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 I smiled back

I replied. “You’re looking better. Whatever the healer did to treat you, it appears to be

feel better, Daddy,” Marco declared.

losing the boy, but Ca ssandra Keller’s methods had apparently worked perfectly. How

able to

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 before

full to the brim, the se rvants bowed at Alpha

Gareth said, and then the

the moment I took a large bite, I felt the lingering remains of my poor mood slip away. Between the deliciousness of the

childhood innocence out on the lawn earlier, I was feeling better than I had in

seemed to pick up on

why are you so happy?” he wondered with a slight tilt of his head, and then

again at

remarked, and then I reached over and patted him on the shoulder. Marco smiled at me,

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 five-year-old child would have done the same, and I

recovered so quickly, Your Majesty,”

healer,” I remarked as I turned my attention to him.

is.”

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

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

Gareth insisted, and then he gulped. “I beg your forgiveness on his behalf. He isn’t feeling

off. “I figured the young man

Of

eyes widened and flew to each other. I watched with amusement as

son, Dominic, spoke up quietly, and when he tugged on

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 her, and besides, she was married back then. They’ve barely interacted

My brow lifted.