A Threat

Still Alpha King's POV

When I'm back in bed, I immediately fall into a dreamless sleep. The following day I wake up rested and remember that today Erina is making her catwalk debut. A smile spreads over my face when I think of the little one. She's already wrapped the whole pack around her little finger, everyone adores her. The pups follow all her instructions obediently, without questioning her decisions. Erina has built up a decent foundation of trust in a short period.
With my hands behind my head, I lean against the bed board and think back to last night. It seems like Alcina is stepping up on her game, I have to be extra vigilant now. Last night she used a spell to project us intimately in bed in my mind. As a little boy, my mother's friend often showed me that trick to tease me. It's actually an easy stunt of witches. This trick is followed up by a potion that is often put in dark-colored drinks like red wine. The spell and potion make sure the target will show attention to the person in the dream.
Jace advised that I should not take an interest in Alcina easily. I'm not going to take the potion, even though I know the antidote. But I'll give in a little, give Alcina the idea that she's starting to catch my eye. Stupid witch! Just the idea that she can compete with a fated mate and one of an Alpha King with heightened senses at it, is downright insane. But I think Alcina is blinded by her hatred, can no longer think rationally.
'Jace, is Erina ready? Today she starts her catwalk', I ask my Beta in the mind link.
I hear a snort and then Jace's voice comes through. 'Gosh, Enrick. You don't want to believe it,' he snickers. 'Erina is lying here in bed next to me. I just noticed her, she sneaked into my apartment last night without my noticing. I probably forgot to lock the door due to fatigue,' he sighs. 'I have to find the nanny today itself. This child is unstoppable once she puts something in her head,' he continues, a bit gloomy now.
I'm laughing out loud now, that hassle between the two starts again.
Jace does well not to challenge Erina too often. She is confident and focused and I had already foreseen that she would end up in Jace's apartment. It took longer than I thought, she probably waited for him to be less alert and took her chance. 'Yes, if you think it's necessary. Because she's not going out any time soon, and you know that.'
I hear a pained moan, Jace is really exaggerating now. I know he likes to have Erina around, when he doesn't see her for a long time, he goes looking for her himself. The two are inseparable.
'Anyways, make sure she gets there on time. I heard Mrs. Lackson say they still had to do her makeup and some feminine things,' I let my Beta know before jumping out of bed myself. I take a long bath and decide to do some more work. The show doesn't start until the evening, so I have a lot of time to spare. I put on casual clothes and head downstairs.
Today I chose the stairs, the last few days, I have had little exercise.
When I reach the last step, I see Clark standing in front of me. “Gamma, come with me to my study. I've been reading your reports lately but haven't spoken to you personally," I address him with a pat on his shoulder.
“Alpha King, yes, I waited for you. There is an urgent matter I like to discuss. Tonight's fashion show is attracting a lot of attention, unexpected requests suddenly came in from other packs. All last minute, which means that we cannot adequately check the background of the applicants”, he says. “I have forwarded the Gammas of those packs of the names and am still waiting for a reply”.
We walk into my office and I sit behind my desk. Clark sits down in front of me. “But it has been known for several weeks that the show will be held here. Mrs. Lackson invited Erina right in front of me weeks ago. Didn't you expect outsiders to arrive? Doesn't that happen all the time?" I ask him.
Clark nods in agreement. “Yes, but usually the requests come in early, more often the pack buys the tickets and is responsible for the visitors. We only do security checks, more on weapons and ammunition,” he explains. “But the applications today are individual, not backed by their alpha, which is really strange. But I sent the names to the Gammas. I suggest that we deny entry to those I have not received confirmation of their Gamma. And then their Alphas will call you, especially if they are from packs with which we have an alliance.”
“And Mrs. Lackson could complain that we are sabotaging her show by returning guests. This could end badly, Alpha King," Clark insists. I totally understand what he means. These last-minute requests are forcing us to open our borders with lower control. That's pretty risky.
“Give me the name list of the applicants and their packs. I'll call the Alphas myself. If something happens, I will hold them personally liable. They know exactly who leaves their pack borders and for whatever reason, they also know that they are acting differently from the previous activities”, I instruct the Gamma.
My Gamma came prepared.
He immediately takes out a file and puts it on my desk. I open it and start reading the names aloud. It turns out that there are three packs with which we have indeed signed a cooperation agreement and we are also doing business with them. The Alphas are under my leadership and have always been loyal. I must discuss this matter carefully, hopefully there is no foul play here. War is not my method of settling disputes, but the safety of my pack members is above any solo action by a pack that could pose a threat...