The Alpha's Temptation

The whole family ate food in strange happiness. While Jiada kept talking to Tania and Eltanin, Biham continued to glance at Kinshra. He wondered what her reaction would be when they went back to Pegasii. He was going to make her settle in their old bedroom. He would not go to that bedroom unless invited. Maybe, he would go just for tea or breakfast. If he was lucky, he would steal a kiss from her. Or maybe just a little caress. His face heated up thinking of that and his pants became oddly tight. Damn. He was sitting with his father-in-law and daughter at one side and Kinshra on the other. His heart fluttered with a hundred different scenarios that could occur at Pegasii. Suddenly—

"How long are we going to stay there?" asked Jiada, splashing a cold bucket of ice over Biham's plans. She stabbed a piece of fried salmon with her fork and munched on it languidly, unaware of Biham's glares.

"A week," Lord Krail replied quickly. "I think we would be able to mend things fast!" He said as if he had a plan in his mind.

"Okay…" Jiada nodded lightly.

Biham coughed. A week was so less. The sly wolf had to think of something quickly so that he could extend the stay for at least two weeks. "We won't be able to find Menkar or Murel so soon. The High Priest is a busy man. He would never agree to meet us because I am sure that he would smell our purpose. I have heard that his spies are everywhere."

Lord Krail appeared uncomfortable as Eltanin raised his eyebrow at his father-in-law. What was he up to? A week was long enough for Menkar to come out, especially now that he didn't know where Tania was. Eltanin was sure that Menkar would come running to them or would try to contact Tania in one way or the other. If executed properly, with his plan, he would be able to get hold of Menkar in two to three days. They why delay?

Lord Krail went in deep thought as a low rumble vibrated in his chest. "Then what do you suggest?" he asked, keeping his spoon on the plate and crossing his arms across his chest. He looked very intimidating.

Biham quickly peered at Kinshra and said, "At least two weeks!"

"Gods above!" Lord Krail rasped, worry etched on his face. "That's a lot of time. I have work here too."

Ah! So this was what his father-in-law wanted. He wanted more time with Kinshra. "He is right," Eltanin added. "It will take two weeks to fish him out."

Lord Krail scratched his chin and pondered over it. "In that case, I suggest that you go first along with Kinshra and Jiada. I will come a little later."

Better! Biham didn't know that his suggestion would bring such a beautiful solution. However—

"No…" Lady Jiada cried. "I want you to come with me!"

Biham gritted his teeth. The woman was hell bent on making the flower of his love wither before it even blossomed.

Lord Krail gave his wife a loving look and defeatedly said, "Okay Jiada…"

Jiada looked around proudly trying to show off the effect she had on her husband and also trying to convey to all the girls on the table that they should learn the art from her.

"We will all leave the day after!"

The lunch finished with an odd sensation of fulfillment. As the family went out for a small walk, Lord Krail couldn't help but feel proud of them. At first, his castle had only three people mostly. His son was not present at all times because of their trade. But now with the addition of a beautiful grandchild who made a heavy impact on his heart, he felt happy. She did look like him, in fact. A lot.

Eltanin and Tania went back to their guest room while Lord Krail and his wife retired to theirs for siesta. Biham wished that Kinshra called him to her tower but she didn't. his heart dipped a little when she bowed to him gently and climbed the spiral stairs of her tower. He waited for a long time hoping that she would come back and call him up, but she didn't. Eventually he left with a sad feeling.

As soon as Kinshra came to her room, she wrote a letter to Lord Haftr. She folded it and placed it in an envelope. She took the envelope to the window and opened the glass. She placed it in her hands, chanted a spell and blew it over it. The letter flew out of the window. Small wings fluttered out of it and it raced to its destination.

Lord Haftr came to the castle as soon as he received the letter. He flew from his castle and landed in the balcony of Kinshra's tower in merely half an hour. Brushing off the snow from his jacket, he tucked his wings at his back. Sucking in a sharp breath, he entered the main room. Kinshra was already present over there. She got up and bowed to him. He bowed her back and sat on the sofa. "You called me urgently?"

Flora came in with a tray of hot tea and stewed cabbage flavored with saffron. She placed it on the table and bowed to Lord Haftr before leaving.

"Yes!" Kinshra said. "There is something very urgent." She dragged her teeth over her lips, looking anxious.

"What is it, Kinshra?" Lord Haftr said. "I am getting anxious."

"I have to go to Pegasii."

Lord Haftr jerked his head back as his shoulders drew back. He waited for her to speak more. "Why?" he managed to ask in a hoarse voice.

"Father wants us all to go there because a sensitive matter related to Lusitania has come up."

His brows furrowed deeply.

She continued, "However, it would be a lie if I say that I am only going for that," she added. Her cheeks heated up and her heartbeat accelerated. "I— I want to explore my relationship with Biham."