Ch. 231..240
Chapter 0231
The twins each wrote a separate letter, but had similar sentiments to the rest. Dakota said that | didn't need to go to these extremes to get my point across and that he hopes they can find a reason to see me before they go home for the school year. Cameron said he understands now what | was saying all along and apologized for letting his own feelings cloud his judgment in seeing what was truly best for me.
They all begged me to forgive them and to get something back to them soon. They are relying on our mutual connection to Xander to make that happen. | just don't know how to get anything to them after next week. | have no other plans to see Xander beyond the Elder's Conference, but | guess Xander can do whatever he wants as royalty so who knows.
| just giggled and decided | would write to them once | got my work done and ready to go. Just because Audrina was semi-normal today doesn't mean that act will last. | have to assume she is going to make me do extra training at every possible free moment, just to be a pain in my ass. She knows I’m in school and was told of my study schedule, but that hasn't stopped her before.
| finish everything that is due this week and start anything | can based on the syllabus for the next two weeks, then | write one letter to the guys, they can freaking share. | let them know that | am safe and all healed. Training is going well, but tough and | love it. | let them know I am in school and get to see Sierra a couple times a week. | leave out anything to do with Xander, | don’t know how much he told them and what | can actually say. | am treating this whole thing like a protection detail, which is all it can be, and | don't know if | can say anything about attending with Xander. | also say nothing about Audrina. | don’t need them worried about a repeat of the situation | left. They need to trust me here and let me be.
The rest of the week plays out just like last week. Early morning training feels just like what | did back home and | fall into a great rhythm with the team. We all contribute to the plans, there really is not a single leader, no matter how much Audrina wants to pretend there is. We all have our strengths and get to show them off on almost a daily basis.
School is actually enjoyable when I’m not looking over my shoulder for a threat the whole time. | do find myself flying through classes, even the advanced or senior level classes, but it’s more because | enjoy what | am learning and want to know more. | almost wish there were more hours in the day so | could do full time school and full time training, but there is NO way.
Saturday finally rolls around and | find myself a little nervous while I'm waiting for Barty to pick me up to go to the castle.
The part that I'm attending doesn't even start until 8 or 9 tonight, but | was told to be ready to go at 6am. | have no idea what | am going to do the whole day, but when the Luna Queen says be ready, you are ready.
Chapter 0232
“Hello Miss Skylar. It's nice to see you again. | hope your week was enjoyable.” Barty gives me a genuine smile. He's not just asking because it’s his job and it’s a nice feeling.
“It was great! Training is hard, but that is to be expected.
It's like nothing else I've ever done before. | like the challenge.” He holds the car door open for me and allows me to get in first before sliding next to me.
“I'm sorry Alpha Prince Xander couldn't join us this morning.
It wasn’t for a lack of trying though.” He winks at me. “The Luna Queen has him attending all of the meetings today and he needed to prepare."
“If he will be in meetings, why am | needed so early? | thought | would be assigned to him for the day, but he surely won't need an escort or protection detail inside a meeting room, will he?"
“Oh, my dear, you don't know, do you?"
“Know what?" I'm nervous now and there isn’t much that makes me nervous.
“You are attending all of the meetings today as the warrior liaison. You will be asked for your input on pack training, protection, border patrol and all other things related to pack safety. Did the Luna Queen not tell you?” His eyebrow is raised like he knows the answer to that question already and this whole conversation was planned out. - “Uh, no. | was not told | was going to be speaking to Royal Pack Elders on matters of pack safety and security. My first question is naturally, why me? I'm only fifteen, who in the hell is going to listen to me? “ My eyes go wide for a second.
“Sorry for the outburst, it’s not your fault. | don't like being blindsided and this is being blindsided on the most epic level.” | can feel my pulse quicken.
“You have a unique position. First you are top of your class, in everything, if my information is correct. Meaning you're smart and can handle deep in depth conversations. Some of our smartest scientists can't do that.”
He gives me a side glance. “You are also in our Elite Warrior training program, meaning you are exceptional on the battlefield, again making your unique perspective valuable. You also managed to tear holes in a safety plan that our best warriors came up with only a few years ago, using a patio table, utensils and drinking glasses and zero practical knowledge of the area you were planning for.
To say that the Alpha King and his lead warriors and strategists were impressed is an understatement and they would like to pick your brain more after giving you access to real maps and schematics."
“Oh, sh*t!" | clapped my hand over my mouth. “Are you serious? | have nothing prepared, what am | supposed to say? Are they going to just gril me with a ton of questions?
What if | say something stupid or something they've already tried and hasn't worked? That's a ton of pressure. And What about Xander? | thought | was assigned to him like some kind of protection detail. What am | really doing here tonight?"
“In a way you're not wrong, you do provide an extra layer of protection for him, but not the way you think. We have plenty of warriors for the royal family’s protection, but most attendees are not dumb enough to try and attack at a function like this. Xander is in a unique position right now, he is 22 years old and hasn't found the Goddess given mate that will produce the next heir. So, naturally many of our Elders and even some pack Alphas are trying to convince the Alpha King to force him into a chosen mate situation.”
I nod my head, starting to understand. After What the Alpha King told me last weekend, | know why Xander is holding out
"With you by his side, a strong, smart, female warrior and being underage, the royal family can stall a little longer on the chosen mate push from the Elders. You do have a job to do and being friends with the Alpha Prince is helpful, he will naturally want to spend time with you.
And if the Elders start to think there is more and begin spreading rumors along those lines, none of us will stop them.” He shrugs and smiles.
Chapter 0233
“So, let me get this straight. I'm going to go into meetings about pack safety, give my opinion to pack Elders and Alphas who are decades older than me, like what | have to say is more important and then c*ck block them from throwing their daughters at Xander"
“In a nutshell, yes. It’s a good thing you are strong willed and don’t mind giving your opinion freely when asked for it."
He smiles at me again and winks.
“You are getting far too much pleasure out of this. What's in it for you?” | ask playfully.
“| have been with the Royal family since my mate died.” A look flashes across his eyes, but before | can give him any sympathy he holds his hand up. “No need, it was a long time ago, but my wolf died with him and the Alpha King and Luna Queen took me in and offered me protection. | have become an adopted part of their family and | love Xander like a favorite nephew. | have seen what the ranked politics look like and how bad it really can get when wolves start messing with the Goddess’ plan. | don't want that for Xander. | want him to have what | had with my mate. Even with all the pain that followed his passing, | wouldn't trade it for anything. You seem to care about him and want nothing more than friendship, and just that has you in my good graces along with the Luna Queen.”
| wonder if he knows the whole situation with my relationship to the royal family? | made a mental note to ask Luna Anne.
“So, am | going to be on my own all morning, or is Xander going to be with me, or you, or Luna Anne?"
“Someone will be with you at all times. We may be throwing you to the wolves,” He laughs at his little joke, “but, we won't let you go it alone. Your reservations are accurate with some of the Elders. A few of them are, how could | put this, old school? They don't like women in the planning meetings in general, and you are young, but times are changing. We have two female Alphas amongst us now and as you have seen about a third of our Elite Warriors are female. It only makes sense that those same Elite Warriors would become part of the safety and defense team that keeps the Royal family, the Royal Pack and our surrounding kingdom safe."
| nod in understanding. He basically confirmed there will be people who are going to actively belittle and degrade me, while also trying to not offend the Alpha King. Maybe it is better that no one told me, | would have been overthinking this thing the whole week.
We finally pull up to the castle, but instead of going to the front entrance like last time, we head down an semi-hidden gravel drive to a parking garage nestled into the mountain.
The stone facade made it blend so well, if | hadn't seen the doors move, I never would have noticed them.
Seeing my expression, Barty smiles, “You get to use the super secret entrance from now on. Now more mundane front door entrances for you.” - “What?!" | laugh at him. “Is this really necessary? It feels a little over the top."
“You won't think that when all of the elitist people here start trying to figure out who you are and where you come from.
And since you do have to go back to the training grounds eventually, it's safer to have you come and go from the royal family’s private garage in a car that maintains your privacy."
Oh, wow. This just got real. We step out of the car and | take a good look around the garage. The whole bunkhouse could fit in here, it's so big. | can't even count how many cars, motorcycles, four-
wheelers and other gas-powered toys there are in here. And on the far end, near what appears to be a second set of garage doors, there is an expanse of tools, boxes, bottles and other various things to maintain all of these toys. | just smile. All the guys must have a good time when they are here for training. It reminds me of the picture from Dakota’s room where they are all sitting on a log in front of the lake, looking wet and sun- kissed and like they are the most happy and relaxed | have ever seen them.
Chapter 0234
| jump when Barty's voice startles me out of my thoughts. “I bet the Alpha Prince would love to take you around the territory sometime. There aren't many people, let alone ladies, who would look at any of his toys with that kind of fondness."
| laugh at his statement. “I am definitely not your typical girl.
Speaking of, | know | agreed to wear the fancy dress to the gala ball thing tonight. ls Luna Anne going to put me ina monkey skirt suit all day too” | try to school the nauseous feeling | get thinking about being uncomfortable in my clothes as well as with all of these people today.
“| believe she is aware of your affinity for pants.” He winks at me and leads me to an elevator.
We head up in a comfortable silence and reach Luna Anne’s floor quickly. | walk into the same suite we did the dress fittings in, and it actually looks more terrifying now. My eyes go wide. Not only is the dress | chose for tonight hanging from a tall rack, there are at least five more that she said "
were good contenders.’ Next to that was a rack with items in varying shades of white hanging from it. Pants, jackets, vests, blouses and to my irritation skirts with frilly bottoms.
The third rack had similar business attire, but in cool shades of greens, blues and purples. Rack four was on repeat with warm shades of yellow, orange, red and pinks.
“Close your mouth and stop looking so terrified, we have a job to do and the first impression is always the most important.” Luna Anne pops out from behind one of the racks.
“Are all of these things necessary? It’s just one day of meetings and then a ball. Or did | miss something?” | looked accusingly between her and Barty, knowing parts of what he told me were strategically left out so she could explain herself.
“You didn't miss anything, but Luna Ava and | decided that if we told you everything all at once, you would refuse.”
| nod my head agreeing with their assessment. “As Barty told you, Reggie and Osiston want you in several of the meetings today, and for good reason. You are smart and very good at tactical planning. Unfortunately there has been a development. First, you are not a show pony and | don't want you to think that, but somehow word got to a few of the Elders that ‘Xander's date,” She air quotes,
“Is attending meetings. So several have insisted that they get to bring their daughter's to also learn the ropes of pack management.” She rolls her eyes at the thought. “It has become a joke now, but there isn’t much that Reggie can do without explaining your ties to the family and opening Xander up to the piranhas trying to get a queen out of this whole situation."
| rub my temples already feeling the star of a headache that comes from dealing with self important morons. -
“Don't look like that, you will do great and it gives me an excuse to also attend, which | normally do not, since most females are not needed for such things. I'm actually kind of excited, but that also means you will be under a bigger spotlight than we anticipated.”
She at least has the audacity to look a little ashamed of the situation | am in, but also far too excited about the prospect to dress me up. “I have several outfits picked out for you and as we get you dressed | will explain the day."
| reluctantly nod my head in agreement.
Chapter 0235
“So the bottom line is you will be attending three meetings today. Albeit, the longest ones.” Luna Anne grimaces at me in the vanity mirror while | am getting my hair done. It's just a ponytail, but | guess a royal ponytail requires two types of hairbrushes, a comb, two different types of hairspray and special elastics to hold it in place, permanently.
| just smile and give a noncommittal sound, not wanting the hairdresser to have to start over. | have been primped and prepped for almost forty five minutes. | don’t want to have to sit here any longer than necessary. | have to admit, | look better than | thought | would. The make-up artist didn't go overboard with the caked on make-up. She accentuated my gray-blue eyes with a smokey blend of grays and blacks, but it doesn't look like some of the pictures I've seen where girls end up looking like they got punched. She did add lash extensions to the outsides of my eyes since my lashes are blonde. She said she wouldn't have to use as much mascara that way and | tucked that little bit of info into my memory for later. She put a rosy pink color on my cheeks and finished off with a gloss that had a pink tint to it.
When they were both done, | just stared at myself fora minute. | still looked like me, but better, older, definitely more put together.
“You are beautiful Sweet Girl, now, let's get you dressed. | think for the first meeting we should go in a warmer color, Start out strong and bright.” My eyebrows raised at her. "
There is just as much strategy in what you wear as there is in planning an attack, especially with all of these people."
She matches her eyebrow with my own. "You will change after each meeting too."
“Why is that? I’m not trying to argue, this is what you do so | trust you no matter how ridiculous | think it is.” | quickly defend my question. Female politics were a whole new world for me, and | am discovering far more ruthless than men with soldiers.
“First, depending on how many people come to these meetings now that we are introducing everyone's kid and using it as training.” She rolls her eyes. “You are going to get sweaty and uncomfortable, even in these outfits which are designed to not show any of that. It also gives us an excuse to step away from everyone and just take a break, otherwise you would get none and be grilled by these vultures all day." | nod in understanding, it's all tactical strategy. | can work with it. 7 My first outfit is a bright maroon jumpsuit that is so soft and silky | could probably sleep in it. The pants were wide all the way down with a sharp crease down the front and the back.
There was a wide band of the same material going around the torso like a corset, leading up to just above my barely there cleavage where a band of material was threaded through the keyhole at the top of the bodice to create a halter look. The straps that went over my shoulders were wide and sturdy and comfortable. They wrapped around to attach to the bodice just under my arms, so all my bits were tastefully covered. Luna Anne has a thing for open back outfits on me, the straps from the halter are the only material on my back and the pants tastefully come up to my hips, so at least my butt won't hang out, but it’s all skin beyond that. She finishes the outfit off with a pain of matching maroon wedges. | feel like | could exercise in this outfit, it's amazing. | can't help but turn and smile at her.
She gives me some bracelets and earrings to finish off the look and then walks me to the mirror so | can see the whole thing.
“Oh, wow! | didn't realize | could look like this.” | look at her in the mirror.
“You've always looked like this, sweet girl, we've just accentuated a few things. This way Xander will have to do some work too."
“Huh?
“He’s going to have his hands full keeping interested men away from you as much as you are going to keep the gold diggers away from him.” My mouth drops at her blunt honesty. “Now, we should head down. We are starting with a brunch and meet and greet before the first meeting. And you are going to want to be fully nourished to put up with some of these guys.”
Chapter 0236
As we step out of her suite, Barty, Xander and the Alpha King are waiting for us. | can't wait until they let me have the warrior brand and | can mindlink with everyone here. It’s kind of quiet for my wolf and | in my head. | didn't realize | enjoyed the chaos of the dull hum of voices constantly in my head.
“You look wonderful Little One. Maybe some of these Elders will be so mesmerized into silence we will actually get some things accomplished this morning.” Alpha Reggie smiles at me. “And you are beautiful as always my dear. | see you are going for a power move early matching Skylar.” He chuckles a little, stepping in to give her a kiss on the temple.
Luna Anne’s outfit is also maroon, but in a deeper shade.
It's a dress that ends in a form fitting pencil skirt and paired with a cropped long sleeved jacket that has some navy threads woven into it. It’s a power suit, she looks ready for public speaking and to take on a bunch of old men.
Alpha Reggie holds out his arm for her and Xander does the same for me and we head down the hallway toward the elevators. This feels like a parade and I'm getting more and more nervous as we get closer to the elevator doors.
Barty steps in with another warrior and the rest of us just stand here. We must go down in small groups to make an entrance. When it comes back a few minutes later, two more warriors step in and Xander leads me with him. | didn’t even see these warriors when we came out of Luna Anne's suite, they are very discreet. | want to watch them work, but | have to keep reminding myself I have a job to do and it’s bigger than | expected.
As we travel the couple floors, Xander lets my arm go and reaches in his pocket to pull out a small box.
“This is for you, and before you freak out, it’s from all of us."
He opens the lid and a set of silver bracelets are stacked together. They are all small solid cuff-like bracelets, each with a different gem placed at one end. It’s all their colors, my heart clenches at the thought. They are reaching out even this far apart. “They were all intrigued that you were going to be attending this conference with me and wanted to make sure that |, and everyone else, knew that you have a handful of friends out there laying claim to you.” ° | couldn't help but laugh. He helped me add them to the bracelets Luna Anne gave me. “These are amazing! | love them. Whose idea was it.” | quirked an eyebrow at him.
“Uh, to get you something or the bracelets specifically?"
“Nevermind, based on that answer, | know.” | hold my hand up to stop him, the bracelets clinking as they slide up my arm. “The minute you told them | was coming with you and was going to be paraded around, Oliver and Dakota decided that | needed something to imply | was taken. Cameron probably came up with the idea of the bracelets since | really don't like any other kind of jewelry. Sam probably suggested the colored stones, which is an inside joke so | would know it's from them and my brother trying to make up for lost time, had the inside of his inscribed. How close was %* His jaw dropped. "Umm, with the exception of mine, spot on. You know your guys well.” He smiled at me.
“Well, you, having slightly more knowledge on my situation than the guys, probably waited until they all had theirs done and then got the bracelet that was slightly wider, but enough to notice, just to piss them off. And you were bringing them to me so they had no say in how I got them."
Xander openly laughs at me, just as the elevator stops. “You have us all pegged. Remind me not to get on your bad side, you can probably detect weaknesses in your sleep.” He holds his elbow at me
to take. “You ready for the circus?"
“Is anyone ever actually ready for this?"
“Probably not, you just have to get really good at pretending.” He says, leaning to whisper in my ear as we walk out. | can already see scowls on many of the faces. | may need to carry a weapon on me for extra protection.
Chapter 0237
We don't need any weapons.
I was just thinking I really don’t want to destroy this outfit, I actually kind of like it.
If any of these b*tches try anything, we have a pretty strong aura to dish out. We'll start with that and get less nice as we need to.
I love that my wolf can calm my nerves so quickly. I don't know why I need reminding that I am a strong wolf. I train harder than most people and can defend myself. It's just years of conditioning to appear small and invisible that I need to break out of. And apparently, Alpha Reggie and Luna Anne are going to force me to break out of it sooner rather than later.
We step out and to the side of the elevator waiting on the King and Queen. We are in the main entrance area I came in through last week. I was right, it’s designed to hold hoards of people. As I look around, the people here are milling about conversing and just waiting for the real show to begin. Some look friendly and jovial and others look downright cutthroat, like they are plotting as we stand here.
The outside of the castle has an old world charm to it with the natural stonework and cathedral windows, but the inside is all modern. The floor is a patterson of white and black marble. I can't quite tell what the pattern is for here, but I bet it’s amazing from the balcony.
I am able to look at the artwork and tapestries hung better this time, since the last time I passed through her Xander was dragging me along like a puppy. - Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, though, a beautiful blonde woman about Xander’s age walks up to us.
She doesn't even acknowledge me but places her hand familiarly on the shoulder of the arm I am attached to, clearly being cut out of the conversation she wants to have with Xander.
“Prince Alexander, it’s been so long. I’ve missed seeing you around. Have you been training all this time?” Blondie bats her eyes at him and has this simpering look that I think is supposed to be pouty or playful, but just looks weird on her face. I Xander takes a small step back, pulling me with him, but effectively getting blondie to drop her hand. “I spent most of my time this summer with Skylar and her pack.” He indicates me on his arm and now she can't pretend she doesn't see me.
“Oh you are such a tiny thing, I didn’t even see you there. I hope Alexander did a great job protecting you and your pack.” She moves to turn back to him and ignores me, but I let my irritation show a bit.
“Xander actually came to work with me this summer, he and Alpha Reggie are working on some training protocols and wanted my input.” I smile at her sweetly. Her eyes go wide for a moment, but I’m not sure at which part of my comment.
It could have been the familiar way I used Xander and the Alpha King’s name with no correction from Xander or that I implied they came to me for help. Either way her expression is one I won't forget soon.
“I didn't know you were going by a nickname now, Xander, I like it, it's sexy.” She purrs at him “I'm not, it’s Prince Alexander to you. Skylar has special privileges.” He looks at me and winks before turning us around to watch the elevator open with the King and Queen stepping out gracefully. We move to follow them, leaving blondie standing there staring in disbelief.
Chapter 0238
“You do realize how much bigger you made the target on me right?” I lean in to whisper to him.
“Your target was already placed when you stepped out of that elevator on my arm, no reason not to have fun with the situation.” He’s leaning in close but looking me in the eye, then he shoots a quick look over my shoulder, not moving his face, then looks back at me and smiles a wicked smile.
“What are you up to?’ I ask skeptically, having a pretty good idea who he’s looking at.
“Nothing I wasn't given permission to do.” He mutters before kissing me on the cheek, but far too close to my lips for my comfort. It’s not that it was bad, but it feels wrong somehow. I know he’s flirting to keep people away from the both of us, but I don't know if I can reciprocate. Maybe it's because I know we are related now, or just that I know he isn’t my mate and that’s something he should save for her. I have to suck it up and play this part though. That is my job, my assignment.
I’m sure as I move through warrior training, my assignments are going to get far more complicated than this. I can't let my personal opinions and emotions cloud the work I have to complete.
Xander effortlessly moves me through the large room into a ballroom setup with round tables covered in white linen table cloths and gold chairs. I wasn't sure what I expected, but this semi- informal buffet style breakfast wasn't it. I figured leaders of this caliber would want or expect table service, but I also understand the practicality of this set -up.
Xander leads me to the line behind his parents and we begin filling our plates and then head to a long rectangular table at the head of the room seated under a stained glass window that spans the full wall, letting in copious amounts of morning light.
I must have stopped and stared for a little too long as Alpha Reggie comes up and startles me while I’m lost in the beauty of the glass. “This depicts the great war that prompted the Moon Goddess to declare Alpha Kings and their territories. Even with ranks and hierarchy built into our way Of life, there was always someone who wanted power without earning it.” He looked pointedly at me and I nodded in understanding, it was still a problem today, but with the Alpha Kings having a common goal to keep the peace and keep our secret from humans, they were always willing to step in and help when a bigger problem arose, avoiding another war like this.
He raised his arm and guided me to a chair next to Xander at the head table. “You seem to be doing well so far, no trouble I take it?” He asks as he pulls my chair out for me to Sit.
“I look at Xander for a moment then back to Alpha Reggie"
No trouble, but the pissing matches have already begun.” I giggled and Xander almost choked on his water.
“Let me guess. Was it Chandler or Grunyun?” Alpha Reggie takes his seat next to Xander as he asks.
“Chandler's daughter. We weren't even off the elevator yet.
Her claws have gotten sharper since the last time I had to put up with her.” Xander mumbles just loud enough for the four of us to hear.
There's plenty of conversation going on in the room and it must be an unspoken rule that no one approaches the head table while the King and Queen are eating, but that doesn't stop the looks and following conversations that have been happening since we entered. Today is going to be long and exhausting.
Once Alpha Reggie is done eating, Omegas clear our plates and he stands to give an opening speech, directing people to specific places in the palace with an undertone of ‘these are the only places you are allowed’ and times for the first ....
Chapter 0239
Just before I get up an Omega hands me a beautiful leather portfolio that has my name embossed in gold on the front. I thank her and smile, which earns me a tiny smile and wide eyes of confusion. Do people not use manners with the staff who work here?
“My name is Sophie, Miss Skylar. I'll be your assistant today, let me know if you need anything at all.” She smiles warmly at me. She is close to my age, maybe 12 or 13. She is quiet, but I don't get the feeling that she is shy, just well mannered.
“It’s nice to meet you Sophie, I’m glad to have a kind female near me today.” She giggles, but quickly schools it, like she isn’t allowed.
“Some of the women can be a handful.” She shrugs, like that is the most normal thing in the world.
“First, please tell me if I am being a handful. Your job is to assist me, not wait on me hand and foot. Second, tell me what I'm holding, this is my first time here and I'm not trying to make a fool of myself in front of these people.” I smile at her and she takes a deep breath.
I walk next to Xander and Sophie is just behind my right shoulder whispering in my ear explaining my schedule for the day.
Like Alpha Reggie said, I would be attending the three biggest meetings today. I guess some other meetings are set up to talk about treaties or territory lines and patrols between territories. This is neutral territory and mediators are present so the negotiations don’t get out of hand.
I will be attending everything with Xander and Alpha Reggie today. First up is the distribution of warriors amongst the packs in the kingdom to help train smaller packs to defend themselves. I guess there has been a shortage, but now that I know about this Rogue King and his attacks on
packs surrounding the royal territory, I understand why the Alpha King is reluctant to send warriors away.
“We need assistance, now! What is the Royal Pack prepared to do if we are attacked? Every pack surrounding us has had an attack in the last three years, it’s only a matter of time before we are attacked.” A grizzly old man all but shouts directly at the King. Apparently, some formalities are left outside this room.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. This man has spent the better part of twenty minutes asking for help and demanding help, but not actually saying what he has done as a leader in his pack to make things better or to be prepared. It sounds like he wants to be the damsel in distress and to just be saved without doing any of the work.
My impression is that he has watched too many Disney movies. I stifled a little laugh at the thought, but clearly didn't do a good enough job since Grizzleface glares at me then looks back at the King with a raised eyebrow, again, waiting for the King to do something about the situation.
“Alpha Arthur Brecc of the Irontooth Pack, meet Skylar Makain, one of the lead warriors of the Blue Crescent Pack.
I believe Skylar has some thoughts on your situation.” Alpha Reggie says calmly, almost bored.
“There’s no way she is a lead warrior of any pack, she’s so tiny and she’s just a child.” He basically spits at me, and as much as it makes my blood boil, I keep my calm. He won't bait me into acting like the child he thinks lam. As uncomfortable as I am sitting in this room talking about training and warriors, this is my wheelhouse, this is what I do best, calm under pressure in a complicated situation.
I ignore his comment about my age and size, that isn't something that will be reasoned with, so it’s a nonissue"
I have a few questions, Alpha Brecc. First you have asked for assistance, but not mentioned what you and your warriors are currently doing to prevent and protect against an attack. How do you expect anyone to proceed with assistance if they have no idea what type of situation they are walking into? Second, you are surrounded on three sides by very prominent packs and if memory serves, all of their attacks were on the opposite sides from your territory.” I point to a sprawling map that is painted into the gigantic circular table we are sitting at.
“I would know, because my warriors and myself had to travel through your pack to lend assistance.” So much for not raising to his bait, oh well watching him squirm is even better than I thought.
Chapter 0240
I just sit in silence along with everyone else after my questions. I see the recognition in the eyes of the warrior standing behind him, he at least remembers me. We didn't have to actually fight, but we did run patrols while their warriors were tended to and healing. I scheduled the patrol routes myself with Gamma Brett and Delta Kyle.
“I thought you looked familiar.” The warrior behind Alpha Brecc spoke up, getting a glare from his Alpha, but cutting the tension a bit. I just nod my head and wait for my questions to be answered, which are more than likely going to come from this warrior than the Alpha.
He was clearly having a conversation over the mindlink with his Alpha now and some kind of agreement was struck as the warrior looked back at me"
We have maintained the patrol routes that your team set up for us, but we have few warriors and they are spread thin, patrolling the whole of the territory and we have the beach side of the territory to think of. We do not have the high vantage point that your pack does to maintain a good visual out to the sea."
That was something I knew, because I pointed it out. Delta Kyle and Gamma Brett also suggested watch towers be constructed to give them a better vantage point. Something that hasn't happened if they are still bringing it up.
“Did you construct the watchtowers as suggested by my Gamma and Delta?” I know the answer, but this Alpha is being a d*ck and I feel the necessity to put him in his place"
Have you trained your pack members to defend themselves, also a suggestion by my Gamma and Delta?"
I almost forgot other people were in the room. My only reminder is the gentle shake of Xander’s shoulder next to me. Is he laughing? I turn just slightly so I can make eye contact.
He leans to whisper in my ear"
You are amazing, this guy is a pain in the ass at the best of times. I've never seen him this flustered."
I just roll my eyes at him and fight a smile.
“Umm, we haven't had the opportunity to complete those projects yet.” The warrior answers me looking awkward.
“Haven't had the opportunity, or chosen not to do them? If you want help and assistance you have to show that you are willing to put in just as much effort. Each pack here has their own situations to deal with. The point of the Kingdoms alliance is to assist, not do the work for another pack. Training your pack members, all of them, should be your first priority.
They don't need to be elite warriors, but having the confidence to defend themselves and their families and get to safety is nonnegotiable. The plans for your watchtowers were drawn up for you, all that needed to be done was construct them. That is your second priority.
Once those things are done, then come and ask for additional assistance” I emphasized the word, “and we can move forward from there.”