Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate By A E Randell Chapter 216
Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate By A E Randell Chapter 216
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. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
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.