Page 62 of Alpha's Hated Mate

“Good evening,” Aydan says, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. “Thank you all for joining us on such short notice.”

Disapproving glances flicker across the table as he guides me to the chair, seating me at his right hand—the traditional place for a Luna.

“This is Saffron Kamaria.” Aydan lifts my hand in his. “My Luna and Princess of Clarion.”

I muster my best “I’m-so-friendly-and-not-dangerous-at-all” smile and plaster it to my face, giving a slight respectful bow before Aydan guides me into my seat.

A stout man with a salt-and-pepper beard—seated three chairs down—clears his throat loudly. “Allegedly,” he adds with thinly veiled disdain as Aydan takes a seat in his chair.

Aydan’s eyes flash dangerously. “Is there something you’d like to clarify, Councilman Bennett?”

The man shifts uncomfortably. “Only that these claims of royal lineage are quite recent and as yet unverified by the council.”

I adjust the pink satin of my dress and smooth it over my knees, hoping to calm my nerves. We knew this was going to happen.

“The Alpha King’s recognition should be verification enough,” Aydan replies smoothly.

Bennett doesn’t respond, but his mouth pinches like he’s sucking a lemon.

Servers appear silently, pouring wine into our crystal glasses and placing the first course—something artfully arranged with delicate greens and edible flowers—in front of each person.

“Tell us about your studies at Moonhelm,” says a woman with kind eyes seated across from me. “I hear they’ve made quite progressive changes to their curriculum.”

“They have, Councilwoman Foster,” Aydan replies. “Their combat training program has been completely overhauled.”

“And you, Your Highness?” asks an elderly gentleman with spectacles perched on his nose. “What subjects interest you most?”

“Please, Saffron is fine, sir . . . ”

“Elder Greenwood.” He smiles gently.

“Lovely to meet you, Elder Greenwood. Currently, my favorite subjects are Advanced Labors and Defensive Strategy. I’m particularly fascinated about using our minds effectively, in addition to our abilities.”

“Indeed,” says a broad-shouldered man next to Councilwoman Foster. “My aunt teaches at Moonhelm and it has a reputation in providing a well-rounded education like no other institution. I’m Thompson, by the way.”

I smile, tension easing slightly as these three council members—Thompson, Foster, and Greenwood—engage us in comfortable conversation about classes and professors. I begin to lower my guard, thinking perhaps my initial apprehension was unnecessary. It was not.

Then a thunderous voice cuts through the conversation. “What I’d like to know,” says a stern-faced man with hooded eyes, “is how exactly a Scarlet wolf managed to capture the attention of the Vaultmore Alpha.”

The friendly conversation dies instantly.

“Councilman Ellis,” Aydan’s tone carries a sharpness that could slice through metal.

I place my hand on Aydan’s arm. “It’s okay.” I turn to Ellis with my most diplomatic smile. “We had a couple of classes together, and—”

“Perhaps,” interrupts a blonde woman with a venomous smile, “certain unnatural influences were involved? Scarlets are known for their . . . unique abilities, after all.”

“Councilwoman Merrick, that’s quite enough,” Foster says sharply. “Show respect for our guest.”

“I think it’s a valid question,” Merrick continues, eyeing me like I’m something she found stuck to her shoe. “We have a responsibility to protect our Alpha from potential manipulation.”

“Unnatural influences?” I repeat, struggling to keep my voice level. “You mean like actual conversation and getting to know each other?”

“The timing is suspicious,” Ellis says. “After your father’s passing, when you’re vulnerable—”

“Perhaps we should have the healers examine him,” a thin man mutters, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Determine if enchantments were used.”

“Scarlet magic,” another whispers with obvious distaste.

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