Chapter 56
Conrad POV
I wake in the morning with a profound sense of dread washing over me. I essentially have to survive three dates with stuck–up, entitled she–wolves who all want me when I’m not interested in them. This is one of the reasons I dislike dating so much, as it’s just them giving me compliments and explaining why they think they would make a great Luna Queen.
First up is morning tea with Darlina. Alpha Angus’s granddaughter from the north. I have redirected all my pack jobs to Liam for the next two days while I get through this process. He says he is happy to as he has wanted me to find a Luna for years but I still owe him for it.
I grab and random suit again for the day and head to the table out on the terrace. Darlina is waiting for me so I take a deep breath and join her to get this over and done with.
When I arrive she bows to me. “Good morning Alpha King. I hope you slept well“. When she lifts her head I’m taken aback. She’s pup. They have dressed her up to look more womanly and age her a few years but there is no way she is older than
- 16.
I just stare at her in suspicion. “How old are you“.
“I’m the appropriate age to sire children after the Luna ceremony Your Highness“.
Well, that answer has been coached. “How do you feel being here and with someone as old as me“.
“It will be a great honor to serve my species and my Alpha King Your Highness“.
“Seriously though Lady Darlina. What is your age“.
She smiles at me with a practiced expression, “I told you, You Highness. The appropriate age to sire children after the Luna ceremony and to provide as many heirs as you desire“.
This is starting to scare me. I advise her to eat and I try to get any information out of her but all answers are rehearsed or repeated.
“What’s it like for you back home in the North“.
“Wonderful Your Highness. I spend a lot of time with my Grandfather Councilman Alpha Angus so I have learned a lot about politics“.
“What about your mother“.
“Once the woman’s job of child–rearing is completed when the child reaches 6, they are enrolled into the workforce or studies. I was enrolled to study with my Grandfather which is why I know so much about politics and can help our species if chosen“.
That egotistical jackass had unsupervised full access to this child to fill her head with Goddess knows what crap. As soon as we are done I mind–link Lewana.
“Moonlight. Can you check on Darlina for me. She seems very young to be here and keeps talking about being old enough to sire children. I think she is being abused or brainwashed“.
1/2
“Will do. I’ll take Kimberly too as she has had training with that for her job. How are you holding up“. Her voice cheers me up instantly.
“Ok. One down, three to go“.
“Don’t you mean four“, she asks confused.
“Well, I’m looking forward to afternoon tea tomorrow with you“. She just laughs back.
Next is lunch with Valerie. She is more age–appropriate and seems to be late 20’s, or early 30’s. She is in a black dress and appears very calm by this whole thing. For the second time today, I go and introduce myself.
“Good afternoon Alpha King. Hope your day is going well so far“, she greets me cheerily.
“It’s going OK. How are you finding the pack house“. Goddess I hate small talk.
“It is very lovely, as are your pack and staff. All very welcoming“.
After a minute of awkward silence, I ask the question I intend to ask all the ladies.
“Are you really OK with this ceremony business“.
She lets out a laugh. “Oh goddess no. I did actually want to mention this early on so I guess now is a good time. I was pressured here by mine and Alpha Angus’s family because to them I am an unmated, 32–year–old she–wolf which is unacceptable“. She just rolls her eyes and starts pouring herself tea.
It confuses me at how blasé she is about it. “I feel like I missing something“.
“I prefer to be mates with women. Apparently, that doesn’t count because we can’t naturally procreate and it is a waste of my genetic material. They figured that if I come and meet the great and powerful Alpha King I might want a man for a change“.
I just sat there shocked. “Well, that’s stupid“.
“So glad you agree. Just eliminate me when you want. I’m just enjoying a free holiday til then“.
We end up having a great lunch. We talk about many things. She is very business–minded and enjoys political debates. She speaks what is on her mind and even when we have a topic we have a difference of opinion on, she doesn’t just agree with me. She argues and explains her points very well. I started to think about the option of bringing her into the council meetings because at least there would be a discussion. I actually think we could stay friends after this whole thing is over.
I end lunch on a high. It all comes crashing down when I realize what I have
