He nodded, but at the moment we were all stuck in formation.
“Ah, yes. Formalities. Formalities. Please show us the food. We’ve had a long flight and then this drive. It’s a beauty, your land, but truly you are much more isolated than my own pack. It will be quite the change for my pearl.”
Said pearl tried to get closer to me and I swerved just in time to avoid her touch as well as losing the last of my appetite.
My wolf wanted to bite her hand off. He was offended enough for both of us that someone would try and touch. This was going to be an enjoyable night. Fighting my own soul, ignoring that my real mate was somewhere in the pack house, and lastly trying to avoid a pack war.
Colton had a good point though. We had the numbers, and all I had to do was challenge the alpha and win. Most of their pack would choose to come with me and those that didn’t? Well, I had no problems taking them out for allowing what they had. Perhaps that would clean up some issues.
“Your seats are this way,” I said.
I moved fast and got in front of the pack to show them their side of the banquet table. I wasn’t ready to give in to a pack like this. Not now and not ever.
My mind couldn’t stop wandering and my wolf and I kept trying to figure out if we mated Kiara, is that what was best for the pack? My wolf didn’t actually wonder at all. He was a loose cannon and had no issues running in and claiming her now.
I’d nearly lost it when I’d kissed her. She was perfect until you looked at her political advantages. There were none.
The conversations behind me were jovial and misguided if they actually thought I’d go through with this.
My thoughts went back to Kiara. She was pure, my wolf would bet on it. There wasn’t a lie on those lips.
Goddess, her lips.
“So, son. It’s been unfortunate, what’s been happening along your borders. Have you had any resolution.”
I slowly turned toward the alpha-hole of the garbage Cripple Creek. The gloves were off then.
They took their seats, and I glared.
“Funny that you should mention the problem. We’ve had some luck with interrogations and it appears perhaps some of these, let’s call them issues, might have started on your lands?”
I walked around to the seat nearest the head of the table. My father was taking his time, but he would be the one to fill the head position for now.
I watched Byron’s face grow a huge pinker.
“I beg your pardon, we’ve had no involvement whatsoever.”
Most of the pack was here waiting, and I nodded. Everyone watched me as if the world hung on my movements. Perhaps it did. Formalities were ridiculous but as I sat, everyone else did. I would much rather us all be equals here. The seat next to me was still empty. If I were going to pick a fight, I would really like my second to be here.
Colton? Where are you now?
If he didn’t get here, soon this was going to be a long fucking night.
I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have my fated mate here, rather than someone who would force my hand. I glanced at her sour looking face. Fuck if my balls didn’t retract at the idea of mating with her.
“I’m glad to hear that you believe your pack has no involvement. Fated mates are always more ideal than forced pairings that these trades promote. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I turned toward Nessa, curious to see what her role truly was in all this.
She didn’t seem to notice much beyond her nails.
Byron was reaching for the platters of meat.
“In an idealist world of course we could wait. I’m sure you’re aware that this world waits for no one. Besides, your father won’t hand over the pack until you’re mated. Win-win.”
I filled my plate out of agitation.
Where are you?I linked to Colton.