Chapter 22 " I've built my own alliances without the need for such ceremonies , Nelfas . " I let the words hang , hoping he'd take the hint and leave . But something about the way he hesitated told me there was more he hadn't said yet . He cleared his throat , shifting slightly as a sly smile spread across his lips . " Alpha Colleen will be there . " I felt my muscles tighten at the name . Alpha Colleen . Now that ... that was interesting . I leaned forward slightly , my eyes narrowing . " Colleen , you say ? " Nelfas nodded , his expression hopeful , sensing a shift in my interest . " Yes , he rarely makes appearances at these things , but word is , he's coming this time . Rumors say he's been seeking new alliances as well , after some ... upheavals in his territory . " Alpha Colleen is one Alpha who I could say can compare to me in a way or two . He is one who doesn't seek alliance , just like me . His pack was powerful - ruthless in battle , feared even among the strongest . An alliance with him could tilt the balance in more ways than one . And if he was in a vulnerable position ... all the more reason to exploit it . " Go on , " I said , finally uncrossing my arms and sitting up straighter . Nelfas smiled , encouraged , but I wasn't focused on him anymore . The gears were turning in my mind . Alpha Colleen is actually the key to something far greater . Nelfas went on , his voice filled with excitement now . " With Colleen there , everyone will be vying for his attention . But your reputation precedes you , Parthe . You could very well be the one he looks to for an alliance . It's an opportunity to strengthen your position among the Alphas . " Alpha Nelfas's words were still sinking in when the heavy doors of the courtroom creaked open , interrupting the conversation . It was Nevada . The head of the maids and mother to one of my mistresses , Zendaya . She led the maids in with some refreshments for our guest . Nevada was such a hardworking woman . Too bad her daughter didn't take over from her . 1/3 ໆ O 22 22 T ||| 11:37 Fri , Aug 22 G Chapter 22 - Her daughter , Zendaya , is quite the opposite of her too weak and fragile . 59 % I noticed something wrong the moment Nevada stepped into the courtroom . She froze the moment she laid eyes on Nelfas . Her face paled , her lips parting ever so slightly as though the air had been knocked out of her . The tray in her hands wobbled precariously , but she managed to steady it before any disaster struck . Nelfas , too , froze in place , his previous enthusiasm draining from his face . I narrowed my eyes , watching the two of them with keen interest . This was no coincidence . I might not keep friends , but I knew when there was something more beneath the surface . And this ... this was something . I let the silence linger , letting the discomfort settle in before I spoke . " Do you two know each other ? " Nelfas was the first to move , too quick , too eager to speak . " No ! " His voice was louder than it needed to be , and his eyes darted from Nevada to me , clearly hoping to quash the question before it could gain any traction . " I don't know her . " His words were sharp , but there was something in them that didn't sit right . The way his eyes lingered on Nevada , filled with something that looked suspiciously like regret ... or guilt . I glanced at Nevada , who stood frozen , her eyes wide and glassy as though she were holding back something dangerous . Her lips pressed together , and after a heartbeat of hesitation , she nodded slowly , her face carefully blank . " Of course not , Alpha , " she said , her voice steady , but her eyes betrayed her . Hurt flickered in their depths before she masked it again , lowering her head as she turned away . I leaned back in my chair , steepling my fingers together , my eyes never leaving Nelfas . " This meeting is over , Nelfas . You may leave . 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