Page 69 of The Alpha's Fated Destiny

"Outside of the gates, it wasn’t so pleasant," I admit. "But as soon as entered, it felt like spring."

He smiles. "Witches. Our children like to run around, so we try to keep the weather pleasant for them. We have an agreement with a local witch clan. They keep the weather stable in our territory. We like to grow our own crops and you'll find that we are quite self-sufficient. We've never had the need to create relationships with the other alliances."

"It sounds wonderful here," I murmur.

"It is," Kian says, proudly. He shoots a look at Alex and Logan. "We do intend to keep it that way, so we don't let outsiders in. We consider the other two alliances savage. No disrespect intended, of course."

Alex narrows his eyes. "Is that why it has been so easy for the Central Alliance to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the current Queen of the North Alliance?"

Kian's smile tightens. "If we start interfering in the affairs of the other alliances, those problems are bound to seep into our own alliance. We are not responsible for your inability to protect your children."

I come to a halt, my stomach twisting in anger. "You were aware that Karina was holding the lives of the children of the North Alliance hostage?"

Kian studies me. "We knew."

"And you did nothing?"

"Like I said," he begins but I cut him off.

"So you have tranquility, beauty, self-sufficiency, but you don't have a moral compass." My voice is cold. "Good to know."

Kian's expression stiffens. "Would you rather we put the lives of our pups in danger because the leaders of the North failed to protect theirs?"

"And how were they supposed to protect the pups when Karina already held them hostage?" I demand.

Alex gives me a warning look, silently telling me to curb my temper.

Kian, however, has an answer already prepared. "Your mate may have been a child back then, but the other leaders should have taken immediate action against the unlawful takeover of power. If they had, they might have been able to prevent the events that followed. But those leaders chose to watch and do nothing when the pack that had helped them enjoy the golden era of the North Alliance was massacred."

I'm dumbstruck by that answer. Nothing Kian had said is illogical. It was true that, if the Alphas had stepped up and gotten rid of Karina, they would not be in a difficult position now. However, that doesn't excuse the Central Alliance from refusing to offer help when the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable were at stake.

I find myself conflicted and angry.

Alex squeezes my wrist and his voice is low, meant only for my ears. "He's right. This isn't a battle you need to fight. Focus on our goal."

I press my lips together. He’s right. This is not the time or place.

We enter a massive courtyard where Kian tells me to wait. The rest of the soldiers disperse and Kian walks away as well, leaving us by ourselves. I’m assuming he’s gone to talk to their leader.

Elsa told me that my mother’s father refused to help her, but this is a matter for the Silver Wolf. Surely the leader of the Central Alliance will not share the same opinion as my maternal grandfather. My jaw tightens in anger at the mere thought of referring to that man as my grandfather. He knew what my mother was going through, that her child has been taken from her, that she had probably been imprisoned. He didn’t care.

What kind of father is he?

I hope I never find out.

While we wait, a woman approaches us, wearing a loose, brown garment that wraps around her and highlights her curves in a tasteful manner. Just like that of the rest of the soldiers, her hair is long and white, falling in a waterfall behind her. However, it does nothing to take away from her youthful appearance. She’s carrying a tray of fruit and drinks and offers them to us. One look at the food and drinks, and my stomach reminds me that we have not eaten in days. We have no choice but to accept the hospitality.

To my relief, she’s not only brought us juice, but fresh, crisp, water, which quenches my thirst to some degree. I could easily down a couple of glasses, but I only have the one. I consume some of the fruit and feel a little bit more stable. Alex does the same, but Logan devours the entire platter before sighing in relief.

Alex gives him an annoyed look. “You could’ve shown some restraint.”

Logan returns him a strange look. “Why? We haven’t eaten in a few days. Would you rather I starve?”

“I would rather you leave,” Alex mutters under his breath, and Logan just narrows his eyes at him.

“Stop it,” I hiss at the two of them. “Stop behaving like children. The walls have ears, remember?”

Alex and Logan shut up and we wait in silence. Finally, Kian shows up with a tall man behind him. As he approaches us, my breath catches in my throat. His presence is overwhelming. Long silver hair is tied in a braid behind his back. His features reveal that he’s old, but he is still handsome. His eyes are arrogant as he looks at me and I’m instantly annoyed.

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