"I assume you have a reason for this request," Kingston replies. "Perhaps start there."
To my horror, Alpha Daxton looks over at me. "Stevens. You can take it from here."
Oh, shit.
Maverick must sense my nerves because he reaches over, clasping my hand in his. The action doesn't go amiss by Kingston, the alpha raising an eyebrow.
"Rather interesting development, Maverick. I was under the impression you intended to refuse a mate."
Great. We're back on that bandwagon again.
"Nyx convinced me otherwise," he says simply. "But I doubt you're interested in deep diving into my relationship."
Kingston snorts. "Correct. That's your prerogative. I have no interest in your affairs."
Apparently, Kingston hasn't found his mate yet. Maverick decided to drop that information on me before their arrival, so of course I was instantly panicked. The last thing I needed was a fourth mate. And with the stories I've heard about this guy, it sounds like a death wish.
Don't get me wrong—he's been nice enough to me since his arrival. But after all the battles Maverick and I went through, I don't think I have the strength to do it again.
Lex, Cade and Maverick appeared equally relieved when nothing happened. It seems I wasn't the only one a little worried, especially since the alphas keep claiming that I got put in their paths for a reason. Now suddenly I was about to convince a reclusive one to visit? No one can blame us for being nervous.
"It was definitely a work in progress," I tell Kingston. "Many times none of us believed we'd get here. Maverick was a bit of an asshole when he arrived."
A hand squeeze comes but I just smile sweetly, ignoring Maverick.
Kingston laughs, and it actually sounds a little genuine. "A bit? No need to sugar coat things on my account."
"A lot then."
Another squeeze.
I have no idea how Maverick is staying quiet, but hey—bonding over the fact he's a bit of a douche is actually pretty productive.
"Three mates. Alphas, no less," Kingston points out. "It's rather reminiscent."
"I'm a descendant of Ophelia," I confirm. "And that kind of leads us to the point. This whole war situation."
Kingston lifts his head. "That's no concern of ours. We keep to ourselves."
I nod. "I'm aware. But sadly, this does concern all of us. It extends beyond packs disappearing."
"You're referring to Alpha Orson," Kingston says to my surprise.
"Yes. You know him?"
"I know his reputation," he answers. "And his desire for more land. He often was in conflict with Thom over it."
I raise an eyebrow. "It sounds like they were very similar."
Kingston glances around at the other alphas. "We are all but the same, wolf. Every alpha is greedy in their own ways, be that for land or… other things."
Maverick squeezes my hand again but this time, it's a reaction toward Kingston. I squeeze it back quickly, silently telling him to stay calm.
Thankfully, Lex and Cade appear largely unfazed. Lex is an expert by now with this whole situation. As for Cade, very little bothers him.
"The difference between Alpha Thom and Alpha Orson is that one of them went too far," I comment. "Orson has taken it upon himself to set other packs up, triggering their disappearance."
Kingston breaks character for a moment, leaning forward. "How so?"
