Alpha

Chapter 15

Erin handed me a schedule when we returned to the chalet.

"What's this?"

"The events that we're attending as a group. After your little incident, we agreed that vigilance is necessary. We don't think it will happen again, but clearly, there are certain wolves that cannot be trusted. You don't have to attend because, in the eyes of everyone in this place, you're in a bit of a gray area. Konrad hasn't made a claim to his rights to chase you so until he decides either way, you're off-limits for every wolf in this place. However, you can attend with your pack as their leader. Just be aware that you won't be approached and you should not approach other wolves. That would lead to a situation with Konrad that you won't like."

"Such as?"

I really was behind in my knowledge of wolf claims.

"He can take offense to it and demand compensation. Given the recent issues, many will expect him to demand your territory. If you're his mate after it, then it is nothing but luck, unfortunately. We know Konrad won't want to put you in that position, so don't make him."

"I'll just stay here. It's easier."

"For the entire weekend? You'll be suffering cabin fever before lunch tomorrow."

"Yeah, but like I said, it's easier."

Someone knocked on the door, and everyone that was lingering in the common room went silent as they turned to look at it. Alec wandered over and opened the door, then shifted back to let the person in.

Konrad entered with a bunch of flowers that I suspect were from the garden. There was snow on the shoulders of his woolen jacket, and I am almost positive that this place did not sell flowers. That is unless he stole them from a vase somewhere.

Alec gave me a smile as he closed the door. With a waggle goodbye of his fingers behind Konrad, Alec walked off. Everyone else had fled the room like it was on fire.

"So, I guess a conversation is in order."

"Yep. These are an apology for, I don't know, everything."

"Where did you get them from? I didn't think they sold flowers here."

Konrad smiled at me as I took the flowers.

"You think I stole them. You're such a meanie, Megan."

"Yep."

"Can you handle being awake for a couple more hours?"

"I guess. Is that how long this conversation is going to take?"

"Maybe. You need to get your coat. We're going out."

"Where?"

Konrad shook his head with a secretive smile.

"Okay, mister says nothing. Let me put these in water first."

I had no idea what would be open after midnight that wasn't a club with pounding music playing.

Grabbing a vase from the kitchen, I filled it with water and left it in my room. With my jacket on, I stuffed the door key into my bag and returned to Konrad. On the way out, I saw Alec.

He was behind the main wall of the communal area, talking to Joey. It was a smaller sitting area that no one seemed to show much interest in because there were only a few seats.

"We're going somewhere. I'll see you guys later."

"We'll be here waiting like worried parents." Jojo returned.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

Konrad was standing by the door when I entered the main area. As I approached, he opened the door and waited.

"I hope you're hungry."

"And if I'm not?"

"Then you get to sit there and watch me eat because I am famished."

Returning to the cold was not my idea of fun, but as we walked along the covered breezeway, I realized two things about the situation. One, I didn't care that it was cold because, two, I was with Konrad, and I am almost positive that Alec was right. I am in love with Konrad.

Reaching the external door, Konrad opened it and waited. He said nothing, but his eyes were permanently on me.

The main building of the hotel was where all the action happened. It was home to the hotel suites for the wolves who were not associated with a pack, many conference rooms, clubs, leisure areas, and restaurants.

I assumed we were going to a restaurant. It seemed the logical choice considering that Konrad said we were going to eat. So it was not surprising when we approached the doors to the Lavender Lounge.

We were greeted at the doors and expecting to hand my coat over, I began to take it off. Konrad wasn't removing his which I found a little odd.

"Reservation for Konrad Marlowe, Black Ridge."

"Of course. This way, please."

The attendant showed us into the restaurant and then turned to the right. In front of us was a large and grand staircase that was wide at the first few steps, slowly decreasing to the landing. Rich purple carpet lined the stairs, pinned with gold carpet rods.

Konrad held out his hand. I took it and looked at him with a mixture of fear and excitement.

"We're not going to sit at one of the dozens of tables that are empty down here?"

"No."

There were a few wolves that were eating meals. It wasn't surprising. I'd heard that these events usually go twenty-four hours. Everyone partied for as long as they could and went home to sleep at the end of the weekend.

When we reached the landing, we turned to continue to the upper floor. The lower level was far brighter than this one. It was intimate, and the light was muted.

Moving past the small sitting area, the attendant opened the door to a private dining room. This corridor and the one on the other side of the sitting area were nothing but doors.

The attendant laid out the menus and took our coats, hanging them in a built-in cupboard behind the door.

"I will return in ten minutes. If you would like to order sooner than that, please press the call button on the table."

I was still holding my bag, so I opened the cupboard and hung it with the coat. When I turned around, Konrad was closer than I'd expected.

"You look lovely."

"Thanks. You're looking like you ran through a shower and dressed in a hurry."

"I had everything waiting in the private locker room the hotel offered as a part of the ritual."

"And this?" I asked as he took my hand.

"When I thought about the fight and what would happen afterward, I knew that I would be full of energy and unable to sleep. I also thought about you and how I really needed to explain everything about earlier this evening."

Konrad held out the seat, waiting for me to sit down.

"So, I spoke with the manager and asked for a few things. Instead of the cost of the weekend being refunded, I asked for a private dining room in their best restaurant after the fight. This room and this meal, completely free. Oh, and the flowers."

I sat down feeling rather stunned.

"Surely this dinner won't cost the entire stay for your pack?"

Konrad smiled as he sat down opposite me. I got the feeling that there was a whole lot more to this than what he let on.