Chapter 825 – Hidden Desires of the Werewolf King Novel

Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel

Cornelia was watching James from a distance, and her heart ached every time their eyes met. Cornelia knew that this was hard on him, and she hoped that her presence would give him the strength to push through this evening.

When Keith and Arya took seats with Dayson, Talia, and Cornelia at the table, Talia mind-linked her friends. She confirmed that Dawn and Zina were at the table with Owen and a few other high-ranking warriors. They were doing fine, for now.

Next, she mind-linked Mindy. ‘How did the talk with the Shaman go?’ Talia saw Mindy and Gideon talk with an elderly male, and Dayson told her that was the Shaman of the Red Moon pack.

‘It was not a total bust, as the guy didn’t tell us to scram, but we couldn’t talk to him openly either,’ Mindy responded. ‘He is not at the main table, which means there is some friction between him and Alpha Edward, but we need more information. We will talk to him more after dinner. Leave it to us. I’m sure you have other things to worry about.’

Talia also saw Cristian, Michelle, Tony, Kalina, Maddox, and Tatiana. They were seated at the tables set up for their respective packs.

‘Is it safe to eat this food?’ Talia asked Dayson through their mind-link. So far, appetizers were served on trays carried by Omegas that moved randomly, but this food was arranged and served specifically for their table.

‘They won’t dare poison us in public,’ Dayson responded seriously. ‘But if you have concerns, I can ask to swap plates.’

Talia thought how it was silly. If anything were off with the food, Liseli would tell her. ‘No need. I am paranoid because nothing has happened so far.’

Dayson also found it odd. Sure, it was less than one hour since they joined the event, but their hosts didn’t come to greet them in person, which was unusual considering their high status. Was it possible that Alpha Edward freaked out after finding out about Talia’s double identity as a leader of two packs?

With everyone seated, Alpha Edward stood up to give a little speech before the meal started.

“I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate James’ milestone birthday. James is working hard on preparing for his upcoming role as the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack, and your support means a lot to him…”

James tuned out his father. It was all stupid and superficial, designed to make Alpha Edward look good. Reporters were snapping photos and recording to collect material for the special edition of WW Magazine that will cover James’ birthday. If one looked just a bit under that shiny surface, they would see how dirty everything was.

James observed smiles directed at his table, but the unpleasant tension was nearly tangible. There were too many secrets, plots, and agendas for anyone to be at ease.

“…We hope you enjoy the food and the event after.” Alpha Edward ended his speech, and people clapped.

James’ sight fell on the table where Dayson and Talia were, and a sad smile sneaked on his face when his eyes locked with Cornelia’s. Only if she could be by his side, in touching distance, would things be more bearable.

James forced his eyes to move away from Cornelia, and he saw George.

‘Do you want me to kill the female that was stuck to you?’ James asked George through their pack link. James saw that Penelope was trying to seduce George and somehow… James felt a bit better. Maybe because he knew that others were enduring this event, just as he was.

‘No need,’ George responded curtly. ‘I’m sure a young Alpha like you has other things to worry about.’

‘Why are we doing this, George?’ James asked, the teasing tone from his voice gone.

‘To survive.’

James puffed his cheeks and stared at the creamy beef soup in front of him. George was right. They were playing these games to survive, knowing that a single wrong move could be deadly, but James was tired of games.

…

Penelope was fixing her lipstick in the female bathroom when she noticed a female standing behind her.

“You can take another sink. I will take a while,” Penelope said while waving in the direction where the other three sinks were.

The bathroom for females had four sinks and four privacy stalls with a toilet each.

“I can wait,” Dawn responded.

Penelope’s finely groomed eyebrows came together, and she turned to face Dawn.

“Do I know you?”

Dawn shrugged. “I don’t think so.”

Penelope’s eyes scanned the bathroom to confirm that it was just the two of them there. Good. She didn’t need to pretend to be nice.

“Is there a reason why you are looking at me like I murdered your family?” Penelope asked.

Dawn knew that she should stay away and let George handle things. But she was sick of watching Penelope trying to cling to George and putting him in a spot where he needed to endure Penelope’s hand on his arm or be rude by pushing her away. Dawn’s wolf was going crazy in need to bite Penelope’s head off, and Dawn knew that she shouldn’t cause a scene, but she had to do something.

“I want you to stay away from Commander George.”

Penelope’s eyes flashed in understanding. “Are you his side-chick?”

Dawn’s expression darkened. “Side-chick?”

Penelope shook her head. “You poor thing. You should know that a no-name she-wolf like you can’t be more than a sidepiece to an outstanding Commander like George.” Penelope narrowed her eyes at the left side of Dawn’s neck. “Isn’t that a mark? What would your mate say if he saw you pinning for a guy who is out of your league?”

Dawn sneered. “You think you are worthy of being with George?”

“Of course! I am Alpha’s daughter.”

“Do you have any other redeeming qualities other than your father?”

Penelope was outraged. “Listen, you… whoever you are. You can’t insult me.”

“What will you do about it?”

Penelope’s nostrils flared in anger, and she released her Alpha aura. A second later, she realized that something was wrong. Really wrong. Why was it not working? And it was not that it was not working, but she was being suppressed back by… who exactly?

Talia was chatting with Cornelia while opening her mouth whenever Dayson brought food in front of her mouth. It looked casual, but both Dayson and Talia were vigilant. They were aware of all eyes on them, observing, measuring, and waiting to approach them.

‘Talia, we might have a problem,’ Zina’s voice sounded in Talia’s head through the pack link.

‘What is it?’

‘It’s Dawn. She saw Penelope from the Night Sentinel pack go toward the restrooms, and she went after her. That Penelope was sticking to George and…’

‘I know,’ Talia interrupted Zina’s explanation. ‘I saw her.’ Everyone saw Penelope sticking to George. ‘Thanks for letting me know. I will take care of it.’

“Where are you going?” Dayson asked when he saw Talia wiping the corners of her lips with a napkin.

“Restroom.”

“Take Arya with you.”

Arya was already getting up, but Talia raised her hand, indicating to Arya to wait.

Talia spoke to Dayson through their mind-link, ‘It’s not that kind of a break. Dawn is there, and I need to check she doesn’t do anything foolish.’

Dayson didn’t like this. ‘Why would she do anything foolish?’

‘Do you remember the female that was sticking to George?’ Talia asked, and her face stiffened when she felt a pang of guilt from Dayson. ‘I see you remember her. She is Alpha’s daughter, and you sampled all of them. I don’t know why I thought you would miss one.’

‘Kitten, I…’

‘Save it!’ Talia snapped. ‘My friend might make a mistake, and I need to check on her. I don’t have time for your nonsense.’

Liseli wanted to tell Talia to calm down because whatever sampling of women Dayson did was before he met Talia, but the truth was that Liseli was also bitter that they were getting random reminders of women who were too close to Dayson at some point.

Dayson watched helplessly at Talia’s retreating form. She looked small and fragile and beautiful in that white dress. He waved at Keith and Arya with, ‘Go after Talia and keep your distance.’

…

In the bathroom…

Dawn lost control of her wolf, who wanted nothing less than to squish the she-wolf in front of her. George’s mark gave Dawn’s wolf a boost that came with temper, and Dawn didn’t have a chance to practice controlling it.

The mirrors on the wall were shaking, and the air felt heavy.

Penelope was holding onto a sink, and her legs were trembling while Dawn stood straight like nothing was out of place.

Penelope nearly plopped on the floor when the bathroom door flew open.

Dawn whipped her head that way to see Talia standing there.

“What are you doing?” Talia asked Dawn while closing the door behind her.

Dawn was surprised to feel her wolf reeling back in submission in front of Talia. Dawn’s wolf was an Alpha, but Talia was her Luna.

Dawn quickly bowed her head. “I apologize, I… I have no excuses.”

Penelope’s eyes darted from Talia to Dawn. She didn’t miss how Dawn submitted.

“You are from the Midnight Guardians pack?” Penelope asked Dawn. Somehow, that explained why Dawn could suppress her. Penelope heard rumors that members of the Midnight Guardians pack have mysterious powers.

Talia had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding.

Talia thought of scolding Dawn for acting recklessly and causing a commotion at this high-risk party, but she couldn’t say any harsh words. If that female was sticking to Dayson and Talia had to watch, Talia would do the same thing. Probably worse. At least Dawn waited for privacy instead of causing a scene in front of witnesses.

Talia touched Dawn’s chin, making her lift her head.

“There is no need to apologize. I know how it feels when you are protective of someone,” Talia said.

Dawn looked at Talia gratefully. “I don’t think I can stay here. I should leave.”

“Stay a bit longer,” Talia said and continued through the mind-link, ‘You can leave with Owen and Zina. We will let you know when it’s safe, OK?’

‘What about this one?’ Dawn asked.

‘I will handle her. Go before George comes after you and blows his cover.’

Dawn nodded in agreement. “Thank you.” And she left the bathroom without looking back.

“Alpha Natalia,” Penelope called in her official tone. “Your pack member attacked me without reason. How can you leave her like that?”

Talia cocked an eyebrow at Penelope, and she chanted internally that she shouldn’t imagine Dayson and Penelope entangled.

Liseli whimpered in Talia’s mind as they shared emotions. She would tell Talia to kill Penelope and be done with it, but the old spirit knew that Talia wouldn’t approve.

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