Chapter 44: Lucas

 

“She is none of your concern,” I replied, aiming to not sound defensive.

While an Alpha’s command still affected him, I wasn’t able to compel him into silence like the rest of my pack members. His loyalty to me only lasted as long as the Royal Council deemed it so.

Soloman Avenwood had been sent to the Ironpaw Pack as the ambassador not long after I had taken over. While the royal family no longer appointed the pack Alphas themselves, they still had an influence in the governing of the packs. However, for the most part, as long as we paid our taxes and didn’t try to kill each other, they left us to our own devices.

Soloman was older and a bit traditional at times, but I liked him well enough. But that only meant we had a working relationship regarding pack business, not that I was ready to trust him with Sutton’s safety.

“Alpha Lucas, if you have any hope to avoid a border war at this point, you are going to need my help,” Soloman stated.

“And if Anders’ has already assured that war is inevitable?” I enquired. “The last thing I want is to set a precedent that I can be disrespected on my own land.”

Soloman’s eyes narrowed. “There hasn’t been a border war in over two hundred years,” he said seriously. “Neither the royal family nor their Council has any interest in supporting another. Especially if preventing one calls for simply handing over some random woman.”

“That will never happen,” I practically roared.

Soloman looked taken aback but his wheels had already started turning. Rhonen shook his head at my stupidity. But he wasn’t helping my control these days. Not when it came to Sutton.

“Oh, goddess,” Soloman said, rubbing his forehead. “She’s your mate, isn’t she? That woman outside? And she’s who Alpha Anders is looking for?”

I didn’t say anything. Not sure if I should deny or confirm his assumption.

“Is it fair to say Anders’ interest in this young lady isn’t simply to ensure her well-being as he suggested?” he pressed. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so secretive about her identity. Nor is he likely to risk a war for some girl.” Again, I didn’t confirm or deny him. “I think it’s time you told me what was going on, Alpha Lucas.”

“She killed Mason,” I stated.

Soloman’s eyes widened. “Beta Mason is dead? You’re sure?”

“How else would our bond be able to form?”

“Right. Of course,” Soloman said, beginning to pace the floor. “This complicates things. If she did kill him, Anders has a right…”

“It was self-defense,” I said bitterly. “He has no right to her whatsoever. Just as he has no right to send men into my territory after I specifically denied him access.”

“She told you it was self-defense?”

I unlocked my desk drawer and pulled out a file.

“She didn’t have to,” I told him, dropping the folder on my desk.

I’d had Dr. Callahan take photos of Sutton’s injuries the night she turned up at the farm. I wanted to make sure there was proof in case something like this happened. Soloman flipped through the photos. His expression becoming more and more concerned with each image.

“I see,” he said.

“She’s mine,” I told him. “So, if you wish to help, get Anders to drop his pursuit and move on. And it would be best to do it without confirming she’s here.”

“Wait…” He snapped the file closed. “Why not just tell him about this? What you’re asking puts us all in a precarious position. It would be best to put this to rest.”

“I would agree,” I replied. “However, I’m not inclined to believe either the circumstances of her escape or her being my mate would assuage his desire to get her back into his clutches.” I lifted a hand to silence his next question. “I won’t go into why I believe that with you. I’m dealing with it. That’s all you need to know.”

He looked at me seriously, deciding whether he was going to push the matter. He placed the file on my desk and slid it back towards me without a word. I put it back in the drawer and locked it again.

“I’d like to meet her,” he said, causing me to pause. He noticed my hesitation. “Her identity is safe with me, Alpha. I can assure you. Remember, it is my job to protect the future Luna of this pack just as much as you.”

“As long as she aligns with the desires of the crown, that is,” I pointed out.

“Is there any reason she wouldn’t?” he asked lightly.

The corner of my mouth twitched up. “No. No, there isn’t.”

I took him back through the house to find Sutton at the kitchen sink washing her hands. Grabbing a towel to dry them off, she turned, jumping when she saw me. Her face blushed again and she tried to look for a quick escape. I went to put her at ease.

“Our guest would like to meet you,” I told her. “Are you up for it?”

She swallowed but nodded. “Yes, that’s fine.”

I called the ambassador into the kitchen, sticking to her side for reassurance. He came in and his eyes fell on Sutton. The color drained from his face and he seemed frozen in shock.

“Soloman, this is Sutton,” I said, trying not to draw attention to his curious reaction.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Sutton,” he said, kissing her hand.

He had quickly cleared his expression, but he still seemed shaken. I was very confused and concerned by the response. The two exchanged some pleasantries, but I could tell Sutton had caught his reaction as well. I didn’t want her any more uncomfortable than she already was, so I quickly found a reason for her to excuse herself. Telling her to get cleaned up for dinner with the promise of ordering something in. When she was out of earshot, I turned to Soloman.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Where is she from?” he demanded almost desperately. “I need to know everything. Anything you know about her.”

“First, tell me why you’re so interested,” I replied urgently. “You looked as if you had seen a ghost.”

He shook his head. “I felt like I had,” he replied. “It’s impossible. There’s no way she could be real. But I have an idea why Alpha Anders is so interested in her.”