CHAPTER 31

Darius

“Damon, what’s he doing here?” I asked myself. It wasn’t uncommon for Alphas to visit other kingdoms unannounced. However, due to the last conflict we faced. It has already increased the cold tension between our packs.

Meanwhile, I found myself in turmoil. "What were his motives? Could it be about...” I mumbled to myself. Within quick seconds, I slightly loosened my grip of her hands, and she dashed off before I could say anything to her.

I watched her retreating figure and took a deep sigh as a beautiful moment was interrupted by none other than Cameron again.

“Cameron!” My wolf growled, getting ready to lunge at him. I shot him a dark glare, which took him aback. He immediately knelt on one knee with his head slightly bowed down.

“My Alpha, forgive my interruption. I will accept any punishment you give to me.” He said in a serious tone, which took me aback.

I stared at him for a few minutes before I managed to restrain my wolf. I took a weary sigh and replied, “You should tie a doorbell on your neck to announce your footsteps.” I said sarcastically.

 “Has he mentioned his reason for the sudden visit?” I asked Cameron. He wiped his forehead covered with sweat as he gradually rose.

“No, my Alpha. He said he will only talk to you.” Cameron said in a calm tone. He was still anxious as to whether I would take any action against him. 

“Let him know I will be with him shortly.” I gestured with my hand for Cameron to leave. He slightly bowed his head and proceeded back to the throne room. I took a moment to inhale and exhale to relax my nerves before I walked over.

“ Alpha Darius, my apologies for the unannounced visit. I didn’t intend to break the treaty we agreed on. But, I didn’t want any tension between our kingdoms.”  Damon said with a grin on his face. He only came with his she-wolf guard, Natasha; it felt like there was awkward energy in the room, and their presence fueled it more.

My wolf became restless, but I managed to calm it down quietly. The last thing I want is to show any emotion or weakness.

“I don’t appreciate sudden visits. But, I assure you, there is no tension from my end.” I replied in a serious tone. 

“There was a rumor I heard there was an attack in your palace. I came to make sure all is well and offer any assistance if your kingdom needs.” Damon had a sinister smile on his face, trying to rattle me.

“We are fine, as you can see, my kingdom is secured. People will always try to challenge me, but they won’t succeed.” I replied with a hint of pride to him. Cameron nodded his head in support.

Damon took a few moments if he was in deep thoughts before he met my gaze again.

“I saw some training drills by the soldiers at the border. Are they preparing for something?” Damon asked, pretending he was concerned. His eyes still carried a flicker of darkness in his eyes.

“It’s just routine training; my soldiers always stay prepared for any situation. "Or should I not stay ready?” I asked him with a sharp tone. He widened his eyes like he was shocked by my question. However, he regained his composure quickly. 

“I never said that, of course, you should always stay vigilant. As Alphas, we have to protect our people and kingdom. The same reason I’m here, since one of my subjects is here. I have to make sure she’s alright.”

“So that’s it.” I thought to myself. He came to see Aurora. She was more than just his palace maid. I decided to feign ignorance and proceeded.

“You came all this way to check on your palace maid, whom you gave to me as a present. Your people must love you for your…kind thoughts.” I curved my lips slightly. Now, the atmosphere felt like a chess match. 

Damon and I kept trying to outwit each other. Yet, most people in the throne room had no idea what was happening. Except for a few, like Cameron and Natasha, who knew Damon’s secrets.

“Even though she was given to you as a breeder, she’s still part of my pack, so I have to make sure she’s ok.” Damon hesitated to reply. It was obvious he truly wanted to see her. 

This was my opportunity to make him admit defeat, I subconsciously curved my lips to let a mischievous smile.

“From what I heard and saw, she wasn’t treated very well in your palace…” I said in a calm voice.

Damon’s eyes got red as he clenched his fists so hard that they brought out blood. “I seem to be getting the upper hand,” I murmured to myself. Yet, my wolf signaled me to be careful as it could only be his wolf was just as vicious as he.

“Those weren’t true. I have an interest in that low-life maid. I just wanted to confirm there was no misunderstanding. The drillings at the borders have also been alert, but I assured my people that we are at peace. Is that not so…Alpha Damon? He asked in a soft yet suspicious tone.

The whole room was fully focused on my request. It would be considered dishonorable if we later advance on his kingdom. I knew his plan, but I wasn’t going to take the fall easily.

“The soldiers have to always stay vigilant for any threats, both seen and unseen.

However, I’ll order them to quiet down so we don’t cause your soldiers to be scared.” I said calmly. The whole throne room gasped in awe. They were beyond shocked by my reply. 

Natasha’s face turned crimson as she clenched her fists; my warriors also slowly stood alert if there was no need. However, I gestured to him not to take any action. 

Eventually, everyone cooled down as Damon forced a smile on his face. That will be fine.”  He sounded pleased with my order, but I knew this was far from over.