Slate wanted to ask Ulfric what he’s been thinking, but decided it was better done inside, away from the prying eyes of the crowd that had gathered. “Why don’t we go inside?”
“Fine, fine,” Ulfric said nervously, then headed to the door of the building.
Slate followed, contemplating this Alpha’s behavior. There was something that was odd, but he couldn’t put his finger on it at the moment. Filing it away for later, he held the door open, ushered Ulfric inside and led him into the meeting room.
Ulfric couldn’t help snorting when he saw a large round table.Arald will be so angry when he sees this.Finding his name tag at the table, Ulfric sat down and folded his hands over the documents in front of him. As he looked around the room, he wondered when Ordovic and Arald would arrive; the décor surprised him, not usual for just a temporary facility.
Watching the Alpha check out the room, Slate was curious about the fleeting emotions crossing Ulfric’s face ranging from surprise to contempt. And that was the expression that interested him the most. “We were going to build a temporary place to hold the conference but then Arald convinced us a permanent facility would be better. It would be a neutral place where you, Ordovic, and Arald could come to work out issues pertaining to all the packs.”
Ahhh, yes, now it makes sense. The asshole thinks this will be his palace to rule us all. What a fucking, conniving son of a bitch!Nodding, Ulfric decided to say nothing.
Slate saw Ulfric’s face change to a sneer at his explanation, but it was quickly replaced by an emotionless façade. Puzzled by that reaction, Slate again decided against pursuing it any further right now. Instead he said, “I met both of the other Alphas but not you. I like to meet everyone alone first, so I can get to know you informally before the start of the conference.” Receiving no response, Slate continued, “Do you have anyquestions about the conference’s goals, or the schedule? Or maybe you have questions about who I am?”
Ulfric thought about it for a moment. He certainly didn’t need to know anything about this farce of a meeting. Nor about Slate Valentin; he had researched him thoroughly on the computer at the hospital and that was the only reason he was about to risk his life. But how could he ask it without it coming back to bite him in the ass. He would have to phrase it in such a way that if Arald found out, it wouldn’t raise any suspicions.
“I understand congratulations are in order.”
Slate was bewildered. Of all the possibilities of what he’d be asked, this strange comment wasn’t one he ever considered. “I’m sorry, congratulations? For what?”
“Your brother finding his mate. I’m not wrong, am I?”
“Oh, that, yes. Thank you. How did you hear about it?”
Great, just the opening I need.“I was at the hospital for a follow-up to an injury and I heard my doctor talking about Dr. Wallace. He was the one who had originally treated me. I’d asked for him when I came in but was told he found his mate who, I think, is related to your brother.”
“Through my brother’s mate,” Slate clarified.
“Is Dr. Wallace coming back? He’s a good doctor.”
“I don’t know,” Slate said. Then trying to get the conversation back on track, he asked, “What goals would you like to accomplish during this conference?”
“Me? Why, peace of course. I have a pup on the way and would like to know he and his mother will be safe when they step out of the house.”
“What about for your pack?”
“The same. If it is safe for my mate, it will be safe for them.”
“That follows. And ideas on how to achieve it?”
Ulfric snorted. “Isn’t that your job? If I had the means to do it, don’t you think I would have done it already?”
Slate laughed. “Yes, I suppose you would have. But is there a specific issue you think we need to focus on that would help to arrive at your goal?”
He couldn’t help himself as he laughed over his thought.Just kill the fucker and peace will be instantaneous.“No, not really.”
What was that all about? I’m missing something.Slate opened his mouth to speak but heard a commotion out in the hall. Rising, he strode over to the door to see what was causing it and, when he opened the meeting room door, he was greeted by Arald and a small army.
Chapter 25
Dylon watched Cody finish his breakfast while he drank his coffee. He was planning to spend the day in the forest but first wanted to make sure Cody understood what would happen to Dylon when he was bitten. Once it happened, his fate would be in Cody’s hands.
Cody knew what was bothering his mate and frankly, he thought, if the shoe were on the other foot, he’d be worried, too. However, there wasn’t any cause to worry. For the first time in a very long time, he knew he’d be all right. His mate had restored him and Cody was looking forward to living his life instead of planning how he could escape it.
“Cody, all rules are suspended for now. First let me say, I’m over the moon you want to finish our claiming by biting me. But I want…”
“I know what happens to you when I bite you, Dylon. I understand I will hold your life in my hands and any decision I make will also bind you to it.”
“Good to know because if you ever enter your vision realm and decide not to return…”
