Page 24 of Outcast’s Vow

“This way, sir.”

I follow her down a long hallway to Elwood’s private office, our echoing footsteps the only sound. She opens the door, and I stride into the wolf’s cave.

I roll my shoulders back, bracing for a confrontation that could escalate into life-or-death. I can’t afford to reveal even one flash of indecision. This man will be quick to pounce on anything.

Elwood is waiting for me. I show the Supreme Elder of the Castaways the respect of a quick head bow. The secretary locks the door behind us.

It’s just him and me now.

The Supreme Elder is a hard-looking man. Even though he can smile and charm as smoothly as a golden age Hollywood actor, I don’t underestimate him for a moment. Wearing an immaculate suit and a perfect tan, he has destroyed men, companies, and countries in his pursuit of power and the title of leader of the Castaways.

“Supreme Elder.”

“Please just call me Elwood in here,” he purrs. “Would you like a drink?”

“I’m fine.”

“A whiskey, perhaps?”

“No, thank you.”

He smiles.

“Take a seat, then.”

The office smells of rich leather and exotic wood, giving it the feel of the throne room of a king of a trade empire. His windows have views over the Hudson, where container ships drift past in all their glory. Perfect for a shipping magnate. Digital screens on the walls track cargo ships on digital maps of the world and the rises and falls of the stock market in real time.

Deals have been struck in this room. Fiefdoms have been established. Fortunes have been made and lost. And Elwood sits in the middle of it all. As ruler.

The man is watching me. His gaze burns through. Sizing me up. It’s the first time I’ve been in a room alone with the Supreme Elder. It’s the first time in a long time that a man’s mere presence makes my pulse quicken.

“Congratulations are in order,” Elwood finally says. He’s slow and deliberate with his words, used to never being interrupted.

“For what exactly, sir?” I ask.

“For the Chase,” Elwood replies. “My daughter really didn’t want to be found, and yet here you are. So, congratulations.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“You tracked her through the island’s wilderness, did you not?”

“How do you know?”

Elwood Levine’s lips curl into a slight smirk.

“I had my men watching.”

“Ah.”

I was hunting her, and he was evaluating me.

“She tried her best to evade all suitors. You’re a brave man for daring to go after her. You could even be described as foolish.”

“Foolish?”

“She might eat you alive, son.”

“I hope I’d be able to defend myself, sir.”