Chapter 176

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 176 Rogues

After the exertions of the morning, both Ann and Adam had napped briefly before making their way to

the dining hall and grabbing some lunch, before heading down to Bartholomew’s office for a meeting

that had been scheduled, only to find Lexi already there.

Ann marveled at the way that Lexi had seemingly grown fond of this particular Elder and was happy to

let her guard down around him. The fact that she was reclined so comfortably in an unfamiliar place

and clutching a drink in her hand so casually made Ann incredibly happy.

There were very few places where Lexi was truly accepted for who she was, and after initially being

concerned that she would encounter a lot of difficulties here as well, she was pleased to have been

proven wrong. “Oh, wonderful! I’m pleased you came! I’ve been boring Lexi with tales of my past

exploits for longer than she has cared to imagine I’m sure!” Bartholomew chuckled as he stood to greet

them.

“He’s a filthy liar! “Lexi interjected casually with a wave of her hand, “I’m not bored at all. In fact, I could

probably spend the rest of my days listening to tales of his adventurous youth.”

“Ah, you humor an old man, my dear. I’m sure your father has far more interesting tales to tell from his

youth, after all, what could possibly compare to a Daemon Lord’s exploits.” He chuckled, mildly

embarrassed by her open praise.

Lexi snorted.

“Yeah, if he could actually remember half of what he did, I’m sure it would be fascinating. I suppose it’s

one of the downfalls of living an obscenely long life.”

“I’m just pleased to see you happy, Lexi.” Ann grinned as she sat down opposite her. “It would have

been a different story entirely if you had seen me a few hours ago,” Lexi muttered as she sipped her

coffee slowly.

“Really? What happened? Are you okay?” Ann asked, suddenly concerned.

“I’m sure you’ll hear about it eventually. It’s no big deal though. Well, not right now anyway. I’ll chat to

you about it when we get some girly time, okay?” She replied with a half smile and a look full of

meaning.

Instantly, Ann understood that her problem was more than likely involving a man, romantically would be

her best guess, and as much as she wanted to know right now, there was other business to attend to.

“Bartholomew, you wanted to discuss something with us? About an envoy was it?” Ann asked leaning

back leisurely and taking hold of Adam’s hand.

“Yes. Actually, it’s an Alpha from a neighboring Kingdom. His father is a high-ranking noble over there,

and the territory that he is responsible for borders our kingdom. There have been a lot of issues in

regards to rogue attacks along

some of the smaller settlements that dot either side of the border.” Bartholomew explained carefully.

“Rogue attacks? But we haven’t had issues with rogues for years.” Ann exclaimed in surprise. “Not

since we moved to begin integrating the independents in the major cities”

“That is true, my Queen, however, there are some breakaway factions that refuse to sit quietly and live

under the rule of what they see as just another pack.” Bartholomew sighed.

“So they are actively refusing to live comfortably, in safety?” Adam asked a little incredulously.

Bartholomew chuckled.

“You must remember that for us, it is comfortable in this kingdom. We thrive on order and rules and

laws and expectations, but that is not true for all beings. Some wish to be truly free to live as they

please…” “Murdering, pillaging, and taking what they see as theirs?” Adam snorted as the jaw in his

muscle began clenching tightly.

“The way of the ancient wolves, yes. Where the strongest survive and the weak are a burden. It is not

an easy life by any means, and one must question why they choose it so freely…”

“Bullshit. You don’t have to question a thing.” Lexi interjected, “Just round them up and chuck them in

for sentencing. Surely it’s safer that way?”

“Ah, but then who will try them for their crimes, hmm? Our kingdom for the crimes they committed here,

or our neighbor’s kingdom for the crimes they committed there?”

Lexi looked at him incredulously. “Are you for real? Can’t one of you just try them first and then send

them to the other kingdom to face trial there?”

“And would that be before or after sentencing? And who goes first? What about the current extradition

treaties? As rogues they are technically stateless, so how should we proceed with that knowledge? You

know…” “Doesn’t matter!” Lexi said loudly, “I suddenly decided that I don’t give a shit.”

Ann laughed despite herself and Lexi glanced across at her with a withering look. “I don’t know why

you do it to yourself, Ann. f‘****g politics and politicians and diplomacy,” she said as she shuddered “I

don’t know why you can’t just round them up and kill them, or at least imprison them, senseless attacks

would stop, there’s scum off the streets and everyone’s happy.”

‘I agree with Lexi’s ‘smash everything until they do what we want’, policy.” Maeve smirked. ‘Maeve we

can’t! How does that make us any better than them?!’ Ann answered in exasperation as Maeve yawned

loudly while she explained.

‘Fine. They want to live like primal wolves, then let the males face the Alpha’s Justice, and the females

can face the Luna’s justice.’ Maeve shrugged nonchalantly. ‘That way, you’re only giving them what

they want.’

Ann shuddered involuntarily.

‘Maeve, there is a reason that was outlawed.’ Ann admonished quietly.

‘Yeah, there’s also a reason that the independents integrated into a stable society, but if these rogue

wannabes want to live by the old rules I think we should let them.’ Maeve snorted.

“Everything okay, Ann?” Bartholomew asked as her face gradually sank into an expression of

apprehension. “Yeah, I’m fine, Bartholomew, thank you for asking though.” Ann smiled apologetically, “I

was just explaining to Maeve why her solution of the Alpha’s justice wasn’t appropriate.”

“What’s that?” Lexi frowned.

Ann sighed heavily and glanced sideways at Adam before continuing. “It’s essentially a public

execution.” “Oh. Well, if murdering is in their Modus Operandi, then ya know, an eye for an eye and all

that.” Lexi nodded approvingly, “I like your style Maeve.” Ann snorted.

“Funnily enough Maeve also said she approved of your idea. She called it your ‘smash everything until

they do what we want’, policy.”

“Dear Goddess, if those two were ever politicians together imagine the havoc…” Adam muttered under

his breath in disgusted awe as he glanced across at Bartholomew.

“I think both Maeve and I would like to call it organized chaos and compliance…” Lexi sniggered.