The Brave Human Mate

8.

* * ☾ * *

King Romulus' POV

It came as no surprise that Alpha Stephen had his work in order, even his study was exceptionally tidy. Which instantly came to a red flag as Romulus slid his finger across the mantle over the fireplace—Lacking any sort of dust.

"I'm happy you've accepted my last request, Alpha Romulus. I've had the plans for some time, but only managed to make additions this year."
"I wonder why that is, given the state of this pack compared to your neighbors." The King dwelled, his eye still taking to looking at his finger in wonder how this place was so damn clear. Even his own study wasn't as manageable, perhaps he would have to work on that.

"My mate fell ill. Very ill and very quickly. With both her, small pups, and a pack to run, I fell short of my duties and relied on things to be run by my Beta and Delta. Meaning there weren't many changes. I'm very thankful for their help, but over time the funds had piled up and spent wisely." It made sense but still didn't cease Romulus' suspicion.

"It's strange, you have farming lands, a smith shop, a well-stocked school house, and an accredited Healer. The other Alphas seem envious."

"Of my Healer or the rest? Because I can tell you, she is a very hard worker indeed. Finally took to taking two students under her belt, though it did take some convincing." That spoke more than Romulus had been prepared for, what sort of Alpha convinced a pack member to do their job?

"Is she difficult to convince?"

"No sir, not at all. But she worked from home and took to taking house calls. I figure she detests change and has no desire to alter her schedule. With the pupils she needed a place to work, the infirmary is a proud addition." Romulus hummed, clearly, the Alpha was fond of the Healer.
The change in tone was evident.

Thankfully, he felt a few of his Enforcers coming down the hall he turned his head—Expecting the knock. "Come in." He called out, and it wasn't what he prepared to see, not Marrow or Petilo having blood on their uniform. "What the—"

"A human was attacked by a Rogue on the main street down to the farmlands." That had caused the Alpha's panic to pick up. "What?!" Stephen roared, and Romulus' smirk had grown.

Perhaps this Alpha wasn't as timid as he was picking up before. "What happened?" Romulus rephrased the question and the two had looked at one another before Petilo had taken a breath to speak up.

"Passed her by on our way towards the town, not five minutes later—Heard her screaming. The Bastard got her good too. The woman was armed, thankfully. Only a few claw scratches. We escorted her home." Stephen had turned towards the window and looked down.

"Damn, Rhea's gone home."

"Er...Sir, the woman was Rhea. She instructed us on how to clean and bandage it." Marrow followed, and Romulus' suspicion had grown more. Clearly, the Alpha held feelings for the healer.

"I've heard good things about this Healer, I trust you took care of her?" Romulus questioned, and neither of his males nodded instantly. "Yes, sir. She offered us some tea in her home." Marrow said with a kind smile following his comment, and Stephen growled in warning.

It was harmless, given that Marrow was a part of the King's Enforcers, but it acted as a warning.

"The Rogue?" The King asked, his hands now resting on his belt, full attention to the debrief. "Dead, sir. The Healer got him good, our wolves finished him off." A smile had started to play on Stephen's face, or had until he looked at the dagger the female had.