Alpha Nocurne'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 embarra*s*sed 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.”

as she sat down opposite her. “It would have been a different story entirely if you had seen me a few hours ago,” Lexi

What happened? Are you okay?”

about it eventually. It’s no big deal though. Well, not right now anyway. I’ll chat to you about it when we get some girly time, okay?” She

than likely involving a man, romantically would be her best guess, and as much as she wanted to know right now, there was other business to attend to. “Bartholomew, you wanted to discuss something with us? About an envoy was it?” Ann asked leaning back leisurely and

a high-ranking noble over there, and the territory that he is responsible for borders our kingdom. There have been

smaller settlements that dot either side of the border.” Bartholomew explained carefully. “Rogue attacks? But we haven’t had issues with rogues for years.” Ann exclaimed in surprise. “Not since we

there are some breakaway factions that refuse to sit quietly and live under the rule of what they see as just another pack.” Bartholomew

they are actively refusing to live comfortably, in safety?”

this kingdom. We thrive on order and rules and laws and expectations, but that is not true for all beings. Some wish to be truly free to live as they please…” “Murdering, pillaging,

It

don’t have to question a thing.” Lexi interjected, “Just round them up and chuck them in for sentencing. Surely it’s

try them for their crimes, hmm? Our kingdom for the crimes they committed here, or our neighbor’s kingdom for

of you just try them first

before or after sentencing? And who goes first? What about the current extradition treaties? As rogues they are technically stateless, so how should we proceed with that knowledge? You know…” “Doesn’t matter!” Lexi said loudly,

herself and Lexi glanced across at her with a withering look. “I don’t know why you do it to yourself, Ann. f‘****g politics and politicians and diplomacy,” she said as she shuddered “I don’t

with Lexi’s ‘smash everything until they do what we want’, policy.” Maeve smirked. ‘Maeve we can’t! How does that make us any better than them?!’ Ann answered in exasperation as Maeve yawned loudly while she