A statement, not a question, from a man who recognizes mate devotion. From one doomed lover boy to another. He sees himself in me.
“Yes. And I have been beaten and shit on repeatedly for choices—some of which weren’t even mine—but I take it, every time. Not once have I argued, retaliated, complained or asked for so much as an apology. I’ve never asked anybody for a damn thing. All I’m asking for isher.”
I can’t tell if Sam is shocked more by my tone or my words. Either way, I don’t have time to think. So I beg, “Sir, please. Give me ten minutes.”
Sam bites the inside of his cheek. He tussles his hair, seeming uncomfortable. In a low voice, he says, “I never told you, but I’m sorry about your father.”
My eyes drop to the wooden porch.
“It’s hard losing a parent. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
I nod, a silent thanks.
He sighs. “Fine.”
I lift my head.
He holds up a finger. “One meeting.”
“Are you serious?” I clap my hands together, pressing them to my lips with shocked glee.
“Ten minutes.”
Something between a huff and a laugh escapes my lips as I fold my hands over my head. “Yeah? Really?”
He holds out a hand to tell me to be calm, but I’m jumping with joy. “Yes, but don’t be surprised if Dax decides to kick your ass for this.”
“Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you.” I jog down the steps before he can change his mind. “Yes.”
“Waller?” he yells after me.
I stop and turn to face him. “Yes, sir?”
“Show up naked to my in-laws’ home again, and I’ll bury you.”
While being naked is pretty natural for wolves, there is a territorial aspect, so I understand.
I smile back and salute. “You got it.”
With a nod, Sam slams the door shut.
I mindlink Tyler.“Wake up.”
“Huh? What?”
“Meet me in my father’s study in five. We’ve got work to do.”
***
It’s nearly dawn, and Tyler and I spent the last two hours preparing for this meeting. We gathered our arguments and potential solutions to present, along with questions and counterarguments for undesirable options.
Tyler was a huge help. It’s a relief to finally rely on him and leverage our soon-to-be alpha and beta partnership.
Tyler and I are in the conference room when the sun rises, and the council filters in. Tyler and I stand as Sam, Taya, and then King Dax enter. I smooth my tie to my body. I wanted to leave no reason for the king to be any more pissed off at me.
Taya appears bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, put together as always. Sam is not as chipper but not at all as grumpy as earlier. However, the king doesnotlook well-rested, and I fear that’s because of me. I can’t let that cripple my confidence. This is about Jay.
We stand until the king reaches his seat at the head of the table and gives me a side-eye and scowl as he drops his clipboard. His chair screeches against the floor as he scoots himself in. Once he’s settled, everyone else takes a seat as well.
