Page 21 of Chased By My Grumpy Alpha
“Of course, a man of your importance must have many responsibilities. But surely even princes need moments of relaxation?” She “accidentally” brushes against my arm. “I’m told I’m quite good at helping people unwind. So attentive to others’ needs. The pack members always comment on how thoughtful I am, how I always know exactly what someone needs to feel better.”
As we approach the guest quarters, she continues her assault of self-praise disguised as modesty. “I do hope you’ll consider staying longer than planned. It would be such an honor to spend more time with someone of your stature. Everyone says I’m remarkably mature for my age, so intelligent and well-spoken. They say I have a very calming presence.”
I stop walking just outside the door to the building. “Your father referred to you as the strongest female healer in the pack.”
She freezes, clearly not expecting the abrupt change in topic. “I—What do you mean?”
“He introduced you as the strongest female in the pack. But according to the reports, this Astra person was supposed to be your pack’s most powerful female. The one selected for the cross-mating decree.”
Harper’s face goes pale, and I can hear her heartbeat spike. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“I think you do.” I move closer, studying her reaction. “If you’re the strongest female healer, then what was Astra?”
“She was...” Harper’s voice trails off, and she looks at the door as if hoping for rescue. “She was...She was our most powerful healer, actually. Even more skilled than I am.”
I catch the flash of irritation that crosses her face as she says it, gone so quickly that others would miss it. But I’m trained to read people, and that brief moment of resentment told me everything I needed to know. Her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as she forced the words out.
Something doesn’t add up here. The way she just spoke about this Astra, the reluctance in her voice, the barely concealed annoyance—it doesn’t match what I’d expect from someone describing their pack’s most powerful member.
“Don’t insult my intelligence.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Your father is clearly hoping to use my presence here to arrange some sort of alliance through marriage. He’s whoring you out like a commodity, hoping I’ll be impressed enough to make an offer.”
Harper’s face goes white, then flushes deep red. “That’s not—I would never—My father wouldn’t—”
“I don’t want a mate from a backwater pack like this,” I cut her off coldly. “Save your efforts for someone more...suited to your station.”
She flinches as if I’ve slapped her, tears gathering in her eyes. “I was just trying to be welcoming—”
“You were trying to be appealing. There’s a difference.” I open the door to my quarters and step inside, then turn back to face her stricken expression. “Don’t make this more embarrassing for yourself than it already is.”
The door closes with a decisive click, cutting off whatever response she may have.
Finally alone, I lean against the door and allow myself a moment of genuine exasperation. Blatant flirtation disguised as hospitality—exactly the kind of thing I despise. The Alpha’s transparent attempts to use his daughter as bait are pathetic, and the girl’s obvious desperation is almost painful to witness.
My thoughts drift, as they often do during quiet moments, to the marriage negotiations my father has been conducting on my behalf for Lady Zari, daughter of his most trusted advisor, heir to one of the most powerful noble houses in the kingdom. It’s a practical match; her family’s influence combined with the crown’s power would create an unstoppable political alliance.
The woman is insufferably clingy, constantly finding excuses to be in my presence, sending unnecessary correspondence, and trying to engage me in trivial conversations. At least this mission has provided a welcome respite from her persistent attempts at familiarity.
My father has made it clear that securing the succession is non-negotiable. If I want to inherit the throne, I need to produce an heir. Zari can provide that while requiring minimal emotional investment from me. I have no say in the matter.
A sharp knock interrupts my thoughts. I open the door to find Alpha Gareth standing there, his expression carefully neutral.
“Your Highness,” he says, stepping inside when I gesture for him to do so. “I hope Harper took good care of you.”
“Get on with it,” I say, closing the door behind him.
He blinks, clearly thrown by my directness. “Of course. About this whole situation—”
“What was the female’s name again?”
“Astra Lakan,” he says, and I don’t miss the way his voice hardens slightly when he says it. “She was...our most powerful healer. Exceptional abilities.”
“Such as?”
“Healing magic that surpassed our other practitioners’. She could handle...difficult cases.” His tone carries a reluctant quality, as if the words taste bitter. “Her power was considerable.”
“And she was chosen for the cross-mating decree based on these abilities?”
Alpha Gareth’s heartbeat quickens. “Yes, she was the obvious choice. The most gifted among us.” He pauses, then adds with obvious distaste, “Though she was also reckless, always causing problems. Never understood her place in the pack hierarchy.”
