Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

ASHER

Chapter 71 Crafty Beta

My brow raised instinctively as I stared at Oliver Moses in surprise.

Had he really just suggested something like that? Now, of all times?

“Why?” I asked, and I raised my chin slightly. This suggestion reeked of suspicion, and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

“Your Majesty, it’s been five years since the death of our former king,” he explained evenly. “I understand that you’re still in a state of mourning, as anyone in your position would be. But I firmly believe that the Crescent Pack needs a Luna, someone who could raise the morale of both this Pack and all of Wegalla for that matter. It’s been five years since your wedding. I believe this is the right time to declare her your mate.”

I opened my mouth to protest this fact, but I knew it would get me nowhere. Adalyn may have been my wife, but she wasn’t my mate. Cora had been my mate and no one would ever replace that, no matter how much Oliver Moses wanted to change that fact.

I had to admit that I’d underestimated my father-in-law. He was far craftier than I’d ever expected, and I was surprised that he had the boldness to propose something like this.

With all of his cu nning and conniving, I was certain he was more than clear about the fact that I’d never actually been with his daughter in a physical sense..

The idea was ridiculous. Adalyn was and never had been suitable for taking the position of a Luna. She lacked empathy, kindness, and passion, which were crucial qualities for being the Luna of a Pack.

A thought crossed my mind, along with a pang of sadness.

Before everything had fallen apart, Cora had always been the perfect

soon-to-be-Luna of the Crescent Pack. She would have flourished in the role and

in an era of peace

before seen.

to have his reason

“The healer displayed a huge amount of disrespect toward my daughter, as have many others. Suffice to say,

I blurted

shrank back a little. I supposed my

whole matter will be sorted out,” Oliver stated.

certain of it.”

so?” I asked plainly.

father-in-law seemed to be forgetting his place. Sure, he had been the Beta of the Pack, but that didn’t give him the authority to speak on matters he knew nothing about. Surely, he was pretending that I didn’t have the

I’d heard plenty of complaints from guards and se rvants alike about my wife, and I didn’t think any of

head.

daughter through

Adalyn will

sentence, they looked to the Beta for approval. They argued that Adalyn would be good for the Crescent Pack, that we’d needed a Luna for some time now, and that it was only natural that my wife of five years

allowed them to state their piece. As their words soared around me, my mind began to wander.

been a pleasant thing. No matter how much nonsense and bullshi t that was brought to my meeting chambers, I had to sit there patiently and allow my guests to speak. It was a song and dance I knew quite well. I would sneak in a few quips as necessary, but ultimately, sit back, listen, and then smile. After that

I empathized with my late father. Growing up, I’d always felt distanced from him.

been far too busy with work and palace business to spend time with me. As the

could understand my father. A king was hardly ever able to do what he wanted or what he

could have been happy without the power or the wealth. But I’d ultimately taken the position because I thought it would help me protect my mate, Cora. If I was the king, I could

what had

understand my purpose. Why I was still doing these things