The Alpha and The Fool novel Chapter 26

“Antoine Bell is our challenger,” the man, Marquice said as we sat around a large oval table. The name sounded familiar to me, but I couldn’t place where I’d heard it. “He’s been in the country for ten years, and we’re not sure what exactly brought him to this country. He’s been living down in Louisiana—”

Louisiana. It hit me. I knew who Antoine Bell was and that he was challenging Nic’s father couldn’t be an accident. “Did he come with someone?” I asked.

Everyone turned to look at me confused. “What does that matter?” Marquice demanded.

“Answer the question,” Nic said, though I could tell she was as confused at the rest.

“A woman, why does—”

“Where are they now?”

Marquice guy scowled. “They’re staying at the Hotel on the edge of our territory. Wh—”

Nic held up a hand. “What’s going on?”

“Not sure yet. I’d have to talk to Bell’s mate,” I replied.

“Why?” she asked, and I swear she almost sounded jealous.

I grinned at her, took her hand in mine. “To see if I’m right, of course,” I said, gave it a squeeze then stood. “I’ll be back soon.”

“It has to be now?” Wes asked, frowning at me.

“Yeah, I think it might have to do with why we’re here.”

“Then I’m going with you,” Nic said, standing as well.

Marquice started to object, and she practically snarled at him. “I don’t need the guy’s biography. Meeting him in person is going to give me more information I need that what is his name or where he comes from.”

“Are you sure that’s safe,” Wes said, now looking worried.

“If he’s got half a brain, yes,” she replied. “It’d be stupid to do anything to jeopardize his right to challenge. Come on, Dean.” We left the office and went outside.

Jon got a car for us, and we all piled in. “So what’s going on?” He asked as we drove.

“You know my history with Black Mountain, right?”

Jon and Nic nodded. “You think this has something to do with Mike and what happened before?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but I find it odd that your challenger is mated to my cousin and Mike’s sister, Beth,” I said.

“She holds a grudge against your family?” Jon asked.

“I didn’t think so, but now I don’t know. Beth was more than a bit of a bitch, especially to Brook. When my uncle died, she stayed with us until she met her mate then moved to Louisiana. I thought she was happy there…”

“Yet, here she is challenging my old pack,” Nic finished for me.

“It could be a coincidence, but I have to know for sure,” I replied.

“Agreed,” Nic said, leaning in her seat.

At the hotel, the receptionist called up to the room to announce us, and to my surprise, we were given the okay to go up. I really hoped that was a good sign. I hadn’t seen Beth in years and I really didn’t want her to be a superficial bitch like she used to be. I knocked on the door, and sure enough, Beth opened the door. Her blond hair was in a mass of curls, and she looked like she’d put on a few pounds. Her bright eyes widened when she saw me.

“Dean,” she said, practically squealing and throwing herself on me and hugging me. “I didn’t know you were in Kansas!”

Okay, kinda weird, but a good weird. “I just got here,” I said then took Nic’s hand and pulled her forward. “I came with my mate, Nic, who's old pack yours is trying to take over.”

The smile that started to spread on her glossy lips froze, and her eyes widened again as she looked at me. “What?”

“Is your mate challenging the alpha of Golden Plains to try and hurt me and through me Dean,” Nic said, bluntly.

It wasn’t how I was planning on breaching the subject, but it was done, and I couldn’t help feel a sliver of pleasure that she was angry on my behalf. Usually, people were angry at me not for me.

“What?” Beth repeated again, her eyes wide. She glanced between us then to me. “Do you really think I’d do something like that?”

“I don’t know Beth. You have to admit, it wouldn’t be that far-fetched. I mean, you’re the one who told your dad we had Brook and sparked the war into happening,” I replied.

Her pale complexion paled even more. “You knew about that? But Uncle Brent never…”

I shrugged. “Dad didn’t blame you for it. Alpha Ryan was your dad after all. Now seriously, what gives?”