Chapter 43

ANSEL POV

Two Weeks Later

“I can’t believe you managed to not only get rid of our bearmen problem but also protect our workers as they rebuilt the barrier to keep the witches out,” King Alfred said as he shook Ansel’s hand.

Ansel nodded. “I’m glad that we could be of service. My only gripe is that we could not get things done quicker for you.”

King Alfred scoffed. “Please, it was the fault of my own men. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that they were in your way. I saw how effortlessly your men pull those bearmen apart the moment I made my men retreat. I don’t know what type of training you do in Blue Moon, but perhaps we should follow suit.” He nudged his head at Henry. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to ask for the past two weeks. Are you sure that is one man?”

Ansel stifled his laugh. “Yes, I’m positive Henry is one person, though believe me, you’re not the first to ask.”

“I’m not surprised.” He peered at Henry, who was sharpening his sword. “I don’t think he needs that, if I’m honest. I watched him rip one of the bearmen right down the middle, then twist another like a wet rag.”

Unable to hold it in, Ansel let out a chuckle, causing Henry to raise his head and look their way. “Henry, could you come here for a moment?” he asked.

Standing, Henry joined them, and King Alfred stared at him in awe. “By God, you’re even taller up close,” he murmured. Henry gave him a belly deep, infectious laugh that made the others join.

“Alpha Alfred, I know you two met in passing, but allow me to formally introduce you to Henry, my new second-in-command. The news will be announced at the upcoming Blue Moon ball.”

“A wonderful selection,” Alpha Alfred said, and the two men shook hands.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Alfred. I want to personally thank you for your hospitality.”

“I’m glad you all enjoyed your stay and again thank you for helping us on such short notice.”

“Is that Ansel that I hear?” Cherry said as she entered the hall. She stood at Ansel’s side and pouted her pink, glossed lips. “I can’t believe you were going to leave without saying goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” Ansel said dryly, and Henry folded his lips.

She sucked her teeth. “Ugh, I wish we had more time together. It’s been a blast showing everyone in Moon Shadow how honored I am to have such a noble and brave man by my side.”

Ansel furrowed his brow and took a step ahead of her. Turning his attention back to her father, he continued their conversation.

“Alpha Alfred, now that things are settled, I want to ensure before I leave here that our alliance is still intact.”

“After all that you’ve done? Moon Shadow and Blue Moon’s alliance will be maintained for years to come.”

Ansel nodded. “Great and I also hope it is with the understanding that this alliance is rooted in mutual respect and desire to reunite the werewolf species and not out of familial obligation.” From his peripherals, he saw Cherry’s lips part as she prepared to speak.

“That goes without say,” Alpha Alfred said, beating her to the punch. “As far as I’m concerned, no more negotiations need to be discussed.” Cherry scowled at her father and stalked away. He sighed. “Please excuse Cherry. I adore her, but I’ve come to realize that I’ve doted on her too much. She’s not accustomed to not getting her way.”

“No harm,” Ansel said. “We really should be going.” Shaking hands with the king, Ansel and his men made their way to the doors of the castle.

“Boss, do you think we can stop at a gift shop before we leave? I need to pick out a hair pin for Maggie.”

Ansel smirked. “Who would have imagined a man that a king fears would turn into such a puddle for his wife?” Henry matched his smirk and looked at Ansel’s wrist. Seeing him, Ansel cleared his throat and lowered his sleeve. “We can stop,” he mumbled. “It is tradition, after all.”

“That it is,” Henry replied, muffling his laugh. “Oh, and it took everything in me not to laugh at the egg on Princess Cherry’s face,” he said. “I don’t think she will ever forget that.”

Ansel shrugged. “It needed to be said. Maybe now that her father stated it as well, she will finally get it through her head.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Henry replied, frowning as they approached Cherry, who stood at the front of the castle door.

“Take the men and load everything for our departure.”

“Yes, sir.” Henry ushered the other gammas out of the castle.

Folding his arms over his chest, Ansel sighed. “This song and dance is getting pretty old, don’t you think, Cherry?” he said.

She exhaled sharply. “I can’t believe you turned my father against me.”

“I didn’t turn anyone against you. You’ve done that on your own. By the day, your mask slips and those around you see what I always have.”

“How dare you?!” she raged, and Ansel scoffed.

“We’re done here. Excuse me, I need to get back to my men.”

“And your little whore?” Cherry said and sneered when Ansel's body went rigid. “How is producing an heir with her going? Hopefully, the little incident we had didn’t leave her too broken. Or maybe it’s not an issue with her. You were always one to not finish what he started.”

Ansel took a step toward her, and the muscles in his jaw tightened. “Tread lightly, Cherry,” he said. “This isn’t the road of sparring you want to travel.” She swallowed her spit at the rage on his face. Ansel moved past her and opened the door to the castle.

“You’ll never produce an heir, Ansel,” she said behind him.

He chuckled, though his anger was clear. “Maybe not, but it’s been a hell of a lot of fun trying with my mate,” he said. “She just has this uncanny way of effortlessly doing things that others failed to, no matter how hard they tried.” Facing her, he grinned devilishly at her mouth hanging open. “Thank you for your hospitality, Cherry, but I really should be going,” he said. “I need to get back to Blue Moon. Our future Luna is waiting for me.”

“Did you see the thing he had around his wrist?” one of the gammas asked another. “I think it has flowers on it.” He cocked his head back. “You should have seen how protective he was over it. I bet my life that he got it from the girl that lives with him.”

“Mind your tongue,” another said. “The last thing you need is for the boss to hear you.”

“As if he is worried about our conversations. All he seems to think about is her. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still the great leader that he’s always been, but come on, when has he ever worn anything like that? If you ask me, sir, has turned into a smiley loverboy and sex maniac.”

Grabbing the gamma by his collar, Henry jerked him to him. “Didn’t you hear the warning you were given? Mind your tongue. You are not here to question the actions of the boss unless they directly affect your wellbeing.”

“I don’t know, Henry, perhaps my bedroom affairs do directly affect his wellbeing,” Ansel said, startling them. The gamma fell in line, and he peered at each of them. His stoic expression left them with a sinking feeling. “I mean, why else would he feel the need to discuss things that aren’t his business?” Standing in front of the gamma, Ansel bore his yellow eyes into him. “Does my bedroom affairs directly affect your wellbeing?”

“N-no sir.”

“Hm, well then, I find myself at a loss.” He leaned back and looked at the others. “On second thought, never mind. I realize the real issue here. You all are bored and need additional work. Well, when we return, I promise to take that into consideration when we’re on the training grounds.” He patted the gamma on his back hard. “Thank you for bringing the needs of your squad to my attention. Because of you, they will receive the additional attention from me they feel was lacking.” Angry glares covered the others’ faces, all centered at the gamma who shrank. Ansel joined Henry at his side. “I guess this is a great time as any to introduce you all to your second-in-command. I’m putting him in charge of your training for the week.” Their eyes widened, and Ansel nodded his head. “Yes, I know Henry can be a little rough, but I’m sure he’ll be kind since you’ve done nothing to piss him off.”

Henry grinned. “Yeah boys, I’m in a great mood,” he said. He gripped into the gamma’s shoulder, and he winced. “I hope you know you’re getting it the worse. I’m going to work you until you’re too exhausted to run your mouth about the boss or Lady Karin.”

Henry released him and caught up with Ansel.

“Nice going you fucking idiot,” one of the gammas said. Each slapped him on the back of his head and grumbled as they got in the cars to make their way back to Blue Moon.