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

era of peace and understanding that

before seen.

had to have his reason to make this propositions

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. Suffice

so?” I blurted out.

glanced at one another and shrank back a little. I supposed my tone had been a little harsh, but

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

certain of it.”

that so?” I asked

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

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

head.

her father’s daughter through

how appointing Adalyn will change things,”

erupted into speech and began to plead Oliver’s case. 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, and that it

sat back and allowed them 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 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’d say something polite about taking their ideas into consideration, though

the greater I empathized with my late father. Growing up, I’d always felt distanced from him. We had never been

work and palace business to spend time with me. As the years passed on, my

councilors who didn’t have the realm’s best interests at heart, I could understand my father. A king was hardly ever able to

because I thought it would help me protect my mate, Cora. If I

not what had

protector, and now, sitting here in this room, I didn’t understand my purpose. Why I was still doing these things I’d never liked? Why was I entertaining these gossips and schemers?