Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 232 It’s Not Your Fault

“I mean, I would have preferred that you told me before I was Queen. Would you not have explained if I

was just your Luna?” Ann frowned.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Adam said shaking his head, “I just meant that the chances of us having to

engage with the Dubois again were slim to none and I doubt that it would have cropped up in

conversation.”

“You don’t think Allen would have mentioned he had a dead sister? Ever?” Ann snorted, “Seriously

Adam…”

“He may have talked about her, but in a calmer fashion is what I meant. Without the tension of being in

close proximity to one of the Dubois family.” Adam explained. “At least if we were just the plain old

Alpha and Luna of the Dark Moon Pack… there wouldn’t be as much at stake if something went

wrong.” He sighed bitterly.

Ann saw the look of regret that crossed his face and felt a pang of pain in her heart at seeing him so

uncomfortable, but she chose not to respond, instead, she waited for him to continue.

“We weren’t that old when it happened Ann. I had just turned 15, and Allen was only a few months

behind me. My acting Beta, Alien’s father was away in another county, visiting a pack to iron out a few

issues with an alliance treaty that we were working on.” He began as a faraway look seemed to

consume his gaze, almost as if he was reliving the memories of that day.

“The tournament was supposed to showcase the talents of our up-and-coming fighters, and the

success of the new training regimes that had been implemented in a few packs for the younger wolves.

As Alpha, I wasn’t allowed to participate as it could have unfairly impacted the scores of those from the

visiting packs for the event, but the Dubois’s Eldest son, Jasper, insisted on joining the ranks, and as

royalty of a visiting kingdom, we could not refuse his request. I stayed in touch with Allen’s father

frequently throughout the tournament and he was able to offer advice… he kept me grounded when my

temper threatened to spill over.”

Adam paused briefly as he rubbed his neck and a pained expression crossed his face.

“I should have done something about Jasper from the start though, and I honestly tried, but… I was too

young for the visiting King to consider my concerns seriously… Baldur was pretty much silent from the

moment I sensed his presence. I know now that was because of the damn curse, as did Allen’s father,

but he was adamant that we never talked of it in public and only a select few people knew. He was

terrified that the pack we had fought so hard to protect would be annihilated by opportunists and

internal conflicts if the secret ever got out.”

“The ranked matches began and I watched helplessly as Jasper annihilated everyone of our wolves in

their matches against him, but he didn’t just spar with them, he took it further and made sure that he

inflicted serious injuries on most, if not all of his opponents.” He explained and paused as a dark look

crossed his face, “It infuriated me. The needless cruelty and aggression, especially against the

younger, weaker wolves so I tried to speak to Jasper’s father about my concerns.”

Adam snorted ironically.

“Fat lot of good that did though. He didn’t give a s**t. He thought the whole thing was justified, crowing

repeatedly, Tn the middle of a real fight your enemies aren’t going to stop in their attacks! Jasper is just

bringing a dose of realism to the matches!” Adam spat, mimicking Jasper and Felix’s father’s voice

disdainfully.

“I felt helpless. What kind of Alpha was I if I couldn’t get him to stop? So, despite Alien’s father’s

warnings and against his advice, I issued a challenge to Jasper directly. This was one of the few times

that I had felt Baldur’s anger and his strength inside of me, and I was determined to make a stand,

even if I got beaten mercilessly for it.”

“He didn’t go easy on me at all. His viciousness shocked me actually, but having watched him fight, I

knew how he moved and had a good idea of his favorite ways to take a wolf down.” Adam smirked as

he caught Ann’s eye for the first time since he had started telling the story and a sense of pride shone

in his eyes as he spoke.

“I made sure that I repaid him well for every act of cruelty and broken wolf that he sent off the field with

a smug grin on his face. It didn’t take me long to take him down, and he was furious that I played with

him for so long. I had no idea that he would go so far as he did though.” He finished as his voice caught

in his throat at the end.

Ann reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.

“I don’t think any of you could have known how far he would go, Adam.”

“But I should have. That was my job, my only job. Protect the pack and keep them safe… and I couldn’t

even protect my future Beta and his little sister… a little girl who deserved the world.” He whispered as

his face hardened and his eyes shone with unshed tears.

As quick as the emotion broke through, Adam pushed it away again and cleared his throat.

“You know what happened next, Ann. Jasper cheated horrifically and took his revenge on me, by

almost taking Allen out… but he had a hard time doing that. I know, and Allen knows too, that if it

wasn’t for the fact Jasper had used wolfsbane on Allen, he would have floored him as well. After Jasper

had won…” Adam faltered slightly as he continued,