CHAPTER 16

Damon

Dark clouds hovered around the palace like a dark plague. The weather gloomy and unpleasant. My wolf grunted at the overall aura of the atmosphere. “Today feels like a moody one.” I mumbled to myself quietly.

I sat down on the edge of my bed trying to get dressed but a chilling sensation rushed through my body. It was the fingertips of Ember caressing my chest. My wolf huffed in disgust as she whispered into my ear. “Good morning my Alpha…” She gently nibbled on my ear. A pang of annoyance rushed over me.

Without wasting any more time, I gently tilted my shoulders.

” Good morning Ember, I have to attend to an early meeting in the throne room. I got a message from your Father that he wants to see me urgently. Do you have any idea what it’s about?” I turned my neck sideways to gaze into her eyes deeply.

She was taken aback by my sudden question. Her face turned pale in fright. However, she quickly regained her composure. She tried to feign ignorance but her facial expression had guilty written all over it.

“I have no idea my Alpha…but I’m sure he means well. From our last meeting, he was in awe of your leadership and sudden growth in the pack.” She held the hem of her short-silk night gown., while averting my gaze. I stared at her for some few seconds before ending our conversation with a ‘hmph’ expression.

I got dressed in my tailored made suit and designer watch with a lapel pin of my pack’s symbol. I could feel the piercing gaze of her watching my retreating figure but I paid no heed to it. 

In the throne room, there was Hunter Rivers of the Rivers’ pack. He was in his early forties yet looked agile in his checked suit holding a well polished cane with a golden handle. He had a upright structure with a well oiled blonde hair all combed back. It had a few gray strands of hair but it only made him look more dignified. 

He is Ember’s father and one of my council elders. He was among the richest in the pack so he was someone not to be trifled with. He had a reputation of been ruthless and very protective of his family.

Seeing his facial expression, I could feel a headache was coming up. I took a deep sigh as I approached him. I could feel my wolf been anxious and alert but I sighed to relax him. 

“Good morning Alpha, my apologies for the early meeting.” Hunter slightly bowed his head respectfully. He greeted in a formal way, yet his tone was very sharp. I gently tilted my head in approval as I sat down on my large leather chair.

I gestured him to seat on the chair close to me so that the gap between us was small. He sat down graciously and leaned towards me.

“My Alpha,I and my family helped you usurp this throne. We have been your biggest allies, I hope you haven’t forgotten about our agreement?” Hunter said in a hoarse voice. I clenched my fists as I shot him a dark glare. He was taken aback by the change in my demeanor. He pulled back from me slightly.

I had to hold the chair handles tightly just to restrain my wolf who was ready to jump at him. I still needed his support to sway the remaining elders and the pack. “I will repay his arrogance, but not today…” I thought to myself.

I took a wryly sigh as I faced him once more. “I’ve not forgotten Hunter. I kept to our agreement and made your daughter my Luna even though her wolf isn't out yet” I curved my lips slightly. His eyes widened in shock, seconds later he snapped back to reality. He cleared his throat to re-affirm himself.

“Cough..my family are truly grateful for your patience and understanding, I simply wanted to remind you of our long-standing partnership. It has come to my attention that there are whispers in the palace that you’re still pinning over the sale of that low-life omega Aurora to the Silverfang pack.There are even rumors that she was attacked in their kingdom recently, but their Alpha Darius has taken a huge interest in her these past months. She even sleeps in his private chambers..” Hunter said with a cheeky smile on his face. This conversation was beginning to feel like a chess match to see who will outwit the other.

My wolf continued to be restless but I knew I could not show any emotions in front of him. I managed to calm my wolf down before addressing my father-in-law again.

“I have promised to uphold my own part of the agreement. I have zero interest on what happens in Darius’ kingdom, and the worthless omega who was sold as a breeder.” I replied in a stern tone. Hunter gently bowed and respectfully took his leave. I watched his retreating figure exit the palace. When he left, I remained on my seat pondering on who will attack Aurora. “Why will anyone attack her? Why was she be sleeping in Darius’ bed chambers..? I mumbled to myself. All my thoughts returned to one person who will want her to disappear permanently, and that person will be Ember.