My fingers tighten on the arms of the chair until a crack sounds. Alicia’s smile dims.
“No.”
My voice is resolute. Take Alicia as our mate? Fake a relationship in public for the rest of my life?
Not a fucking chance.
“As much as I admire your aspiration, Councilor, there are better ways to ensure stronger relationships with the betas. I’m afraid that I will have to decline your offer –kindas it is.”
The smile slides from Alicia’s face completely as she turns to her father. “Daddy?”
Ignoring her, Erikkson simply reaches forward, a second folder in his hands. Gritting my teeth, I wave it off.
“I don’t need further evidence, Erikkson. We’ll manage the allegations through the Justice system, along with any repercussions. Now, take your daughter, and get thefuckout of my office.”
Erikkson simply snorts. “Don’t be dramatic, boy. Take the damned folder. You’ll want to see it.”
Dread breaks out in cold sweat along my hairline as I snatch it from him, expecting more incriminating photographs.
My breathing stops when I open the contents.
And just like that, my dreams, my future mate, the memories we could make – it all disappears like smoke.
“You see,” Erikkson adds into the silence. “There is more riding on your participation than you thought, Tristan.”
Alicia strains to see the images in my hand, and I pull them closer to my chest.
“I will withdraw my pack from the Trials immediately.” My voice is rough, the anger underlying each word clear. Alicia flinches back and then barks a sharp laugh.
“Oh, no, Tristan. The Trials will be proceeding as normal. Right, Daddy?”
I blink as Erikkson turns to her. “That’s right, sweetheart.”
He turns back to me with a curled lip. “It seems that Alicia and one Sienna Michaels are already acquainted. Alicia wishes to add an additional layer to your story by publically rejecting Ms Michaels at the conclusion of the Trials.”
The images in front of me blur together as I think through the implications. “You want us to participate in the trials – and Deny her?”
An omega has never been Denied in Navarre. Ever.
Alicia sniffs. “It’ll serve the little stuck-up bitch right.”
My head spins as I try and think around this, to come up with an alternative that doesn’t put my family – or the omega we’re supposed to be mating – at risk.
“I need to think,” I say abruptly. “Get out.”
Alicia huffs, but Erikkson pulls her up. “I expect your answer within twenty-four hours, Tristan. Think carefully. How much is your family worth to you? How much is your pack worth?”
He points at the folder in my hands. “You can keep that. I have copies.”
I don’t respond, my fury a tight knot inside me as they leave. Gripping the glass of whiskey, I down it in one before I hurl it with all my strength.
It smashes against the wall.
10
LOGAN
Scratching absently at the stubble lining my jaw, I stare despondently at the mess in front of me.
