#Chapter 278: Tension At The Dinner Table

There are so many people set to eat dinner at once that Mom puts the table extenders in to add a couple more feet to the table. Yet even with this new space, things are so tight that the Alpha King makes two of his guards stand. They aren’t to eat at all, apparently, but stand by the doorway instead. They don’t seem to mind overmuch. I suppose they probably haven’t expected to eat. And, more likely, they must be used to the Alpha King’s jerk-like behavior by now. He doesn’t see people as people but instead as objects to be used to whatever ends he deems necessary. One person is noticeably absent from the dining room table: Steven. Likely, he is continuing to work on the security system. No one says that, however. Instead, when the Alpha King asks, “Where is Steven?” Neil replies, “He is feeling under the weather.” Mr. Hayes narrows his eyes. “Too sick to visit with his own father.” Neil has no outward reaction to Mr. Hayes obvious annoyance. “I thought it best not to have