“Here.” Erikkson emerges. “How wonderful to see you, Tristan.” He holds out his hand to shake. When I ignore him, he tuts in disapproval. “Not a pleasant greeting for your father-in-law, I must say.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
My reminder is pointed, my snarl barely hidden. The urge to leap for his throat is almost more than I can cope with, but we’ll have bigger issues if I kill the Beta Council representative.
“Of course. Let’s go into my office.”
I move to shut the door but Alicia prances in after us, her hand trailing up my arm as she brushes against me.
Taking a step back, I remain standing, pushing out what I’ve come to say through gritted teeth.
“I agree to your proposal on behalf of the pack.”
Erikkson leans forward as Alicia settles into a chair, crossing her bare legs. Biting back a grimace, I don’t look at her as she primps in the corner of my eye line.
“Excellent news. I’m delighted to have you as a future son-in-law, Tristan.”
I give him a hard stare. “Let’s not pretend this is anything more than a farce in private, Erikkson.”
He waves a hand dismissively. “Who knows. Love can grow in the most unforeseen places.”
Alicia giggles to herself, and even her father glances at her askance.
“In any case.” He reaches for some papers. “I have taken the liberty of having Alicia’s belongings packed.”
My breathing threatens to stop. “Packed?”
“For her to move in.” He raises his eyes to mine. “She will be moving in with you ahead of the Trials beginning tomorrow.”
Alicia bursts from her seat, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Isn’t it wonderful, baby?”
I wrench her arms from me and move her backward. “Do not,” I force out, my words icy, “touch me or any member of my pack without my consent. Do you understand?”
Alicia only bats her eyelashes. “I love it when you’re so masterful, Tristan.”
How the fuck am I going to do this?
“Alicia will be able to… keep an eye on you throughout the Trials. And of course, it will help your position with your omega when she sees Alicia as the dominant female in the household.”
Alicia smirks. “I have so many ideas. We’re going to have a lot of fun together, her and I.”
I’m going to be sick.
“I have some conditions.”
“Naturally.” Erikkson steeples his fingers. “Name them.”
“Alicia is not to physically harm Sienna Michaels in any way.”
Alicia pouts, and my gut clenches.What the fuck was she planning?
“Agreed.” Erikkson rolls his eyes when Alicia starts to protest. “Anything else?”
“She is not to enter any of our private spaces, including bedrooms, and bathrooms when someone is in there.”
“Also agreed.”
“We will control the manner in which we engage with Alicia in public. The approach needs to be believable – not just to the Council and the Omega Hub, but to family members too.”
