3/2
Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
I never thought of myself as beautiful, and maybe he was just saying that out of courtesy.
“I… I will show you around,” Felix says as if in loss of words, and Thane gives a nod. I knew Thane didn’t really need a tour; he knew his way around the packhouse; maybe it was more for my benefit.
The pack members stopped to stare every time we passed by, bowing as a sign of respect, that was more welcoming than I expected, seeing as Thane had killed their Alpha. They must have hated Slade.
Felix talked about everything–from the painting on the wall to the rooms and who they belonged to.
“This part of the packhouse belongs to the commander and high–rank,” Felix droned on. I only caught half of what he had said.
“I think I would take over from here,” a woman–not just any woman, but Bailey says. I had been lost in thought; I didn’t realize her heading towards us. “I am Elder Bailey,” she introduced as if Felix didn’t know that already.
“Welcome back Elder.” He responds.
“You could leave us now,” Bailey says, her voice cold. Felix glanced at Thane, asking for permission, and he only left after Thane gave him a nod.
“You arrived fast,” I noted.
“It does not seem like you are thrilled to see that,” she says, not bothering with the fake smile. I couldn’t deny that this dark part of me had thought about her having a very unfortunate accident on the way here, but again, she was an elder; an accident couldn’t end her that easily.
“Could you show us to our room?” Thane asked.
“Of course, is just over there.”
“Thank you,” Thane said before walking away, taking me along.
“Where are you going?” Bailey asked.
To settle into our room,” Thane says, like that was the most obvious answer.
“We need to make plans for the crowning ritual; we are already behind schedule,” she says, but a part of me knew she intended on something more than just ‘making plans‘.
“That can wait; Riley is tired and she needs her rest.”
1/2
Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
(THE CROWNING RITUAL)
There was a buzz of activities going on; everyone was dressed in black in honour of Alpha Slade burial, but that wasn’t what all the buzz was about; today was the crowning, the day everyone would find out if Thane was fit the rule.
I had spotted some of our pack members who came to witness the crowning. Beatrix was in a tight fitted black dress that accentuated her curves, giving her a very sensual look. She caught me staring and gave yet another fake sinile. I waved back and hurried past her to the one I had been hoping to see. Axel.
He was also in an all–black Tuxedo, looking dashing as always. He was speaking to a woman who he seemed to be familiar with; the woman looked to be in her early forties‘. The moment he saw me, he turned his attention to me.
“Riley,” he called, and I hugged him.
“It does feel like forever. But you do look good,” I complemented.
“And you lovely too.
I noticed Bailey from a distance; she was heading towards us. I was tempted to walk away; just so I wouldn’t have to be near her. The woman gave me the chills.
“Beta, Axel, Luna. Please come with me,” she says.
“And why do need our presence,
you
Elder Bailey?”
“The time has come for Thane to be tested; he wants you both there,” she says.
“What is the test about?” I asked
“The moon goddess would have to accept him.” She explained
“But… he is the son of the Alpha king; doesn’t that automatically make him the next king?”
“There had never once been a problem when passing the crown; he had already met the requirement, but this step is necessary.”
