“You do realize how much bigger you made the target on me right?” I lean in to whisper to him.
“Your target was already placed when you stepped out of that elevator on my arm, no reason not to have fun with the situation.” He’s leaning in close but looking me in the eye, then he shoots a quick look over my shoulder, not moving his face, then looks back at me and smiles a wicked smile.
“What are you up to?’ I ask skeptically, having a pretty good idea who he’s looking at.
“Nothing I wasn’t given permission to do.” He mutters before kissing me on the cheek, but far too close to my lips for my comfort. It’s not that it was bad, but it feels wrong somehow. I know he’s flirting to keep people away from the both of us, but I don’t know if I can reciprocate. Maybe it’s because I know we are related now, or just that I know he isn’t my mate and that’s something he should save for her. I have to suck it up and play this part though. That is my job, my assignment.
I’m sure as I move through warrior training, my assignments are going to get far more complicated than this. I can’t let my personal opinions and emotions cloud the work I have to complete.
Xander effortlessly moves me through the large room into a ballroom setup with round tables covered in white linen table cloths and gold chairs. I wasn’t sure what I expected, but this semi-informal buffet style breakfast wasn’t it. I figured leaders of this caliber would want or expect table service, but I also understand the practicality of this set -up.
Xander leads me to the line behind his parents and we begin filling our plates and then head to a long rectangular table at the head of the room seated under a stained glass window that spans the full wall, letting in copious amounts of morning light.
I must have stopped and stared for a little too long as Alpha Reggie comes up and startles me while I’m lost in the beauty of the glass. “This depicts the great war that prompted the Moon Goddess to declare Alpha Kings and their territories. Even with ranks and hierarchy built into our way of life, there was always someone who wanted power without earning it.” He looked pointedly at me and I nodded in understanding, it was still a problem today, but with the Alpha Kings having a common goal to keep the peace and keep our secret from humans, they were always willing to step in and help when a bigger problem arose, avoiding another war like this.
He raised his arm and guided me to a chair next to Xander at the head table. “You seem to be doing well so far, no trouble I take it?” He asks as he pulls my chair out for me to Sit.
“I look at Xander for a moment then back to Alpha Reggie”
No trouble, but the pissing matches have already begun.” I giggled and Xander almost choked on his water.
“Let me guess. Was it Chandler or Grunyun?” Alpha Reggie takes his seat next to Xander as he asks.
“Chandler’s daughter. We weren’t even off the elevator yet.
Her claws have gotten sharper since the last time I had to put up with her.” Xander mumbles just loud enough for the four of us to hear. There’s plenty of conversation going on in the room and it must be an unspoken rule that no one approaches the head table while the King and Queen are eating, but that doesn’t stop the looks and following conversations that have been happening since we entered. Today is going to be long and exhausting.
Once Alpha Reggie is done eating, Omegas clear our plates and he stands to give an opening speech, directing people to specific places in the palace with an undertone of ‘these are the only places you are allowed’ and times for the first ….
