Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

After the meeting Ann, Adam, Bartholomew and Coral made their way back towards Bartholomew’s office, paying no mind to the
whispers of the people that they passed.
Ann had expected a little resistance and had warned Coral to expect a little push back from some of those who saw themselves
as above her, but to ignore it as much as possible and so far, she was doing well.
The time that she had spent with Eva had certainly seen her grow from the nervous, anxious, frightened omega that she was
previously into the timid, yet efficient woman that stood before her today. Ann had every confidence that in a few months, her
confidence would increase dramatically and she would be able to handle most situations with ease.
“Bartholomew will see to it that you have appropriate quarters assigned within the Enclave while we remain here, preferably in
our wing. I have already approved which suite I think would be suitable for you, but obviously there are the finer details to sort
out... furnishings, decoration, that sort of thing.” Ann said gently as she stifled a yawn.
“Oh, I’m sure it will be perfect as it is, your highness.” Coral replied softly with a smile, clearly a little overwhelmed.
“Nonsense,” Ann grinned, “Eventually, once all of the issues with the coven are solved, we’ll be moving back to the palace and
only returning here for a day or two each time. Hopefully only once or twice a month if I have my way. Then, you’ll be moving
back with us, and granted a room in one of the wings of the palace to make things easier for us all.”
“We need to get Bartholomew hooked up with a computer that doesn’t look like it originates from the dawn of time as well.” Adam
offered dryly as Bartholomew chuckled.
“I must admit, email would make things far easier for communications, although, I still think phone conversations are much more
personal and allow you to judge the tone and mood of the person on the other end far more easily.”
“Well, we’ll get started on modernizing the Enclave once we have the final report on budgets for each department. If the
incoming taxes don’t cover what we need then I’ll increase the cash flow from Veritas Industries. We can look at expanding some
of the departments and perhaps look at new ventures too that will bring more in. As well as potentially offering new grants for the
packs that are willing to invest in their omega’s on staff as well.” Ann mused.
“We do also have the Dark Moon’s business and profits to draw from. I can have Allen go through the finances and work out the
disposable income available once all of our expenditure and other investments are taken into account so we have a good idea of
what we’re working with. I suppose once Lexi has time to set up the lectures, the income from that can go part of the way
towards increasing available funds as well.” Adam offered as Ann stifled yet another yawn.

“That all sounds perfect, Adam. Thank you. I know Eva has sent me a lot of drafts for new design projects that need to be
approved before they’re offered to the clientele, but really, we need to start working on finalizing the new blueprints for the area
that will house the portal room. I’m more than a little irritated that it wasn’t approved for here, we could have saved hours in travel
time, but it is what it is.” Ann frowned.
“Try to be patient, your grace. As you know, us Elders are a little stuck in our ways and embracing change doesn’t come easily to
us. I’m certain that once they see how beneficial it is, then I’m sure they will have a change of heart. It was only by a slim
majority that the vote against having one installed passed. In another year, I’m almost positive that they will vote in favor of
having one installed, particularly if you’re actually going to make them visit the area’s that they’re responsible for.” Bartholomew
chuckled.
“That’s an interesting proposition Bartholomew,” Ann said thoughtfully as a slow smile spread across her l*ips, “Perhaps a public
relations tour is in order so that the Elders can refamiliarize themselves with the kingdom that voted them into their positions.”
“That is a remarkably astute observation, your grace, I’m sure they would be... thrilled, at the opportunity to leave the Enclave.”
Bartholomew chuckled knowingly as they stopped in front of his office.
“I’ll leave Coral in your capable hands then Bartholomew. If you don’t mind I am going to lay down for an hour or two and carry
on with the work that Eva has left me when I wake up. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m so tired.” She scowled irritably.
“I would think it’s because your body has been through a lot, your highness.” Coral offered helpfully, “That, and the fact you have
three little pups growing inside of you and sapping all of your energy. You’re going to need to take things a little easier now.”
“See? Pups. Told you.” Maeve grinned smugly as Ann internally rolled her eyes at her.
“I’ll send for you when I’m awake if that’s okay Coral? We need to talk about the use of the office block that Adam so kindly
surprised me with. I’d like to move the architectural department and specialist real estate department that I used to manage into
there and expand both departments, I think that...” “Ann, that’s enough work for now. Rest and relaxation first, and maybe some
food, before you continue with this.” Adam interrupted firmly as she scowled up at him.
A million thoughts of how many ways she could argue with him ran through her head, but begrudgingly, she had to accept that
he was right.
Right now she had to listen to her body and rest when it told her to, for the sake of the three little lives that were growing so
rapidly inside of her.

“Fine.” She relented with a sigh, “But just so you know, I would much rather be working than letting everyone else run around
after me while I sleep. I need more hours in the day.”
“No. You do not.” Adam frowned, “Because all you would end up doing is spending more time working and less time resting. The
work will still be there when you wake up.”
“Says the Alpha who used to sleep only a few hours a night.” Ann retorted with a snort as he steered her onwards down the
corridor.
“That’s the key phrase Ann. Used to. My priorities changed when I met you, and while I don’t neglect my responsibilities in the
Dark Moon or our company, I make sure that we have time together. Whereas you are still spending the time that I allocated for
us, on work.”
“Alright, alright, I get it. I’m a terrible mate choosing the kingdom over our bond.” Ann bit back sarcastically as Adam chuckled.
“I never said that. You are perfect, Ann,” He said, wrapping his arm around her tightly, “I wouldn’t change you for the world.
Despite everything, you are still working to improve the lives of the people within your kingdom, but you also need to remember
to take time for yourself. I’m doing my job as your mate, and your consort, to remind you that you need downtime too. We’re
going to have three little pups running around before you know it.”
“SEE?! PUPS!!!!” Maeve yelled triumphantly in her head as Ann winced at the sudden outburst and communicated her
annoyance.
“Okay lover boy. I’m going to set aside the next few hours for resting, and I’ll make sure that Coral adds allocated rest periods for
while I’m carrying these babies, okay?”
“Sounds perfect.” Adam murmured as he planted a k*iss on the top of her head and they continued on their way through the
corridors.