Liam POV
I’m talking to Conrad this morning as we have to have a solid plan for the next 24 hours when he is away with Cordelia. Honestly, the thought of being trapped with that woman for 24 hours sounds like a grueling punishment. We also have to plan for these interrogations this morning.
I’m doing my best to keep him on track but I can sense the dread in him. “I have Alpha Leroy first. Figured he would be easier. Then Donovan“.
He nods and we go to the room we have set up where Alpha Leroy is waiting.
Conrad walks up to greet him and shakes his hand. “Alpha Leroy. I know you are just a stand–in for the ceremony purpose so I am going to make this quick. Your father was a major issue for me and I believe the council so he would have faced harsh consequences for what he set up. However, it is clear you had no part in this. Any evidence you have found to conspire against the crown has been handed over and you have shown remorse for your lack of knowledge“.
He lets out a breath that I didn’t know he was holding. “Thank you, Alpha King. I truly regret my father’s actions and will continue to work on correcting the disgrace the North has brought upon itself“.
“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. You are currently just a fill–in for your father and once this ceremony is over we will need to have an election in the North for a new candidate. As your eldest son is ready to take over your pack, how would you feel about running“.
Alpha Leroy freezes. The cog turned in his to replay what Conrad just said to make sure he processed it correctly. He
speaks up in barely a whisper. “Are you serious Alpha King“.
Conrad just smiles. “Absolutely. The first election held two years ago had any Alpha interested run for the position. I didn’t know them as well as I did as the entire system was new. I think you would be a good fit. You have learned from your
mistakes, you understand the duty of the crown to all and not just your region and you seem very accepting of Lewana and the changes she can bring for us. For all of us. When she is my Luna Queen, this will be invaluable for any …… challenges
that lie ahead“.
His face lights up and you can see he is trying to contain his excitement. “Thank you. Thank you so much highess. I would
love to“.
The two men shake hands before Alpha Leroy is dismissed. That was the easy one. Now time for the rate.
A very timid knock comes from the door and Conrad switches his face to one more serious. “Come in Donovan“.
He is trying to hold his head high but is struggling to make any form of eye contact. I can smell the fear coming off him. We let the silence draw out for an uncomfortable length of time before Conrad speaks.
“I only have one question for you Donovan. What the hell were you thinking“.
He instantly collapses and grovels for forgiveness by rapidly talking. “I am so sorry my Alpha King. The council said they needed information on the pack to understand how to manage their packs and to support you better. I didn’t know the information would be used against you. I have always done what I thought was best for our kind and you needed a mate to continue your linage and we have the rules about rouges. I didn’t know what to do. I know you love Lady Lewana and she is your mate and I know she is blessed and can save us all but I promise I have and will only ever do what is best for our kind. Please don’t charge me with treason. I understand my position on the council is at risk but please don’t put me in prison“.
1/2
I had completely forgotten I made that threat the day after this whole thing started. No wonder this weasel was so worried when he heard about the disciplinary actions.
Conrad just holds up a hand to stop him. “I understand you have been trying to make it right, but using Lady Lewana and sucking up to her to get back in my good graces is not the way to do that. I know about the workout shakes you got her and changing the order of the shifting ceremony to favor her and not Lady Cordelia. I appreciate the effort but I need the head of the council to be focused on that job and nothing else“.
He just sighs and looks down while awaiting his fate. “I understand my Alpha King“.
Conrad looks at him for a moment to make sure his message has sunk in. “You are going to be placed on a six–month review. During this time Beta Lewis will be monitoring all of your work closely. One more slip up and you will be fired from this position and expelled from this pack. Understand“.
He freezes for a moment. “You’re…..you’re not charging me with treason“.
“No“.
“Oh thank you your Highness. I won’t let you down. I promise“.
Conrad just points at the door and he quickly scampers away.
“Well, both of those went as expected“.
Conrad takes a deep breath and sighs. “Yeah. Two down. Three to go“. He looks up at the clock realising it is now 11. He is going to have to pack soon and leave Lewana again. “You promise to keep her safe while I’m gone“.
“I have doubled patrols in the East wing. The girls will be having a sleepover girls‘ night so she won’t be alone in the room and guards will also be stationed outside the door on two–hour rotating shifts“. I know it is not as good as Conrad being here himself but it’s the last night he will have to be away from her.
“And you will be OK with running everything in the pack“.
“Yep. I am giving most of the day–to–day stuff to Arthur to make sure he is too busy to spend time with Mary. I’m also going to talk to Lewana about the possibility of neutering a Werewolf“.
He just laughs at me. The first time in days. “And I thought you were bad when you had to share Mary with me as a Nanny growing up“.
“I can live with it as long as I remain her favorite and they stick to kissing only“.
He rolls his eyes at me. “I’m happy for her. She deserves to have someone. Other than us of course“.
“You’ve just gone soft because of your mate. Come on. I have to give you something for tonight. Just in case“.
