Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 179 The Goddess’s Will
Bartholomew sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him as his eyes took on a far-away look.
He had known Greyson since he was a young boy, and seeing him develop into the man he was today filled him with pride.
To think that he was going to be thrown into the midst of the Royal Family and the tribulations that they were facing made his heart hurt a little, but there was no man more capable, and more loyal than Greyson was in his opinion.
“Commander Greyson is a good man, my Queen. You have nothing to worry about from him.” Bartholomew answered finally with a smile.
“I understand, however, I don’t have the luxury of knowing him as you do Bartholomew, so if you would care to elaborate, I would be very grateful. I have known Lexi since we were children and if anything, it will put my heart at ease to know that whoever she chooses, she will be taken care of well.”
‘I’m telling you, Ann, she won’t choose between them. My bet is on her taking both of them.’ ‘You don’t know that Maeve…’
‘But I do. If they are both mated to her, then it is the Goddess’s will for them to face life together. It is not a call that you can resist forever.’ Maeve answered lazily as she yawned.
Ann pursed her lips together in concern and tried to ignore Maeve’s chatter about the prospect and mechanics of more than one mate.
How would that even work?!
She shook her head slightly to clear her mind of those thoughts and focused on Bartholomew once more. “I have known Greyson since he was a young boy,” Bartholomew began with a soft smile, “Even as a pup he was serious and reliable. To the point that he would get himself in trouble with the Elders if he believed their treatment was unfair or unjust in some way.” He chuckled softly.
“What about his parents? Does he have a close family?” Ann asked curiously, but the complex emotions on Bartholomew’s face told her that this was not the case.
“I’m afraid not,” Bartholomew said, shaking his head sadly, “His parents were killed in a cross-border operation when he was but a pup. The residential school he had been placed at with his siblings notified the pack his parents originated from and they refused to take him into their adoptive program, stating that there were no available homes.”
“But that’s absurd! Every wolf has the right to grow in their ancestral pack!” Adam interjected furiously. “I agree, however, the administrators responsible for the region petitioned the king for a place within our training program at the enclave and he was accepted. It was rare for a pup to come from such a distinguished lineage of specialist fighters so they jumped at the opportunity…”
“To turn him into a child soldier?” Adam sneered with a low rumble from his chest as Bartholomew stared at him levelly.
“I understand your distaste for the program, Consort, however, you have to understand that it provides not only a safe haven for the pup’s without a stable background, but it also allows them an opportunity to enter a stable career when they come of age. No child is sent to fight or stationed in dangerous zones until they have come of age, are fully trained, and have spent a few years in residential positions in the field.” He answered firmly.
Ann could practically feel the tension rolling off Adam and she placed a hand on his arm, feeling him relax a little under his touch.
“There is time to discuss the applications of the program more in-depth at a later date Adam. For now, I want to know about Greyson.” She said gently as Adam nodded curtly, the muscle in his jaw twitching slightly. “There is not much more to tell, my Queen. He excelled in training, showed strong leadership potential from an early age, and is cautious in his method of instructing the troops at his disposal. He is an active Commander and will always lead the charge as opposed to sitting behind in safety as some of the more recalcitrant officers choose to do.” “I see. He is stationed in the Northern Peaks then?” Ann nodded slowly, mulling the information over. Professionally, he seemed like a good catch, and his temperament seemed to be the polar opposite of Lexi’s, a trait that he shared with Allen.
“He is. One of many Commanders there that guard either end of the pass. He has held that position fora few
years now without incident. It’s unfortunate that this business with the escape will have tarnished his exemplary record.”
Ann snorted loudly.
“He can hardly be held accountable for something that the Elders did not foresee, nor act on.” She answered defiantly, “I won’t hesitate in speaking up for him if needs be. He at least had the foresight to salvage what was left of the beasts and bring them to us for study so that we were better prepared.”
Bartholomew nodded.
“As I said, my Queen, he is a good man and I believe he will make a good mate to your friend, Lexi if she decides to accept him.”
“Thank you for your candor, Bartholomew. It is much appreciated.” Ann nodded as she smiled gratefully. “You’re most welcome, my Queen. Is there anything else that I can help you with?” “I don’t think so. I should inform you though, that I intend to send my personal maid, Coral, to my former personal secretary, Eva, for additional training.”
“Is she not up to your standards? If she requires further training we can see to having a refresher conducted for her, or even another maid a*s*signed to you…” Bartholomew said carefully as he blinked in surprise at her. “That won’t be necessary,” Ann answered brusquely as she stood from her chair. “I intend to install her as my personal a*s*sistant here, rather than my personal maid. I have no need for a personal maid, what I need is the staff who can help me do my duty efficiently.”
Bartholomew chuckled deeply.
“Coral is a diligent woman. I’m sure she will do well in the position. I will take this information to the Elders and make them aware of your intentions.”
“I won’t change my mind on this Bartholomew.” she cautioned, unsure whether or not he truly believed in the vision that she had for the kingdom in the future.
“I know, my Queen. I wouldn’t expect you to either.” He grinned widely, “Change can only be implemented from the top of the hierarchy, and with that goal in mind, I will support you in anyway that I can.”