Sould As The Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: Is That Invitation Still Open?

With Raymond out of the way and my name restored, I left the pack courtyard and the trial and ran straight to the packhouse to check on Warren.

“Ciana, you’ re okay,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Slow down. Thank you again for coming back for me.’

“No, Warren, I should be thanking you. You helped me so much. I’m sorry that you went through all of that. I don’t know what I can do to repay you,” I blurted out, squeezing his hand.

“Silly girl! We’ re friends, right? That’s what we do. You have no idea how worried I was about you. When you fainted and they took you away…” Warren ‘s face wrinkled at the bad memory. “Thank the Goddess you are unharmed.”

He opened his arms like he was going to hug me.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I saw Theo, or Tallis as he was still pretending to be, standing against the nearest packhouse wall. He was glaring at Warren.

Theo?” Warren asked.

“I’m not Theo!” he hissed moodily. “My name is Tallis.”

“Oh…” Warren stared at him for a moment, and murmured to himself, “Sorry, you remind me of my brother. I mean, you look different, but just…’

I jumped in, “Warren, believe me, I was confused at first too. But this is Tallis. He’s Nelson’s brother. Nelson is the car-

nival director,” I said, covering for Theo. I figured he probably had a good reason to keep his identity a secret, even from his own brother.

“Hmm. Well, you are dressed like you work with Nelson,” Warren said with a chuckle. He turned back to me, looking at me with deep, emotional eyes.

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I don’t think Prince Theo would ever wear colors like that,” I said, giggling and giving Theo a challenging look.

Theo snorted and looked away from me.

“I heard my name,” Nelson arrived with a concerned look on his face. “Geez, Tallis, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. They told me you’re at the packhouse. The carnival is packed up. Are you ready to go or what?”

“I’m ready,” Theo said stiffly.

“Great. Well, say your goodbyes and let’s get going. We’re all waiting on you,” Nelson said. He clapped his hands to hurry Theo along.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, seeing the dark, dangerous look in Theo’s eyes. If Nelson wasn’t careful, he’d end up dealing with the Dark Prince.

Theo glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a final nod and left after Nelson. It was already getting late and if he hung around too long, it would seem suspicious. Especially if he kept hanging around me.

“Warren, how are you feeling?” I asked, turning back to Warren.

He still looked a little pale and dirty. I hoped after a nice shower and some fresh clothes, he’d look and feel better,

Warren sniffled and rubbed his head.

“Honestly, I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or I just need good food,” he admitted.

Warren and I headed back to my parents’ house. As we went, he started sniffling more and rubbing his temples. He was definitely sick.

night’s sleep and some hot food. I’ll

you,” Warren murmured, his

and maybe would send Warren back to the palace. I hurried after Theo to where the

the tents were gone with nothing left except a few pieces of trash. Sighing, I kicked

was still asleep when I got back to

It would be there when he woke up. A strong shifter

down. I was happy

8B. That Sol’

making breakfast for Warren one morning, I headed off to Susan’s gravestone in the pack cemetery. Her death had been avenged, but I still missed her and felt bad about what happened.

hand on her grave

you. I’ll never be able to express how sorry I am that you were killed because of me.

are,” Warren

him. “I just wanted to give her an update about what’s going

are going well, then?” Warren

quite energetic. Feeling

grinned and rubbed his belly. All the color had returned to his cheeks and he was

feeling great. That breakfast you made me this morning was fantastic.

No one had ever praised my cooking before.

Murray seem to have stepped up to help or ganize the pack,” Warren added, getting back to

ISThai InvitatiM

It was a nice day with warm morning sun shining

problems. I keep going to their meetings, but every time they have it

ing better.

“Asking what?”

stomach flipped a little. What could Warren want

go visit my sister’s pack from here. I’d still like to do that now that Raymond isn’t a threat. I

right. Am I keeping you

Warren said, touching my arm. “I’m glad I took

bit my lower

to the

been there once many years ago with my parents, and) r membered liking the territory and thinking it was

what do you say?” Warren

now that every thing seemed to have settled in the pack, it would be a pleas ant change from what I was dealing with,

me. If I went with him, he might think I had feelings for him, too. I didn’t want to give Warren the wrong message. It probably wasn’t a great

family in pack territory at the moment. My pack was still vulnerable and I didn’t want to leave and allow someone else to come in

Warren, I should really stay here until my parents get back. Alvar needs strong leadership right

could see he was disappointed. He took my hand and

said, nodding and smiling

went back to my parents’ house to pack and I headed to the courtyard to see if Frederic or Murray needed me for anything. I was impressed with how well they were handling things, but I still wanted to be involved so I could tell my parents

sad,” I

88′ That Open?

mention of the carnival,

that Tallis… so handsome. I

bad. They didn’t