A Ticking Time bomb

After a moment of silence, Anthon, who was staring at them leaving, asked, "Who was the girl who fell unconscious?"

He was sure that it was her who let out that surge of power, but he wasn't completely certain since the girl with her also had the same feeling about her. He was relatively certain of that. They both possibly had incredibly pure bloodlines, which meant that their potential would be unmatched.

"You mean Soteria?" Nathan replied," She is just an orphan we took care of. She is basically the pack's 'slave' since she does everything for us without being paid."

Anthon grimaced. What a shitty person. Who tells people something like that with no shame? She's an orphan and she basically takes care of all of you and yet you look down on her? Not to mention he had such poor potential and a pitifully higher bloodline than the rest of them which was the sole reason he was able to become Alpha. Did he really think that gave him the right to look down on others? He couldn't even recognize the true potential of those girls there. Yes, those. What initially attracted him was Soteria's overwhelming bloodline but for some reason, the girl with her...

"Is the girl who carried her a cousin of hers?" 

"Huh? Not at all.Estelle's parents moved here just after she was born. They don't really know each other. " Nathan replied. 

That was odd, Anthon thought to himself. Their bloodlines resonated. He could tell. It was almost as though Estelle's bloodline had lain dormant or was suppressed until Soteria's activated just a while ago. That only happens to members of the royal family. Basically, only lineal descendants of the Lunar Queen. Their bloodlines often stayed dormant until eighteen because of the power they contained. It consistently adjusts the body for those years to allow them to safely awaken their power. 

"How old are they?" If they were under eighteen, it would mean that his speculation was headed in the right direction. He felt himself becoming more and more excited at the possibilities. Once he was certain, there was so much room for maneuvering. To do that, he needed them both.

Nathan looked at Anthon, surprised. Could it be that he wanted them both? "They are both currently seventeen years old," he answered. "May I ask why you wanted to know?" Could it be that the Clear Moon Alpha had particular tastes? They were both sweaty and dirty from the cooking and from being on the ground. Why would he still find them attractive at this point? Was it that he simply liked younger girls? 

"Can I have them?"

Now, Nathan was indeed taken aback, but he was also excited. It seemed he really did like them. Using two girls to exchange for the protection they'd enjoy under the Clear Moon Clan was definitely worth it. Just as he was about to agree, he was interrupted by his son.

"Father, you can't give Soteria away. I refuse to allow it. She is mine!"

Salana shook her head. She didn't understand her son's obsession with that ugly little mutt. She could see that her mate had almost struck a deal with Anthon so she pulled at Nathaniel, leading him away. He shook her off.

"She is mine. She's always been mine and you know that," he continued. 

"Well, I'll leave you two to settle whatever you need to. Let me know when you make your decision. Also, I hope that they'll be willing, not forced."

Nathan's face twisted at that point. Was he supposed to leave it to chance? Who cared about the fate of two little girls when the good of the clan was at stake.

Anthon could see the thoughts in Nathan's head through his eyes. That was why he tacked on the additional condition. He wasn't a trafficker or something. Why would he want them against their wills? He was known for his ruthlessness but that was toward enemies. People who meant harm to him and his clan. Not children. Yes, to him they were children. Perhaps it was because he was over 200 years old while they were only seventeen years old. 

He continued to ruminate over what took place earlier as they went back to their seats to resume their meal. After an hour or so of idle chat while eating, they were finally finished. 

"In any case, this has been a lovely dinner. I sneak for my Clan when I say it was well enjoyed," Anthon said while rising from his chair. "We should do this again." Not too soon though because I can't stand you,  he thought.

"We are certainly happy that you enjoyed it. It was our honor to have you grace us with your presence here," Nathan responded with a smile. "As to the other topic of conversation, I'll get back to you within a few days."

Anthon simply nodded in agreement. He had already warned Nathan so he should do anything stupid. 

Nathan on the other hand was overjoyed. They exchanged a few greetings and soon left. The clan members present breathed sighs of relief that everything went well and he was pleased with the result.  

Soon, Nathan thought to himself. Soon we will have the backing necessary so no one will be able to covet our land. I just need to deal with that mutt and Estelle. 

Just as he was giving out orders for the patrols, he remembered the time bomb he had ticking in his pack. His son. If he wasn't dealt with correctly, the entire thing would turn into a big mess. 

He sighed. What a big mess and over a stupid little girl of all things. How should he handle this, he mused. Salana would just make the situation worse, he was well aware of that.

"Let's just talk to him first and move from there," he decided.