A multitude of thoughts occupies my mind, although the most prominent compels me to grasp Ricky’s hand imploringly.
Would she accept the r**e allegation that Jaxton just directed at me? I ponder to myself, wondering how I would explain to her that Nellie lied.
I focus on my companion, her expression calm and unaffected by his allegation. Silently, she squeezes my hand twice, her thumb softly gliding over my knuckles.
Observing her stare, I discern that she is directing her attention towards Queen Josie, presumably communicating with her telepathically. Josie’s remarks appear to maintain Ricky’s tranquilly and composure.
“I should have eliminated you when I had the opportunity for your actions against my mother,” Jaxton growls before addressing Rocco. “What is the reason for your inaction?” Execute your duty and eliminate him! Eliminate him for violating your Luna!”
Rocco does not deign to glance at his future Alpha, his gaze fixated on Ricky’s hand still clasping mine. A glimmer of anguish appears in his eyes. Did he feel sympathy for Ricky for being associated with me?
Disregarding my brother, Rocco clears his throat and gazes into my eyes.
“Do you have a partner?” Rocco enquires, albeit it is more a declaration than an inquiry. I nod softly, a subtle smile forming on his lips as he observes my companion. “She is exquisite…” he whispers, but Ricky remains mute, her cheeks flushing a rosy tint.
“Greetings, I am Rocco.” “I am the Gamma of the Blue Sky Pack, Jadi’s pack,” Rocco articulates, extending his hand for a handshake.
Ricky simply smiles sweetly at him, though, the grin on her face not reaching her eyes.
“You mean the former pack,” Josie rectifies him, standing up. Despite being a head shorter than Rocco, her power emanates from her like heat waves, with everyone in the room sensing its intensity. Jadi is no longer a member of the Scarlett Haven pack. “Your Alpha ensured that,” she states in a subdued snarl. “I remain perplexed regarding the game you are attempting to engage in; however, Jadi is not compelled to return to his previous pack, and this,” she states, brandishing a sheet of paper. “This holds no significance for me.”
“I find it difficult to believe that such grandiloquent terms hold any significance for you,” Jaxton derides, causing Andrew’s composed demeanour to dissolve upon hearing the affront directed at his Luna. Josie, yet, maintains composure and equanimity. “Why don’t you allow the adults to converse, little one, while you take a nap?” We will communicate with your Alpha.
He is unable to utter another word before he begins to choke, his hands grasping at his throat as his face reddens. Jaxton’s knees give way, and he collapses onto the floor, struggling to breathe, while Rocco and Korbin observe him in astonishment.
“It appears you are struggling with those complex terms, Alpha,” Andrew chuckles, a satisfied smile adorning his face. “Perhaps you ought to reserve the complex vocabulary for the adults.”
Josie disapprovingly shakes her head at Andrew, who merely shrugs innocently in response. She then releases Jaxton from her telekinetic grasp, causing him to gulp desperately for air. Jaxton gazes in astonishment at Josie, who, disregarding him, resumes her position on the throne.
“Andrew, kindly accompany Jaxton and Korbin downstairs to join the other guards,” Josie directs. “I believe Gamma Rocco has numerous topics to address with Jadi.”
“You cannot expel me,” Jaxton derides, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
“LEAVE,” Josie commands in her authoritative tone, prompting Jaxton to rise abruptly and stride past me towards the door, his expression one of utter dismay. Josie’s gaze shifts to Korbin, who grins foolishly and approaches the exit.
I informed you that she is an Ivory Wolf!He whispers sharply into his father’s ear. I informed you!”
Rocco merely rolls his eyes in exasperation as he observes his son exit, with Andrew accompanying the two wolves downstairs. Josie exhales wearily, retrieves the previous sheet of paper, and motions for me to take a seat.
I pause, glancing at Ricky to gauge her emotions when Josie’s voice interrupts me.
“She is aware of the truth regarding Nellie,” Josie elucidates. I presented to her your recollection of that day. There is no need for you to be concerned about her faith in you.
To substantiate her assertion, Ricky rises onto her toes to kiss my cheek, her fingers remaining entwined with mine.
“I believe you,” she whispers, drawing me towards the chairs and beckoning me to sit near her.
Gamma Rocco orients his chair to face me as he converses. He seeks Josie’s consent to talk and suppresses the knot in his throat, fidgeting anxiously in his seat.
“I am certain you are curious about my presence, Jadi,” Rocco commences, interlacing and separating his fingers. “I have frequently contemplated that question recently.”
“Please be succinct, sir,” Josie retorts, her eyes shifting between gold and violet. “Specify precisely what you require from him.”
Rocco clenches his cheek and continues onwards.
King Arthur recently became aware of your existence following a note left by Stonecold at an Alpha meeting. “He possesses…” he clears his throat and sits upright. “He has asked your father to bring you home.”
My body immediately tenses at the possibility of returning to Scarlett Haven. I have acclimated to the notion of never returning there, and it terrifies me to contemplate the possibility of revisiting a place where I never felt desired.
“Explain to him the reason,” Josie snarls, her fingers crushing a sheet of paper in her grasp.
Rocco appears uneasy, nevertheless he complies with the Queen’s directive.
“King Arthur requests your participation in training with his army and potentially leading the effort to vanquish Stonecold and their expanding coalition,” he elucidates.
I gaze at him in perplexity. My father did not desire my presence in his pack, yet now the King seeks to include me in his army? For what purpose? To ensure my demise?
“I recognise that you may be somewhat apprehensive,” Rocco interjects with haste, perceiving my anxiety and bewilderment with clarity. “However, the King has bestowed upon you a warrior rank, and you would reside in the Crescent Mane Palace alongside the other warriors.”
