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

had expected to be unhappy about a female holding such a

and unsettlingly, even from some that he had thought would support Ann and

mission.

could do was ensure that he appeared neutral

whilst secretly supporting Ann and her consort

with the people that could keep her safe

and his wife

fortuitous indeed, and her handling of Cornelius in

well as Linus’s indiscretions, had sent a strong

she would be a weak ruler like her father.

timid child that had hidden

to the Enclave, and clung to her

by

glaze over with sadness as he stared down

she had blossomed into would have made her mother proud

to fail Ann, as they had all failed

of gravel crunching under the tires of an approaching car

him into pulling himself together and with a few deep breaths, he managed to push

sadness deep within him, where he was sure it would only emerge

he was alone.

door opened and Allen emerged he nodded politely and watched

significantly friendlier interaction between Lexi and himself as he offered his hand

helped her

produced the faintest of smiles at

Bartholomew’s mouth. It would appear that Lexi had made a choice when it came

male anyway. Although it remained to be seen what

would watch with interest as

developed.

was the only friend of Ann’s that he knew of, and he had

in the forming

Enclave desired her

figure emerged from the back

mouth, and his breath caught in his

figure that now stood

Lord Brarthroroz did not appear to have aged a single day from the last