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#CHAPTER 4: A Question Of Trust

  • LILLY'S POV *

"…look into Lilly," Adam says on the other side of the half-open door. I can't see anyone inside, but I can hear him talking to someone.

"Why do you care about her past anyway? You seem quite concerned about your new little Luna," the other man says.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm just being prudent. My little Luna, as you called her, is merely a replacement for Gloria. She's a substitute and a distraction, that's all," he says, and my chest tightens at his words.

If only Adam loved me as much as he loved Gloria.

If only he could love me as much as I love him…


We may live in an era of Kings and Princesses, but this is not a fairytale. This is the modern world.

While Alpha King may not live in a castle, Adam's home is nothing short of royal. He resides in the penthouse of the Regency Hotel. The Alpha King owns the entire building, of course, and many of the members of our pack work or live in the magnificent hotel.

Still, with all the servants, employees, and subjects at his disposal, I did not mind working to maintain our home. The maids and cooks have actually started coming to the penthouse less since I married Adam, which seems to please him. With all the things he has to worry about as King, it's the least I can do to help out.

But today, as I'm humming to myself and cleaning the kitchen, Adam pulls me aside.

"Lilly, I have a meeting with some of my generals later today. I want you to come along," he announces, and his golden eyes take on a serious tone. "It's an important meeting, and I would like you by my side, understood?"

"Are you sure?" I ask in surprise. I've never been invited to any meetings before. Pack business usually only involves the Alpha King, the Elders, and the highest-ranking pack members.

"Well, you are the Nightfang Pack's Luna now," he reminds me with a raised eyebrow. "Pack business is your business too."

I'd be honored.

"Okay," I nod gratefully and set down the broom in my hands, letting it rest against the counter. "When do we go?"

"Now," Adam replies, and he nods his head toward the door. "Are you ready?"

"Let me get my shoes," I say quickly.

Five minutes later, I've taken off my apron and dusted myself off, and I'm ready to go out the door, but Adam stops me at the doorway. He examines me for a moment, and then my breath quickens as he reaches towards my hair. He swiftly pulls out the long silvery clip I'd used to pin my hair into a loose bun. The elegant, long black braid unfurls and drapes over my shoulder. I look up at Adam in surprise, and for a second, it looks like he might almost be smiling. He gives me a nod of approval.

"That's better," he says.

After that, I spend the day helping Adam with everything he needs. I seem to fall into the role of his secretary, spending my time taking notes and listening carefully to what goes on during the day.

As the week passes, I continue assisting Adam and learning more about the Nightfang Pack. My pack. It's refreshing to be involved, and I'm glad to help Adam with anything he needs. Although I know I don't deserve it, I long for him to trust me, and I want to get to know him better. Working with him seems to be helping.

I can't help the joy and a faint sense of pride that he's trusting me this way. I never would have expected to have this much access to pack matters and politics. It's the first time I've been allowed to learn and participate in things like this, and it's been a privilege. I work diligently, enjoying the time I spend in his company.

"No, if we do that, we'll be spreading our military resources too thin," Adam says to the generals.

I write down the arguments as it happens, as per his instructions. Even while working, I can't help but find moments to look at him. I sneak a glance whenever I dare, admiring the strength of his posture and the cleverness in his amber eyes. His wavy brown hair is loosely brushed back, framing his handsome face. He's clean-shaven and sharp, with elegant cheekbones and an angular jaw. He looks perfectly regal, like a lion, as much as he is a wolf.

"If we don't, it might appear weak. Your tactics need to be more aggressive," one of the generals says.

Adam holds his head high, a king in his own right. His tone is convincing and commanding when he speaks.

"We will not endanger the innocents of my pack and my kingdom. We must ensure the safety of the elderly, the ill, and the children. The duty of leaders is to protect those who cannot protect themselves."


After the meeting in the council hall, Adam and I go our separate ways as he wraps up some pack business. I head out for fresh air, but Edgar approaches me. He grabs me by the arm and drags me off to the side, out of sight and earshot.

"You have some explaining to do," he growls at me angrily. "Seems like the Alpha King is walking around just fine. I thought I made myself clear that he should be poisoned by now. Why isn't his wolf dead?" "Uncle, please," I gasp. "Things have been… busy."

"Busy? I warned you that if you failed me, your father would suffer the consequences. Is that really what you want?"

"No!" I say urgently, searching for an excuse. "There's no need to rush, uncle. Let me have some time with the Alpha King. As his wife, I could learn his secrets and pass them on to you. You don't need to poison him in such a hurry. Please."

Edgar flings me away, letting go of my arm at last.

"Find out what he's planning. I need more information about whatever is going on with the pack. You may remain glued to his side to uncover whatever he is up to and tell me."

"You must be patient," I plead. "Adam does not trust me with important matters yet, but he will one day."

My blatant lie seems to satisfy Edgar.

"Fine," he replies with a huff. "But get close to him however you can. I expect information soon, and your father's life depends on it. If you fail me, you will die with him."


As I walk through Regency Hotel towards the penthouse, I spot Adam and Kay in the lobby. I'm about to wave over at them when I recognize the voice from the other day. That must be Adam's Beta, Kay.

"Speaking of which, you lost the bet," Adam tells Kay.

"You seem overconfident."

"Well? Did you find anything?" Adam insists with a cocky little smirk.

"No; I followed Lilly around, but I didn't notice anything remarkable. I found nothing suspicious about her past," Kay admits. "What about you? Did you find anything?"

"No. And not for lack of trying," Adam says. "I gave Lilly every opportunity to betray me. I set it all up. I had her accompany me in meetings, instructed her to take notes on secret information, and yet none of it surfaced. She remains loyal to our pack and me."

I feel the crushing weight of understanding. I'd believed Adam trusted me, but it's all been a test! I thought he believed in me enough to include me. He even had his Beta investigate me.

But he doesn't trust me.

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