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.”

you happy, Lexi.” Ann grinned as she sat down opposite her. “It would have been a different

happened? Are you okay?”

no 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

Ann understood that her problem 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

the territory that he is responsible for borders our kingdom. There have been a lot of issues in regards

we haven’t had issues with rogues for years.” Ann exclaimed

some breakaway factions that refuse to sit quietly and

live comfortably, in safety?” Adam asked a little

remember that for us, it is comfortable in 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

weak are a burden. It is not an easy

round them up and

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

incredulously. “Are you for real? Can’t one of you just try them first and then send them to the other kingdom to face trial

As rogues they are technically stateless, so how should we proceed with that

know why 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

agree 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