20 Someone At The Door (Ch.20)

Neveah winced slightly at her father's implications but did not dare speak further.

She merely stood there, her head bowed, not daring to meet her father's gaze as his eyes scanned her quarters before settling on her again.

"Why were you out in the forest last night?" Alpha King Lothaire asked.

'He knows! By the creator he knows!' Neveah thought in horror,

Neveah's heart stopped beating for a moment, her hands trembling in terror as she clenched them into fists, trying unsuccessfully to calm herself.

"I... I..." Neveah stammered, unable to form a coherent word.

"Sulking about what your mother and brother said to you?" Alpha King Lothaire interrupted in a tone of distaste.

"I...No father, I wouldn't dare." Neveah muttered in a low tone barely above a whisper.

"Of course you would, do not act like some scared little rabbit Neveah. You might fool Alessio by your submissive pretenses but not your father."

" Lift your head and be still, stop trembling...is this the demeanor of a Princess? I believe I raised you better." Alpha King Lothaire said.

Neveah eyes fluttered closed as she gathered every ounce of courage she had to compose herself and slowly lifted her head to meet her father's stern gaze.

"I have told you time and again to be careful of the woods, so imagine my surprise to see you out there last night...it seems you forget you are the only human amongst us, you are the most vulnerable, the weak link." Alpha King Lothaire continued in distaste,

Neveah clenched her fists tightly at her father's words, words she had heard much too often to even feel hurt about, yet only stirred the deep urge to challenge her father's authority.

Neveah recognized her wolf's interference in her emotions for what it was and gritted her teeth against those urges that would ultimately get her killed.

"I acted without thought, I apologise." Neveah replied quietly.

"Do not do things you will have to apologize for Neveah, your father is not a patient man...you know this too." Alpha King Lothaire reminded.

"I... I understand." Neveah replied.

"Of course you do, now I have instructed your attendant to deliver your clothing, the young Alpha of Eclipse Claw has sought permission to take you out to town for the day,"

"The Eclipse Alphas shall depart soon, use the time left to get as much intel as you can, I have high expectations. Afterwards, pay Luna Colleen a visit in her quarters... Dane keeps asking." Alpha King Lothaire instructed.

Neveah's heart eased slightly as she understood the reason her father had come had nothing to do with the mysterious Alpha wolf.

Which meant Neveah's secret was still safe, as was her life...at least for now.

"As father wishes." Neveah said with a bow.

Alpha King Lothaire hummed in response as he headed for the door but paused halfway.

"Oh..and henceforth, you are not allowed to venture into the woods for any reason whatsoever."

"Go take a look at your Governess's condition and see for yourself that your father only has your best interest at heart." Alpha King Lothaire added.

"I understand father, I am grateful for father's care." Neveah forced out through gritted teeth, remaining in a bow till her father was gone.