Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 38 The Traditional Gift-giving

“Please, everyone, if you would like to move through to the banqueting hall, we’ll continue there,” Narcissa announced to the remaining people in the ballroom. “We have another announcement to make and the traditional gift-giving between the Alpha King and his daughter.”

Ann rolled her eyes as Lexi linked her arm through hers and forcibly coerced her through the small entryway and into the banquet hall.

The Royal family sat at the head table as the banquet was well underway.

Before long, Narcissa stood and called everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to propose a toast before the gift-giving.” She said graciously as she raised her glassand the rest of the room hastened to follow.

“Here’s to the long and happy marriage of Ada and Brad, and the long and healthy lives of their pups. The marriage signifies the strengthening of our kind and brings us together in an alliance not only of diplomacy but also of blood… please, drink to the happy couple.” Narcissa beamed as she gulped the liquid in her glass.

Ada elbowed Brad in his side and whispered furiously as he reluctantly did the same. Ann also gulped her drink, but she refused to raise her glass.

She hoped they both got what they deserve and that an innocent child wasn’t pulled into this madness.

“Now I’ll hand you over to my husband for the traditional gift-giving.” Narcissa trilled and inclined her head towards the Alpha King.

as he cast a guilty glance toward Ann before swinging

him by one of the servants and Ann watched carefully as he

Ann realized what exactly was being given, her

of joy as the jewelry set was unveiled and she flicked a look filled with malice and contempt toward Ann as she held

thank you so much! You do me a great honor!” She

Ann’s maternal grandmother and the sight of them around her neck and in her hands ignited a fury in Ann that she hadn’t

snapped angrily as a deathly silence filled

with a mask

like them?” The tone she used was

as if she were merely

knew that Ann loved those heirlooms… they were meant for her when she ascended the throne. They were

worn… the only real memories she had left from

aren’t yours and you know it…” Ann growled out

people.” The Alpha King intervened

from MY mother! The woman you rejected for this

wasn’t speaking, but insisting

wrapped her arms around

so angry?” Ada pleaded in a pitiful voice, the emotion in her voice at odds with