Erikkson smirks at me. “I’m sure. In any case, what I have to discuss relates to your Bonding.”
Surprise fills me, but I remain steady, my eyes on his as I lean back in my chair, affecting a casual pose despite the tension locking up my spine at his words. “Oh?”
“Indeed.” Leaning forward, Erikkson slides a manila file across the desk. I leave it where it is for a moment, watching the spark of temper on his face when I don’t immediately jump to open it.
Scanning his face, I lean in and pick up the folder, turning it over in my hands. “A late-night visit, an anonymous folder – all very cloak and dagger, Councilor. Should I be concerned?”
Erikkson tilts his head. “Why not open it and see?”
Keeping a bored look on my face, I flip the folder over, sliding out the contents. As I thumb through them nonchalantly, my focus sharpens, my hands tightening on the paper until my knuckles turn white.
“This is untrue, Councilor. I don’t know where these doctored invoices have come from—”
“Keep going, boy.” Vicious delight glints in Erikkson’s pale green gaze. “I assure you; the evidence is there.”
A weight appears in my stomach, growing heavier as I continue to look through the documents and reach a selection of photos. My eyes flicker from one to the other.
“As you can see,” Erikkson points out smoothly, “These photographs clearly show your father meeting with some… rather unsavory individuals.”
And the invoices showing large sums of missing funds from Council coffers tell another side to the story.
My throat tightens. I refuse to believe that my father is involved in embezzling Council funds. I don’t believe it.
I clear my throat.
“This is all very… interesting, Councilor. What I don’t understand is why you have brought this to me.”
When the obvious response is to go straight to my father with it, even if Erikkson thought I wasn’t involved. Or even the main Council, if he’s so damn concerned.
The Councilor stands up, moving to the small corner bar and pouring us both a glass of whisky without asking. My hands curl around the glass when he hands it to me, but I don’t drink, keeping my eyes on him as he settles back in his seat, looking perfectly at ease.
“These are difficult times for us all, boy. There is much discussion around the future of Navarre, of your alpha and omega population. Whilst the beta population tends to drop off the list of priorities at every stage.”
Swirling my drink in my hand, I motion at him to continue.
“As much as I disagree with many of your ideas, I have never disagreed with your views on the beta population. And as much as the evidence in your hand has shocked me, I find myself reluctant to hand them over, given the certainty of that outcome.”
Realization hits. If my father is removed as Council Leader, I’ll lose my place as the future Leader – the shadow of the controversy will make it impossible for me to ascend.
The sudden implications of what’s in my hand hit me hard. Everyone we know will be affected. My pack will be ruined. My mother and family disgraced, stripped of our assets.
The law in Navarre is harsh, but it is the law.
We will loseeverything.
Anger tightens my throat, but I look over to Erikkson. “Tell me what you want, Erikkson.”
He picks at something on the sleeve of his black Council robe. “It’s rather simple, really. I wish to improve the relationship with the beta population. And that’s where you come in.”
Rising, he walks to the door and pulls it open. A sick feeling invades my stomach as Alicia stalks into the room, her vapid smile wide in the dim lighting.
“Good evening, Tristan,” she purrs. “Isn’t this all very exciting?”
Anger tenses my muscles as I move my gaze to Erikkson. “Explain, Councilor.”
“It’s quite simple, really. You will publically select Alicia as the mate of the Cohen pack, forgoing your relationship with the omega girl. Your relationship will demonstrate the potential for the beta population to ascend to the dizzying heights of the Council – particularly once you become Council Leader with my daughter at your side. And in grateful thanks for your partnership, the evidence in your hands will simply… disappear.”
I’m speechless as I stare from one to the other. Erikkson clasps his hands together, watching my face as Alicia claps her hands with delight. “I told you we’d find a way to be together, darling!”
