Filed To Story: Secret with Betas Daughter: Skylar Story Series
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.
“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.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.