The air is thick with tension. I stim by rubbing my thumb, middle and pointer fingers together on the large table. Tyler shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
Since Alaina’s reign, the council’s overthrowing had begun, but a reliable source said the crown meant to abolish itcompletely.
It’s about time.
“Why is that?”
“Because it is the council that reviews all matters regarding leadership matchmaking,” Ezra says.
Sam plops into his seat, crosses his ankles on the table, then laces his fingers on his stomach. He shrugs casually, but his retort is all business and heavy with a professional yet subtle smackdown. “It seems you are misinformed. That was the old rule. Since the hybrid reign, the crown has final say on the matter.”
Sweat drips from the councilman’s brow. Alexa chimes in to save him. “Perhaps we should get started?”
Sam stares them down, not taking his eyes off them as he reaches down beside him to grip bottom of Taya’s seat. Her chair screeches against the hardwood floor as he pulls her closer to him. With her close, he kisses the back of Taya’s hand, holds it to his lips and inhales her scent. He’s trying to steady himself. It’s like taking that first puff of herbs after a long day, calming and uplifting all in one. It’s knowing you’re home, and all worries can finally leave you. I know because that’s what Jay’s scent does to me, even if it is short-lived.
Taya, ever poised and proper, sits tall with her arm angled like a teapot spout. With eyes fixed ahead, she’s fully aware of the power she holds over him. But not in a tyrannical way but like someone who understands the importance of being someone else’s peace. To be the most fragile one in the room, and to have power over one of the most beastly soul’s... She understands the weight and holds the responsibility of a supportive partner well.
Once calm, Sam speaks, “Thanks, pup.”
Taya smiles, and her hand floats back into her lap.
“Okay, I’m good now.” He nods to Alexa. “Please, proceed.”
“Er, yes. Let’s start by getting an update on Bloodhound.” Alexa looks at me with a raised brow, and her glasses fall to the bridge of her nose. “Caleb?”
“Certainly.” I clear my throat.
“As you are aware”—I start—“the attacks on our pack have been decreasing significantly with my mother’s plans in motion.”
First of all, they are likely not aware. As you are aware’ is a term we’ve gotten comfortable using to respectfully relay to the council information theyshouldknow, but they don’t know shit. To suggest that they do not know what’s going on with the packs below them would be disrespectful.
Second, she didn’t do shit either. I could barely get her to sign off on things on time, let alone put anything in place. No, this was all due tomyefforts. Well, mine and Tyler’s. But under my leadership. I don’t need the credit. The pack is safer than it was, and that’s all that matters.
You know it’s serious when Sam shakes his head, waves and leans forward from his comfortable position. “Whoa, whoa, whoa—wait a second.” He whips his head at the two council members with disbelief. “That’s it? A pack, whose resources the entire kingdom relies on, who reports directly to you, says they’restillbeing attacked—”
“It’s decreasing—” Ezra says, shamefully missing the royal beta’s point that attacksstillhappen.
Sam ignores his ignorant comment. “And you don’t have a single question about it? You aren’t wondering why the attacks are still happening?”
Unless you count what Jay did, the attacks haven’t just decreased but have practically been eradicated. But I’m enjoying the councilman’s stammering too much to correct the narrative.
“Well—uh—we know everything.”
“Bullshit,” Tyler coughs.
Sam leans back in his chair and folds his hands, ready to expose this guy for what he is. A fraud. “I find that interesting, considering you report directly to me and my mate.” He turnshis head to Taya. “And I don’t remember hearing anything. Do you, angel?”
“Nope. I’d definitely remember something like that,” Taya says, popping the p.
Tyler and I exchange glances. We know some shit’s about to go down.
“Precisely.” He reverts his attention back to the council members—who sweat as they exchange nervous glances. “Good thing you are aware of everything already, right? So, you should be able to tell us how the attacks keep happening. Actually, I’ll make it even easier for you... Tell me why they were even able to happen in the first place.”
“Uh . . .” Ezra freezes.
If he doesn’t even know that, forget it. He’s done.
“Go on then. The floor is yours,” Sam says, intimidating the male further.
