Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 204 Welcome Back
Bartholomew waited patiently at the front steps for the car to arrive that contained the latest visitors to the Enclave, with two omega’s waiting patiently behind him with their heads lowered respectfully and their hands clasped together in front of them.
The cool air wrapped itself around his robes he inhaled deeply and savored the fresh, chill air that flooded his lungs. As much as he loved the Enclave, he had to admit that he missed being outside as much as he used to.
His duties at the Enclave kept him busy enough and forays into the outside world were few and far between. The most that he could manage nowadays tended to be a walk around the gated gardens or one of the many secret courtyards and private arboretums that were hidden away in the maze of tunnels and corridors.
Quite frankly Ann’s ascension to the throne had changed a lot of things within the Enclave and Bartholomew was one of the few that welcomed it with open arms, having always had a propensity for adventure and drastic change. The same could not be said for some of his colleagues, but what choice did they have otherwise?
There were no viable replacements for Ann if the Elders decided to try and forcibly usurp her from her rightful place on the throne, but that didn’t mean that they were idle in the background.
Bartholomew had already gotten wind of whispers of rebellion amongst people that he had expected to be unhappy about a female holding such a high position of power, and unsettlingly, even from some that he had thought would support Ann and her mission.
For now, all he could do was ensure that he appeared neutral to the parties that voiced their dissent, whilst secretly supporting Ann and her consort to surround herself with the people that could keep her safe and strengthen her position.
The fact that Alpha Felix and his wife had arrived now to discuss the issue of rogues at the border was fortuitous indeed, and her handling of Cornelius in the council chamber, as well as Linus’s indiscretions, had sent a strong message to those who thought she would be a weak ruler like her father. Bartholomew smiled softly to himself as he remembered the timid child that had hidden behind Leopold on many a visit to the Enclave, and clung to her mother as if her life depended on it when surrounded by unfamiliar people.
His eyes seemed to glaze over with sadness as he stared down the driveway. The strong woman that she had blossomed into would have made her mother proud and Bartholomew was determined not to fail Ann, as they had all failed her mother.
The familiar sound of gravel crunching under the tires of an approaching car forced him into pulling himself together and with a few deep breaths, he managed to push his sadness deep within him, where he was sure it would only emerge once more when he was alone.
As the door opened and Allen emerged he nodded politely and watched the significantly friendlier interaction between Lexi and himself as he offered his hand to her and helped her out of the car.
The look that passed between the two produced the faintest of smiles at the edges of Bartholomew’s mouth. It would appear that Lexi had made a choice when it came to this male anyway. Although it remained to be seen what would happen with Greyson, and Bartholomew would watch with interest as this seemingly complicated relationship developed.
Lexi was the only friend of Ann’s that he knew of, and he had a sneaking suspicion that she would be instrumental in the forming of this new kingdom, whether the Enclave desired her input or not.
As the third figure emerged from the back of the car, Allen’s heart seemed to leap into his mouth, and his breath caught in his chest as he locked eyes with the towering male figure that now stood beside Lexi.
Lord Brarthroroz did not appear to have aged a single day from the last time that Bartholomew had seen him when he was nothing more than a child.
It barely seemed possible.
It was known that daemons were subject to the laws of time, even if their natural longevity meant that they aged slower, yet he still cut a magnificently imposing figure that would surely command every female’s attention that had the pleasure, or misfortune, of coming into contact with him. Nobody really knew the true age of the Daemon Lord, but when Bartholomew had first seen him in passing, he was already centuries old and commanded himself with the same demeanor as someone who had seen much of life.
Bartholomew shook himself out of his musings and recovered his senses, grinning warmly at the trio as they approached. “Welcome back to the Enclave. Your conscientious sense of the urgency of this matter, and your speedy arrival, is most appreciated.” Bartholomew welcomed with a bow.
“Nice to see you too Barty-boy!” Lexi answered jovially as she bounded up the steps and pulled him into an almost bone-crushing hug. Lord Brarthroroz raised an inquisitive eyebrow as Allen bit his tongue and forced himself not to chastise her for her familiar behavior with an Elder of the Enclave.
Bartholomew seemed to know her well enough and the old man posed no threat to their budding romance so Orvar’s concerns could be ignored. If Adam trusted this man then Allen would too.
“Come, let’s get you inside and settled before we begin with what I’m sure is going to be a hectic schedule for you all.” Bartholomew chuckled and gestured towards the entrance, as the omega’s hastened forward to collect the bags from the car.