Ididn’tgetavery close look at Luke back in Chicago, since I was a little preoccupied with that stupid challenge at the time. Keir’s cousin is not what I expected. For one thing, he’s young, even younger than I was when I became Alpha.
Given his age, the Sweet Water pack’s history of kidnappings, and the fact Luke himself is likely one of those kidnapped children, that begs the question of whether or not the Sweet Water pack is going to respect him enough to follow him. Not that I’ve met any of them except the asshole cleric. Sure, Malachi is showing some deference to Luke, but if anyone knows how precarious taking over a pack young is, it’s me.
Add in the rest of this mess and I’m pretty sure Luke’s hold on the pack as Alpha is weak. Of course, I could be feeling sympathetic for someone who’s about to make things even worse, but I really hope that’s not the case. The last thing this situation needs is more complications.
I watch the young Alpha from the corner of my eye as his gaze passes over the shifters sitting at the table, my body tense as I wait to find out whether he’s a friend or an enemy. He was helpful to Keir back in Chicago, but I don’t know anything else about him or where his loyalties actually lie.
Luke’s eyes stop on the cleric and he straightens his shoulders, staring down the older man until the cleric averts his gaze. Point to the kid for not taking any shit. It’s more than I knew to do when I was his age.
Finally, his attention turns to me. “Alpha Matisse,” he says, acknowledging me with an upward jerk of his chin. “It’s good to finally meet you. Your brother told me where to find you.”
Some of my tension drains away. Remy wouldn’t have sent Luke here if he thought the other Alpha would be a problem. Now, whether the kid can exert enough power to take control from his wayward pack member and be asolutionis my next concern.
I return Luke’s greeting. “I take it you weren’t aware your cleric and my…” I glare at William, “soon to beformerpack elder have taken it upon themselves to hand Keir over to Stevens even before the farce of a hearing?”
Luke’s expression darkens and his jaw tenses. “No. I wasn’t.” His eyes narrow on the cleric, who still hasn’t looked up from the table. “And I absolutely don’t approve. We will cancel the hearing, as I’m renouncing any claim my pack might have on Keir. It is Keir’s—andonlyKeir’s—decision as to where he wants to be.”
A growl rumbles up from Stevens as he sneers at Luke. “I’m paying good money for the omega. You—”
“Keir is not for sale,” says Luke succinctly. “Any money that may have exchanged hands will be returned to you.”
A wave of relief rolls over me and I shift slightly to stand closer to the younger Alpha.
“Luke…” says Malachi in a sickly sweet patronizing tone I recognize hearing from William when I first became Alpha. “I realize this situation might be confusing for you, given the suddenness of your father’s death. As the pack’s interim leader, it is best you let me guide you during this difficult time and—”
I can’t help my snort of disbelief. “I can tell you from personal experience, no matter how young you might be, giving up any of your power will not turn out well for you.” I tilt my head toward William. “Case in point.”
William blusters. “How dare you—”
“Shut up, William,” I snap. “I’ll deal with your betrayal once I have my mate back.”
“If you think the council will ever approve of—”
“Are you an idiot, or are you simply homophobic?” Luke asks in a conversational tone.
I muffle a laugh with the back of my hand.I’m starting to like this kid.
William gapes at the younger Alpha, whether because he’s shocked Luke dared to ask or because the elder doesn’t want to admit his answer.
Not that I don’t already know.
“I’m leaning toward both,” I say, glancing at Luke.
He shoots me a small smile and nods. “I agree. Though, I find it hard to believe someone who claims to have the best interests of his pack in mind can be so blind.”
William has the nerve to look affronted. “What are you—”
I respond as if I didn’t hear William’s interjection. “I know, right? Keir can’t possibly be as ‘worthless’ as he thinks when more than one Alpha has been desperate to get their hands on him. Granted, Rossi’s interest partially had to do with getting tome, but this asshole,” I gesture dismissively at Stevens, “doesn’t even know me, so all that money he’s willing to pay is solely about Keir.”
William’s brow furrows as he considers that angle, clearly for the first time. Which isn’t surprising. The elder has never been the most forward or creative in his thinking. The only thing he ever saw was the fact that Keir is male.
Stevens’s face has gone blank, his eyes cold and hard as he glares at Luke. “You can’t back out of the deal that easily. The contract—”
“Is null and void if not signed by the current Alpha now that he has stepped forward,” says—of all fucking people—William. “I think it might be best if we all go somewhere more private to discuss this.”
Stevens slams his hand down on the table. “No. I was promised—”
“Whatever you were promised was bullshit,” I growl back. “And you know that, since anyone who made a promise to you made it without either mine or Luke’s approval.”
