Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 20 Alpha’s dinner

ASHER

After the boy disappeared, I released a sigh and then followed Gareth’s servant into the dining room. I wished that Finnick had joined us and explained what he meant by his words.

Had Ca ssandra Keller really told him that I was a bad man?

The idea should have enraged me and yet, I was somewhat amused. I didn’t love the idea of a child fearing me, but perhaps he’d simply twisted her words as children so often did. Either way, something about the Kellers was intriguing, and I looked forward to getting to know them once we reached Anemond.

Upon my arrival, Alpha Gareth and Luna Sofia, along with their son, rose to their feet and offered me solemn bows. I inclined my head in their direction respectfully and then turned my attention back to the se rvant leading me through the room.

A long, rectangular table sat at the center of the wood-floored room, and around us, the light from the enormous red-brick fireplace flickered. The room itself was painted a rich dark red, and a smile formed on my lips. Despite this Pack existing at the border of the empire, the furnishings were exquisite and worthy of royalty. There was a hominess here that didn’t exist in my palace.

The se rvant offered me the seat at the head of the table, and once I sat, he pushed the chair in for me and then gave me a small bow.

“Please let me know if there’s anything else you require, Your Majesty,” he said. When I waved my hand, he nodded once in understanding and then disappeared.

Gareth’s s rvants were quite attentive, I’d give them that.

Once he was gone, I returned my attention to the table. The Alpha and Luna bowed their heads in respect once again, and then Gareth cleared his throat.

“Good evening, Your Majesty,” he said, and he offered me a pleasant expression. “I take it you’re feeling better?”

ask.”

“Marginally,” I replied politely. “Thank you for your concern.”

Gareth nodded. “If there’s anything else we can do, please don’t hesitate to

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied, and then my eyes flicked over to my right. I hadn’t realized my son, Prince Marco, was seated there. The boy’s eyes were brighter than they’d been before, and color had returned to his cheeks.

with a smile, and

better. Whatever the healer did to treat you, it appears to be working.”

better, Daddy,” Marco

worked perfectly. How was it that a healer from a small Pack such as this was so

could only hope she’d be able to treat my disease as well.

us filled with pleasant scents. They laid down platters of chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and freshly-baked bread on the long table, and then began to dole portions out onto the china

plates were full to the brim, the se rvants bowed at Alpha Gareth first,

the se

eat, and the moment I took a large bite, I felt the lingering remains

was feeling better than

up on that straight

wondered with a slight tilt of his head, and then he took a bite of his mashed

at my

over and patted him on

was quite needy for my attention these days. When I’d planned this trip down to the Wild Crawler Pack, I’d intended to come alone with only Lancel, but Marco had insisted on joining me. I’d put up a little bit of a fight, but at the end of the day, I couldn’t deny him. Any

has recovered so quickly, Your Majesty,” Gareth spoke up.

thanks to your healer,” I remarked as I turned

is.”

cheeks darkened slightly, but he simply nodded his head. “Indeed, she

appeared slightly awkward at the mention of Ca ssandra, and part of me wondered if it was because I

your eldest son, Alpha,” I mused. “Where is he? Is he still unhappy with my decision to bring the healer

and then he gulped. “I beg your forgiveness on his behalf. He

cut him off. “I figured the young man was angry

he’s smitten with her. Of course, you already knew that.”

flew to each other. I watched with amusement as their cheeks flushed scarlet.

and when he tugged on his father’s sleeve, Gareth sighed.

turned his attention back to me. “Your Majesty, I think you’re mistaken about Rayden. Ca ssandra Keller arrived here five years ago when Rayden was just about to join the Myriad. He was too preoccupied with his service to notice

My brow lifted.