“He might think you are doing it because you have to,” I point out.
“That’s what I am hoping for. Also, Jordan officially believes the bullshit I spouted, so I don’t see why Harry wouldn’t.”
I look at Forest. “He is your father. What do you think?”
“Hard to say, but I think chances are high he is going to buy it, mainly because he really wants to. I’ll bet he hates to be locked up and will take any chance to get back at me. The easiest way to do that is through Jordan. And he will need to believe in Martin to be in any way successful.”
He sounds detached when he talks about his father, and I get it. It must be so hard to deal with this kind of betrayal within his own family. I am sure Forest loved his parents and wanted their approval while growing up, only to realize he wouldneverreceive it.
“My strategy is to pretend I deliberately pushed for Lissa and Donna to be exposed, instead of him,” Martin says. “You know, as a diversionary tactic.”
“That’s not bad,” Griffin says, surprised. “Besides, when Donna’s gambling was revealed, he managed to sneak away. You can make it look like you kept him out of it on purpose.”
Rory, who was quiet up to now, tilts his head. “You are a surprisingly smart man,” he says.
I know he means it as a compliment, but the way he worded it makes me wince a little.
To my surprise, Martin just grins. “What was that about your foot and mouth?”
Rory snorts. “I meant it as a compliment.”
“Yeah, I know. Youreallyneed to practice that a little more.”
“In my defense, my social interactions are rusty,” Rory sighs. “But seriously, youarequite cunning, Martin, and I mean that in a good way.”
“I agree,” Forest says. “Good job, Martin. You outdid yourself. You have the perfect skills for a beta. Funny how my parents chose you for me, probably to have me even more under their control, but they ended up making the perfect choice for me.”
Martin looks flustered at all the praise, muttering something under his breath.
“Just accept the compliment,” Griffin says with a grin.
“I am not used to being the center of attraction,” Martin admits.
“Really? I love having all the attention on me,” Griffin grins.
Forest chuckles. “Yeah, we know, Griffin.”
“I just get awkward,” Martin admits.
“I get it,” Rory says. “But Griffin is right; don’t be too modest. You deserve the praise.”
“Maybe save it until tomorrow night,” Martin says.
“We are prepared,” Forest tells him. “I have talked to Alpha Leonard and Dr. Francis, and they will organize everything we need for tomorrow.”
“Even the cameras?” I ask.
He nods. “I think Leonard feels guilty.”
Rory and I exchange a glance. While I can’t read his mind, I can still guess what he is thinking. And I think the same. “Our path is plastered with people who just stayed out of it and didn’t want to get involved,” Rory mutters.
“Yes,” I say quietly. “But at least they are helping now.”
“A bit late if you ask me,” Rory says.
I nod tentatively. “Yet, we can really use their help. Leonard helped us massively with Clemmens already, and let’s not forget that he is taking a risk for his own pack by doing that. And he used his contacts to get all the little gadgets Forest and I have asked for.”
“You always have to be the voice of reason, huh?” Rory sighs. “But you are right.”
