Alpha's Hidden Precious Luna-Chapter 44

Kai POV

The cottage was thick with tension that seemed to weigh down everyone present in the room including me who sat at the head of the long oak table. I leaned back in my chair, my eyes studying, Alpha Gregory who was twitching at every point with unease though his eyes still shone with defiance as he levelled his gaze at me.

The question he asked me hung in the air between us, still unanswered. Alpha Gregory-Lily’s father had repeated the question about an intruder being in our territory whose name was Lily and I didn’t know how to respond without losing my cool.

Liam must have sensed how much I was trying to control myself because he was the one who finally answered breaking the tense silence.

“We deal with intruders properly here at Royal Hunters Alpha Gregory,” Liam said, his voice smooth” You don’t have to worry about such matters. We have full control over our borders.”

I barely paid attention to what Liam was saying, my focus was on Alpha Gregory who seemed to relax at Liam’s words. It seemed he had been worried about something – or someone.

“That’s a relief, Beta,” Alpha Gregory laughed, finally reaching for the glass of water on the table “It’s comforting to know that Royal Hunters are as vigilant as ever.”

He took a sip of his water, sighing with relief before placing the cup on the table. To think he had been dodging direct answers since the beginning of our meeting but I was done being subtle.

I allowed him to revel in his victory before I leaned forward, my hands clasped on the table before me. “Now that we’ve addressed the rogue situation,” I said, my voice low and without emotion “How about we discuss another important matter.”

“Sure, Alpha,” Gregory leaned in too, obviously in high spirits. “Is it about our alliance?” he bristled “I knew you were going to say something about that, so I had prepared well in advance. Anyways, let me listen to your terms before I decide.”

“I have no plans of ever allying with a prick, like you, Gregory Stone,” I continued quietly, my gaze fixed on his. “Neither you nor your pack deserves to be allied with someone like me but that’s far from the question I want to ask you,” I paused, loving as he shifted uncomfortably, my rejection had come as a blow from which he had yet to recover.

“Why was your daughter labelled a traitor, Alpha Gregory?” I asked, leaning closer. “I’m just curious to know why.”

The change in his expression was subtle but I noticed right away. His posture stiffened, his scent spiking with a mix of emotions – anger, fear and something else I couldn’t place.

“That’s...” he hesitated, “A pack matter,” he finally said, his tone turning hostile. “I don’t see how it concerns you, Alpha Kia.”

I smiled, “As the host of this meeting and an Alpha who is responsible for the safety of every member of my pack, I believe it’s not out of place to be aware especially if there’s a potential threat.”

I saw his jaw clenched and for a moment, I thought he might refuse to answer. But then he seemed to decide against it. Finally, he sighed, drawing himself to his full height.

“Very well,” He sighed and spoke as if he was counting his words. “If you must know, Lily was born different.”

The way he said it, you’d think he was about to begin to recount a forbidden tale or a great tragedy. I raised my eyebrow, indicating he should continue.

He took another deep breath, his eyes darted around the room as if what he was about to say was something important before he continued. “She was born a monster. She didn’t just kill her own mother but caused countless deaths of many who tried to protect her. A lot of good people lost their lives because of her.”

I listened intently but kept my expression neutral as my mind raced. I noticed when he said ‘her own mother’ it didn’t seem like he was referring to his own wife. I could also tell that what he was saying wasn’t entirely the truth. But why? What was the truth he was trying so desperately to hide?

“That’s a serious accusation,” I said quietly “Especially against your own daughter.”

His eyes flashed with guilt for a moment before it passed and was replaced by a certain coldness. “It pains me to say it, but it’s the truth, Alpha Kai. Lily is cursed. She’s destined to bring misfortune to her loved one, she’s a danger to everyone around her, especially those who care for her. There is a reason, she was abandoned by the Moon Goddess. She’s even...” he trailed off as if he didn’t want to say the rest of what he had in mind.

“She’s what?” I prompted.

“She’s destined to bring destruction even to her own mate. If she ever finds her mate, she could be a lethal weapon to him.”

I leaned backwards, stroking my day-old stubble “So, you’re saying that your daughter Lily is a walking danger to everyone most especially her mate. But is that enough grounds to abandon her?”

Alpha Gregory pursed his lips in annoyance “You don’t understand, Alpha Kai, she’s a threat to all of us. It was a difficult decision but it had to be made for the safety of the pack.”

My gaze remained fixed on him. His story was not that of a protective father who had to make dire decisions to keep his pack safe. It was what he actually wanted.

“You speak as if she’s an uncontrollable force,” I murmured still staring at him. “What if there was a way to help her, Alpha Gregory? Why did you have to send her away without making an effort?”

“Because it’s her nature, Alpha Kai,” he snapped “A leopard cannot change its spots and she was born with the curse. Nothing can be changed about it. All she’s ever done is to bring pain and suffering to those around her.”

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Liam glance at me, I could tell he was concerned about me. It was subtle – his reaction but it was enough for me to notice. But I remained unperturbed, barely reacting to Alpha Gregory’s words. I didn’t even give a hint that everything he was saying affected me.