Chapter Thirteen

It took everything in Christian not to throw this man through a window. His growling was bad enough. His wolf was very territorial of Anna. Christian had to remind his wolf that Anna had not chosen him yet. His wolf whimpered at that. He felt the same, but his human pride wouldn't let him wallow in self-pity for long. She simply needed time. He never waited for anyone before; most people came to him. This was a first for him. He hated being in this position and enjoyed it at the same time. Yes, Anna was stimulating him in all sorts of ways. The other man's scent lingered around him; he had to leave this place before his wolf decided to track the man down. Seeing Anna now would only cause problems so he left. He planned to take this new frustration out of his father.

Alexa stood in one of Corin's guest rooms and felt out of place. The room was large enough to rent as a small one bedroom apartment. She stared at the dress Corin wanted her to wear for tonight. It was a long gold gown. She felt a slight sense of pride that she had sex with a prince, but the baggage that came with it was not fun in the slightest. She wanted to go back to her simple life of beating up wolves that got out of line and getting paid for it. Now she was a royal enforcer who would never really know freedom again. Some would call it an honor to serve a royal. She agreed, but it was not something she ever desired herself.

She knew Corin had plans for Christian and she was sure that Christian would not want any part of it. What did Corin think she was able to do? She and Christian met under heightened circumstances. She had no claim or influence in his life and they were not compatible in the slightest. He was a wealthy pretty boy, she preferred her men rugged, like the driver. Too bad the driver was an omega wolf, she thought. The driver did have the confidence of beta at least. She found that interesting.

She heard a knock on the door. Corin opened the door and stepped inside. His enforcers stood by the door. He was more powerful than his two enforcers combined, but he had them escort him anyway. The door closed behind him.

"Are you read for this evening," he asked.

"As well as I can be, my king," she said.

He smiled. He could tell she was pretending to submit to him. Only her fear kept her in line and nothing else.

"Why do you think I chose you?"

"I have no idea."

He laughed.

"I chose you because you're familiar to him. Christian will not accept his lineage easily. I believe you can help transition him into accepting me as his father."

"How could I do that?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something. You are both very skeptical people who were mistreated in your youth. He'll begin to trust you. I'm sure of it."

She wanted to ball her hands into fists, but she knew better of it. These royals were capable of anything. He could have simply asked her; she was obligated to tell him anything he wanted to know. Checking her background was just another tactic to show that he was willing to do anything to get what he wanted. She made sure to learn as much as she could from him as well. The royal enforcers and guards were known for in fighting within the ranks. Many wolves that trained their entire lives to become a royal enforcer may want to challenge her. Well, she would not be an easy target.

"Why do you care about him all of sudden?"

His eyes glowed. She immediately knelt down and bowed her head.

"Forgive me! I did not mean to offend you."

It took everything in him not to kill her for showing such disrespect. He loved his son. Contrary to how things appeared, he left his son to protect him. He had no idea his son would have been able to shift, let alone be so powerful. He had made a mistake and he planned to fix it. Christian had to accept him. After his son's open display of power, Corin's enemies would come for Christian. Corin couldn't protect Christian properly if he was not open to Corin's resources.

"My feelings for my son are not your concern. You are to protect and influence him. Nothing more. Do you understand?"

She didn't look up.

"Yes, my king."

"Good, rise and get dressed."

She stood, but kept her head down. She heard the door open and Corin walked out of her room. She never felt such anger and power before. So the king did care about his son. Things were more complicated that she thought. If Christian rejected Corin's grace, Corin would be furious. Someone would have to pay for it and she was sure it would be her. She looked back at the dress. She had to make Christian understand his new place in the world.

Taylor drove Christian to Corin's estate. Christian noticed how the woods surrounded the area. The wolves here had many miles to run and hunt as they pleased. His own wolf wanted to run there. He told his wolf no. His wolf huffed. He didn't plan to stay long. He wanted to hear what excuse his father had for abandoning them and leave it at that. He had his own family now. He had parents that loved him and siblings he could count on. He didn't need Corin Dunn in the slightest. He didn't want to have a relationship with a man that would summon him instead of meeting him himself. No, he was not one of his subjects. He would remain respectful, but he did not plan to submit to anyone.

Taylor pulled up to a large gate. A wolf dressed as an unassuming security guard walked to Taylor's window. Taylor rolled down his window and the back seat window. When the guard saw Christian, he immediately lowered his eyes and said they could enter. The guard signaled the other guard to open the door.

Taylor drove the car up to the entrance of the estate and parked the car. Christian asked Taylor to wait there. Taylor reluctantly waited in the car. He looked around at the mansion. He would not be able to do much anyway. He turned off the ignition and closed his eyes. He could feel the various wolves' eyes on him. He didn't care. If he was dead, he was dead. He doubted he was in danger since he was employed by their boss' son.

Christian walked into the mansion and was greeted by a male and female enforcer. They both bowed their heads to him before greeting him. The bowing was getting old real quick. Respect had to be earned so he knew they were just bowing to him because they were required to do it. He was never a fan of false pleasantries.

"This way Prince Christian," said the male enforcer.

"Call me Mr. Grey," said Christian.

Both enforcers looked at each other and kept walking.

Christian heard three other heartbeats and smelled food. His father was planning to have dinner with him. He should have known; he was invited here early evening. The doors were opened by two wolf servants inside. They bowed their heads to him. He nodded and stood by the door. Corin, Alexa and another woman stood from the large long table. Christian was confused to see Alexa there.

"I'm glad you're here, Christian," said Corin.

"Where do I sit," asked Christian.

"Next to me please," said Corin.

Corin stood at the front of the table, the other woman stood at his right. Alexa stood a chair away on the left. So, he would be sitting by her? What was his father playing at? Christian walked toward the seat and they wall sat down.

"This is my wife, Sierra."

"It's nice to meet you," said Christian.

"Likewise," said Sierra.

No one in the room believed her. He sincerely felt for her. It must be hard sitting across from her husband's love child. He never cheated on a woman. He was always honest with her and upfront about what he wanted. Anna was the first woman he ever wanted to be with. The thought shocked him a little.

"You've met Alexa," said Corin.

Christian looked at Alexa. Alexa took a sip of her wine.

"Yes, we have met before," said Christian.

"Good, well, let's eat," said Corin.

Christian really wanted to get on with it, but there were females present. He was raised to be a gentleman so he would behave for now. He wanted more than anything to figure out what his father wanted and move on with his life. Then he smelled the medium rare steak along with various side dishes. Both he and his wolf almost salivated over it.

"I hope you like the food," said Corin.

Christian smiled. He wasn't going to lie.

"It smells delicious," said Christian.

Corin was proud of himself and smiled. If Corin knew the truth, Christian would have disappointed Corin. Any wolf would love the chance to eat well seasoned meat. As they ate in silence, Christian was more interested in why a local bouncer was seated at the table. Did his father think Alexa was an interest of his? His father was severely mistaken.

"So, Christian; how's work," asked Corin.

Christian bristled at the question.

"Work is fine. I'm looking into other markets and my other venues are doing well."

Corin was proud of Christian. He was a born leader, like his father. He took charge and got results. He could have lived off his adoptive parents like his brother, Elliot, but he made his own way. Christian deserved every bit of his alpha status. Corin wanted him to accept his birthright as well. He would make a fine ruler one day.

"Christian, after dinner I would like to talk to you in private."

Finally, Christian thought.

"Yes, I think that would be more appropriate."

Corin didn't like his son's tone. Was he challenging him? Sierra held Corin's hand. Corin looked at her and calmed down. He squeezed her hand. Corin needed to address his son sooner rather than later.

"Dessert can wait," said Corin. "Christian come with me now."

Corin stood to leave. Christian took the cloth napkin from his lap, wiped his mouth and stood. Corin kissed his wife. Christian didn't give Alexa a second glance. Both men walked out of the room.

"Like father, like son," said Sierra bitterly.

Alexa ignored the comment and kept her head down. Sierra poured herself a full glass of wine and drunk it in one gulp.

Corin and Christian walked into what looked like Corin's office. Corin and Christian stood in the room and stared at each other. Corin hadn't had a young wolf look in him the eye without permission for over a century.

"You have so much to learn, son."

"I only came here to protect my family."

"I'm your family."

Christian shook his head. The next thing Christian knew, Christian was pushed up against a wall by his father. His father's eyes glowed. Christian's eyes glowed as well. Christian tried to push Corin away from him, but Corin was too strong. Corin was holding Christian against the wall with one hand.

"You will respect me," Corin growled out.

"Go ahead and kill me then. If that's what you want. You're not going to get anything from me," said Christian.

Corin raised his free hand; his nails were already extended as claws. Christian closed his eyes. If this was his fate so be it. Corin snarled and pushed Christian away from him. Christian held his neck and thought about Elliot. He'd work on controlling his anger around him more. Both of their eyes stopped glowing. Corin's claws transformed into a human hand.

"I could never kill you, Christian. You know that."

"Just tell me you want?"

"I want you to take your place as my son."

Thanks for reading! So it seems that Corin isn't as cold hearted as he appears to be. Maybe it's a pride thing with him as well. Would Corin have revealed himself to Christian if Christian didn't display his power at the Blue Lounge?

Alexa will not be Christian's love interest. She's only there a tool for Corin at this point. Christian only has eyes for Anna.

As always, I appreciate any reviews and constructive criticism. Thank you for staying with me! There is more to come.