Chapter 245: The Velmores

The massive mahogany doors swung open, and Yuki’s curious gaze darted toward the entrance. A tall, sharply dressed figure stepped over the threshold, his lips curved into a warm, familiar smile, and Yuki’s entire face stiffened in disbelief.

For a second, she almost didn’t recognize him—he was dressed impeccably in a charcoal suit, looking as if he had poured meticulous effort into every detail of his appearance. He strolled into the hall with the Gamma, Lord Reed who was Alexander’s best man, and his wife trailing just behind him, that easy smile still gracing his features.

Lord Reed immediately offered a respectful bow to Alexander. "Alpha King, thank you for receiving us at such an early hour."

Alexander waved his hand with a smooth, welcoming gesture. "Please, Marcus, there is no need for such formality among old friends." he chimed

As the guests were seated, the young man took his place directly across from Yuki. Yuki remained speechless, her wide eyes locked onto him in sheer astonishment. Aevia leaned in closer, her voice slithering smoothly into Yuki’s mind through their private link.

’See? I told you he wouldn’t be any worse than an Alpha.’

A sudden heat rushed to Yuki’s cheeks, turning them a bright crimson, as Alexander’s booming voice filled the dining hall.

"Yuki, allow me to formally introduce you. This is Xavier Velmore, sole heir to the Velmore line and son of our Gamma. He also happens to be Kaden’s former training partner. Xavier, this is my daughter, Yuki." he introduced her as a Ravencourt and not Donovan.

The official introduction was completely redundant, yet etiquette demanded the ritual. Xavier leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, a teasing glint dancing in his warm honey-brown eyes.

"You look surprised, Yuki." he chimed

Yuki let out a soft, breathless laugh, her heart lightened by the presence of the one person in this domain who had consistently treated her like an actual human being rather than a political pawn or scandal. "Surprised? Impressed would be more accurate, Mr. Velmore."

Alexander’s eyes lit up, a pleased grin spreading across his face. "I take it that is a green light, then?" he replied

Yuki nodded gently, setting her napkin in her lap. If she truly had to enter an engagement to protect herself from the Court, Xavier Velmore was far from a bad choice.

"I am glad you approve, my lady," Xavier murmured, his voice smooth and remarkably sincere.

Beside Yuki, Killian’s dark eyes flickered between the two of them, taking in their playful exchange before he quietly shifted his gaze down to his wristwatch. He let out a low, barely audible breath—he could hardly believe he was forced to sit through an arrangement like this when he had better things to do.

’Someone is already losing his patience,’ Kaden sneered through their shared mindlink, taking a slow, deliberate sip from his crystal water glass. He raised a brow toward Killian. ’What happened to your speech about practicing my calmest expression?’

Killian scoffed faintly through the link, his expression remaining completely stone-faced. ’I have pressing company reports awaiting my review. I don’t have time for theater.’ he replied calmly

’Right. Keep telling yourself that,’ Kaden retorted, though he didn’t press further.

The breakfast proceeded smoothly, the servants moving silently as they served courses of roasted meats, fresh pastries, and dark coffee. Before long, the Gamma’s wife spoke up, her voice light and remarkably eager.

"We have already begun organizing the ceremonial engagement gifts, and we are prepared to finalize the bride price whenever you deem fit, Alpha."

Kieran’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched violently in his cheek. He set his fork down with a sharp clink against the porcelain plate.

"Isn’t it a bit premature to discuss bride prices and ceremonial gifts when a wedding won’t even take place in the foreseeable future?" he answered m

The Gamma’s wife let out a melodious laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Lord Kieran! I prefer having every detail sorted well in advance. Besides, Xavier is my only son. We never know—the wedding date could be set the moment Yuki feels ready."

Kieran’s knuckles turned white where he held his napkin beneath the table. Xavier glanced at Kieran, leaning back against his chair with an easy, confident posture.

"Everything needs to be in its proper place, Kieran. You don’t need to worry. I assure you, I will give Yuki a wedding worthy of her standing."

"I still think you should wait," Kieran cut in sharply, refusing to drop the matter. "You are both far too young—eighteen and twenty. You have your entire lives ahead of you. Xavier, you are graduating this year and need to focus entirely on your transition into managing your family’s estate."

Xavier’s polite smile slowly turned razor-sharp. He looked Kieran dead in the eye, his voice dropping into a cold, lethal register that sent a chill through the room.

"I am well aware of the timing, Lord Kieran. And I am fully aware of why this arrangement is happening—to shield Yuki from the vicious fallout of a severed mate bond. Since certain people couldn’t choose her... I am choosing to protect her."

The Gamma’s wife quickly laid a warning hand over her son’s arm. "Xavier," she murmured under her breath.

Yet Xavier didn’t break eye contact with Kieran. His voice cut directly through Kieran’s mind like an unsheathed blade.

’Don’t tell me you’re still holding on to your rejected mate?’

Before Kieran could lash out, Kaden’s loud, incredulous laugh burst across the table. Kaden reached out, slapping a heavy hand onto Kieran’s stiff shoulder. Though Kaden didn’t fully grasp why Kieran was acting so unusually snappy, he had felt the dangerous, volatile aura simmering inside his brother all morning.

"Come on now, there’s no need to start throwing fists at the breakfast table," Kaden said, his tone dripping with mock cheer as he held Kieran down. "Kieran has always viewed you like a little brother, Xavier. He’s just being overprotective."

Alexander clapped his hands together, delighted by the exchange. "Precisely! It is wonderful to see our families integrating so naturally." he chirped in

Kaden forced a tight, bitter smile onto his face, his eyes hollow as he looked at Xavier. "Couldn’t be better."c

Lord Reed nodded in agreement. "Since both our houses are aligned, we should contact the high priests at the temple immediately to select an auspicious day for the engagement ceremony."

"Agreed," Alexander replied without hesitation. "I want this finalized before Aevia and I leave for the coast. I will ask the temple if a date later this week would be suitable."

"This week?" The Gamma’s wife gasped softly, placing a hand over her chest. "Isn’t that a bit rushed for the preparations?" She glanced anxiously between her son and Yuki. "Is this moving too fast for you, dear?"

Xavier turned his warm gaze toward Yuki, his expression softening instantly. "I am comfortable finalizing it tonight if necessary. It all depends on what Yuki wants."