(Author’s POV)
Maximus chimed, as he clapped his hands, feigning joy, "Ohhoo, Young Alpha Alaric, we are finally able to see your face. How refreshing."
Alaric’s reply was casual as he said it without any emotion, "It’s good to see you too, Elder Maximus, Elder Clement." His good mood had been disrupted just by looking at them.
Clement inquired, his voice filled with superiority, "What’s been keeping you so busy that you didn’t even have time to visit your elders?"
"Elder Sanders, the cooperation has been keeping me quite busy. There is a lot of work. Why don’t you try doing some work too," Alaric was blunt with his words as he took a jab at them openly.
Clement Sanders wasn’t a big fan of Alaric, because out of all the Everests siblings he was the most straightforward one. He didn’t care about his reputation, if he didn’t liked something he would call it out right away.
Alaric strode leisurely and took a seat on the couch, his movements casual but elegant.
Noah could sense the tension in the room as Clement’s mouth twitched hearing Alaric’s reply.
Maximus gritted his teeth, commenting while trying to suppress his anger, "How audacious of you. Do you think we are freeloading here? Your parents called us for help, otherwise~." He left it at that.
Noah glared at Alaric as he was about to counter an argument. Sara came just in time and said, "Ohh Al, you are here, right on time. Lunch is ready. Elder Sanders, Elder Corbin, please join us."
Elio and Dion too joined them in the living room. Sara asked, "Where’s Nora? Isn’t she going to have lunch?"
Dion replied, "She was awake all night and is resting now."
Sara and Noah understood his words. But Maximus didn’t like Nora’s attitude, so he commented, "What kind of princess behaves like this? It is already noon and she is still resting?"
Sara answered, "She is bit under the weather. I will send her lunch in her room~"
As soon as these words left her mouth, the elevator dinged and slid open. Nora came out in her usual clothes but her face was bloated and sleepy.
Maximus crunched his face as Clement blatantly ignored Nora’s presence. They made there way towards the dining room with Noah in tow.
Nora looked at all of them with confusion as Alaric commented, "Ignore them," and shrugged his shoulders.
"How are you feeling now?" Sara asked concernedly, as she looked at her daughter.
"I am good, mom. Don’t make that face. I doing fine," Nora assured Sara.
Everyone could tell Nora was trying hard to sound cheerful. Elio hugged her from side and ruffled her head, "You haven’t eaten anything. I can hear your stomach growling from miles away. Poor baby."
Nora rolled her eyes and they walked towards the dining hall, Alaric and Dion following them from behind teasing Nora.
Sara gazed at her children and smiled. The bond amongst the siblings was everything for her.
They all settled in their respective places. The huge dining table was laden with variety of delicacies, most of which were Alaric’s favorite.
Alaric was in a good mood, until Maximus uttered in a peculiarly taunting tone, "We have heard there has been quite a lot of rogue attacks in recent times near Moon Shine Pack’s territory despite having such tight security and skilled warriors. I wonder why is that. And there has also been a wolfsbane poisoning case that has recently happened."
Before Noah could say anything, Alaric replied, his tone serious, "Where did you hear it from, Elder Corbin? You are quite informed about our pack’s matters."
"Young Alpha Alaric, such kind of news spread fast. Has there been any progress or any clue regarding them? Currently, you are next in line to be the Lycan King. So, this kind of news isn’t good for you," Maximus countered as he smiled which didn’t reached his eyes.
Alaric clenched his spoon tightly. Maximus was taking a jab at him and wanted him to lose his temper like always. At least, then he would have a reason to scold him or openly disdain him.
But Alaric kept his cool. He didn’t give him the reaction he wanted and commented calmly, "Thank you for looking out for me Elders. I am truly glad to have you backing me up. The investigation is going on smoothly and soon we will get the results. I will share them with you too."
Yona who was serving food to Nora stiffened at Alaric’s words but her expression remained calm. Dion was observing her with keen eyes and saw that flickering change in her body language.
He called out to her, "Yona, serve me that eggplant dish."

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