We walked for a few minutes on foot. The area was greener and soon we stopped, spotting two men dressed casually, sunglasses on, and as if waiting for someone. Us. I could smell that they were werewolves.
“Alpha King Alejandro Rossi. It is an honour,” one of them said in accented English.
“In the flesh. I appreciate the fucking welcome,” Alejandro replied arrogantly, his Alpha aura rolling off him in waves. His voice was serious, level yet exuding so much power that it was obvious he was silently showing his status. And it was not subtle.
“Blessed Luna Kiara, it is an honour. We have heard of your powers.” I smiled graciously as they lowered their head to me.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, too,” I replied warmly.
“Our Alpha is awaiting you. Follow me,” the second man said, motioning for Alejandro to step forward, respectfully taking their place a half step behind Alejandro, whose arm was around me tightly as he led the wayinto the trees.
We didn’t need to walk far until we reached a wall surrounding some premises. It was silent, especially if it was their pack grounds. The gates opened and we were led to one of the buildings. It became obvious that it was not the living area, but more just a work area of a pack.
“Please take a seat,” one of the men said when they led us to a formal-looking lounge. Alejandro took a seat, and I followed suit.
“Our Alpha is on his way.” The man bowed, motioning to the array of refreshments that were on the table. “Please, help yourselves.” They left us alone, and I glanced around.
Don’t eat anything,Alejandro commanded through the link, just when I was about to reach for one of the yummy-looking pastries.
But they look so good,I pouted.
I’ll take you to some bakery or some shit when we’re done with this crap, so just wait. We can’t trust anyone, even if they are willing to help.His words were weighed down with seriousness and I didn’t argue. I’d hold him to that. I would make sure he got me some fresh Italian pastries.
A man who looked a lot older than Alejandro entered, a metal cane in hand. Despite his limp he held himself with arrogance.
“To have the Lycan King himself visit our pack is a great honour,” he said, his deep voice resonating in the room. The two men that had accompanied us here stood in the doorway.
“Alpha Matteo Bianchi, I appreciate the welcome,” Alejandro said, standing up. The men hugged as if they had met before, but I knew that wasn’t the case.
“Queen Luna.” He bowed his head slightly, and I bowed mine. He held his hand out and I took it. He gave it a firm shake before taking the seat opposite. The curiosity to know what was wrong with his leg intrigued me, and I was tempted to ask.
“I didn’t know you were bringing the Queen, or I would have had my daughters be here.”
“It’s fine, it was short notice for the both of us. I just appreciate the fact that you took time from your schedule for this,” Alejandro replied, his eyes cold. Watching him, it was like he was a completely different person than the one I knew. Cold, aloof, powerful…
“Then let’s get down to business. Shut the door,” he commanded his men, motioning them to leave. They bowed their heads and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind them. “So, you want to know about the Lupo Nero Pack.”
“Yes,” Alejandro responded with a nod as he took out a packet of cigarettes and, placing one between his lips, flicked his lighter on.
My heart thudded as I watched him. His eyes flicked to mine and my core knotted. Goddess, why did he have to look so handsome doing something so bad like smoking? I pouted slightly and he smirked, looking back at the other alpha as he took a drag on his cigarette.
“I’m all fucking ears,” Alejandro said, leaning back on the sofa.
“Then let me tell you. I don’t know too much, but what DeAngelo Rossi did was a heinous crime that none have forgotten. His barbaric ways shaped the future of the packs of Italy.”
Alejandro
Kiara frowned asshe listened to him. Matteo was straight to the point, and it was clear he didn’t have any hidden agenda. Well, so far, he hadn’t displayed anything strange, but I’d withhold judgement until the end of the meeting.
“DeAngelo Rossi was the most powerful alpha around, and he proclaimed himself a king of alphas, a title he took by his own means, forcing the other packs to bend to him or they would be slain. At first, many packs refused to obey, and he followed up on his threat.” Matteo frowned slightly, shaking his head. “But that was not enough. He began to interfere in other packs’ internal affairs and take women of choice for his entertainment. Many women were stolen away and never seen again.”
“He had five women over the course of time, correct?” I asked sharply. Matteo shrugged.
“He took many women, but only a few of those who he took were recorded or given any importance. Those are the ones you are most likely referring to. The fear of our women being taken, tortured, and abused the way he did, made each pack isolate themselves from other packs, not wanting anyone to see their women. Other alphas began copying the path DeAngelo had set, seeing it as a display of power.”
“That’s fucked up. The fourth woman that he took as his chosen mate, she was from a prestigious pack, correct?” I asked.
“Yes, I don’t know the name. It’s a pack that was completely wiped out. In fact, everyone thought the Lupo Nero Pack was completely annihilated in that clash as well. If you yourself hadn’t told us about the link, I would never have made the connection. In fact, when I mentioned it to someone who I thought may know of this matter, it turned out you were correct. Alfonso Rossi made the wise choice to leave, or he would have been killed by the many enemies that his father had created.” Matteo motioned to the snacks as he poured three glasses of wine. Kiara leaned over, taking one, despite the fact that I had told her not to. Although I knew she could sense a person’s intentions, I still didn’t take anything.
