Reborn Luna (Hope and Keith) novel Chapter 60

33. The bast
34. The bastard son-2

The corner of his mouth witches, and keep my stoic facade.

Long ago, his ancestors gave mine the Lotus pack land out of spite. The ground was barren, the trees thin, and it bordered the outlands, in unmarked territory where rogues and ferals ran wild.

We knew what it was designed to do. To make us fail, to make us bend the knee and demand sanctuary.

Even then, it was clear which bloodline was stronger.

We proved it by transforming that land throughout the years. Eventually, we revived the earth and expanded our territory into the outlands, pushing it back and shocking everyone.

“Nonsense, I heard your leadership was paramount to your victory

He is trying to find a weakness, my beast whispers to me. He seeks to control, to take.

I’ve never doubted my instincts, and I wouldn’t start now.

“I only encouraged what was already there,” I say.

Clinton shoots me a look similar to what my father might give. It’s proud and amused.

King Edric laughs. “Modest and dangerous. A rare breed.”

My spine straightens automatically under the king’s gaze. His smile deepens, but his eyes don’t crinkle at

the corners.

“Tell me, Keith,” Queen Mirelle says, “how does it feel to be so… young and already carry the weight of

command?”

“It is an honor,” I say simply.

Lilith’s laugh is soft, almost feline. “Modest and unmated. A shame for a man with such a title.”

My beast growled.

“I’ve been discerning.”

“Oh, don’t be shy now,” she says, stepping off the dais with a sway in her hips. She circles me slowly, like she’s scenting for weakness. “There’s no need to pretend when you’re among friends. Or suitors.”

“I do have to say, though,” begins the King, “I was rather surprised when you arrived with the Blue Rock pack.

Clinton clears his throat. “Your Highnesses, Keith has been formally courting a member of my family. That’s why he’s here.”

The King’s eyes narrow just a fraction. “Oh? And which daughter of the honored Blue Rock pack has caught our young Alpha’s eye?”

33. The bast

The youngest.” I answer, before Clinton can “Hope.”

Silence, the sharp kind.

Lilith halts her slow orbit, but she can’t disguise the stiffening of her posture.

Queen Mirelle leans forward, lips pursed in polite confusion. “How lovely.”

“The youngest?” the King repeats. “Not the eldest, who is-how did the council put it-graceful, accomplished, and admired across the courts?”

Clinton smiles now. Not soft. Sharp. This is his cue.

“Tessa has… different aspirations,” he says. “Ones I believe are worthy of pursuit.”

“Such as?” Mirelle asks coolly.

“She wants to formally position the council to allow her to enter the Alpha trials as is her right as the eldest child,” Clinton says. “To become Alpha of Blue Rock, in name and deed.”

Now the King laughs again, too loudly this time. “A Female? Alpha of a territorial pack?”

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