Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 216 Apologize

Although the walk to the cells was made in relative silence, Ann’s mind was in overdrive. Whenever

she thought she was making some headway toward solving issues, something else invariably cropped

up and added to her ever-mounting list of things that needed sorting out.

She was rapidly starting to gain at least a little understanding of why her father just handed everything

over to the Elders. The constant issues were like a suffocating weight on top of her, that just seemed to

fight harder to drown her with every passing day.

But she wasn’t her father. She wasn’t going to give in that easily.

As they reached the entrance to the cells, the door swung open in front of her, startling her for the

second time today and she frowned as the figure of Cornelius froze in front of her with a look of

abstract guilt plastered all over his face. The low growl that emanated from Adam’s chest forced him

into recovery rather quickly, and he hastily bowed in front of her, keeping his head lowered

“My Queen.” Cornelius greeted with a shaky breath.

“Cornelius… what an unexpected surprise.” Ann purred with a sardonic smile gracing her lips.

Lexi frowned slightly as she picked up on her best friend’s distaste for the man in front of them, and her

demeanor visibly tensed as she readied herself for any confrontation that might be forthcoming.

Not that Ann would react that way, but there was something about this man that made her skin crawl

and she was not going to give him any opportunity to hurt her friend with his actions, or his words.

Cornelius didn’t respond though, simply bobbing his head in reply, but Ann hadn’t failed to notice the

thin beads of sweat that were starting to form along his temples.

“You should answer your Queen when she speaks,” Lexi said coldly.

Cornelius stiffened and lifted his eyes, the hatred in them as he stared levelly at Lexi, was almost

breathtaking and it only consolidated what Ann already had a suspicion of. Cornelius was indeed going

to be a thorn in her side for the foreseeable future.

“I wasn’t aware that Her Highness had asked me a question…half-breed.” He all but sneered at Lexi

before turning to Ann and smiling apologetically. “My apologies, I had not heard you…”

“I did not ask you a question yet, Elder, although it was implied, but I can’t really blame you for not

wanting to reveal your reasons for being down here, now, can I?” Ann sighed theatrically before

flashing a sinister grin, “However, I will find out, you can mark my words on that, Elder”

The color from his flushed cheeks rapidly drained and he eyed Ann warily as she slowly stepped

toward him with a sly look in her eyes.

“I can also make you apologize to Lexi, Elder Cornelius.”

“Apologize?? For what?! There is no requirement for an Elder to apologize to someone of lesser

status.” Cornelius snorted and struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Ann and her friend’s

weighted stares.

Ann chuckled suddenly It was a chilling sound that seemed to delight in mocking him, although he

wasn’t quite sure what he was being mocked for yet and the confusion on his face only made Ann’s

grin widen.

Was this what it felt like to be holding all the cards and serving justice on those who deserved it? Both

she and Maeve could quickly get used to it… the feeling was intoxicating.

“Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong Elder Cornelius.” Ann simpered, “Perhaps you haven’t been paying

attention to the goings on in the pack structures and hierarchy that suddenly entered the fold when I

ascended to the throne. You really should have made sure that you were kept up to date with the

developments in our personal lives, that I’m almost positive your little spies report back to you with.”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about..” He stammered before being swiftly interrupted by Ann’s

mocking laughter.

“Oh, but I think you do Cornelius. Our former Beta is actually mated to my best friend, and as Adam’s

status ascended to the Alpha Queen’s Consort on my coronation… then our former Beta’s mate

becomes…”

Ann paused waiting for him to connect the dots, and as his face fell, Lexi sniggered. “That’s right you

crusty little prick No more living in the dark ages for you I’m afraid, you got yourself a “half breed”

second in command, who will act in your revered Queen’s place when she is absent, so I’m afraid it

actually puts you at a disadvantage when you choose to insult me.” Lexi purred as she examined her

fingernails lazily.

Cornelius looked as though he were about to explode, and the muscle in his jaw clenched repeatedly

as he ground his teeth.

“Apologize,” Ann demanded coolly.

“I apologize for my words. I will not speak so hastily in the future.” Cornelius practically hissed Lexi

reached out and patted him gently on the shoulder, the contact between the two of them making him

flinch as he was forced to endure it.

“There’s a good little puppy,” Lexi crooned with a smirk, “No hard feelings though, hey? Everyone

needs to be humbled at one point or another.”

It took everything that Ann had in her to stifle the smile that Maeve’s outrageous laughter was stirring

inside of her. “I’ll see you at the council meeting later, Cornelius,” Ann said lightly as she swept past

him into the entrance hall of the cells.

“Meeting? What meeting? I wasn’t informed of any meeting’” Cornelius blustered indignantly as Ann

continued walking.

“Elder Bartholomew has the details I suggest that you contact him to either confirm your attendance or

excuse yourself.” Ann called over her shoulder as she carried on undeterred into the dimly lit area

beyond.

She could feel the hatred in the stare directed at her back, but at this very moment, she didn’t care. It

wasn’t really how she had wanted to inform the council that Lexi was to be her second in command, but

now that Cornelius was aware, she was sure that the news would spread like wildfire.

It was the first of many changes to come that would break centuries of ancient tradition and there would

definitely be some fallout from the changes they would make, but as long as she had her chosen family

by her side, then she was positive that together, they could overcome any obstacle thrown at them.