Chapter 563 – Hidden Desires of the Werewolf King Novel

Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel

“I’m sorry, Talia. I am happy for you it’s just… Why didn’t you tell me when you arrived here? Why is not the whole pack celebrating their Luna?”

“It’s a long story, Steph. When I came here, my wolf was weak and I didn’t know. And when I found out, it was difficult to process. And when I was ready to embrace it, Marcy started pressuring Dayson and we decided to wait with the announcement until the air is clear. He did it to protect me. Tomorrow evening, the whole pack will know. I hope you will support us.”

Stephanie’s eyes were full of tears. “Of course, I will support you.” She took a step back and bowed. “It’s an honor to greet you, Luna Talia.”

Talia was speechless. She really didn’t expect that Stephanie will be so official. “Please, don’t.”

Stephanie raised her head. “Violet would be so happy.”

Stephanie resumed cutting chicken pieces and said, “I am glad it’s you, and I’m glad you told me. I plan to leave so I will hand you over managing the packhouse. There is a schedule for cleaning and for kitchen duties that are standard, as well as garden maintenance. And then there are extras to keep in mind when we have guests. You should memorize the names of Omegas who are allowed to come here. Dayson was always specific about it.”

Talia’s brows came together. “You are leaving? Where? When?”

“I will leave after the pack run. Dayson knows about it. I hope that I can take Lisa with me.” She didn’t say where she will go because she was not sure.

“Steph”, Talia called. “You know that this is your home, and always it will be.”

Stephanie smiled sadly. Was this her home? A home was not about the place, it was about people. Stephanie came to the Shadow Fang pack because of her mate, and she made a friend, Luna Violet. They had a daughter, and her life was complete. Stephanie lost her mate and her friend, and she sent her daughter away. In a way, her home was gone, but she stuck around with the hope to help Dayson.

Lisa was now in the dungeon with her behavior escalating, and Stephanie had a feeling that Lisa won’t get better as long as she was surrounded by the ghosts of what might have been.

“Thank you, Talia.”, Stephanie said. “But I believe it’s for the best if I leave. I always wanted to see some distant places, and this is my chance. Now that you are here, I am relieved that I won’t leave that naughty boy on his own. Take care of him.”

Talia’s eyes filled with tears. She knew that Stephanie wanted to retire, but she felt that her leaving like this was wrong. Would she go if not for Lisa causing trouble? Maybe she would stop working, but she would remain in the territory of the Shadow Fang pack. Stephanie was about to leave everything she knew because Lisa was delusional, but then… maybe that’s what mothers do for their children.

“Talia!”, Dayson called from the door with panic in his voice, and in the next moment, she felt a pair of strong arms wrapping around her.

They were close to ending the meeting when Dayson sensed Talia’s emotions fluctuating and he told Maya and Jaeden to finish without him as he rushed to see what was going on.

“Are you alright?”, Dayson asked.

Talia looked at him helplessly. Silly man, he could have asked her that through their mind-link, but the fact that he had such an exaggerated reaction, told her he was anxious.

“I am OK.”, Talia said. “Stephanie told me that she is going to leave, so I got emotional.”

“You don’t need to leave.”, Dayson spoke to Stephanie without letting go of Talia. “I was an ass, but I am better now. Tomorrow, everyone will know that Talia is my mate, and our pack will start new normal.”

“That is lovely.”, Stephanie responded. “But that new normal will be without me.”

“Contact us often, and come to visit whenever you can.”, Talia said.

“Thank you. As for the packhouse, I recommend that you get a few people to help you. Don’t allow things to stop if you have something else to do.”

Talia was thinking about it from the moment Stephanie told her about retirement which was a while ago. “I will ask Zina and Rose to help.” Talia turned to see two Omegas in question staring at her. “Zina, I hope you will accept to take care of the kitchen, and Rose, I will be grateful if you help with the rest of the packhouse. I believe the two of you know what needs to be done, and if you doubt anything, this is a perfect chance to ask Stephanie for clarifications.”

Both Zina and Rose smiled and nodded vigorously.

Talia would ask Dawn also, but Dawn was about to leave for the Red Moon pack with George.

Talia was hoping that Mindy will take an official role, but she didn’t want to talk about it now. They had a lot of things going on and with Mindy being Gideon’s mate, she was not going anywhere.

Talia wanted to resume work, but Dayson’s hug blocked her arms.

“Can you let go?”, she asked.

“Never.”, Dayson responded without missing a beat and she smiled foolishly.

After lunch, everyone went to the training grounds.

Jaeden, James, and George were set to train with warriors so that the reporter (aka Calvin) can take some photos that will go with an article on the topic of cooperation between the Shadow Fang pack and the Red Moon pack. Maya will give an interview with the goal to prevent Alpha Edward to twist this situation into James and George being held captive.

With the changes in protecting borders, Dayson wanted to address his warriors in person, so that they know that things were under control, and due to that, he was heading to the training grounds also.

Dawn and Cornelia accompanied the group because they were curious about the training, and they wanted to see their men in action. Exciting!

Dayson and Talia didn’t separate not even for a second, but they always had company and a million other things to do, and Talia didn’t get a chance to tell him about her being the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack or about her intention to attend the Council of Alphas. She really wanted to discuss some strategies with Dayson, but the timing was not right and this was not something they could talk about with an audience.

Talia intentionally slowed her steps as they walked to the training grounds, and when they trailed behind others, she thought that this might be a good chance to speak up.

“Dayson, about the Council of the Alphas…”

“Don’t worry about it, kitten.”, Dayson interrupted her. “I will handle this. Trust me.”

“I trust you but…”

“No buts.”, he said sternly. “I know you want to help, but I want you to stay here and stay safe. If we get attacked, leave it to the warriors. I know that you can blow them away with a thought, but that would expose you. We are still not ready to make your abilities public.”

Talia puffed her cheeks in frustration. “You asked me if I trust you, but… Do you trust me?”

“With my life.”, Dayson responded without missing a beat. “However, I also know you are reckless. Don’t take unnecessary risks and don’t expose your powers, and don’t go running into the woods and being a hero. All this doesn’t mean a thing if something happens to you. I promised to keep you safe, and that’s what I am doing but I need you to let me protect you.”

And just like that, Talia decided not to tell him. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Dayson didn’t want to see her getting in danger here, and he would blow a fuse if she told him that she planned to attend the council of Alphas and enter that den of wolves (pun intended).

“TALIA!”, an excited shriek was heard from the training grounds, and Talia saw Lulu and Sandy running toward her full force.

“The soccer team is back!”, Talia said excitedly.

Dayson puffed his chest, happy to see that Talia approved. If not for the pack run, he wouldn’t call them back, and Maya was the one to suggest ending their survival training early, but Dayson had no problems with taking the credit for this one.

Talia stepped away from Dayson and rushed to meet her friends. They didn’t see each other from the Summer Solstice festival.

“How was your training in the mountains?”, Talia asked as they exchanged hugs.

Lulu rolled her eyes. “It was to die for.”

“But we survived!”, another excited voice came from the side, and Talia saw Liam, Pierce, and Caleb. A few more soccer players approached Talia, surrounding her from all sides.

Dayson wanted to interfere, but he saw that Talia was having a good time and the guys were only shaking hands with her, so he decided to observe from the side.

“When did you return?”, Talia asked.

“Yesterday.”, Lulu responded. “We thought we will have a longer break. I hear you are Alpha’s assistant now. Do you know why we were summoned here?”, Lulu asked while gesturing behind her where more than a hundred werewolf warriors were standing.

Talia confirmed. “There will be changes in patrols and Dayson wants to announce it personally so you are not anxious about it.”

Sandy rolled her eyes. “Whenever we see Alpha delivering news personally, we know it will be something stress-inducing.”

Talia thought how that made sense, but… “These are good changes. You will see. Tell me, how was your training?”

Dayson’s attention was drawn toward a figure that was approaching Talia’s group. It was Keith. Dayson gritted his teeth. He knew very well that the wretched Coach got his eyes on Talia and as much as he wanted to punch Keith in the face, Dayson was eager to see Keith’s reaction when he realizes that Talia was marked, claimed, and NOT available.

Keith made his way between Liam and Caleb. He stopped when Talia noticed him, and their eyes met.

“Keith! It’s good to see you!”, Talia exclaimed happily, making Dayson’s fists itch when she jumped to give Keith a hug.

Dayson chanted internally how that was only a friendly hug, without their bodies touching, Talia was clueless about Keith’s feelings, and Dayson shouldn’t make a scene.

Keith wanted to pull Talia closer, but he saw Dayson’s murderous glare locked on him, so he quickly held Talia’s shoulders and gave them a small squeeze before letting her go, and asking, “Did you stick to the training regime?”

Talia paused. She didn’t, but… “You are welcome to test me.” After Dayson marked her, Talia’s speed and strength increased, and she was eager to see by how much.

Keith smiled happily, interpreting Talia’s response as an invitation for them to spend time together. Preferably without Dayson around.

“How about we do a round of testing after this gathering is over?”, Keith suggested.

Talia subconsciously glanced at Dayson. She really wanted to get tested, but probably not today. “Schedule for today is crazy. How about the day after tomorrow?”

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