Alpha Nocturne"s Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 176 Rogues

After the exertions of the morning, both Ann and Adam had napped briefly before

making their way to the dining hall and grabbing some lunch, before heading down to

Bartholomew’s office for a meeting that had been scheduled, only to find Lexi already

there.

Ann marveled at the way that Lexi had seemingly grown fond of this particular Elder

and was happy to let her guard down around him. The fact that she was reclined so

comfortably in an unfamiliar place and clutching a drink in her hand so casually made

Ann incredibly happy.

There were very few places where Lexi was truly accepted for who she was, and after

initially being concerned that she would encounter a lot of difficulties here as well, she

was pleased to have been proven wrong. “Oh, wonderful! I’m pleased you came! I’ve

been boring Lexi with tales of my past exploits for longer than she has cared to

imagine I’m sure!” Bartholomew chuckled as he stood to greet them.

“He’s a filthy liar! “Lexi interjected casually with a wave of her hand, “I’m not bored at

all. In fact, I could probably spend the rest of my days listening to tales of his

adventurous youth.”

“Ah, you humor an old man, my dear. I’m sure your father has far more interesting

tales to tell from his youth, after all, what could possibly compare to a Daemon Lord’s

exploits.” He chuckled, mildly embarrassed by her open praise.

Lexi snorted.

“Yeah, if he could actually remember half of what he did, I’m sure it would be

fascinating. I suppose it’s one of the downfalls of living an obscenely long life.”

“I’m just pleased to see you happy, Lexi.” Ann grinned as she sat down opposite her.

entirely if you had seen me a few hours

she sipped her

What happened? Are you okay?” Ann asked, suddenly

you’ll hear about it eventually. It’s no big deal though. Well,

chat to you about it when we

a half smile and

her problem was more than likely

as

business to attend to. “Bartholomew, you wanted to

us? About an envoy was it?”

hold

“Yes. Actually, it’s an Alpha from a neighboring Kingdom. His father is

that he is responsible for borders our

of issues in regards to

the smaller settlements that dot either

carefully. “Rogue attacks? But we haven’t

in surprise. “Not since we moved to begin integrating the

in the major

my Queen, however, there

live under the rule of what they

sighed.

are actively refusing to live comfortably, in safety?”

incredulously. Bartholomew chuckled.

is comfortable in this kingdom. We

rules and laws and expectations, but that is not

be truly free to live as they please…” “Murdering, pillaging, and

Adam snorted as the jaw in his muscle began

the ancient wolves, yes. Where the strongest survive and

life by any means, and one must question why they choose

so freely…”

to question a thing.” Lexi interjected, “Just

sentencing. Surely it’s

then who will try them for their crimes, hmm? Our

committed here, or our neighbor’s kingdom for the crimes they committed

at him incredulously. “Are you for real? Can’t one of you just try them

then send them to the other

before or after sentencing? And who

As rogues they are technically stateless, so

knowledge? You know…” “Doesn’t matter!” Lexi said loudly,

suddenly decided that I

glanced across

to yourself, Ann. f‘****g politics and politicians

she shuddered “I don’t know why you can’t just