"Our consignments have been delivered, Alpha. Alpha Greg has requested double the quantity of the present shipment in the next delivery." Lief spoke.
"Hmmm," Ryker hums as he swipes the tab in front of him, taking note of the numbers in the ledger for any possible anomalies.
"Also, there is one more thing that requires your attention. Some of the slaves that weren't bought from the auction have not been assigned. Waiting for your orders on what to do with them."
"I see' he looks up at Lief and frowns. 'Appoint some to the plantation, give some to the head maid for other pack duties." He replies, walking towards the window from his study overlooking the fields.
"Yes, Alpha". Lief stands up to take his leave, but Ryker stops him briefly.
"And her?"
"Who, my-love?" Vera walks in. She nods at Lief, then looks at Ryker.
Lief takes it as his cue to leave. Everyone knew Vera was Ryker's woman, and she had a free pass on anything Ryker and the pack.
He sometimes wondered why Ryker hadn't made it official with her, especially since he was twenty-four years of age and had no fated mate. He was already the most feared Alpha in the whole of the North, coupled with the delegation of council to be held in six months, to appoint the Alpha King of the North. A Luna by his side would cement that win as undisputed.
Lief steps out just as Vera puts her arm around Ryker.
"You've been too busy lately, babe." She pouts and stares into his eyes. "What's wrong?" she asks.
He releases a deep breath while he gently removes her hands from around him and walks to the bar, grabbing a bottle.
Her eyes narrow, observing him as he takes a swig of the scotch.
"Something's on your mind?" She knew him well. After all, they had spent three years together now.
"I don't know V. Maybe I'm just tired". He takes another drink.
She smiles and walks up to him. "I know just the remedy." She whispers dangerously close to him.
He narrows his eyes and breaks into a smile. "Not today, V," he says, then walks to the couch and lies down.
"This won't do, Babe. You've never been too busy for it. You haven't touched me since that night." She whines
That night
He has been pretty occupied, he would admit. He had felt the thrill after his revenge and was particularly excited when he watched as she suffered that night.
She was like a mouse caged, looking for a scape at every turn, but after the events of that night, he felt strangely empty.
The revenge was meant to be sweet, but he only had that feeling for that day. His mind had kept replaying Alpha Damien's words.
He had told himself he didn't care, but he was having a headache. He was beginning to second-guess himself, which he never did.
Every decision he always made had been well thought out, concise, and pretty straightforward.
He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly.
Her face had come into his mind, and he opened them in a flash
What the hell. He made a low growl. Just then, he looked up to see a completely naked Vera. Her hair pushed back to reveal her huge tits and curviness.
He was a sucker for huge tits, but today, he wasn't entertained.
He looked at her, startled as she yelled his name.
"What is it?" he frowns
"I have been talking, but your mind has been elsewhere." She snaps
He sighed. "I've been busy. I told you." Just then, Lief and Ezren walk in. They were his close confidants, not just his beta and gamma.
They were like brothers. Having come a long way. Lief and Ezren had gotten their fates entwined with his when he met them at the slaver's bay many years back, while he was treated by the merchants who raised him.
He had bought them their freedom, and they had offered to work for him as they were grateful and indebted. He had refused and given them an offer to join him, reclaim his title, and destroy his enemies.
They had willingly accepted being casualties of war and had been enslaved for many years.
Over time, their bond grew stronger and became more like brothers.
He was grateful for their sudden intrusion.
Vera looks at them coldly. "Get out," she hissed.
Lief looked at her apologetically but refused blandly. "I'm afraid this can't wait."
She bends down to pick up her clothing and hurriedly puts them on.
Lief doesn't speak until she leaves.
Ezren raises his brow at Ryker but doesn't speak.
Ryker just rolls his eyes and waves his right hand lazily as though uninterested.
"What's up with you two?" Lief questions
"Nothing, man. Vera has been, you know,"
"Spoilt, you mean?" Ezren pitches in.
"Dude," Lief laughs
"For real, bro. She is really rude and uncouth, and I do not know how you both stand her." Ezren speaks while heading to the bar for a drink.
Lief sighs as he watches Ezren while he plops himself on a free couch.
He stares at Ryker intently for a while, then shrugs.
Ryker doesn't respond and is left with his thoughts.
"So, dude,' Ezren says as he hands over a glass to Lief and takes another seat. "I don't know why you still keep her. I mean, aside from her keeping your bed warm, what else is she good for?"
"You know this, and I am certain this and more are the reasons you haven't chosen her as your mate to be your Luna." He continues.
"Well, I can't say for your love life, Ryker, but honestly speaking, you need a Luna soon and fast. The circle would be held soon to appoint a new King of the North. Everyone knows, as well as the surrounding packs, that you are the best fit. However, we wouldn't want surprises; these other Alphas would not waste their breath if the opportunity presents itself." Lief butts in.
"Regardless, while I support your idea of him getting a Luna. It doesn't need to be her. The people need a Luna with a good head on her shoulders. Not someone who is short-sighted and pea-brained, ' he pauses to look at Ryker, who is watching, looking quite amused. 'Forgive me."
"I get you both. Totally," Ryker responds
"But- there is a but I believe," Ezren points at him coyly and cackles.
Ryker throws a throw pillow at him.
"What is it you needed me for?" Ryker asks, looking serious now.
Lief sighed. "It's the princess. I mean, Lyra, she's awake."
He doesn't know it, but Ryker smiles as though he just got a spark from a fire that had long refused to ignite.
His mood change is not lost on Lief and Ezren. They both exchange a look while they bring their glasses to their lips.