Tangled Hearts - The Alpha's Baby Mama
Chapter 102: The King’s brother...

Chapter 102: The King’s brother...

Noah POV

"Y-You’re King Tanner’s brother?" my brows shot up with disbelief as I stared at the man who was the complete opposite of the Tanner I know.

He let out an easy laugh and nodded "I swear to the moon, I am Tanner’s brother. We have the same mother and the same father. I think I look more like my mother," he reached for the folds in his pocket and brings out a black and white picture which he raises to my eye level.

It was a picture of a slender, beautiful woman with eyes that resembled Conrad’s’. In the picture, she was sitting on a high stool, with a 4-year-old Tanner from my guess and a toddler that looked like Tanner. On the picture was inscribed a date and time the picture was taken. I looked up from the picture meeting Conrad’s gaze. This proves nothing. With the high rise of technology, especially with most packs leaning towards the human world to tap from it, anything was possible.

But I decided it would be useless to keep arguing with him and I also know this might be a way to trap me. So, I made sure I had a disbelieving look on my face. "I see," I nodded finally "It’s a pleasure to meet you although Tanner didn’t mention having a brother to me the last time we met,".

"Nah!" Conrad shook his head, a playful smile on his lips "Tanner does anything but talk about me. You see, we don’t see eye to eye on a lot of manners and he’s as stubborn as an earthen god but he doesn’t talk about me to anyone. You could safely say that I am the black sheep of the family and that’s okay. I’m used to it," he winked at me.

"Anyways," he shrugged and went back to his position easing onto the sofa as he stared at me with hardness glinting in his eyes and a smile still playing on his lips "I must admit, I’m surprised that you decided to see me this morning, especially after last night’s..." he trailed off watching me intently "saga...".

Instantly, I became alert as the words left his mouth. He was baiting me as Kurtis said he would. If I pretended and acted like I didn’t know anything about it, it would heighten his suspicion. But since we’re going with the narrative that Selene had gone to see him without my knowledge or permission, I would try something else.

I walked towards the sofa facing him, and settled myself on it, "I should be asking you that. When the guards reported to me that you came into Moon Whisper yesterday and didn’t care to inform me or call anyone to tell us of your arrival and that was why I asked them to revoke your lodgings for only 48 hours even though I was told you wanted to stay the entire week,".

"Oh!" his brows furrowed with confusion "That was you?"

"Conrad, listen... in case your brother hasn’t told you, you cannot come into any territory without taking proper permission. The only reason why you’re still walking around a free man is because of my friendship with your brother Tanner. Or else you’d be in jail now,".

"Is that all you have to say to me?" He asked staring intently at me "You didn’t do anything else, perhaps send someone to come visit me yesterday or something?"

"I clearly stated that you’re an unwelcome guest in my territory and you have less than 24 hours to leave. Why would I come to visit you? Besides, it was so rude of you to still show up to the pack house this early in the morning, without sending word first. I would say next time you would do a better work but there won’t be a next time. Starting from when you leave, you’re no longer welcome to come to Moon Whisper on your own except, of course, you’re coming with your brother’s entourage. That’s the only thing I would permit,".

He didn’t say anything. Instead, his amber eyes stared at me as if he were trying to read my thoughts.

Reid shifts closer to me and whispers "Isn’t the punishment too harsh? You know he’s new to things like this. Maybe you should give him a chance, instead of just writing him off like that,".

I froze and turned to Reid, staring at him with surprise. Reid loved to follow the laws and would always tell you that it was meant for everyone. So, why the hell was he supporting Conrad when he knew damn well that he had broken several laws. What was more shocking was how he was pleading on his behalf. It was so untypical of him.

"Are you alright?" I huffed and turned my attention back to Conrad. Not before I saw his features flicker with amusement.

"Where is my niece by the way?" he asked "I’ve been trying to reach her since I arrived but her number is not connecting and when I checked her at the suite she was staying at the hotel, I was told she checked out already and was taken to the pack house. Why did you do that?"

"Why exactly did you come here, Conrad? Why did Tanner send you? Is it to come back home with his daughter or what? Because I am confused and would need enlightenment. By the way, Princess Jade is fine and is currently enjoying her stay in Moon Whisper. However, not until I’ve had a chance to speak with your brother – King Tanner about a ton of things, she stays," I said flatly.

"Are you threatening me with her?" he chuckled but after a beat added "I think I understand where you’re coming from but detaining a Princess of the West and being bold about it is a crime, Your Majesty,".

"Your niece came into my kingdom and just like you, there was no prior information. What is wrong with all of you from your pack? Does this place look like a dumping ground? Anyways," I took a deep breath, "I have the right to detain her until I am satisfied with a positive reply from King Tanner as to why he sent his daughter to me knowing well that I am already married,".

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Reid was hovering impatiently as if he wanted to tell me something. Turning my attention to him, he leaned towards me again and whispered...

"Your majesty, there is no need for you to take such drastic action against them. After all, we’re partners and it will make no sense if we fight like this. We could reach a negotiation. Please, it makes no sense that matters like this would bring strife between us,".

I arched a brow at him as I watched with incredulity. Was he advocating for Conrad right now? Like for the second time? He shot me a pointed look before turning back to Conrad with a bright smile on his face.

"I’m sorry for the inconvenience so far and I don’t want you to misunderstand his majesty. Your niece would be released, I promise you but all we need you to do is call King Tanner and let his majesty speak the him. That’s all," Reid said.

Conrad scoffed and rose to his feet giving us a dismissive glare "I’ve heard so much about you, Noah and I’m a little impressed because the rumours have it that you’re sweet and loving and a whole bunch of stuff but you’ve managed to impress me. That’s good,".

The words were barely out of his mouth when the door swung open and I turned, half-expecting to see Xavier or maybe Kurtis but instead, it was Selene who came in. Her face had a haunted look as her eyes rested on Conrad who only arched a brow, probably in recognition, before they flickered to me uncertainly.

"Selene?" I called out with shock "What are you doing here baby?" I asked stretching a hand towards her.

"Oh!" she came towards me, still looking at Conrad. From the way she panted, it was clear that she ran all the way here "Is that King Tanner? I heard he arrived a few minutes ago and I came to greet him,".

"Not, King Tanner," I pulled her closer to me "But his brother, Conrad,".

Conrad crossed the room and came towards us, a bemused expression on his face "It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Luna Selene," he bowed "Have we met somewhere? Your face does look like we have,".

Selene’s lips parted slightly as her face turned white with apprehension. Her eyes briefly darted towards me and then back at Conrad again.

"N-No," she stuttered "This is the first time we’re meeting,".

As expected, Conrad jumped on her not being comfortable "Are you sure? I could have sworn that we met yesterday at...".

"So, how are you related to King Tanner?" she interrupted him with a high-pitched tone while glancing back at me. You could tell she was apprehensive and for a minute I had to remind myself that this was an act and that it wasn’t real.

As I stared at the perfect act she was putting on which by the way Conrad already bought, I wondered if she had ever put on a show for me like that. What other facades might she be hiding behind?

Conrad ignored her and then back to me.

"While we’re at it, I already reached out to the other Kings in the region and they’ll be arriving here soon for a meeting. There’s something I need to announce to you all but since you’re hosting me, I think you deserve to know first,".

He paused and his eyes turned cold "King Tanner is dead,".