My elbows sit on the table as my eyes harden. I lock my fingers together in front of me as I stare at Luca, who thankfully won’t ask too many questions when I am
in a bad mood
.
"Their additional comments about the event sound like a convenient excuse to continue pursuit. I am not having this precedent set in my territory."
"Then..."
"If they want to take the time to arrange a proper council meeting where the whole truth can be argued in front of the eyes of each pack representative, then I would possibly consider making a move. Tell them this."
"Understood."
A mate bond that did not
sever properly
was rare, but not unheard of. We’ve researched it.
Usually it indicated a
lingering emotional attachment
that could be dealt with at a therapist. Foolish men who
pressured
their mates into accepting a rejection.
Just to see if they would continue to refuse. Like
resistance
proved their love.
Even when so many pressured them
in the first place
to accept.
Honestly, I can see quite well why my... why Citra would hate
our society
. And I won’t have some werewolf still attached to her set a
single step
into my territory.
"The council won’t support their claim without evidence. I’d like to see them prove it. I’ll dismantle all the arguments myself after looking into the superstitions."
Luca nodded, but I could tell he was still concerned that I was taking such a stand. Telling him
my reason
isn’t going to make him feel better.
This is still a
personal matter
placed
in front
of the pack. Which is not the way I’ve been managing the Rimecoat... or my company.
"There’s something else. Victoria made noise at the Midnight Gathering."
Our
social club
, of sorts. A large place in the deep basement of the building for bored wolves to transform and play fight - or sometimes games of tag.
I sigh and lean back in the chair.
"That tends to happen more than once a week already. What is it this time?"
"About the number of unauthorized wolves in our territory. She seemed... unusually invested."
Standing and moving to the window, I look out over the city that
belonged
to me in more ways than one. My
Great-Great-Great-Grandfather
had been elected mayor of this place when it was just a town during the silver mining boom.
For over a hundred and fifty years, the Rimecoat pack has made our home here while
remaining
a part of human society. The Voss name has always carried significant weight because of this.
But some
rely
on their name, instead of their
actions
.
"Victoria Whitecrest does not have the authority to question what sort of visitors I allow into my territory. That task belongs to you."
Not ambitious, protected pack members with too much time on their hands to use it for
creating good
. The intercom buzzed its alert.
"Ms. Voss, Ms. Whitecrest is here again. She’s quite insistent about seeing you."
Claire’s voice came through it, showing how right I was.
I exchanged a look with Luca before moving back to my desk with
deliberate calm
, instead of starting a conversation worked up against her. After a
count to ten
...
"Send her in."
Victoria slipped in quickly.
Designer heels
clicked sharply against the hard flooring.
Auburn hair pulled back in a twist. Wearing a tailored dress that is
intentionally
more expensive than my suit.
"Kyrie. I’ve been trying to reach you."
"Victoria."
I stare back and watch her look toward Luca, irritated at
his presence
. She has long been upset that he
refused
to become her mate when they were younger.
"This discussion is a private matter."
As usual she tried to get him to leave.
"All of my matters are pack matters. My Beta should certainly be present."
She conceded with a tilt of her head, but also a sneer. Then she took a seat across from me
without being invited
.
This is why I cannot let myself be angry ahead of time. My wolf constantly wants to
maul
her for the displays of arrogance.
"There was an incident at Crystalline yesterday."
After the silence with me not engaging in her
game
stretched just long enough to become uncomfortable, she continued.
"A she-wolf wearing a Duskpaw braid was there."
"Is that unusual? Wolves pass through the city regularly."
Victoria leaned forward, with that smug look of having some upper hand.
"This one had your card. Your personal bank card."
"And?"
My
nonchalance
made her both frown and show her
uncomfortability
. It’s clear she knows she is taking a risk by provoking me.
"This woman was quite... confrontational. When questioned about her presence in our territory."
I finally allowed an
edge
to enter my voice. Or rather, I
couldn’t stop it
if I tried.
"By ’questioned,’ I assume you mean she was harassed while attempting to enjoy a spa treatment I’d sent her to?"
She drew back, ready to
fight or flee
. Of course, we both knew she would not get far
if it came to that
.
Calm came back to her - and a
sharp smile
tried to hide her discomfort. The woman knew I would not
attack to kill
over a matter like this.
She
thought
she knew - but not even I do.
The
fur
that sprouted on the back of my neck will not go down.
"I was merely performing my duty as a concerned member of this pack. Unknown wolves with suspicious backgrounds deserve scrutiny."
"Your duty."
"The safety of the pack-"
"Is my concern as Alpha."
I
finished
for her. She shrinks away and I know that I’m
not doing a good job
.
My eyes are probably showing, again. So I close them and
count to ten
.
"There are so many pressing matters requiring attention, but you constantly choose the ones I am meant to take care of. Then complain directly to me instead of informing my Beta. Or Claire."
"That human..."
"Is more useful than you have been to the pack."
The barbed truth made her
flinch
.
Obsession
with status was Victoria’s role as their primary werewolf in this generation.
But that should not be my problem - and I am growing close to
my limit
.
"My family has always prioritized this pack’s welfare. Unlike some who seem... distracted by outsiders."
The
accusation
hung in the air between all of us. I allowed myself the faintest smile, knowing this was
as much about Luca
as it was myself.
I rose from my chair, done with her.
"Noted. Leave."
She stood up, smoothing her dress with
shaking hands
. It didn’t make me happy to see her flinch when I rose.
I
hated
that they had to challenge me so much. That they think
they know better
or that I may have grown weaker.
A
smirk
when she reached the door let me know she wasn’t as done as me.
"She became very... friendly... with all the workers there. I thought you should know. What kind of person you’re supporting. Maybe you did?"
The door closed behind her with more force than necessary. I wait to ease my
desire to chase
her until the intercom buzzes twice.
Claire - letting me know she is fine and
nothing has happened
to her.
"So we’re still having her do that."
Luca’s voice was a
little sad
. However, the
safety measure
was necessary.
"Yes. We are."
I do not think any of
my pack
would murder someone. But there are
a lot worse things
that could happen.
"So you sent the rogue to Crystalline with your bank card?"
Without
denying
it, I nodded to my Beta. The question wasn’t whether Luca could figure anything out from the details.
It was if Victoria understood the
true nature
of my interest... or merely saw an opportunity to
challenge my authority
.
"Discreetly increase surveillance on the Whitecrest."
"Consider it arranged. And the other wolf? Can we talk about this?"
"Later. Claire will send footage soon."
I checked my watch. Board meetings and investor calls would
fill my day
, demanding the attention I don’t want to split.
The need to see
exactly
what happened between Victoria and Citra. I feel like I won’t be able to
actually calm down
until then.
No...
I won’t be able to feel any better until I see her
in person
again.