Chapter 95
“Wee, everyone.” Marcus called out to the room, turning hushed whispers into silence. His suit
was navy blue this time, which made his eyes seem brighter and more vibrant. This man was what
most strived to be; attractive, charismatic, wealthy and powerful.
That’s what’s dangerous about the soul. No matter how beautiful you are on the outside, no matter
what favors your appearance gains you, the soul can rot from the inside out.
Many of the murmurs were regarding Desmond Deville’s sudden absence. I listened to each and every
one, forcing myself to remain calm.
“As I’m sure you all have noticed, we are missing a certain table member.” Marcus lifted an eyebrow
towards the room full of witnesses. He turned to face where I stood in particr, and though his eyes
were not on me, I couldn’t help but feel a bit paranoid. “Desmond Deville was called back to his pack
sometime early this morning. There is nothing to worry about, simply a pack misunderstanding turned
into arger inconvenience. While he regrets leaving ahead of schedule, he does hope to return before
the conclusion of our final meeting.”
I tried not to let out my exhale of pure relief too loudly. As though my body couldn’t help itself, my eyes
darted over to where Jaspar Fox sat. He wore a thick leather jacket this time, and his raven hair was
brushed back from his head. I noticed the faint white line of a scar running across his forehead, and
wondered how I hadn’t noticed it before. I instinctively stiffened when my eyes traveled down, and I
realized he was staring back at me. His pale eyes were unnervingly calm as they burned into my own.
And very slowly, so gentle that no one would notice, Jaspar Fox nodded his head at me.
It was an expression that said, “I’ve held up my end, can you hold up yours?”
“With that being said; Nico Deville, eldest son of Desmond Deville, will take his father’s ce for the
time being. He will arrive within the hour, and will be fully debriefed on everything discussed thus far.
On our final day, should Desmond Deville be unable to return, his son will make an educated vote that
represents his father’s authority and expectations.”
There was some whispering that echoed through the crowd, and I turned my ears to each and every
word that was uttered. I paused with baited breath, expecting someone to utter those words. There was
nothing, no suspicion of foul y. I counted to ten and let out a shallow breath, then intertwined my
fingers with Kade. Thest helped to rx me the most.
“Now that all announcements have ceased, let us begin today’s meeting.” Brayton Cliff nodded towards
the crowd, smoothing down the front of his tinum grey suit. He looked impable and professional,
but there was a certain rigidity to his body that made him seem uptight and a bit unapproachable.
“Sebastian, you were rather quiet ourst meeting. Would you care to begin this one?” Brayton asked
thoughtfully, casting a cool nce towards the lowest High Table member.
Sebastian Sable had the most to lose out of any of these men. If I joined the High Table, Sebastian
would be tossed to the side. He would be nothing more than your average Alpha. It was clear from his
poisonous emotions that he was not joining my team in the foreseeable future.
“Yes, well, I needed more information before I jumped to any conclusions.” Sebastian smiled at the
room, but it was apletely empty gesture. It was like watching something alien mimic human
expression and emotion, hollow and transparent. “While it is my seat on the line, I wish to be as
unbiased as reasonably possible. I do believe it would be best if Marcus here continued. In the
meantime, I’d like to think over what we’ve discussed so far.”
The silent snort I let out under my breath waspletely involuntary. I stiffened immediately after,
praying no one had heard. Conversation continued to flow evenly, and no one seemed to bat an
eysh at my silent exmation.
“Ouch.” I hissed, my narrowed eyes darting up to Kade’s face.
I rubbed at the spot on my arm Kade had pinched and eyed him angrily. He nced towards Sebastian
and back to me before smirking.
“Oh.” I mouthed sheepishly, “Sorry.”
“Per ourst meeting, we confirmed Ms. Aurora’s abilities and discussed what potential she might have
in our world.” Brayton continued without missing a beat, “While she seems to have control over her
abilities, it’s within the interest of our kind that we monitor this progress and ensure she matures into
her powers with full control.”
“That being said, she could be of use to our packs, ensuring our kind’s sess and all of that.” Jaspar
Fox chose his time to speak up, tossing me azy smile with eyes that had far too much to hide.
“How right you are.” Marcus agreed, a friendly smile on his face. This time his eyes turned to me, cold
and calcting beneath his warm exterior. Kade’s emotions turned brittle, but he managed to keep his
rage contained while we stood in silence, unable to do anything but watch. “Even though you know little
about our world, you have an opportunity to make a difference. So rarely does something like this
happen, and it is our hope that you might see this as an opportunity. While we each may have different
terms and requests, you are in no way forced to choose. It is your right to ept or deny as you see
fit.”
I straightened my spine and approached the center of the room as instructed. Only I could hear the
pattering of my heart, which mirrored the whispers being flung from all sides of the room.
“I make no promises, but I will listen to your offers.” I chose my words carefully, forcing myself to stare
Marcus Novak in the eyes the entire time.
He was not a stupid man. He knew I wasn’t fooled, and I would no longer pretend to be. Any deal made
with him would surely end in my d***h–or, envement. How many other white wolves walked into his
land willingly,pletely ignorant of what actually lie ahead?
“Though wemunicate and work as one, we are five individual packs withnd and customs of our
own. As such, any agreements will reflect our singr pack.” Marcus continued with a thin smile.
His words were surprising to some, and murmurs erupted throughout the room. I only caught bits and
pieces, but the words I heard were troubling at best. Words like; takeover, always share, selfish, and
plotting, came from the mouths of some witnesses. Others denied it, imed Marcus was doing what
was best, and that he had more experience than any other High Table member. Many of these people
trusted him, and for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why.
A flicker of surprise went through Jaspar, Brayton Cliff went still, and Sebastian practically ignited with
rage. What Marcus had done was definitely unusual.
“As head of the High Table, I believe I’ll begin with what my pack might offer you in return for your time
and service.” Marcus gave little time in between for argument, and from the emotions picking at me,
most were too terrified to interrupt him. I caught wind of the golden-haired Alpha and Luna again. They
weren’t afraid of Marcus–and seemed to detest him more than anyone else. “First, you would have my
entire collection of knowledge at your disposal, including anything regarding white wolves. You also
have ess to my outside sources, should you need more information. It is known that I have a few
white wolves living on my territory. I would be willing to transfer any that wish to move, over to your
domain. Most in my pack provide protection from rogues. Lastly, you must reside in my pack four
months out of the year. There you will train and aid me in High Table matters. These months are up to
your discretion, and your mates may attend as well. Should you ept my terms, I would wee you
into your seat as head of the High Table, and provide as your mentor.”
His terms were surprising, to say the least. I had almost missed hisst requirement, the one that
promised my doom. Four months out of the year I’d remain in his pack–like I was an object being
passed around. The crowed murmured and cooed at his generosity, while I wanted to snarl and shout.
It wasn’t a gift; it was a d***h sentence.
What was even more surprising–Marcus Novak was cutting his long-time aplice, Sebastian Sable,
out of the picture. He was essentially handing me my seat on a silver tter, and kicking Sebastian off
to the side.
Sebastian would be lowered in status after this, made nothing more than a basic Alpha. I was also fairly
positive he’d lose whatever agreement he had going on with Marcus Novak. What a way to end a
partnership.
My legs buckled with the rage that sted through him. Even from where I stood, I could hear the snap
and creak of the wooden dais breaking under his fingers. His eyes conveyed h**l-fire within their
depths, and it was all directed on me.
I was no fool to what was going on. Clearly, Marcus Novak was the wealthiest of the Alpha’s. He had
the most assets and I’m assuming the whitest wolves. The other High Table members only agreed to
using me so long as it benefited them all. Marcus had flipped the script on them.
“Well, though it’s pointless, I suppose I’ll go next.” Brayton cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. I
could feel his difort with the situation, along with an underlying tone of worry. He met my eyes and
I could feel a shift in his emotions. Curiosity and something else, possibly hope? “While my collection of
knowledge is smaller than Marcus’s, I assure you, you’ll find things even he does not have within my
walls. I offer you my knowledge and my pack should you ever need my aid. Rather than force you to
my ownnd, I would pay you monthly visits to ensure your development and magical abilities
remained stable.”
There were a few murmurs as many caught the snidement Brayton ced carefully within his
words. In truth, his proposal wasn’t a horrible one. It was essentially an alliance, one with a bit more
stiptions.
I smoothed any emotion from my face, but nodded at Brayton Cliff. Next was Jaspar, who had reclined
in his chair. He was currently cleaning underneath his nails with a serrated de, paying no mind to the
conversation around him.
Brayton nudged Jaspar, catching his attention. The knife was away in a sh, faster than my eyes
could perceive.
“Ah, my turn, is it?” He grunted, stretching out in his seat. He brushed back the inky hair that fell across
his forehead and gave me a long look. When he spoke, it was slow and drawn out. I wanted tough
for a moment. The man had the audacity to be bored, during a meeting that discussed my right to live.
“I got no use for your abilities, kid. I can give you information, training, whatever you need. Wouldn’t
mind a powerful pack having my back–and vice versa. You want an alliance? We can talk. I don’t need
a guard dog.”
Some part of me desperately hoped Jaspar wasn’t a s****y person, because he was the type of man I
could see myself getting along with. He was strange for sure, but honest. This ce was built on lies,
and having the truth was refreshing. His offer on the other hand, it had been the best one yet. It wasn’t
an offer of servitude, but one of an alliance.
The only one who was silent was Sebastian Sable. It was horribly unfair how this entire thing was set
up, and if he weren’t a psychopath, I would’ve felt sorry for the man.
There was no point in Sebastian offering me anything. I would ept one of the others and kick himContent is ? by N?velDrama.Org.
from his ce at the High Table, that was an inevitability.
“Three very generous offers. All of which could benefit our species.” Marcus finally spoke, cutting a
sharp look towards Jaspar. “Should you choose one, contracts will be drawn afterwards. As well, these
offers are on a trail period basis. We still do not know the full extent of your abilities, though we
certainly know what you could be capable of should your powers hit full maturity. During this trial
period, you will be closely monitored. Whomever you choose will ensure you haveplete control at
all times.”
It was a p****n sentence, basically. No matter what I chose, Marcus Novak would get what he wanted. I
could easily choose Jaspar and decline Brayton and Marcus, but he would retaliate. No way in h**l
would Marcus let me slip through his greedy fingers.
“What will happen should she decline all three offers? What will happen then to ensure she maintain
control over her abilities?” Sebastian Sable asked, his voice oily and beady eyes narrowed. He stood
from his seat and spoke directly to the crowd. “You all are not thinking of the future. Yes, she might
learn to control her abilities, but it is her who is able to use them. How can we dictate what she does
with these gifts? What would happen if one morning, she wished to eradicate the High Table? It would
take an army to stop her. What ensures us that this day will nevere? I am thinking of our future, of
your grandchildren’s children. What is truly best for us? This ability might’ve been celebrated in a time
of war. We are at peace, right now. Perhaps, we do not need her abilities at this given point in our
history. Even worse, she is causing chaos that has long been purged from the High Table. I will not fall
for the allure of power, no matter how the package might look. This she wolf wields d***h, and she is
here to bring war.”