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.”

to see you happy, Lexi.” Ann grinned as she sat down opposite her. “It would have been a different story entirely if you had seen me

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

big deal though. Well, not right now anyway. I’ll chat to you about it when we get some girly time, okay?” She replied with a half smile and a

was more 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,

from a neighboring Kingdom. His father is a high-ranking noble over there, and the territory that he is responsible for

haven’t had issues with rogues for years.” Ann exclaimed in surprise. “Not since we moved to begin integrating the independents in the

factions that refuse to sit quietly and

actively refusing to live comfortably, in safety?” Adam asked a

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, and taking what they see as theirs?” Adam snorted as the jaw in his

the weak are a burden. It is not an easy life by any means, and one must

a thing.” Lexi interjected, “Just round them up

will try them for their crimes, hmm? Our kingdom for the crimes they committed here, or

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

are technically stateless, so how

you do it to yourself, Ann. f‘****g politics and politicians and diplomacy,” she said as she shuddered “I don’t know why you can’t just round them up and kill them,

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