BOUND BY FATE: Contracted To The Enemy Alpha

Chapter 18—Bone of contention.

Chapter 18—Bone of contention.

Kyra

I could sense the suffocating powers of the Alphas as we approached the dining hall. For an omega or any ordinary wolf, it could be too much that you wouldn’t even realize when you’d bow into submission.

A room with more than two Alphas was bound to oppress a weaker wolf.

The Alphas were already seated. Some trays of food were set on the table. I lowered my eyes slightly not because I was oppressed by them or being particularly obedient but because I could recognize every Alpha present, and they would recognize me if they saw me.

How would they not? When I always accompanied my father to every Alphas conventions and meetings. Or when an emergency council meeting had been called because of me. Apparently, my drive to become an Alpha was a cause for alarm. And that had made me particularly popular amongst the Alphas.

My eyes flicked briefly along the length of the dining table. Alpha Damon Valtorix of the Valtorix pack, my father’s oldest rival sat where he always did, his shoulders squared in that arrogance that was going to be his downfall sooner or later.

Alpha Benjamin Thrain, from the eastern territory leaned close to his mate whispering while she blushed. They were one of my favorite couples, and my favorite Alpha. Pretty laid back and always focused on his business.

Anna, his mate, had even encouraged me during the convention last year to keep pushing for my rights and interest. She was one of the females who were ready for a change.

Alpha Rowan Thorvason, on the other hand, was munching on something, you never find his mouth closed. He was one of the funniest Alphas I’ve met. He was the kind of person that could make you laugh even during the most serious discussion.

I ducked my head quickly before any of them could see my face. I wasn’t sure which would sting more, being recognized or being looked upon in pity or mockery. I didn’t need either.

I felt an intense gaze drilling at the side of my head. I knew who it belonged to even without looking. The relentless thrum of the bond was answer enough.

Still I turned. My eyes met Tristan’s immediately. His eyes held something that looked like guilt when they roamed around my body before he looked away. What was the guilt for? Because I sure as hell knew it wasn’t because of last night.

Someone whistled. “Well, I will be damned.” The familiar voice of Eric Ashveil met my ears. “Alpha Tristan I wasn’t aware even the maids in your pack are this pretty.”

My grip on my tray tightened. I was sure my knuckles were already turning white. Eric Ashveil was known for his disgusting nature and perverted ways. I could hear the sick grunt of pleasure in his tone. That man was filth wrapped in arrogance and a pretty face.

I lifted my eyes slightly to look at him. He leaned back in his chair, his perverted eyes roaming shamelessly all over Maddy. I didn’t think he recognized her. But Maddy stiffened, her hands trembling as she laid the tray.

It took everything in me not to land him a harsh blow when he palmed Maddy’s ass. “This will be more fun than I imagined.”

I looked at Tristan— even though I was mad at him— thinking he would do or say something but he had only clenched his fists and looked away. Was he really going to let this pass just because he wanted to be the perfect host?

I placed my tray on the table, at the same time feeling Eric’s dirty gaze on me that almost had me wanting to punch the living daylight out of him.

“Wait a minute,” Eric called. “I know you.” s**t! I shouldn’t have looked up. I quickly looked down and acted like he wasn’t referring to me.

“Hey, look at me!” He called again.

“Look at him, Ferguson.” Tristan ordered. The gasps that filled the air were loud enough that if a spoon had fallen, no one would have heard it.

I swallowed, schooling my face into that blank expression I’d perfected before looking up.

Eric smirked, then licked his lips. “I knew it. I knew that face was familiar.” Then he laughed, lifted his glass of wine, and took a sip out of it.

He placed it back on the table. “I was never going to forget you, Kyra.”

Small murmurings began to travel through the hall. I guess being in a maid uniform hadn’t made me recognizable. My eyes stung with humiliation. Every eye was roaming over me. Some of the mated Alphas whose Lunas were present hunched over, murmuring and shooting glances at me through their handkerchief.

Not long ago, I would be on this table alongside my father but now I was the bone of contention. Some of them looked at me with disgusts, others with the old tale of hatred they had for people like me—witches.

“Care to explain to us, Alpha Tristan, why you have the banished witch in your pack?” The powerful voice of the Alpha king, Alpha Leonardo Emberfell, cut through the murmurs.

Tristan clenched his jaw. He cleared his throat about to speak when the door swung open.

The council attendant walked in, clearly unaware of the tension brimming. “Your majesty, Alphas.” The old man with thinning gray hair bowed slightly. “All representatives are present except one. They are an hour late.”

Alpha Leonardo nodded. “We will continue this discussion in private, Alpha Tristan.” Then he turned to the council attendant.

“What pack is…”

The door swung open again and I turned along with everyone else and my breath caught in my throat as I froze.

I was staring into the face of someone I never thought I’d see again— at least not this soon and definitely not here.