SMERTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY SEVEN


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    CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY SEVEN


    Talia’s POV


    I arrived at the dining hall with Leslie on my right side and Colin on my left. Nn walked behind us with a solemn expression as he was stewing with anger. Before we stepped inside, I stopped and looked at both Alphas.


    “What’s wrong?” Colin asked.


    “I am warning you both,” I said. “If either of you start another argument during dinner, I swear I will have you thrown out. Do you understand?”


    Colin nodded and said, “I have no intention of arguing.”


    Nn gave a short answer. “Neither do I.”


    Leslie let out augh under her breath. Nn red at her. “What’s so funny?” he asked.


    “You two look like lost pups following her around,” Leslie said.


    Colin’s ears reddened, and Nn’s jaw tightened. I let out a sigh. “If you think trying to get them in trouble will get you out of this, it won’t. Leslie it won’t work. I won’t kick you out even if you pour wine on me.”


    “Can’t hurt a girl for trying,” Leslie muttered.


    I rolled my eyes and pushed the door open.


    Father sat at the head of the table. Solon sat to his right, probably talking about something dealing with the borders. They both looked up when we entered.


    I expected Father to be angry or at least surprised to see Nn; however, he didn’t even flinch. Solon, on the other hand, was caught off guard. His eyes widened slightly and then he forced a polite smile.


    “Come in,” Father said as he waved us over. “We have been waiting for you.”


    The servants moved quickly to show us our seating arrangements. Father pointed to the seats he had chosen. To my disappointment, he ced me between Colin and Nn.


    It was apparent now. Father either knew Nn was my mate or he assumed he was. Putting me in between Colin and Nn allowed him to observe every small reaction.


    Colin and Nn both stared at the seat. It seemed they both realized what my father was trying to do. They seemed to be a little more on edge. They both reached for my chair at the same time, but Nn got his hand on it first.


    Nn smirked at Colin, Colin’s jaw flexed as he red at Nn. I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t believe they were going to argue over something as little as this.


    “I can seat myself,” I said quickly.


    Nn stepped back. Colin lowered his hand. Leslie covered her mouth as she was trying not tough again. I really wanted to tell her to shut up but I wanted to keep the peace, so I red at her as I sat down.


    Once everyone sat, Father said, “Before we eat, I want to properly greet all my guests. Healer Leslie, I am d you came.”


    Leslie smiled politely and said, “Thank you for inviting me.”


    “Do you n to stay at Silverfang?” Father asked. His blunt questions surprised me. I expected my father to at least have small talk before he started asking questions.


    Leslie cleared her throat nervously and replied, “I do not enjoy busy ces. I n to return to Windpaw after Princess Talia chooses her mate.”


    CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & SIXTY SEVEN


    +25 Bonus


    Father nodded slowly. “That is understandable,” he said. “However, since you have a mate, you have every right to remain in Silverfang if you wish.”


    Leslie’s eyes widened before her mouth dropped. Her head snapped towards Solon, who suddenly wanted to count the threads in the tablecloth.


    “Did you tell him?” Leslie asked sharply. “Are you trying to force me to stay?”


    Solon held up his hands and quickly said, “No. I did not say anything.”


    “Then how did he know?” Leslie demanded.


    I cleared my throat which made Leslie focus her attention on me. “No one told father anything. Father assumed and your panic attack just proved his assumption was correct,” I exined awkwardly.


    Leslie went quiet. She looked down for a moment topose herself and then sighed as she leaned back in her seat.


    “I do not want to stay here, my Majesty,” Leslie said, her voice sharp. “I will go home. Even if you locked me up to stop me, I’d still find a way to escape.”


    I groaned inwardly at her bluntness. Why did Leslie always jump to the most extreme conclusions? My father would never act


    like that.


    Before I could intervene, Colin spoke up. “Healer Leslie meant no disrespect, my Majesty. She only means that Windpaw is her home, not Silverfang.”


    Thankfully, my father didn’t look offended. Relief flickered in his eyes, reced quickly by concern. “There is no disrespect. Healer Leslie has a very real concern,” he said firmly. “No one here seeks to force you to stay, I assure you.”


    I noticed Nn leaning back, a faint smirk ying at his lips. He seemed to be enjoying the tension a little too much, but I couldn’t call him out-there was already enough drama tonight.


    Solon leaned closer to Leslie, his voice low but earnest. “Is there any way I can convince you to stay? Any demands I could meet to keep you from leaving?”


    Leslie froze, caughtpletely off guard. From his tone, it was clear he meant it. He really wanted to know. He wanted to make their rtionship work.


    After a moment of consideration, Leslie finally said, “I have just one.”


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