Alpha Nocturne"s Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 204 Welcome Back

Bartholomew waited patiently at the front steps for the car to arrive that contained the

latest visitors to the Enclave, with two omega’s waiting patiently behind him with their

heads lowered respectfully and their hands clasped together in front of them.

The cool air wrapped itself around his robes he inhaled deeply and savored the fresh,

chill air that flooded his lungs. As much as he loved the Enclave, he had to admit that

he missed being outside as much as he used to.

His duties at the Enclave kept him busy enough and forays into the outside world

were few and far between. The most that he could manage nowadays tended to be a

walk around the gated gardens or one of the many secret courtyards and private

arboretums that were hidden away in the maze of tunnels and corridors.

Quite frankly Ann’s ascension to the throne had changed a lot of things within the

Enclave and Bartholomew was one of the few that welcomed it with open arms,

having always had a propensity for adventure and drastic change. The same could

not be said for some of his colleagues, but what choice did they have otherwise?

There were no viable replacements for Ann if the Elders decided to try and forcibly

usurp her from her rightful place on the throne, but that didn’t mean that they were idle

in the background.

Bartholomew had already gotten wind of whispers of rebellion amongst people that he

expected to be unhappy about a female holding such a high

even from some that he had thought would support Ann

mission.

For now, all he could do was ensure that he appeared neutral

voiced their dissent, whilst secretly supporting Ann and her consort to surround

that could keep her safe and strengthen her

and his wife had arrived now to discuss the issue

the border was fortuitous indeed, and her handling of Cornelius in

well as Linus’s indiscretions, had sent a strong message

she would be a weak ruler like her father. Bartholomew smiled softly

timid child that had hidden

clung to her mother as if her life depended on it

surrounded by

over with

had blossomed into would have made her mother proud

to fail Ann, as they

The familiar sound of gravel crunching under

together and with a few deep breaths, he

was sure it would only emerge once more

he was alone.

As the door opened and Allen emerged he nodded politely

between Lexi and himself as

her out

between the two produced the faintest of smiles at the

would appear that Lexi had made a choice when it came

to

and Bartholomew would watch with interest as this seemingly

developed.

of Ann’s that he

she would be instrumental in the

Enclave desired her

third figure emerged from the back

his breath caught in his chest as he

male figure that now stood

to have aged a single day