Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 232 It’s Not Your Fault

“I mean, I would have preferred that you told me before I was Queen. Would you not have explained if I was just your Luna?” Ann frowned.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Adam said shaking his head, “I just meant that the chances of us having to engage with the Dubois again were slim to none and I doubt that it would have cropped up in conversation.”

“You don’t think Allen would have mentioned he had a dead sister? Ever?” Ann snorted, “Seriously Adam…”

“He may have talked about her, but in a calmer fashion is what I meant. Without the tension of being in close proximity to one of the Dubois family.” Adam explained. “At least if we were just the plain old Alpha and Luna of the Dark Moon Pack… there wouldn’t be as much at stake if something went wrong.” He sighed bitterly.

Ann saw the look of regret that crossed his face and felt a pang of pain in her heart at seeing him so uncomfortable, but she chose not to respond, instead, she waited for him to continue.

“We weren’t that old when it happened Ann. I had just turned 15, and Allen was only a few months behind me. My acting Beta, Alien’s father was away in another county, visiting a pack to iron out a few issues with an alliance treaty that we were working on.” He began as a faraway look seemed to consume his gaze, almost as if he was reliving the memories of that day.

“The tournament was supposed to showcase the talents of our up-and-coming fighters, and the success of the new training regimes that had been implemented in a few packs for the younger wolves. As Alpha, I wasn’t allowed to participate as it could have unfairly impacted the scores of those from the visiting packs for the event, but the Dubois’s Eldest son, Jasper, insisted on joining the ranks, and as royalty of a visiting kingdom, we could not refuse his request. I stayed in touch with Allen’s father frequently throughout the tournament and he was able to offer advice… he kept me grounded when my temper threatened to spill over.”

Adam paused briefly as he rubbed his neck and a pained expression crossed his face.

“I should have done something about Jasper from the start though, and I honestly tried, but… I was too young for the visiting King to consider my concerns seriously… Baldur was pretty much silent from the moment I sensed his presence. I know now that was because of the damn curse, as did Allen’s father, but he was adamant that we never talked of it in public and only a select few people knew. He was terrified that the pack we had fought so hard to protect would be annihilated by opportunists and internal conflicts if the secret ever got out.”

matches against him, but he didn’t just spar with them, he took it further and made sure that he inflicted serious injuries on most, if not all of his opponents.” He explained and paused as a dark look crossed his face, “It infuriated me.

Adam snorted ironically.

He thought the whole thing was justified, crowing repeatedly, Tn the middle of a real fight your enemies aren’t going to stop in their attacks! Jasper is just bringing a dose of realism to the matches!” Adam spat,

against his advice, I issued a challenge to Jasper directly. This was one of the few times that I had felt Baldur’s anger

a good idea of his favorite ways to take a wolf down.” Adam smirked as he caught Ann’s eye for the first time since he had started telling the story and a sense of pride shone in

face. It didn’t take me long to take him down, and he was furious that I played with

his hand and squeezed it

think any of you could have known how far he

I should have. That was my job, my only job. Protect the pack and keep them safe… and I couldn’t even protect my future Beta

quick as the emotion broke through, Adam

happened next, Ann. Jasper cheated horrifically and took his revenge on me, by almost taking Allen out… but he had a hard time doing that. I know, and Allen knows too, that if it wasn’t for

and he had done that to Allen purely to teach me a lesson, because he knew…

with his father, he said that it was fair game.” Adam seethed, “Even the missive Allen’s father sent to your father went unanswered, instead an Elder relayed the message that because Allen

to read the missive? Probably not, he was already fully under Narcissa’s

little body Ann… it was horrific.” Adam’s voice broke as he hung his head. “You saw her?” Ann asked quietly, horrified

The image of her in her last moments… it… the way she clung to my hand and managed to force his name out as she fought for breath… it haunts me to this day, Ann.” He whispered as a lone tear slid down his cheek. “As

he didn’t speak again, Ann spoke. “So what happened with Jasper?” She

humorlessly and held her

of a child… that demands the Alpha King’s