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

of peace and understanding that Wegalla had

before seen.

had to have his reason to

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

I

I supposed my tone had been a little harsh, but I couldn’t help

Luna, this whole matter will be sorted out,” Oliver

certain of it.”

that so?” I

he had been the Beta of the Pack, but that didn’t give him the authority to speak on

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 encouragement. It would go right to

head.

daughter

see how appointing Adalyn will change things,” I said.

that Adalyn would be good for the Crescent Pack, that

a fully formed. conversation, but I simply sat back and allowed them to state their piece. As their words soared around me, my mind began

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’d say something polite about taking their ideas into consideration, though most of the

in this position, the greater I empathized with my late father. Growing up, I’d always felt distanced from him.

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

A king was hardly ever able to do what he wanted or what he thought was

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

that’s not what

at my role as protector, and now, sitting here in this room, I didn’t understand my purpose. Why I was still doing