Page 50 of The Alpha King's Mate

“First order of business. Rory McClellan is refusing to let his parents visit his pups. An anonymous report was filed by an onlooker—he was seen in his yard, striking the youngest child.”

Aliana gasped and turned to me. I found her hand and squeezed it.

“Observe for now, and trust me,” I whispered, feeling her pain for the pup radiate through the bond.

“He’s a repeat offender, Alpha. We tried rehabilitation through therapy. The mate bond has weakened substantially.”

“Has Hailey made a statement?” I asked.

Jarin glanced at the paperwork before answering.

“She would like to reject their bond.”

“Granted. His drinking and prior conduct are not conducive to our values. The pups remain with her, effective immediately—full custody, no visitation for him unless she petitions otherwise. Ensure she has proper access to the community fund, and inform all four grandparents they may see the children as they wish. Mark Rory McClellan for exile. Next.”

Aliana’s grip loosened on my thigh as she relaxed.

Everyone groaned when the next case turned out to be the two old coots warring over vegetable-patch sabotage. Ten years hadn’t resolved their feud, and they were both too old to exile.

There weren’t many cases left before the session moved to my inner circle. Aliana stayed quiet throughout, but she watched everyone closely, and at some point she’d started compiling notes of her own.

I didn’t attempt to hide my smile. Her natural curiosity would draw her into her role without me having to utter a single word.

???

The six warriors who remained all waited for me to speak.

“Since our mating ceremony was cut short, I’d like to hold a smaller gathering to celebrate our union. This means inviting four of the main packs. Same security measures as before.”

I glanced at Aliana, who was trying to stifle a yawn.

“My Queen deserves recognition,” I said, before leaning in to whisper.“The night will end very differently this time.”

She smiled and leaned into me.

“Which four?” Rev asked.

“Moonscar, Wintercrest, Everpine, and Grimclaw.”

“Grimclaw?” Jax asked, frowning.

“Their conduct meets the bare minimum for our laws, which means we keep a closer eye on them. Diplomacy first, with the larger packs.”

I was about to suggest a date when Malakh began to sniff.

My lips parted as the scent hit me a second later—warm and rich and utterly unmistakable. I shoved my chair back and hauled Aliana off hers, settling her onto my lap. My arms clamped around her, some useless instinct to shield her from six fully grown warriors who’d just gone rigid at the same table.

Rev moved first. His chair went over backward, clattering against the floor.

“Out. Everyone out!” he bellowed, already halfway to standing.

The rest took one sniff and started shoving each other toward the door like the building was on fire.

Rev’s car keys skidded across the table—flung, not handed—before he bolted after the others.

“What’s happening?” my mate asked, blinking up at me, utterly clueless.

“Your heat is beginning,” I said, leaning in to breathe her in properly.