Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 236 The Extra Visitors

After meeting with Bartholomew in his office and discussing the many ways that Linus may try to spin his defense, they set off together toward the Court of the Elders.

The irony wasn’t lost on Ann that only a short time ago, she had been the one standing in front of them all at the bottom of that intimidating amphitheater as the accused party, and now, she would be presiding over the fate of others.

The trials had pretty much come to a halt during the coronation proceedings and after the daring yet deadly escape of the convicts during their transport, the rest of the prisoners held within the Enclave were being kept in the holding cells until it was deemed safe for transport once more.

But now that the celebratory period had ended, Ann knew damn well that her workload was only set to increase as new trials were added to her schedule. She made a mental note to check up on the progress of Coral’s training with Eva as they pulled to a stop in front of the enormous doors.

“So… how does this work Barty-boy? Do I need to go and sit next to Ann and hold her hand or do I get to sit up in the roof with the big boys?” Lexi smirked.

“I very much doubt that our Queen needs her hand holding just to face someone like Linus,” Bartholomew chuckled, “Ordinarily no one except the Elders would sit up in the circle of judgment… or the ceiling as you so eloquently put it. However, as you are also the Queen’s Beta…. things… well, we’re in unfamiliar territory, let’s put it that way. I would assume that your input will be required when we convene to discuss, so I will find you a seat next to me up there, so I can keep an eye on you.”

“Should I follow you both, or…?” Allen asked uncertainly as Bartholomew turned to him with an awkward expression.

“I’m afraid there’s no precedence for the mate of the Queen’s Beta to be in attendance, I’m afraid. Strictly speaking, you are the Beta of the Queen’s Consort, and in charge of the day-to-day running of the Dark Moon Pack by default under its Alpha’s absence… but that doesn’t follow over into the Enclave I’m afraid.”

both she and Ann were targets and the fact he was going to be forced to dither helplessly from outside the sealed doors whilst the proceedings took place felt wrong on so many

appreciate his input though, Bartholomew,” Ann said with the barest hint of

It wasn’t that she didn’t have faith in her abilities to take care of herself, but against so many Elders that had voiced their open rebellion and no way of knowing who they were, Ann really didn’t want

for a second

understand. You are the Alpha Queen, and you can set your own precedents, however, if you want him to be up in the circle then I would advise announcing it as we enter.

Lexi scoffed lightly.

as that. I’m fully

Bartholomew said kindly as he gestured towards the door, “If you would enter first Ann, and announce your ruling on Allen’s attendance before we enter, it would be much appreciated. Be firm and ensure that they are clear that it is you who is ultimately in charge here, not

nodded with an

this is going to be a recurrent theme, isn’t it?

think of it as if children who had been left alone for a long time have suddenly

new parent and establish where the boundaries are.”

parents though…” Allen mumbled as Bartholomew

asked in confusion, suddenly feeling embarrassed and not entirely

the back gently. “When you are graced with children of your own and

heart that fluttered with nervous anticipation before placing her hands on the door

had sat on before her, she swallowed the lump in her throat that had suddenly appeared as the