Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 217 We Won’t Be Long
Ann peered into the darkness that seemed to engulf the inside of the cell that Linus was holding in but couldn’t see any movement from within.
The cells were tiny, designed for security and not comfort. The cells that were allocated to hold wolf shifters were constructed of walls of reinforced concrete which had been infused with wolfsbane and nightshade before being coated with silver.
There was no chance of escape for the shifters held here, even if they did manage to get out of the chains that held them.
Lexi leaned up against the shatterproof pane, protected on the prisoner’s side by thick bars of steel coated with silver that ran the full length and width of each wall.
“So where’s old rapey?” She sniffed, sounding a little disappointed as she turned to Ann with a pout, “I was looking forward to asking him a few uncomfortable questions.”
“You’ll still get to ask them, Lexi.” Ann said with a serious face, “He’s in there, we just can’t see him. I do wonder if he’s still restrained though considering Cornelius was just down here “
“Do you want us to check?” Adam asked with a frown
He didn’t like this. He didn’t see why they needed to be taking unnecessary risks when she could be carrying his pups by now. There was no way that he wanted to see Ann or his pups in danger and he would do whatever it took to keep them safe, even if it meant putting his own life on the line
Ann hesitated before nodding curtly, agreeing to his unspoken demand. She knew his thought process and Maeve agreed. As much as she wanted to go charging headlong in there, her recent history with Narcissa had taught her some valuable lessons.
As Adam stepped towards the door a raspy laugh emanated from within.
“A weak Queen that cannot even step foot inside these cells without sending someone to check that it’s safe…how pathetic. You are no Alpha.-“
The rattle of chains signaled movement from within and gradually, the silhouette of Linus became visible as he emerged from the darkness.
Ann ran her eyes over his unkempt appearance and after a quick assessment found that he was still securely chained around his ankles and his wrists.
She nodded to Lexi and they both passed through the door that Adam held open. Before he closed the door behind them, he took hold of her arm and leaned in closely, a wary eye trained on where Linus stood watching them with narrowed eyes.
“We’re just outside Ann. If you need anything…” He said softly, his voice strained.
“I know, Adam. Thank you. We won’t be long, I promise.” Ann murmured quietly as she leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, smiling at him reassuringly.
Adam seemed to search her eyes for a moment. It was almost as if looking for an answer to a question that remained unspoken and Maeve whined in response to his obvious discomfort at the situation.
Finally, he relented, looking away in frustration and stepping back, shutting the door behind him and leaving Lexi and Ann alone in the room with Linus.
Adam appeared immediately at the window with Allen at his side, both of them on tenterhooks and waiting for the slightest inkling that they would need to burst in and rescue them.
Ann sighed lightly as she turned and made sure her face remained as impassive as she was able to, whilst Maeve sneered at the man before them.
She allowed Maeve to sit side by side with her as she walked slowly to the groove on the floor that indicated the limits of where his chains would reach. However, they had agreed to mask Maeve’s presence for the simple fact that they did not want this cretin seeing what they were truly capable of.
It was a rare talent to be able to act simultaneously as one for a shifter, a skill usually reserved for those of Lycan descent, but to the best of her knowledge, there was no Lycan heritage in her bloodline.
She stopped just behind the groove and studied the man silently. Lexi stood slightly behind her, leaning against the wall nonchalantly with her arms folded in front of her and her chin tilted arrogantly.
The seconds ticked by with no sign of either Lexi or Ann attempting to begin their questioning, and Linus looked between the two of them nervously. The tension in the room was mounting the longer that they stood in silence and it was beginning to get to him.
The Elder who took advantage of those weaker than him, abusing his power in the most heinous of ways and used to getting his needs sated at the click of his fingers, was now being made to wait… something that both irritated him and terrified him.
“Enjoyed your visit from Cornelius did you?” Ann asked casually with a stony face, her voice lilting. Cornelius seemed to almost sag with relief as the silence was finally broken and with his relief, came the arrogance that occurred so naturally to him.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about” He sniffed with a sly smile as he straightened himself up and rolled his shoulders.
“I think you do, Linus.”
“So what if I do? Is it a crime to receive visitors whilst incarcerated now?” he sneered
Ann chuckled darkly as she glanced over her shoulder at Lexi and grinned before turning back to him and c*****g her head.
“Actually yes, considering the crimes you were imprisoned for.” Linus snorted.
“Alleged crimes, Your Highness.” He corrected with a wobble of his head.
“Ah, yes. Innocent until proven guilty…” Ann exclaimed quietly as she nodded her head as if contemplating his words and only just remembering the concept existed at all.
A smug sneer spread across his face as he watched her through eyes narrowed in disdain. “The only problem with that is, we have plenty of evidence that clearly shows you are guilty of the alleged crimes that you are accused of.” Ann smiled broadly as she watched his sneer falter.
“No, impossible. Omega’s are here to serve at our pleasure. There is no evidence of wrongdoing because they were clearly fulfilling their duties on each occasion.”
Lexi sniggered as she stepped forward.
“Oh, you sad pathetic little old man.” She crooned, “Is that your defense? The maids double as prostitutes and make-shift punch bags when you’re in the mood. Is that what you tell yourself to sleep better at night?”
“Who the f**k are you to address me, you filthy half-breed!” Linus spat as he whirled to face Lexi, “Just because the false Queen enjoys having a pet hybrid, doesn’t mean the rest of us will stand for it!”
Lexi reached forward and patted him gently on the bald spot that graced the top of his head. “Pity you’re down here and can’t organize the rebellion yourself isn’t it?” she simpered as he attempted to bat her hands away furiously, but failed due to the restrictions of the chains.