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 and understanding that

before seen.

to have his reason to make this

the ordeal between Ca ssandra Keller and Adalyn,” Oliver spoke, and despite my irritation, he held his hands up and continued. “The healer displayed a huge amount of disrespect toward my daughter, as have many others.

I

back a little. I supposed my tone

Adalyn is Luna, this whole matter will be sorted out,” Oliver stated. “I’m

certain of it.”

so?” I asked plainly.

that didn’t give him the authority to speak on matters he knew

as countless others, wasn’t likely to sort itself out if Adalyn had any bit of power. Over the years, I’d heard plenty of complaints from guards and se rvants alike about my wife, and I didn’t think any of that would change once she was appointed Luna. In fact, life around here would likely only become worse. Adalyn didn’t need that kind of

head.

father’s daughter through

how appointing Adalyn will change things,” I

Their words mingled together, as did their ideas, and with every 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,

to state their piece. As their words soared around me, my mind began to wander. All I’d done in the past few years was sit back and

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

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

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

best interests at heart, I could understand my father. A king was hardly ever able to do what he wanted or what he thought was best for the land. There was always a flock of people with their own agendas and ideas who came

never wanted the crown. I 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 keep her and

what had happened.

purpose. Why I was still doing these things I’d never liked? Why was I entertaining