Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 39: The Hater’s Den

Chapter 39: The Hater’s Den

They promised to gather evidence and allies before the Blood Moon Masquerade, but how exactly did one obtain the said evidence? What kind of evidence would suffice to appeal her case?

Sir Kai emphasized the importance of gathering evidence, as this would be the key to obtaining a solid decision on the spot.

Without substantial evidence, even if they brought the case in front of the public, King Valentin could still order an investigation.

While it sounded better than having the petition granted right away, an investigation bore opportunities to be tampered with, especially knowing that practically everyone with power hated Riona.

For now, she should get her hands on the petition to see her enemies’s names. Riona had no doubt that there were a lot more people who didn’t sign the petition but hated her all the same.

But the fact that some people were bold enough to put their names on the parchment should prove the extent of their negative emotions towards her.

"Where could the list of names be..." Riona murmured to herself.

"What’s that?"

She jumped to the side and almost instinctively smacked the source of that sudden voice. She let out a deep exhale upon realizing that it was just the Alpha werewolf.

"It’s none of your business," she said and paused, suddenly remembering something.

Sir Kai mentioned that even the werewolves would be good allies as long as Riona had some backup. She stared at the Alpha and wondered what a werewolf could do to help her.

He was in the middle of a negotiation himself, wasn’t he? If he was powerful enough to improve Riona’s situation, wouldn’t he have closed the agreement already by now?

"What took you so long with the negotiation?" Riona asked a direct question.

Thorin laughed as if he hadn’t expected her to abruptly steer the conversation towards something serious.

"You can’t wait to be my betrothed, I see," he teased, flashing his gorgeous grin.

Riona turned her face away, unable to look at him without feeling queasy. "As if! I was wondering if you’re just a powerless werewolf trapped within the fangs of these vampires here. You’ve been here for quite some time, and yet, you haven’t achieved your goals."

"And why does that bother you?" His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Ah, looking for a husband with influence, are we? Aren’t you the cheeky one, Love? How sweet of you to gauge your potential husband’s power!"

Flushed, Riona was indignant. "No, I—"

Thorin interrupted. "I’m just kidding. Relax, my dear. But if you’re wondering about my influence, let’s just say I have my ways. Is there something specific you need, Riona?"

She hesitated, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his tone. "It’s nothing, just idle curiosity."

The Alpha studied her for a moment, and then his expression softened. "If there’s anything I can do to assist you, Riona, you need only ask."

Riona met his gaze, a mix of relief and caution in her eyes. She hadn’t expected such a direct offer of help from him.

While Thorin had always been upfront about his one-sided marriage plan, Riona suspected he had a hidden agenda. She dismissed his advances as mere attempts to sway her resolve to keep her distance from him.

Now that he extended his hand towards her, what should she do?

She couldn’t fully trust Thorin. What guarantee did she have that he wouldn’t turn his back on her?

With Sir Kai, Riona trusted his impractical sense of justice. But with Thorin, there was nothing to make her feel secure about their cooperation.

Thus, she decided now was not the time to accept his help. Perhaps later, once she was certain he could fulfill his promises and wouldn’t betray her.

"I don’t need your help," she declared, ready to leave.

Feeling her tone was too stern, which might be rude to someone offering help, she turned around and added in a softer tone, "Not now."

She headed to Lisbeth’s room. Since Lisbeth was the foremost among Riona’s haters, it would be prudent to start searching there.

Riona didn’t know what to expect or what she might find. For now, she simply had to see if there was anything suspicious. Perhaps Lisbeth had a copy of the names list or something similar in her room.

Entering the room, she deliberately left the door ajar to allow herself time to slip out if she heard noises from outside. It was a half-cooked escape plan, but Riona didn’t realize that yet.

She rummaged through Lisbeth’s drawers and wardrobe. "Ugh, how many dresses does she have? Does she even wear them all?"

Nothing looked out of the ordinary. It was the typical princess’s room with its luxurious goods and furniture.

"What are you looking for?"

Riona felt like her heart would jump out of her mouth. She almost cursed but she chose to glare at Thorin instead.

"Why are you here?" she whispered, annoyed.

"Why are you whispering?" Thorin looked around. "Is this excursion unauthorized?"

"Just leave, will you? Stop bothering me! I need to concentrate."

"Concentrate on what?"

Instead of leaving the room or leaving her alone, Thorin followed her like a shadow, touching everything he found interesting, including a hand mirror on the vanity desk.

"Stop touching things!" Riona pushed his hand away from the vanity desk, snatched the mirror, and put it back where it was.

"But you’re touching things. Why can’t I?"

Riona faced him, her face contorted as she dialed down her angry voice. She spoke through gritted teeth, "I am investigating something important. Now, go!"

"Uh, and leave you to have fun all on your own? No way!"

Sigh. It felt very much like talking to a bratty child. Even Florian wasn’t this difficult to handle. "I’m not joking, and I’m not doing this for fun," she urged, pushing Thorin’s chest towards the door behind him.

"But this looks fun. How can—hide!" Thorin’s words were cut off, followed by a whispered urgency.

He grabbed Riona’s wrist and pulled her into the wardrobe. She tried to resist, but Thorin pressed his large palm against her mouth, hissing in her ear, "Shh!"

"Mother, was it you? The one who initiated the petition."

That was Lisbeth’s voice. Through the gap in the wardrobe, Riona could see Lisbeth’s silver hair fluttering as she walked past where Riona and Thorin were hiding.

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