Chapter 213 The Next Plan
Arabella POV:
Two black Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended cars were parked outside the Alpha residence, their polished bodies gleaming in the morning sunlight. Royal chauffeurs stood beside them, waiting patiently while almost everyone from the two households gathered to see Alpha Chris and Beta Rick off.
Today they were leaving to receive the highest honors in the kingdom.
“Just look at these cars!” Vikki exclaimed, admiring the one assigned to Rick. “The King certainly knows how to honor his guests. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Rick adjusted the cuffs of his expensive suit, looking rather pleased with himself. “His Majesty has been very generous.”
“And why shouldn’t he be?” Vikki replied proudly. “You’ve worked for this pack for years. It’s about time someone recognized your efforts.”
A few pack members standing nearby nodded in agreement, and Rick accepted their compliments with the modest expression of a man who was enjoying every second of the attention.
Not far away, Luna Ava was fussing over Chris’s collar. “I’m so proud of you,” she told him. “A personal invitation from the Lycan King! Do you realize how few Alphas receive such an honor?”
“Of course I do, Ava.” Chris laughed, gently moving her hands away. “You’ve already told me that three times this morning.”
“Well, I’ll probably tell you another three times before you leave,” She said with a flirtatious smile
Chris looked delighted, especially when one of the senior pack members approached to congratulate him.
“Blackthorn is fortunate to have an Alpha who has earned the King’s attention,” the man said respectfully.
“Thank you. I hope this visit will strengthen our relationship with the royal family,” Chris replied. I stood a little to the side, watching the two men enjoy their moment.
If only they knew.
Chris turned toward Dante, who was standing beside Vanessa, and pulled his son into a hug. “Take care of everything while I’m away, son,” he told him. “And look after Vanessa too. She shouldn’t be worrying about anything in this condition.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll handle it.”
Vanessa stood beside her husband in a pretty maternity dress, looking healthier and happier than I’d seen her in a long time. Pregnancy suited her. She had one hand resting on her growing belly while Dante kept an arm around her waist.
When she noticed me, her smile disappeared. She made a face before deliberately turning away and starting a conversation with Ava.
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I didn’t bother acknowledging her either.
“Arabella?”
I turned to find Rick approaching me, carrying himself with the confidence of a man who had just received the greatest honor of his life.
“Shouldn’t you be accompanying us?” he asked. “After all, you’re the one who conducted the audit and submitted the report.”
I gave him a small smile and shook my head. “Oh, no, Beta Rick. You two received the invitations,” I said loudly. “You are the honored guests. I’m still just a former omega. I hardly deserve an invitation like that.”
A couple of people nearby glanced my way, but I kept my smile pasted on my face. I wanted witnesses who could later confirm that I’d neither seen nor received those invitations.
“Besides, I still need to finish my final report and email it before I leave. But I’m happy that my own pack is finally getting the recognition it deserves.”
“Well said, Arabella,” Chris remarked, joining us. “You’ve done an excellent job with the audit. You were always good with numbers.”
Oh, Alpha Chris. If only you knew that numbers weren’t the only thing I was good at. I bet I could run this pack better than you ever had.
“Thank you, Alpha. The credit belongs to you and Beta Rick.” That pleased both of them, although I noticed the brief look they exchanged.
One of the chauffeurs finally stepped forward and politely informed them that it was time to leave.
Chris gave Ava one last kiss, while Rick exchanged a few words with Vikki. Then both men approached their respective cars after waving goodbye to the pack members.
“Have a wonderful visit, Alpha Chris. Bye, Dad,” Vanessa called after them. “I hope His Majesty treats you both well.”
Chris waved, and Rick gave her a satisfied nod before climbing inside.
The doors closed, and a moment later, the two Rolls-Royces began moving down the driveway. Everyone remained standing until the cars disappeared through the main gates.
I watched them go with a smile.
Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. Because while you two are busy enjoying the scenery, I have a pack to take back.
***
As the others began heading back inside, I heard Vanessa complaining to Vikki near the entrance.
“Mom, what is she still doing in my house? Now that Dad’s gone, there’s no reason for her to stay here.”
“Don’t be stupid, Vanessa,” Vikki replied impatiently. “She’s the reason your father and father-in-law received this honor in the first place. Can you please put your differences aside for a few days?”
“But Mom, you know what she’s like. The only thing she’s good at is climbing into a man’s bed. Last night Dante told me she’s gotten even more beautiful.”
I sighed when I heard that. Like father, like son. Neither of them could keep his eyes on one woman.
“Vanessa, darling!” Vikki’s annoyed voice reached my ears. “Right now, you need to focus on your health and the baby. We can deal with Dante later. Men are like that, love. You shouldn’t take these things too seriously. And don’t forget, this baby will be the next Alpha of Blackthorn! Once he’s born, your position in Dante’s life will be much stronger. So, stop worrying about Arabella and concentrate on giving this family a healthy heir.”
Next Alpha of this pack? In your dreams, girls!
I didn’t bother staying to hear the rest. Whatever Vanessa had to say about me could wait. I had something far more important to do.
Taking out my phone, I quickly typed a message. “They’ve left. Should reach the Red Line in about forty minutes.”
I hit send and slipped my phone back into my pocket.
Now all I had to do was wait for confirmation. Once those two reached the Red Line, the next part of my plan would begin. For now, I could only hope everything went exactly as we’d planned.