Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 131: At Your Service

“Come with me. I have something for you before you return to His Majesty. It might help,” Alpha Ellsworth said, motioning for me to follow him.

He led me to his office, where I’d first met him. I stood near the door while he rummaged through his desk drawers. For a few minutes, I thought he was just trying to get me alone to tell me how he really felt about the trick Brook and I had played.

“Ahh, here it is. I think this might help against Luther,” he handed me a photo from across his desk.

I examined the picture closely. There was a girl about four or five years old in the picture. She had pigtails tied with pink ribbons and was wearing a little sundress. Her face was bright with a big smile.

Beside her was a young boy, maybe about ten years old. He had a goofy grin and large feet. He looked lanky and awkward, like he hadn’t fully grown into himself, but he looked familiar.

“Who are they?”

“That’s Luther at age eight and his younger sister when she was only four. Anna, his sister, died tragically when she was eight and when Luther was twelve,’ he explained.

“That’s… truly awful. I don’t understand how this could help. Do you think Luther is sentimental?” I asked, turning the photo back toward Ellsworth.

“My wife’s sister worked in the Ortiz pack, before their demise. She took that picture. Unfortunately, when Luther lost his pack and loved ones, especially his sister, he went crazy with a need for revenge.”

“Luther… is also a victim,’ I whispered, placing my hand over my heart. “I knew he lost a lot when Sebastian destroyed his pack…’

“Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it.”

“What do you mean?’ My heart tightened in my chest. What could possibly be worse than Sebastian murdering all of Luther’s family, including his eight-year-old sister.

“When Sebastian attacked the Ortiz pack, Luther was only twelve years old. He tried to stand up to Sebastian after most of the warriors were killed. Sebastian thought it was funny and made a deal with Luther. If he killed his eight-year-old sister, with his own hand, Sebastian would leave the rest of Ortiz alone,’ Ellsworth told me.

My jaw dropped and I stared at him. That was the cruelest thing I’d ever heard! I knew Sebastian was ruthless and cruel but I couldn’t think of something more horrid. He had made a murderous deal with a child, one that twelve-year-old Luther couldn’t possibly understand. And, true to form, he chose the meanest way to punish Luther.

“Luther, thinking of his pack, did what Sebastian ordered of him. The way he saw it, sacrificing his sister would save the pack. Well, we all know Sebastian isn’t known for keeping his word.” Alpha Ellsworth’s voice dropped into a deep, low whisper, almost like he was too afraid to speak the words aloud.

“Don’t tell me…” I gasped.

“That’s right. Sebastian didn’t keep his word and he wiped out the rest of the Ortiz pack. Of course, he left Luther alive to live with the horrible decision he was forced to make. Luther has been twisted ever since,* he sighed heavily.

No wonder Luther wanted revenge!

If I were him, I probably would also commit the rest of my life to hunting down the cruel king and his crown!

***

*Theo*

When Luther’s Shadow warriors were on the move, I had my scouts keep tabs on them. They were heading toward a valley near the palace. I wanted to cut them off before they got too close and caused any real damage.

of the valley,

headed to the center of the valley. I held an arm up to my warriors and I joined

ready to determine who is truly the right match

to fight

hands tucked away so no one could use my power against

little down? I don’t see Ciana anywhere, did she finally come to her senses and abandon you, just like your

knew that Ciana hadn’t abandoned me

are all doomed. Today, the Goddess will

troops whooped and cheered at

“Sebastian has paid for what he did. I am working with the royal court to make up for all the packs that suffered because of

with an army?”

right to determine the fate of the throne, or

subordinates, Axel and Silas. He glared at Luther and stood

They are just

was worried. “Beta Jake, we are

have higher numbers but our army is specially trained. They are the best trained warriors in the country. One of ours could

shoving

more reinforcements could arrive

held my hand up to stop the discussion. “Let’s

me and arched an eyebrow. He opened his mouth and

“Spill it,” I growled.

Alpha Larry

the western region?’ I clarified, raising

nodded. “They are reconsidering whether to support the crown or Luther. Several packs seem to be soldiering on altering their support based on who is more likely to win. At the end of the war, they want to be on the side of the winner so they

it will

starting to. If more reinforcements arrive, our support

Luther because they think I am a bloodthirsty tyrant who will kill for no reason. If I make the first move, we’ll be doing exactly what Luther wants,” I explained. “It will confirm everyone’s fears. Even if we win the battle, it would lose the war because those remaining would lose faith in the royal

as long as we win. But if we lose or do nothing, Luther will be sitting on that

this day will end in a battle. In fact, I want to avoid the war altogether. It doesn’t matter who wins

true king,” Jake sighed. “As you

the shoulder to show him how appreciative I

Luther shouted to our group,

Jake rounded on him. “His Majesty is not going to

a huge army standing there because you’re not going to kill anyone?” he

is a defense maneuver,” Jake explained. “I thought someone as intelligent and strategic as you would recognize a defensive

his head. “You’ve clearly got the advantage now. Why not attack me and end this? You know I’ll have reinforcements arriving soon, then you won’ t stand

“your provocation is not going to work

snarled. He started taunting me with names but I tuned him out and returned to my camp. I wasn’t going to be goaded into attacking first. Luther was going to say whatever he thought would make me lose

called me selfish and vicious. His words meant nothing unless

completely winded. He clutched his side like he had