Alastair
After William Holden departed, I realized that I had a great deal more on my plate than before. I called everyone who was in the house together; there was no need to hide anything from them. No doubt, Harlyn had heard part or more of the conversation that was had between Elder Holden and me in the first place.
It was evident that whatever this favor was that he would call for, I’d have to pay a lofty price for it. And as I stood there, staring at Valene, I had a distinct feeling that she may be the price to be paid.
Because Valene was gold blood, there were certain clothes and even lotions that had to be specifically made to mask her scent. It was the only way to keep those around her from going crazy with bloodlust, though one could always sense that her blood was differ
AlastairIt was three in the morning, two nights after Elder Holden’s visit as well as my conversation with Harlyn and her idea of being politically correct. It had also been two nights since I found that John Minken was roaming around outside of my home…near Valene.My plan was to immediately confront him with this, but then I came to realize that I physically did not have the time to do it. Keeping Shadow Veil and Virginia clear as a whole was my first priority. And it seemed that the Moon mother’s luck had shown upon the Shadow Veil pack as there hadn’t been an attack in the last forty-eight hours.I wasted no time in setting up a meeting with my Delta to see not only where his loyalties lie but his intent with Valene.“We both know wh
ValeneA full week had come and gone since the evening that the council member made his stop by Master Wade’s home.Harlyn had spoken to me since, but our conversations were hardly long enough to glance at before she’d go on about her business. It was evident that her acknowledgment of me at this point was something more along the lines of obligation than anything else.I should have been alright with this, but I wasn’t. I never did particularly find favor in discord and confusion, especially where my family was concerned.Although I do not know from where it stemmed, Harlyn seemed to have an ought against me of late. She didn’t say as much, but I could sense it, and I just didn’t know why. It was because of this that I had begun walking
ValeneEarly Sunday morning and the conversation that I’d had with Harlyn the night before still weighed heavily on my mind.I couldn’t stop thinking about Delta Minken’s vassal, Harold, and whether he was alright. Sure, Harlyn had said that he was fine, but her version of fine was nothing compared to mine.I was so lost in my own thoughts and feelings that I found it hard to get ahead of it all. It was then that I found myself staring blankly into my mirror, sitting half limp in my chair as the dread of being…lost suddenly took over.With such conflicted feelings plaguing me, I couldn’t help the harsh chuckle that escaped my lips. Staring at the mirror, I simply looked at my reflection and sighed.
Valene:Everyone began to arrive in short order, looking exquisite, their vassals close behind displayed in their required attire of black tops and matching bottoms. We weren’t necessarily allowed to get too dressy though some vassals managed to sneak in a piece of jewelry or two. We weren’t worthy of inhuman’s attention, so most times we did not garner it, but sometimes…rare times, a vassal would catch the eye of one, and if the price was right…well, things could be arranged though not openly; this was a taboo practice after all. At least, that was the rumor. It was mainly those who pledged their lives to the inhumans that most tried to attract them.I, along with the beta, Delta, and the Omega’s head vassals, was required to wear colors with our black to specify our Keeper’s position in the pack. It was unfortunate th
Valene: Mistress Harlyn suggested that we go outside on the landing. There was hardly anyone outside if anyone at all. Everyone was entirely too excited about the infamous lycan Alpha’s presence. I knew when Harlyn wanted to isolate us that, she wanted to speak candidly. Whatever the reason behind the tension between her and Master Wade, I was sure I was about to be privy to it. She walked ahead of me, inhaling the air, I reluctantly proceeded to follow. “Isn’t the night air exhilarating?” Harlyn expressed. “It is, Mistress,” I replied with a small smile. Harlyn whirled around and leaned against the balcony. “You can drop the act, Vali. No one’s around to catch you slipping.” I didn’t respond to her because I didn’t know how to. Not looking directly her way, I saw from my peripheral that she smirked. “Fine, let’s ease into this then. I brought you something.” She said and handed me a small side plate full of my favorite sweets. I thought they were meant for her when she picked the
When I turned around, I saw that Penny’s aunt was staring daggers at me. She quickly followed after her niece. “Don’t worry, Vali,” Harlyn said without a smile. “I’ll save you from the lashing deserving of a misbehaving vassal.” She walked past me. “I think more of you than that.” “Don’t bother,” I retorted, forcing her to stop in her tracks. “It’s clear that you think very little of me, Mistress,” I said. “I’ll take my lashing as a misbehaving vassal should.” Shortly after this, Master Wade came rushing outside along with a crowd of others. It was no surprise that Penny exaggerated what she’d seen judging by the look on the faces of those staring. “She blatantly stared Harlyn in the eye…she was boldly speaking with complete condescension.” “Don’t be so overdramatic, Penny.” Harlyn hissed. “It was a disagreement, plain and simple.” “Disagreement?” Penny’s aunt interjected. “No vassal should have an opinion contrary to their Keeper-no matter how plain or simple it may be. Alpha?”
Alastair:The party was still in full swing, and I was in the back, pacing back in forth in an empty room, trying to figure out what went wrong. Toran and John insisted that I try to restrain myself in front of the guests. Toran knew what I was about to do before Valene interfered to save face. Even after, I was going to cut down her insistence on punishment. Both John and Toran distracted me with chastisement, needlessly reminding me to be mindful of what I would say next-that it may compromise Shadow Veil as a whole. I needed no reminding! I knew exactly what I would be risking, and to me…it was worth it. I’d welcome one to challenge my Alpha title.John, however, did not feel the same. Slaughter was behind whatever decision that I had made, and although I question John at his worst, my Delta reassured me of the same. Still, John also made the point of stating how complicated things would become had I interfered in the way that I chose. “In the path that you are about to take, po
Agnes Craig was the nosiest wolf I’d ever met in my life. Sure, she was an attractive woman, but she was lacking in every other aspect that was important for my taste. This did not hinder her from finding me whenever she could to let me know that she was available, however.“Are you going to be the one to carry out her punishment?”I was tired of talking about this and certainly would not continue the conversation with Agnes Craig, of all people. “She’ll be dealt with accordingly. Excuse me.”“Ah, of course!” She said in a shrilled voice. I walked away, and immediately, she grabbed my arm. I tried to reel in my aggravation, but it was getting harder and harder. “Um, just…to let you know, Alpha. If ever you want company…you know…to talk