The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(34)

“Vital to our King, and essential to his kingdom,” Molly interrupted solemnly.

Taheesha grinned. “Told you.” She arched a brow at Kit.

“What can I do to help?” Molly stepped to the cottage, waving them both in. “Coffee?” she asked Kit and Kit felt himself practically turn green at the thought. Molly’s eyes narrowed. “I have some homemade lemonade.”

Taheesha clapped her hands. “Yum, and cookies?”

Molly laughed, hugging Taheesha. Kit was completely charmed.

They were all seated at the small white table drinking lemonade and devouring cookies within a matter of minutes. Kit moaned in delight. He was starving. He was suddenly hungry for the first time in days and it was past lunch. Molly clucked and rose. Within a few minutes there was an assortment of fruit and thin-sliced chicken on a plate in front of him, but he hesitated. A lot of humans didn’t eat well...a lot were in fact starving. An idea swirled in his mind.

“Tomas is well paid. You are not causing us any hardship, omega.” Molly pushed the plate a little nearer and smiled encouragingly. Kit needed no further bidding.

“Now, what do you need?” Molly asked, and Taheesha immediately explained. Kit’s mouth was, after all, very full.

“What colors did you say were used?” Molly asked, puzzlement on her features.

“Blue and gold,” Kit repeated after swallowing.

“They are technically correct, as Luca is now Alpha of Hendrick’s pack, but I have a much better idea,” Molly said carefully.

Taheesha giggled and Molly smiled again. “Clever girl,” she praised.

Kit looked at them both. “What?” he said in confusion.

“Luca belongs to Hightower pack. His father’s colors are scarlet and black. Classier. Both Iris and Taheesha will appear in those colors.” Molly paused.

“But I can’t wear a dress,” Kit said exasperated.

Molly arched an eyebrow. “Certainly not. Now, stand, if you will. I need to take measurements.”

Kit spent a wonderful hour with his new friends until an exasperated Asher had turned up asking Kit if he was trying to get him fired. Apparently, he had seen Iris—thankfully, before he had seen Luca—and Tomas had said they were both at his cottage.

****

Luca had stopped to gulp cold water with Sam. He had been helping arrange the seating areas for tomorrow and they were sitting quietly on their own as an older beta shuffled up asking for a quick audience. Luca immediately invited the beta—who he had never met before—to sit, and then he had his second surprise of the day. He had discovered at first an hour ago, much to his chagrin, from Gabriel who was unearthing documents stored in the cellars, that Hendrick was rich. Very rich. The money from all the businesses in the village was generating a huge income for him and Malachi. He had no idea what to do about it yet. He had seen the state of how many of the unlicensed slaves lived and was toying with the idea of using some of the money to start paying wages. He knew Kit certainly liked the idea and anything that made Kit happy made him happy. He knew from hearing Asher that a lot of humans would accept handouts but then start resenting him for being in the position that they had to. There should be a middle ground somewhere.

The old beta had sat gratefully and introduced himself. Alleyn was apparently responsible for the Alpha’s jewels.

Luca had at first thought the man was joking, but he had been carrying a small box and he had given it to Luca.

“What’s this?”

“I need to know which piece you will need for your mating gift, Sire.”

Luca opened the box and stared in shock at the assortment of jewels inside. He picked up a silver necklace resplendent with pale blue stones. “What are these?”

“Tanzanite, sire. They are only surpassed by their worth in Tallium. It is a beautiful piece.” Luca trickled the necklace through his fingers. The stones reminded him of Kit’s eyes.

“I love the stones, but...”

“I understand completely, Sire,” Alleyn said quickly. “This piece was made for a female, but I have some suggestions.”

Luca blinked. “Yes?” He tried not to be too eager.

“If I might suggest a simple choker? Elegant, understated.” Luca smiled. He liked that idea very much indeed. “And perhaps a matching ring? Wolves do not wear rings, as you know, but there are ancient human customs where at least one of the couple would wear a ring. It is, I believe, the human equivalent of a mating bite.”

Luca’s smile broadened. It was perfect. He handed the box back to the old man. “Can it be finished in time?”

“My mate is standing by to help. She has been ill and we haven’t been at any pack functions for the past week. I only found out this morning the choosing was changed to tomorrow.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Luca stood.

The beta shook his head. “No, Sire. I would just need it to be collected from my cottage in the morning if you can?” Luca assured him he would and turned to see Tara, standing nearby, patiently waiting to ask questions about seating arrangements. He was a trifle uncomfortable she had heard him discussing the mating jewels but she didn’t seem upset, and she was, after all, merely acting as a breeder.

Luca spent the rest of the day planning the choosing. They would have the games and then there was going to be a meal. The nights were still warm enough all the pack could be outside, which was better. He fully intended on inviting everyone, and there was nowhere big enough inside. He’d missed Kit after a few minutes, but he was glad he was out of harm’s way and hoped he was resting.