The Alphas Forgotten Daughter

Episode 11 - Chapter 7, Snakes and Sycophants

Chapter 7 - Snakes and Sycophants

Dacre's POV

I waited anxiously at the gates for the Mercedes 4x4 my parents were in to pull up the long drive into the Valet area. I tried to usher them around the side of the building and up to the apartment I knew would be theirs for the next two nights, but father insisted on doing things "in the proper fashion as it is only polite".

I had to grit my teeth and walk them round to the main entrance. I had hoped that Amaris would be there as I had heard she had been handing out welcome packs while Sylas mingled with the guests. Aside from my dislike of his treatment of Amaris, I just plain disliked him. In general, he was as slippery as a greased up snake. Everything about him just wreaked desperation and hunger for power. Nothing about him felt genuine. Except for when he was being cruel to Amaris, now that seemed to give him genuine joy. I hope one day he gives me an excuse to rip him apart with my bare teeth and claws. Nothing would bring Drathos and I more pleasure.

When I arrived in the foyer with my parents in tow, Sylas began his sickly sweet sucking up to my father.

"Your Majesty! My queen!" He threw his arms up in exclamation and swanned over in our direction, heading straight for my father.

"Alpha Sylas, good afternoon. I hope you are well." My father replied in an even and unreadable tone. I hated it when he did that.

"Fantastic, thank you so much for asking!" He bowed before his king and queen before rising to hold out his hand for a hand shake. My father obliged but made a quick and curt one. Sylas must have noticed this as his smile faltered ever so slightly.

"My lady..." he dipped into a half bow and held out his hand for hers, she reluctantly gave her hand as though one would to a sticky child.

"Sylas, always a pleasure. Thank you for inviting us, and for housing our... Over eager son, ahead of schedule. He was no trouble, I hope?" She smiled sweetly at him, almost daring him to say a bad word about me.

"None at all! He's a fine young man, so strong and handsome like his father!" he crooned. Ugh. This pandering was making me sick. I could tell my father was growing weary of it as well. He had always hated being pandered to and was sure to rid himself of all potential sycophants at every turn. He was always of the opinion that a fearless and honest man was always better to have in your court than a cowardly liar. I am inclined to agree.

My own best friend and 2nd cousin, Cyrus, was my closest friend for that exact same reason. I could always count on his honesty. He had never once treated me like a prince or future alpha. When I had told him I had left in the middle of the night and come here to claim my mate, he wanted to catch an earlier flight back from Amsterdam and join me right away so he could have my back. I told him not to cut his holiday short for me, so naturally, he twisted my arm and let me agree to him coming back three days early so he would arrive the morning of the blood moon. I was kind of relieved because I had a feeling I would need him for when I planned to claim Amaris. Something told me Sylas was going to give up his playing things so easily.

It seemed like an eternity before we were all alone in their apartment for the afternoon. Without wasting any breath, I explained everything. My father looked at me stunned and started solemnly shaking his head.

"Father please! I must do something he's doing unspeakable things to her!" I tried to keep my tone as respectful as possible but too much anger and pain bubbled to the surface. Now he was here, for me the urgency to protect her only grew.

"Dacre, while I am thrilled you have found your mate, you know the rules. It must be mutually recognised by both her and her attending. I can't abuse my power here. You know that." His tone was authoritative but had that kindness to it that had always made me love and respect him. I knew he was right but I had to get her safe.

"William my love," my mother stood up from the seat next to him, taking his hand in the process.

"We owe it to our eldest and future Alpha to at least investigate the claims surely? If the Alpha is indeed abusing the girl, he is still guilty of crimes against the alpha's daughter. Even without a wolf, she is still the former Alpha's daughter. Harming her is against our laws, so you are honour bound to see him punished." My Mother. Ever the diplomat. She was always my father's voice of reason and clarity and she knew the wolf's kind laws better than anyone. She shot me a quick look and gave me a wink. She always had my back.

My father sighed deeply and took a seat, furrowing his brow and rubbing his forehead in defeat.

"Very well, my love. I will meet with Sylas shortly then to discuss matters," he said.

"Great! I'll-" he raised his hand to cut me off.

"Alone." He clarified. I didn't like that one bit.

At least he was entertaining the idea of helping, which was a start. My father was a diplomatic man, sure, but he also did not abide abuse of any kind. Within our pack it carried a hefty punishment. If my dad could find proof or reason to doubt Sylas, he was done for. I just had to hope that he would.