a right to actually blame me, he warned me. Instead I held on to the vague memory of the pack house.

“Sorry.” I gritted.

Tilting his head in my direction. “It hasn’t changed anything. You are still dumb and I can’t help but save you from your dumb situations.”

His eyes fixed on me longer, long enough for me to observe his expression.

Not angry or indifferent but a calmness I have never seen before. A softness in his looks almost like he was being….emotional. That’s weird. Leaning forward to confirm my doubts, he didn’t flinch just stared longer before looking away.

What was that for? I’ve seen it only in the eyes of….lovers. No tgat can’t be. I’m overthinking again. Snapping myself out of it, choosing to not be delusional. I saw something else. Almost like guilt, I heard it in his words. He didn’t have to come to help me. Why did he come?

“I have made my decision!” The thunderous voice of the alpha pulled me from my thought process. All of us lifting our eyes to finally behold the answers we have all been waiting for.

“Claven, you were crude and blunt.” The alpha stated, “yet, the luna was correct about one thing. Only you posses the ability to help us unlock Xandia’s powers and that’s vital.”

The alpha’s gaze fell on me. “Even more vital than my ego and my declarations.” He continued, “I have agreed to your request.”

“Yeeeh!” Xandia and the Luna yelled excitedly. The alpha didn’t seem like he was done.

“I also have my conditions.”

Chance looked up like he was expecting the response. “What is it?”

“Three months!” He stumped, three of his fingers lifted up. “That’s all you have to activate Xandia’s powers! If you fail to get it activated in three months-“ he leaned forward on his throne. “Then, I would personally ensure that Valerie pays sufficiently for her parent’s sin.”