Chapter 115. The Kind Of Look

At Reed Manor, Nightcrawler Pack

After a quiet lunch with Abner, his wife, and Althea, the Alpha King set his cup down and spoke in a measured voice. “I must ride out to inspect the borders. I will be gone for some time. While I am away, Althea will remain here.”

The words lit Althea’s face. Before she could think, she sprang forward and pressed a quick, impulsive kiss to his lips. Gavriel stiffened; Althea’s eyes widened as if she had been burned.

She stumbled back, cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry. I— I was carried away, Your Majesty,” she blurted, bowing her head.

Gavriel’s mouth tightened. “You still have a hangover from last night, it seems,” he said in that low, even tone that made her throat dry. Althea swallowed and lifted her face to meet his gaze. His stare pinned her, sharp and unreadable.

He turned to Abner. “Alpha Abner, I entrust Althea to your care. See that she remains safe and does not slip away. If she leaves your pack or is harme