Page 33 of The Alpha's Fated Destiny

"Us Southerners know our food." Brian's voice is filled with pride.

"I don't doubt it," Alex agrees.

I sigh, wondering how much longer I have to sit here like this. The Alphas are drunk off their asses, and we are the only ones left sitting at the table. Even Alex's soldiers are drunk. I don't know why he's okay with them letting their guard down, but that's his problem.

"You did good today," Alex murmurs, putting more food on my plate.

"I thought so."

My mate grins at me. "Brian looked like he would shit his pants."

"Language," the older Alpha says disapprovingly. "And I had full faith in Sophia."

"He's lying." Alex gives me a somber look.

"You did look rather pale." I take a bite of what tastes like wild boar marinated in a plethora of spices and herbs.

Brian frowns. "Well, I usually deal with situations with more tact, but your method worked too. You displayed a show of strength, and now no one will question you."

Something's been bothering me, and I tap my fingers on my thigh. "They swore their loyalty to me."

Brian picks up on what I'm thinking and smiles lightly. "Yes. Their loyalty, but not a blood oath. A blood oath would have bound them to you for life, to your good and bad decisions."

"So now what?" I look between the two men on either side of me.

"Now, you can retire for the night. Rest, and then prepare for your flight tomorrow. Connor will stay true to his word. You helped him to save face, and for that, he will be eternally in your debt." Brian sounds satisfied.

I get to my feet. "That was all I needed to know. I'm going to bed. Alex, your men are getting a little too drunk. You might want to go talk to them."

"I'll walk you to your room." Brian gets to his feet as well.

Alex takes my hand in his and then kisses the back of it. "I'll go knock some sense into them and join you."

The suite Connor gave us is in the main house as he had claimed, but the mansion is so large that it's a ten-minute walk simply to get to our quarters.

Brian walks me to the door before pausing.

"Here." He reaches into his pocket and brings out what looks like a gray rock.

I stare at it, puzzled. "Thanks?"

His lips curve. "I commissioned a witch over here to create this. It's going to guide you to the Central Alliance. The closer you are, the more it will heat up."

"But Alex already knows where the border is."

"Yes." Brian puts the rock in my hand and closes my fingers around it. "But the area is treacherous. This will guide you to the right path, the safest route."

The value of the gift dawns on me, and I lift my gaze. "You're saving me time."

He smiles, kindly. "Your mother is important to you. What Connor tried to do today was something anyone would have considered unforgivable. I know Connor. He's no fool. The fact that you forgave him isn't a small thing. And it proves to me that my decision to relinquish the role of the King of the South to you was the right one."

I look ahead. "I didn't want to forgive him."

"I know," Brian murmurs. "But you did. This isn't going to be the last time you are tested, Sophia. The Alphas swore fealty to you because they believed you were invincible. They're startingto realize you're not. So, a show of power is important. Let them know you are not to be trifled with."

I give him a tight smile. "Thanks for the magic rock."

His lips twitch. "You're welcome."

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