Alpha King and I

Chapter 28: Options

"I accept if you do not wish to come to this meeting." Cadeth's words came out unusually soft. Rei stood beside me, shooting an awkward nervous glance my way.

"Cadeth, it is mandatory." Baba had warned me already.

"That does not mean you need to go." My own expression showed a more dumbfounded look, though I tried to keep it minimized. That is exactly what it means. Rei placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. Cadeth had ordered she come with us to the meeting. Unheard of, just as unheard of as Cadeth actually requesting me to go against the rules. Even with the level of authority he holds, Cadeth is a very by the book kind of guy. Never once suggesting before to me that any rule be broken, until today.

Baba had also warned me that this might happen. Our guest, an Alpha of the light forest in the southwest lands, was apparently well known for a level of brutality even werewolves found detestable. Made him great for protecting the forest from the various creatures which attempted to break in there for rarities, but also made him less than diplomatic at times and gave Cadeth a strong distrust of him. As Baba had told me, this Alpha, was too good at protecting the forest. One had to wonder how and what he did to get that good. Wonder why. The rarities weren't property of the southwest lands, so the offer of protecting them themselves was of no benefit besides catering to the kingdom.

Apparently, this guest, wasn't normally the catering type.

Cadeth stepped toward me, awaiting for an answer. I could tell by the more obvious growl emanating from his throat, that he knew already I wasn't going to cancel my attendance. I wasn't sure if he was concerned for me, or if I would cause issue for the kingdom through an error in behavior, but it mattered none. I needed to meet this person and make an alliance with him just as Cadeth had done.

"I have to do this Cadeth."

His growling ceased.

He whispered,"I know." Taking my hand, and leading us to where we needed to go. Rei following shortly behind. I could hear her anxiously tapping on her short sword that she brought with her.

Rei opened the door for us to the ambassador meeting room. A larger room on the highest floor. Along the edges of all the walls were either tables or sitting mats, some couches too. Everything else about the room was barren except for the small short table in the middle on the floor and seating mats surrounding it. Our guest was already in here. Staring at the wall farthest from the door. He was wearing military clothing that was slightly unkempt. Blood splattering from the back of his shoulder to the right side at the bottom of his sleeve. We stepped inside and he turned around.

I could feel my body outwardly shiver. Cadeth gripped my hand more firm, jerking me closer to his side. I bit my tongue as hard as I could, then forced the most polite bow I could manage. Yet my eyes still stayed glued on the guest.

His front was covered in dried blood, including blood staining around the side of his lips. His irises were a piercing hot pink. Skin colored like bleached leather contrasted with the colors and his shorter wavy muddy brown hair. He was holding a long thin bullet in one hand, which he tucked into his pocket before stepping toward us.

"Alpha Everett." Alpha Everett's aura flashed black at Cadeth's greeting. He slowly bowed just enough to notice, but not much.

He spat, "Alpha King." A silence passed over us. Alpha Everett stared at the wall's behind us, while Cadeth kept his gaze locked on Everett. In the passing moments I removed my hand as delicate and quick as I could from Cadeth's own. His grip was getting a bit too tight, and this awkwardness was only getting worse.

So I introduced myself.

"Alpha Everett, I am Selese- Queen Selese. Would you like a replacement jacket-"

"No." His aura flashed red as he shot me a quick glare. Cadeth growled loudly in response. Rei stepped forward. I placed my hand on Cadeth's shoulder and glanced over at Rei. They both got the hint and stopped what they were doing.

I whispered in response, a little nervous but standing my ground, "Your shirt is improper, Alpha Everett."

"The blood?"

"No, the rank," I pointed, Everett's eyes widened just a bit, "your alpha rank should display first not the other way around..." Cadeth nodded in agreement. Then waved his hand to Rei to get a clean shirt with the corrected rank order.

I questioned, "Replacement?"

"Fine." I held back a sigh of relief, but accidentally let a small smile grace my lips. Luckily I was looking at Cadeth. Who proceeded to look away and at Alpha Everett. Rei came back with the replacement jacket and Alpha Everett quickly switched out the two, throwing the bloody one at the door. The atmosphere almost immediately seemed to relax. Once he was done, Cadeth commanded for us to sit at the table.

From then, we got to talking about defense strategy for the merchants doing interdimensional travel. At sitting down, speech became much less forced and as each of us tossed out knowledge and ideas at one another, the conversation became rather smooth.Hopefully, this will continue to go with as much ease as now.

I really hope.