Page 79 of Unclaimed Bonds
“I- I, well, yes. I….”
My father turns toward the Alpha. “Well, do you?” he asks in a commanding voice. The Alpha doesn’t flinch, simply staring straight ahead. Slowly, his gaze shifts to meet my father’s. “Alpha, I asked you a question! Do you or don’t you have substantial proof to support these allegations?”
Alpha Rhineheart opens his mouth but falters.
“Your Majesty, I have several witnesses who can attest to these attacks,” the Beta claims.
“I am asking your Alpha. You better have a damn good reason for wasting my time,” my father growls. “You come into my home unannounced, refuse to leave, and accuse my daughter without proof?—”
Beta Dupont stands. “Your Majesty, please, if you will just listen!”
“Is there a reason why your Beta is taking a stance, as if he’s the one in charge of your territory?” my father asks the Alpha. But Alpha Rhineheart doesn’t answer, nor does he look at my father.
The Young Alpha assesses his father, concern overtaking his features.
“Your Majesty, I speak for both the Alpha and Young Alpha because I have been the one in charge of these affairs. The Alpha has not been doing well, and the Young Alpha was away attending school and addressing business afar over the years.”
“I wasn’t made aware of Alpha Rhineheart’s health condition, Beta DuPont,” my father responds, eyeing Alpha Rhineheart as he speaks.
The Young Alpha leans forward to look at Beta DuPont. “Neither was I,” he states pointedly.
Beta DuPont continues to protest and pleads to be heard, but I stop listening. He and his son are fully responsible for the destruction of their winery and pack business. Everyone knows this, and all of the LS territory refuses to conduct business with the Ruby Falls Pack. No formal reports have been filed of rogue attacks on any other territory—only theirs—but as usual, there are no witnesses. I can safely assume those are lies as well. But why the hell target Jessica?
“Alright! Enough!” my father shouts. “This is all hearsay, Beta. There is no proof to support your accusation without a paper trail, written statements, or actual witness stating my daughter’s direct involvement to sabotage your sales.”
“Your Majesty, what about the attacks? Our territory has been attacked repeatedly by rogues. Just a few weeks ago, your daughter refused to send aid.”
“Where is your report?” my father roared. “My head guard requested your territory report on that incident for several months now, and he has not received one to date.”
“But, Your Majesty, I did send one, not once but twice. I’m sure your daughter intervened in our email communication and destroyed the copy.”
My father turns to the Alpha. “Where is the report?” Alpha Rhineheart swivels toward Beta DuPont.
Beta DuPont continues, “Your Majesty, sir, I told you. I sent the report.”
“Alpha Rhineheart, your Beta is crossing a very fine line with me. I personally sent you an email and a handwritten letter asking for your pack’s account of what took place. I asked for a detailed report, along with accounts from firsthand witnesses. You have not responded. Then, you come here accusing my guards and my daughter of personally attacking your pack. How do you answer for this?”
Again, Alpha Rhineheart turns to his Beta. “I am not asking your Beta, Alpha! I am asking you!”
Clearing his throat, Alpha Rhineheart finally answers, “Your Majesty, all of the accounts my Beta relays are true.”
Growling, my father gets to his feet and slams his fist on the table.
Young Alpha Dimitri immediately stands. “Your Majesty, I apologize for their behavior. I didn’t come here to accuse your daughter of anything, and I am quite familiar with how Beta DuPont and his son operate.” He glances between his father and the Beta. “While it is true I was away from the territory for some time, finishing my degree and seeking out other business opportunities to sustain our pack financially, I came here foranswers, as I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for the princess’s actions behind these allegations.”
The door suddenly opens, cutting off Young Alpha Dimitri. Joe clears his throat and announces Luna Queen Shakti and Princess Jessica.
Alpha Rhineheart and I rise with the announcement. My father’s face is red with rage, he looks over at my mother as she approaches the table.
She smiles and gently pats his arm. “Gentlemen.” The three men bow their heads in respect. She glances at the table, offering, “I’ll see to the kitchen staff and bring in some refreshments.”
My father glares at Beta DuPont. “Not necessary. They will not be staying much longer.”
The Beta flusters, scowling at the Young Alpha.
“Well, in that case, I will leave you all to it, then.” My mother places a gentle kiss on my father’s cheek and turns to leave.
Taking her cue, Jessica steps out from behind my mother, placing herself between my father and I. “Gentlemen.” She dips her chin in acknowledgement.
