CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR


    +25 Bonus


    CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR


    Nn’s POV


    I didn’t intend to end up in the rose garden. My feet had moved off their own ord, following the familiar scent of roses reaching me on the breeze. I paused at the edge of the archway leading to the garden path, only to be met by two guards who stiffened and stepped in front of me.


    “Apologies, Alpha Nn,” one said, gripping his spear tightly. “This area is restricted unless you have the princess’s permission.”


    I raised a brow but said nothing. My wolf stirred uneasily in my chest, agitated by the sudden halt. I found myself drawn to the rose garden due to the mate bond even though it was muted.


    I hated that and these guards could be the perfect opportunity for me to get some of my frustration out. I was just about to test how far the guards would push their courtesy when a familiar voice rang out behind them.


    “Let him through.”


    Talia emerged from a side path. Her dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, exposing the clean lines of her neck. The softvender dress she wore clung to her waist before flowing around her legs. Even with the pendant masking the mate bond, I felt my gaze lock onto her. She was undeniably beautiful. I hated to admit that.


    My wolf grew restless. I could barely contain him as he growled, ‘Tell her what she means to us!’ I ignored him as I watched Talia.


    Talia dismissed the guards with a nce. They bowed and retreated just far enough to still be listening.


    “Why are you here, Alpha Nn?” Talia asked, arms folding over her chest.


    Her tone was calm, but the tension in her posture betrayed her. I could tell she was ufortable seeing me here in her special ce.


    “I heard the Silverfang gardens were famed across the continent,” I said, deliberately casual. “I thought I’d see them for myself.”


    Talia didn’t smile. “The Silverfang gardens you’re referring to are at the southern wing, but you know that already.” 1


    “You got me there. The real reason I’m here is to greet you, Princess. I don’t think we had a good introduction,” I said smoothly.


    “Well, there’s no need for that and you’re not wee to roam unescorted,” Talia stated firmly.


    I tilted my head. “I thought your family valued hospitality.”


    She didn’t take the bait. “This garden is for residents of Silverfang.”


    “I’ll be here longer than most of them,” I replied with a smirk. “I merely wished to speak with you.”


    “Then speak,” Talia said curtly.


    “I heard about the rogue sightings near your border,” I said. “If you’ll allow it, I’d like to offer assistance. I suspect some of them may be connected to the ones Blood Moon is pursuing. Our enemies may be ovepping.


    She frowned and said, “Silverfang’s border is not yours to worry about.”


    “The threat might concern us both.”


    CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR


    +25 Bonus


    “Still not your jurisdiction,” Talia shot back. “We handle our territory.”


    I studied her for a moment, intrigued by her fire. “I am simply trying to help.”


    “That is honorable of you, but I’ve already told you no,” Talia said firmly. “You’re meddling in things that aren’t your concern.”


    “On the contrary, I think our concerns are more entangled than you realize.”


    Talia stepped closer. I could feel her aura rolling off her. For such a small woman, it surprisingly made the hair on the back of my neck stand. “Don’t stir up problems, Alpha Nn. You’re a guest here. And if you step out of line, my father will deal with you directly,” she warned.


    I smiled coldly. “Your father crossed the line years ago.”


    Talia’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”


    I didn’t answer immediately. I wanted her to stew in the uncertainty. I could tell she was getting impatient.


    “What do you mean?” Talia repeated.


    I smiled at her and stepped back from her. “You’ll understand when the timees,” I said atst.


    She looked at me long and hard, searching my eyes to see if I was lying. Her eyes narrowed as she realized that I wasn’t lying. She quicklyposed herself. Her expression became unreadable again.


    “Was that all?” Talia asked.


    “No, there is one more thing. I’d like to see the dungeon,” I answered.


    “Why?”


    “Blood Moon has been tracking a specific rogue you know,” I said. “The rogue has information I need. You may have already captured him and then I would be on my way. Wouldn’t that be nice? It won’t take long.”


    Talia didn’t move. I could practically hear the gears in her head turning as she assessed the risk of going into the dungeon with me alone.


    “Sorry, Alpha Nn.” She snapped.


    Finally, she turned to the nearest guard.


    “Escort Alpha Nn to the dungeon. Ensure he is supervised at all times. I have other matters to attend to,” she


    ordered.


    The guard bowed. I didn’t resist the smirk that curled on my lips as Talia turned and walked away without another


    word.


    I followed the guard out of the garden. I didn’t need to see her face again to know that Talia was already questioning her father’s decisions. And she’lle back to me looking for answers just like I nned.