Chapter 7 : Tour of the Capital

“We’ll show you some of the wonders of our kingdom, starting with our city tonight after dinner,” Jordan says as I sit there in silence, thrown by the offer.

“After that, you can get down to the business of hunting the Olympic Howlers,” Kent adds. “But it sounds like you need a break.”

“And we’re here to serve. We have quite an evening planned,” Wiley finishes.

I think over their proposal. Are they just putting on another show for me? Their masks of kindness and flattery have to fall eventually and they can’t hide hungry, abused people from me. So maybe it’s a good idea to take a stroll around town with them.

“It sounds amazing,” I say. “Yes, count me in.”

I’ve been so absorbed in the conversation that I’ve eaten half of the delicious venison on my blue-and-white china plate. The meat is broiled, lightly spiced, with sides of wild rice and mashed potatoes. It seems incredibly simple for a royal dinner, but I’m not complaining.

It’s the kind of thing my parents and I normally eat. I wonder if their cook knows that.

“This is so tender and flavorful,” I say. “Please tell the cook.”

“Well, we’re feeding a huntress, so we had to serve our best,” Jordan says, looking absurdly pleased that I’m enjoying my meal.

These guys are too good to be true. All of this is. “What would you eat if I weren’t here?”

“But you are here,” Kent says, bewildered. “I don’t understand.”

“We pretty much eat like this every night,” Jordan says, helping himself to more rice even though a servant is standing at attention inches away.

That servant, a blocky-looking man, doesn’t look thrilled to be here.

“It’s just the way we like it.” Wiley points to the gravy. “Except this. I think someone cooked it too long.”

The blocky-looking servant sneers and mutters under his breath, “It’s never good enough.”

I frown slightly. Maybe it’s a chink in their shiny armor.

“He’s just being picky,” Kent says loudly, warning Wiley with his glare.

Jordan agrees. “Everything is wonderful.”

Wiley shrugs. “I didn’t say it wasn’t. And I’m looking forward to dessert.”

We polish off our dinner, and even though I feel stuffed, the enormous slice of chocolate cake the servant sets in front of me demands to be savored.

And it explodes with flavor on my tongue at the first bite. I moan softly.

“We’ll have cocoa in town later,” Kent adds. “There’s a stall in the square that’s famous for it.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You did your homework on me.”

“No, I just saw how you were eyeing the cake, and guessed you’re a chocolate lover,” Kent says.

I lick my fork. They stare at me and I reach up to dab my mouth with my napkin. But in the next moment, they go shift their eyes, and we finish dessert.

Lucas tries to suggest we take the royal carriage but the kings refuse. “We’ll be just fine on a walking tour,” Jordan says. They don’t wear their circlets, but I assume everyone in the city can recognize them.

They also shrug off his suggestion for more security, saying that they aren’t afraid of any dangers they may run into although when he insists on joining, they don’t argue.

Of course, they don’t know that their biggest threat is with them, strolling into town on the arm of Jordan.

By night, the capital is all lit up with street lamps and strings of lights.

Kent points out the various landmarks, including the formal Council Building, which is bigger than ours. “The council sometimes meets in the palace when a decision needs to be made quickly, such as sending the army to fight. But otherwise, it stands separate from us, just as it’s supposed to be. It’s the oldest building in the city and has been partially rebuilt a few times. Next to it is the Temple of the Moon Goddess.”

“It’s beautifully built,” I comment. It has an ancient aura filled with harmony. “I wonder just how many unspoiled places there are outside this forest? Places that aren’t eaten up by concrete and technology?”

“A lot, I hope,” Wiley comments.

“I hear from other Alphas across the globe that tell me there are,” Jordan says.

Kent is quietly passionate. “As long as this pack is here, we’ll keep our home beautiful and unspoiled as much as possible. It’s not just smart in terms of security, it also helps us stay rooted in who we are.”

Jordan steers me through the square and I hear the bright, lively sound of music playing. Street musicians have drawn quite a crowd and people are dancing in the square and the streets. Families with children, old couples, young couples, singles. The mood is festive. Not a beggar in sight. No unhappiness anywhere.

But the capital in the book I read had lots of food and music too.

I shiver in the cool night air. We’ve been strolling the winding capital streets for a while, and Jordan offered me his coat when he saw me shiver.

“I was promised cocoa,” I say. “I’d like to see this legendary hot chocolate stand.”

Jordan beams. “I thought you’d never ask.”

We walk past the musicians to a simple wooden stand decorated with ribbons. An older male shifter with cocoa brown skin and eyes is pouring foaming cups of my favorite elixir and serving a long line of happy customers. The letters on the stand say, “Roman’s Cocoa.”

Jordan doesn’t seem bothered by waiting in line. Kent and Wiley bring up the rear. Lucas stands a few feet away, keeping a close watch on us.

As we move through the line, I listen to the conversations. They’re completely normal, just like in my pack. Talking about family and jobs and the beauty around us. Pack gossip–which lessens when the kings get close.

We finally get up to the stand and the proprietor opens his arms. “Your Majesties! Your usual tonight? Or can I tempt you with a few sprinkles of vanilla or flavored syrup?”

“We’re creatures of habit, Roman,” Jordan says, paying for all of us.

Roman beams. “And who is the lovely lady with you?”

“Aurora’s the name. I’ll try my cocoa with a dash of cinnamon,” I say.

He beams. “And some wild blueberry syrup?”

“I don’t know about that.”

I don’t know about a lot of things. Roman seems to genuinely like the kings. Maybe he’s just looking out for his livelihood, which I can’t blame him for. But still, he’s very friendly with them.

I didn’t expect the kings to have such close relationships with their subjects. While I’m confused, I find myself pleasantly surprised. Could we be wrong about them?

Jordan elbows me. “Come on. He needs somebody to try his creations out on.”

Roman smiles affectionately and points at him with a honey stick. “I’ll convert you one day.”

I surrender. “The syrup sounds great.”

And it is. It’s unbelievable. We all sip cocoa and join the crowd flocking to hear the street band. A guitarist, a trumpet player, a flute player, and someone shaking a tambourine. The singer croons a popular shifter tune. I hum along while Kent moves to the beat, lapping up cocoa like it’s going to disappear.

Cocoa and lively music create a magical atmosphere. Someone takes my cup from me when I’m done, and I find myself lost in the music.

Before I know it, Jordan takes my hands and swings me into a dance. The kind of spontaneous moment that happens in a novel. We dance in the crowd and no one bothers us, but all eyes are on us.

When one of the Alpha Kings of the Ruby Nightclaws dances with a new woman, people will pay attention.

I want to feel shy but instead, I enjoy being the center of attention of this king.

Jordan is a good dancer, twirling and spinning me. His hands are warm in mine, and when I spin away from him, he catches me immediately and holds me tight.

His eyes are only on me and when I glance at his brothers, their gazes follow my movements with the same heated look. I can’t help but be enamored by them, soaking up their lust over me–or what seems to be lust, anyway.

Maybe I can take my time with them and enjoy the hunt. Nothing says I can’t like them wanting me…I just can’t give in to it. I have to remember I have a job to do.

The heat of Jordan’s body seeps through my coat and he looks down at me, head slightly bent. My mouth goes dry and I lick my lips, still tasting cocoa with blueberry syrup.

He slowly lowers his head, caught up in the moment as I am. My breath catches.

Is he going to kiss me right now? Do I want him to?

My wolf howls yes!