Chapter 26
Tyler’s POV
I arrived at Nathan’s office early the next morning, surprised to find him already pacing the room with unusual energy. When he spotted me, his face lit up with an enthusiasm 1 rarely witnessed.
“Hey, you made it!” Nathan greeted me, his sudden burst of energy making me uneasy.
This wasn’t the brooding Alpha I knew!
“Yes, Alpha! I left the training grounds as soon as I heard you needed me,” I replied, studying his expression carefully.
Nathan leaned back in his black leather chair, fixing me with an intense stare. “How’s the training going?”
“Very well. The new recruits are performing excellently. Perhaps if you have time tomorrow, you’d like to come down and see? You’d be pleased with their progress.”
Nathan silently observed me for a moment, and I could feel my nerves starting to fray. Every second of his intense gaze felt like an eternity, making my body tense up involuntarily.
“I will, but that’s not why I called you here,” he finally said.
I stepped closer, trying to appear more focused. “What do you need, Alpha?”
Nathan looked at me, seemingly amused by my reaction. “Could you relax? I don’t need anything.”
“What’s going on?” I asked cautiously.
The moment the question left my lips, I watched Nathan’s demeanor change. He crossed his arms. “What did you say?”
“No offense intended, Alpha. You seem in good spirits this morning, and forgive my frankness, but that’s rare.”
Nathan quickly narrowed his eyes at me. “I’m simply pleased with our preparedness for the upcoming border defense.”
Yeah, right, I thought, but arguing wouldn’t serve any purpose.
“Of course,” I agreed swiftly.
“We have visitors coming…” Nathan returned to business, still staring at where I stood. “Alpha Raymond from the Goldshore pack and his daughter Madison are visiting the King. They’ll be resting here for three days before continuing to Emerald City.
I was a bit surprised. Visitors weren’t typically welcome due to security concerns and Nathan’s aversion to meaningless social interaction.
Additionally, people feared Ironjaw’s reputation for brutality. Even if Nathan extended an invitation, they would likely decline.
“Oh… alright, I quickly adjusted my attitude. “I’ll make sure the castle guest rooms are prepared.”
Nathan looked at me, aising an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Just genuinely surprised. You’re not exactly the type of Alpha who entertains anyone,
“Trust me, I’m not at all excited–but he was insistent, and I don’t want to displease my cousin King Jason. I won’t offend a
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Chapter 26
potential ally who might aid is in the coming territorial war.”
I understood how things had escalated. Nathan was under considerable pressure to establish defense lines and alliances. We were preparing as best we could, but ronjaw was just one part of the Eastern Territories, and we already had many areas to protect.
This Alpha’s visit wasn’t something Nathan welcomed, but at this point, any military or political alliance would contribute. Otherwise, Nathan would never allow such a potential disruption into our territory.
“Very well. I’ll also ensure dinner arrangements for their stay,” I added, knowing this was protocol between packs.
Nathan sighed. “Yes. I suppose that’s the polite thing to do,” he said through gritted teeth.
That’s the Alpha I know.
I began to turn away, then stopped. “Alpha, may I ask a question?”
“Ask, but make it quick,” Nathan said.
“Rachel… how would you like her situation handled while the visitors are here?”
Nathan didn’t want to share her existence as a breeder with anyone unless absolutely necessary. Another Alpha’s arrival would complicate matters.
Nathan considered the question, then said quickly, “She’s in the Luna Suite and can remain there during their stay.”
“Good. I’ll inform Victoria as well.”
As I turned to leave, Nathan’s voice stopped me. “I don’t want anyone from Goldshore knowing the real reason she’s here, Tyler.”
