"Sixty is the peak of life, Mirian." Alphose drawled, giving the older woman a smile that younger changeling females call 'charming' and swooned over, "Yes, I am indeed looking for the Alpha King. His door is locked, so I was reconsidering knocking. I don't wanna disturb them."
"Oh no, you can't disturb them. It's only My Lady inside that room now, still catching her nap. The poor woman hasn't woken since morning." Worry flashed on her face before it dissolved, "The Alpha King is in his study. He is working."
"Oh?" He thought about that, "Alright, I'll go to his study. Thank you, Mirian."
"You're welcome, My Lord."
The enticing scent of sex was starting to mess with him, so, Alphose was quick to leave so it doesn't make him start craving one too.
At the huge door of the study, he paused and knocked once.
"Come in." Came the familiar deep voice.
He entered, his eyes automatically finding Wolfaraine where he was seated on the huge throne-like chair behind an equally huge gold table that looks like it's been carved from the best stone.
The Alpha King's eyes were focused on a paper resting on the table, his brows furrowed in concentration. Even with the frown on his face, Alphose noticed that he was looking visibly relaxed and refreshed this morning. That is a good sign.
"Good morning, Alpha King. I trust you had a good night's rest?" His eyes went to his legs—or where they would be if not for the huge table shielding his view.
"Good morning, Alphose. I had the best a night can ever offer. I hope you did the same?" He spared his friend a glance.
"I did." No, he didn't. His night was restless because his dreams were filled with Kassandra and intimate moments with her. He'd woken up heavily aroused.
Finally, Wolfaraine put the papers away. He straightened, giving Alphose his full attention. "How is the cougar clan?"
"Bountiful. Velez's mate gave birth while you were away. They have been celebrating."
"Congratulations to him," Valez is one of Alpha's sentinels, "It is great news."
"It is indeed. The little lad has a strong vocal cord. He can cry." Alphose revealed, pride reverberating from him.
"I will send my gifts to them later." A small smile touched Wolfaraine's lips.
He does not want children, but he was always happy when his people reproduce not only because more children means more life for Naturiah,but also because his people love and absolutely adore children. He is happy for a child being born, and he even sends gifts too. But he never visits.
"I'm sure Valez will be beside himself with happiness to hear that."
After that, Alphose cleared his throat and adjusted himself uncomfortably on his seat.
Wolfaraine saw it and arched his brows, knowing something was up. He did not say anything, which only made Alphose warier.
He cleared his throat again, "I found my mate." He blurted out.
Clearly, that wasn't the news Wolfaraine was expecting. The frown disappeared from his face and his eyes widened, "By the heavens, that is great news!"
"It is, isn't it?" Alphose let out a nervous laugh.
But the Alpha King was very happy and it showed on his face. For the first time since Alphose can remember, a big smile was on his face.
It completely transformed his face; shaving off a few years from his age, making him look young and strikingly handsome.
Alphose was too dumbfounded to say any word. He has never seen Wolfaraine smile this way before.
Wolfaraine rose—automatically Alphose rose with him—he walked around the table and hugged his good friend. "I am happy for you, Alphose."
His reaction was everything to Alphose. The cougar leader was surprised when tears burned the back of his eyes but he quickly blinked them back, "Thank you, Wolfaraine. I am happy for myself too."
"You should be. I know how long you've wanted this." The Alpha King pulled away and surveyed his good friend, Sentinel, and Alpha, really well... "You do not look too happy though."