“I look forward to seeing you and your pack at your Bonding ceremony.”
My hand reaches out, my fingers trembling slightly as I take the envelope. “Thank you.”
Clutching the envelope, I stare down at it, debating whether or not to rip it open right now. The urge to know, to see the name of my mate for the first time, is nearly overwhelming.
But my pack will kill me if I open it without them.
Sighing, I slide the envelope carefully into my briefcase. A shadow casts across the counter, and my shoulders stiffen as an oily voice drawls.
“Congratulations, boy.”
“Councilor Erikkson,” I acknowledge, not bothering to thank him. Condescension is clear in his tone, the beta representative’s disdain for the alpha and omega mating process well known.
“I admired your position today,” he comments, and I keep my face blank, hiding my surprise.
“I only propose what I think would be best for our people.”
“Of course, of course. From my own position, naturally, I would support any movement that creates a stronger relationship with the beta population.”
I barely hold back my snort. Of course, Erikkson would support anything that improved his own position. Whilst I’m all for self-advancement, something about the man just irritates my instincts. His daughter’s just as bad.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Snapping my briefcase shut, I offer him a perfunctory nod as I move to exit the Council chamber. “Good afternoon, Councilor.”
His eyes follow me as I leave, retracing my earlier steps throughout the high-ceilinged Council building as I head to my father’s office. I’ve barely rapped my knuckles on the door before he calls out to me.
“Tristan.” He waves me to a seat. My father looks tired, dark bags under his eyes and lines etched into his skin that weren’t there just a few months ago. He waves away my concern.
“I’m fine,” he grumbles. “I want to talk about you.”
I straighten my jacket. “I won’t apologize for highlighting what they all refuse to see. Navarre needs to bring down the wall, Dad. You know that.”
“I do.” My dad leans forward. “But tradition is important to them, Tristan. And you overstepped.”
“More important than the security of the people they’re supposed to serve, apparently.”
“It’s not that black and white and you know it.” He reaches across to grab my hand. “You’ll be an excellent Council leader one day, son. Far, far better than I am or could ever hope to be. I have no doubts about that. But you’re still learning. Today shows that you still have more to learn about understanding people.”
The jab hits home, my head pulling back as though he’s thrown a fist. “So I don’t have enough empathy? Have you met Milo?”
“Milo is not Council Leader. There is a reason we have different personalities, different views. It allows us to challenge each other, to make sure each decision is carefully weighted, and the pros and cons thought through. You have empathy, but you don’t care enough about others’ opinions. A Council leader needs more than logic to succeed, Tristan.”
My hand runs through my hair. “I hate it when you get all wise on me,” I grumble.
He smirks. “Look and learn, kid.”
The tension disappearing, at least for the moment, I reach into my briefcase and produce the letter Ollena gave me. Dad whistles as he leans back in his chair. “The Bonding Trials. How are you feeling?”
“Excited,” I admit. “You know we’ve been waiting a long time.”
Six years, to be precise. We graduated from the Alpha compound as a fully-fledged pack six years ago, and we’ve been waiting to be matched to an omega ever since.
My father smiles. “I’m pleased for you. And I’m looking forward to meeting her, whoever she is.”
Curiosity tugs me again, and he laughs.
“Get home, Tristan. Saving the world can wait for a day. Go home and enjoy this moment with the pack.”
Grinning, I swipe the envelope from the desk and reach out, each of us grabbing the other’s wrist.
