CHAPTER 159: TAKEN

"Thank You, His Majesty for accepting this invitation to alliance."

Lance Stormhold inclined his head to the older wolf who had accompanied the delegation from the Redwood Pack making sure to keep his expression neutral.

Honestly, he did not like this man. Something about this man always rubbed him the wrong way. Even when he had been younger and not yet taken the mantle of the Alpha, and accompanied his father for the pack meetings, Albert Redwood had been repelling.

And now, having to host him for the next few days was not going to be an easy task. He almost wished he could push this task to Kael but knowing Kael, he might simply bury the man alive and be done with it...

Added to that, It was clear their intentions went beyond a simple alliance of having a wolf and an Omega mate... they wanted stronger bonds. Not only had they brought their Warriors and Omegas to mingle here, but they had also brought along their other she-wolves, eager to seek their fated mates among the warriors of Stormhold. He was willing to let there be one or two couples between the packs but not more than that... They did not need the pack’s loyalty to be divided in the future.

"I also hear that congratulations are in order for your mating ceremony? I must say, everyone is looking forward to the grand event of the Royal family after so many years..."

Lance’s expression didn’t waver, though a flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. The invitations hadn’t even been sent, yet somehow the Redwood Pack already knew. Someone in his pack had been careless and loose tongued it seemed.

He gave a short nod of acknowledgement, "Your pack’s goodwill is noted, Beta Albert. Thank you."

With that, Lance was ready to move on but the other Beta seemed intent on continuing to talk, not taking the hint as he turned to Ramona, who was standing beside him and spoke, "And you must be the Luna."

He heard Ramona laugh lightly as she answered smoothly. "Not yet. Lets see what the future beholds."

Lance felt another flicker of irritation at the words. What did she mean by what the future holds... And when did Ramona’s laughter become so grating? Lance shook his head, ready to move away as he heard when he heard her continue, "But I do hope that the wolves find suitable mates during their stay. It would be a good omen for the alliance. We’ve even had a new Omega join the pack recently. She is quite beautiful..."

Lance stiffened at that. What did Ramona mean by talking about Emira? Why mention her specifically? His jaw tightened and he tried to make Ramona excuse herself but as she continued to talk about Emira’s beauty, his jaw tightened until he was ready to leave her there and walk away.

Finally, he moved away, and Ramona excused herself from the Beta. It was bad enough that they had to talk to Beta Albert but she need not try and sell off Emira. He had already warned her that he had told Emira to choose a mate but that did not mean that he would really force her just to solve the mess that was not even of Emira’s making. He would need to give Ramona a warning to not force things...

Beta Albert stood where he was for a few seconds longer, his gaze lingering thoughtfully as the couple walked away before he slipped back a few steps and made his way toward one of the corner tables, where a younger man sat alone. The man’s posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of wine loosely held in his hand.

"Young Master, it seems there’s some truth to the rumors we’ve heard, about the new Omega who joined the Stormhold pack recently. From what I can tell, she’s already become quite the source of discomfort for their soon-to-be Luna. Just now, Lady Ramona couldn’t stop bringing her up, telling me that whoever could win the heart of that Omega would definitely be a lucky one.

The young master’s mouth curved slightly. "Ah... so the thorn in the Luna’s side is real after all."

Albert nodded. "Very real, it seems. And the Luna appeared quite eager to have someone ’take her off their hands.’"

"Does she think we’re here to help her with her little troubles?"

Albert gave a short, quiet laugh. "That’s what it sounded like. And now that she has shown her hand, it should be easier to get what we want."

The young master finally lifted his eyes, scanning the hall lazily as he said," So, where is this little thorn that the Luna wants to give us?"

Even as he asked the question, his words tapered off and for a long moment, he became distracted.

Beta Albert frowned at the expression on the Young Alpha’s face. He had never seen the man almost ensnared. He turned around to see what had caught the young master’s attention when the man spoke up with a look of anticipation on his face, "If that woman is the thorn the Miss Vye spoke of..." He paused, a faint smirk touching his lips. "Then I think I might just take her away from the Luna myself. Quite happily."

Albert blinked. "Young Master—"

But the man had already risen from his seat, and was making his way towards the woman who had just entered the crowd behind Prince Kael.

As he noticed the look on the woman, Beta Albert could not help but sigh. It was no wonder that the Luna wanted this Omega gone. Anyone would be stirred by that innocent face and that alluring and delicate body... even he himself was...

Just as the thought crossed his mind, he felt a shiver all over his body, as if someone had just walked over his grave. He looked around and met Prince Kael’s gaze focused on him and shivered, before hurriedly looking away. A woman who could enter with Prince Kael would definitely not be delicate...