Contracted to the Uncrowned King novel Chapter 5

Violet

The Uncrowned King?

I went still. There was only one Theodore Nightshade I knew of. He was the alpha of the Midnight pack. He was known to be a ruthless, cunning, and cold playboy. Some said he was a tyrant, but he was also the brother of the current alpha king. I wasn’t clear about all the reasons he had gotten the title of the uncrowned king, but I knew enough to know that it was dangerous for me to even consider what he might say. There were always whispers that he was plotting treason, but no proof. The Donovan family had always been loyal to the crown. Everyone knew that so it would be odd for him to be trying to reach out for that purpose.

So, what could he want?

A part of me held out hope that he was calling me about something that may benefit Darkmoon. Midnight was the largest pack and the most influential, politically speaking. In my current state, it was better to make more alliances than not.

“What an unexpected honor to hear from the Alpha of Midnight. What can I do for you?”

“It's more like what I can do for you, Alpha Violet.” He purred in a way that made me shiver. If I had ever had any doubt about the

rumors about his charisma, they were gone now. “I want to make a deal, and I hear you're a woman who never passes up a deal. Not a good one, anyway.”

That gave me pause. A deal? What could midnight possibly want from Darkmoon that it couldn’t get elsewhere? Nothing came to mind immediately, so it had to be that he knew what kind of situation Darkmoon was in right now. I could hope that maybe he didn't know all the details, but he definitely knew enough to make an offer. He wasn't stupid enough not to gather information about any pack that could potentially stand in his way or be a good ally later. And the Donovans were prominent. Maybe he had called me to try and make an ally against the throne of me, but I had my doubts about that.

“Typically, no, I wouldn’t turn down a deal… It’s interesting that you’re calling me, though.”

He laughed. “It's come to my attention that you're in a bit of trouble.”

“Trouble?”

“With that window dressing, not knowing his place.” He tutted. “While I'm sure you could eventually figure out a way out of it without my help, I do know how much easier things could go with my help.”

“I’m not going to pretend that I don’t agree, but no one offers something for nothing… especially not the alpha of Midnight.”

“I see my reputation proceeds me. Good. I had no intention of offering something or anything for nothing.”

“So, what is it that you plan to offer, and what is it that you want?”

“We'll speak more about it in detail after you prove that you're worth the help. I am a man of principle, after all. I'm not going to help someone who won't even bother to try and help themselves or who is unworthy of the help. I think you at least can agree with that principle.”

I set my jaw. “I can… but I doubt you want to interview me or give me a test.”

He chuckled. “Nothing so simple. I’ve already had a glance through Darkmoon’s portfolio while you’ve been in power, and you have me intrigued. You’ve done a lot more than your father ever has.”

I wanted to preen at the praise. It was like a warm balm on my mind.

“I wouldn’t insult you with something simple. I look forward to speaking further with you tonight. See you at the Gathering.”

Then, he hung up without another word. He seemed just as arrogant as I expected him to be not that he didn't have every right to be. If the alpha king died, he'd be the only one left to take the throne. I knew that many people were hoping for such an outcome as the current alpha king was problematic, even at the best of times.

I sighed, mulling it over. The thought was sending me into a darker mood by the moment.

I hated to admit it, but Alpha Theodore and the help of Midnight was the best chance I had to make this all go smoothly, I didn't want to simply agree or give in just because of his reputation. I needed to meet him. I needed to know what kind of person he was to know whether or not I wanted to do business with him or if I could trust him at all.