The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(33)

“Omega,” a servant excused herself as she walked into the room. Kit stiffened as every eye turned on him.

“Kit,” Danni smiled warmly and took a step towards him, only to be interrupted by the she-wolf.

“You are the omega?” she said, her voice tinged with apparent disbelief. Kit tried not to cringe as her eyes swept up and down his body. She turned to Tara. “Perhaps you would introduce us?”

Tara nodded quickly and looked at Kit. “Omega, may I present her Highness, Adrienne Hightower?”

Kit froze. Hightower? Then that must mean... Kit wanted to crawl into a hole. This she-wolf was Luca’s mother, and she had taken the title because of her son being King.

“And what is the name of your pack?” she asked pointedly.

Kit burned in shame. He had heard her comment about scrubbing floors. The woman knew he didn’t have a pack. He didn’t even have a last name.

A sudden vision of his tattoo flashed into his head and Kit drew himself up. “Actually, your Highness, as I have just mated your son, my house is now the same as yours.”

Danni bent her head quickly to try and hide her delighted smile.

Adrienne Hightower’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t think for one minute I approve of this arrangement,” she said slowly. “When my son realizes his error, I am confident you will be back to the duties you are so aptly suited to.”

She meant scrubbing floors. Kit knew what she was saying. It seemed Luca’s mom was one of the wolves who saw no value in him at all. The trouble was Kit had no idea how close Luca was to his mother, or how much he may heed her advice.

An hour later, Kit sat disconsolately on an upturned log in the middle of the woods and tried to decide what to do. He knew he would be in trouble with Asher for giving him the slip but he needed to be on his own. He felt dreadful, and he wasn’t sure whether it was because he had barely eaten anything, or it was Luca’s mother’s poisoned words affecting him.

“Kit?”

Kit jumped and put his hand on his heart. He shook his head at Taheesha. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” He looked around. “Does Iris know you are here?”

Taheesha scoffed and bumped his hip to slide up the thick lump of wood so she could sit next to him. “Iris is having a meeting, and I was told to go and find something useful to do.” The derision that accompanied her words made it clear what Taheesha’s thoughts on the instruction were. “I smelled your scent so I decided to see where you were.”

“Iris loves you very much,” Kit scolded gently as the girl snuggled close and laid her head in Kit’s lap. Warmth flowed through him, and Kit knew what she was doing. “Thank you, sweetie,” he said and hugged her close.

“Tell me what’s the matter,” Taheesha ordered imperiously.

Kit stifled a sigh. “You must be excited your mother is here. I am surprised you are not with them.”

Taheesha looked up at him. “I have no love for my mother.”

Kit blinked in surprise and Taheesha suddenly looked a lot older than her thirteen years. “Who do you think arranged our matings, Kit?” Kit didn’t know what to say. “What were they doing?”

“They’re fitting Tara with a new dress for the choosing,” Kit said flatly.

Taheesha snorted. “Let me guess, my mother is organizing it.”

“I-I don’t think your mom approves of me,” Kit said hesitantly.

“Does Luca know?”

Kit shrugged. “Your brother is far too busy to be bothered about dresses, and the whole thing is ridiculous. I shouldn’t even be giving it any thought.” But he was, and it was pathetic.

“Tell me her colors,” Taheesha asked slowly, and Kit described what he had seen. Taheesha smiled. Kit could practically see her mind working.

“What?” he asked, suspiciously.

Taheesha sat up. “We need to go see Molly.”

“Who’s Molly?” Kit asked, perplexed.

“Tomas’ wife.”

“But—”

Taheesha stood and tugged Kit’s hand. “Trust me. Tara hasn’t won yet.”

Kit blinked. Shame warmed his cheeks. “No, Taheesha. It isn’t a competition, and I’m not doing anything to embarrass Luca.”

“Neither am I,” Taheesha insisted. “Molly is a clever seamstress. I think it would embarrass Luca more if his omega hasn’t made an effort like everyone else.”

Kit let her pull him upright. She had a point, he supposed. He certainly didn’t want to appear like he didn’t care when the whole games and ceremony were so important to Luca.

They walked companionably for around twenty minutes until they reached the cluster of small cottages where the licensed humans lived. Kit saw Tomas step out of one and Taheesha waved cheerfully at him as he hurried away then skipped right up to an older woman who was bent down weeding in the tiny garden in front of the cottage Tomas had left.

“Molly,” she cried happily, the woman turning and breaking out into a huge smile while she stood and was hugged by the little girl.

The woman suddenly noticed Kit and curtseyed immediately. “Omega,” she said respectfully. “Please forgive me, I didn’t see you.”

Kit was horrified. He rushed forward, clasping the woman’s hands when Taheesha let go. “Please call me Kit, and you certainly have no need to curtsey. I am merely—”