Wolf Roulette: Supernatural Battle

by Kelly St Clare

  So there was that.

  She was fucking gorgeous. I mean, all of them were, but she was next level.

  I swept my gaze over the others, finding Basilia two spaces from the king’s throne. A male who rivalled the king for size stood between her and the left side of the throne—Kyros?

  There were four females of varying breath-taking appearance present, and the rest were equally breath-taking males.

  Was this the royal vampire family of Bluff City?

  They perused me as intensely as I did them.

  I tilted my chin.

  Topaz eyes gleaming, Basilia stepped forward. “Andie, it’s nice to see you again.”

  “And you. Greetings, King Julius, and to what I assume is your family.”

  The king did nothing to acknowledge my comment.

  Interesting.

  “Allow me to introduce everyone,” Basilia said. “You know about Kyros, of course. This is our clan leader, King Julius. Beside him is Queen Titania.” She ran through the names of the others, but I focused on the names of those with crowns.

  That seemed like a good idea.

  “You are alone,” the king spoke at last. “Is this not a serious negotiation?”

  The intimidation game? Perhaps. His question did hold merit. The entire royal family had assembled to hear me out.

  I bowed slightly. “I mean no disrespect, your majesty. Has Basilia apprised you of the current situation in Deception Valley between pack and tribe?”

  He dipped his head. “I am informed.”

  “Navigating this alliance alongside the pack must be done with care. There are old prejudices and emotion is always high. When I take a potential deal to Sascha Greyson, then I’d prefer the parameters of any alliance to be partially formed.”

  “You expect Clan Sundulus to enter into negotiations at all when success is so unsure?” he boomed.

  This fucker was moderately scary—I was glad this meeting was a video call.

  “I have no expectations,” I answered. “Only a desire to see less bloodshed over a meaningless game.”

  He sat back in his throne. “Indeed. And yet did not these same werewolves attack us unprovoked not long ago?”

  Not long ago? How old was this guy?

  “I’m sure it came across that way to your clan. Would you like to hear what I know on the matter?”

  His eyes narrowed.

  He didn’t like being questioned.

  I waited.

  “Proceed,” the king said.

  Yes, sir. “The pack here was originally part of a larger pack whose leader ruled with extreme fear and violence. It takes a lot to scar a werewolf, King Julius, but many of the wolves here carry such wounds from their time under his rule. Alexei, brother to the leader, convinced half of the pack to join him in a quest to find safer territory where they may live in peace. They landed on your shores, and their presence was taken as an attack. Ten thousand battered and worn Luthers arrived in Bluff City, and thousands less made it out alive. When they did escape Vissimo, they ran into demons. Of the ten thousand wolves that left in hopes of a better life, only 15 percent of them made it to Deception Valley.”

  “You attempt to persuade me with tales of woe and despair,” he sneered.

  “I give you facts and leave you to interpret them how you will. I can see why the sight of ten thousand werewolves inspired the response it did.”

  Kyros cut in. “Only seven-hundred and fifty Luthers remain. Why?”

  I’d agonised over this since Basilia’s visit, but it was time to break a promise I made to Sascha. The only promise he’d ever asked of me.

  More and more I’d started to believe that general knowledge of this secret would change how the tribe and others perceived the pack.

  I met Kyros’s green gaze. “Witches, Demons, and Vissimo surround the pack on all sides. They’re trapped and can’t leave to find their mates. Luthers have one mate in their lifetime. Without that mate, they can’t have children and nature does not grant them immortality. The lifespan then is around four hundred and fifty years. The pack has slowly been dying off.”

  The blonde sister gasped.

  In fact, most of the royals appeared faintly disturbed.

  “The wolves need access through our lands as part of an alliance then?” King Julius’s eyes glittered.

  Clever bastard.

  But I couldn’t give him that much power in the negotiations.

  “I’m currently building an airport so small numbers of the pack can leave to find their mates. Safe passage through your territory would be appreciated as part of a deal, but not necessary.”

  The king studied me. “Where is our assurance that the werewolves will uphold their end of the bargain if they can leave at any time via your airport or if we grant them safe passage through our territory? From my understanding, if your tribe wins this game, then the pack may be exiled from the valley too.”

  “Where is our assurance that your clan will uphold their end of the bargain either?” I replied. “If Luthers give their word, they won’t break it. Small numbers of them would be absent at any given time in pursuit of their partner, but we can cap the amount to ensure enough scouts are available at any given time.” I took a breath. “I realise this alliance depends on the outcome of Victratum, the mercy of my tribe, and the willingness of my pack to enter into a deal. I’m not unaware of how uncertain that makes a potential partnership. So to avoid a situation where the pack can’t uphold their side of the deal, I recommend we only finalise a deal once I’ve won the game.”

  A handsome vampire with dark features grinned. “You seem certain of the win, but that’s quite a gamble.”

  I smiled without humour as I met his eyes. “I never gamble, Prince.”

  The vampires fell quiet at my words.

  I focused on the king again. “There are those in the pack who fought and won against demons. They hold first-hand knowledge about combat with that race. They’ve had some experience with witches also. The downside is that both the demons and witches are aware of pack presence here. On previous scouting missions, they’ve responded with violence.”

  “Your tribe,” Kyros said, “it’s in their interest to play a part too. As humans, they could move about largely undetected.”

  I stared at the crown prince.

  Oh my god. It was in their interest.

  I’d been so focused on the pack’s safety that I hadn’t considered—

  “Would your tribe also agree to such an alliance, do you suppose?” The queen’s voice was as beautiful as her face.

  “Potentially,” I drew out.

  Very possibly.

  The tribe would need to remain in the valley. The threat of demons and witches would remain.

  Fuck. This could be exactly what I’d been looking for.

  “Is something the matter?” Basilia asked.

  I forced a smile her way, recalling my current company. “King Julius, in alliance with Clan Sundulus, the tribe and pack would monitor the activity of demons and witches bordering our lands. We would also, in combination with your clan, endeavour to compile information on the weaknesses and strengths of both species in preparation to defend against future attack. This information would be freely shared. All parties would come to each other’s aid against either race and coexist peacefully for the duration of the alliance. I hold none of the prejudice of my race against yours. I believe this partnership is in both of our interests. Particularly, the size of the demon kingdom is worrisome for us all.”

  The king’s expression didn’t alter. “If the wolves remain in your valley, then an alliance may be reached between all. I will not include safe passage through my city as part of our arrangement to make it easy for the pack to abandon our deal. That is not in the best interest of my clan.”

  Dammit. “Then I ask instead that you consider safe passage in separation to any alliance, King Julius. As said, if my tribe doesn’t show mercy, the pack could have no choice but to leave in h
aste. Leaving in a large group would give them an advantage wherever they end up next. You could save a great many lives, including the lives of what few children the pack currently has. This would not be a business deal, but an act of mercy.”

  “I am not in the business of mercy, werewolf,” he answered coldly.

  “Once you were in the business of a game though, and maybe once you hoped for clemency for your loved ones. This would be a mercy the pack would never forget.”

  He narrowed his gaze.

  I bowed again. “If the royals of Clan Sundulus wish to pursue an alliance between our peoples, I’ll happily involve key members of the pack and tribe.”

  Basilia’s eyes were gleaming again. “You’ve given us a lot to think about.”

  I’d never felt more serious in my life. “Likewise. Thank you for your time.”

  I knew how to win the game.

  I knew how to end this war for good.

  25

  I miss you, I thought at Sascha.

  He’d mostly healed by now, but I could still feel a slight fatigue leftover from my head injury, so he had to feel like crap.

  Mate?

  I sat up in bed. You can hear me?

  Whoa, not just that. I’d felt his curiosity too.

  Sascha. What’s going on?

  He was contemplative. An after-effect of the bite meet perhaps. I haven’t tried to speak to you at a distance since then.

  Neither had I.

  I can feel your shock, he said.

  I can feel your emotions too. Crazy.

  From here, our mating gifts intertwine more.

  He’d told me that a while ago. Does the emotion thing only work when we open the phone call?

  That’s how you think of this? Amusement.

  Kind of. My human mind had to put wolfy things into normal lines sometimes. How are you feeling?

  Good, mate.

  That was a lie. Ha, this new gift was awesome.

  A little tired. Nothing to worry about.

  I wish you were with me.

  I wish the same.

  I toyed with the bedspread. Any luck talking to the pack about a truce?

  Not much, he said grimly. Those I’ve approached mostly believe as my father does.

  Dammit. What will it take for them to listen?

  Hearing actual proposals for a truce.

  That involved revealing a whole heap of stuff I wasn’t sure they could handle though. Where do you stand, Sascha?

  You can’t be happy doing less than your best for the tribe. I feel the same for the pack. I want to work with you. The moment there’s something viable, I’ll do so without hesitation.

  After Kyros’s casual comment, I did have something to work with.

  Wade burst into my room with Cameron in tow.

  “What’s going on?” I eyed the garment bag.

  “Dress fitting.” She held it up, cheeks tinged pink.

  Look, I’ve got to go. Ball dress fitting.

  I agreed to Wade’s week off.

  You did? That wasn’t in the pack’s best interest.

  The communication cut off.

  I shot Wade a look. “How did you convince Sascha to agree to a week off the game?”

  “He listened to my presentation. Unlike some people.”

  “Sure he did. How did you do it?”

  Wade snickered. “I tried to play nice. Said you were tired and could really use a mate who understood your needs.”

  I snorted. “You have zero boundaries.”

  “Yeah, well, he didn’t go for it. Seemed amused. Luckily, I’d compiled a list of Sascha’s ex-lovers. I said you’d receive the list. And let me tell you, he’s one hundred. There were a…”

  He trailed off at my expression.

  “But,” Wade blurted, “far fewer than there could have been?”

  I threw off the blankets. “Right.”

  “Good one, idiot,” Cam muttered.

  “No, I knew he must’ve had other partners. Wolves do that.” I frowned. “He’s just never mentioned it, and I never wanted to know.”

  Jealousy was new for me.

  Whoa, did I feel it now.

  “Do you want to see the list?” Wade cleared his throat.

  Cameron rolled her eyes. “Ignorance is bliss with these things. Such a guy.”

  Yeah, the last thing I wanted was for my view of some pack females to be influenced by Sascha’s past.

  Wade coloured. “One had a red tinge to her hair, if that helps? Much more a strawberry blonde than your auburn. Very sexy auburn.”

  Cam whacked his arm. “Shut up already.” She faced me, shaking her head. “We need you to try this on.”

  I forced my mind from the ugliness churning in my stomach. “Wade said you made this. I never knew.”

  She shrugged. “Just a hobby.”

  Wade made a sound of derision. “Hobby, my ass. Andie, you will look like an untouchable Thana. And Sascha will only have eyes for you in this, believe me.”

  He better. Because I was feeling extremely fangy. “You really didn’t have to do this, Cam. Thank you.”

  “I wanted to,” she pressed. “You have enough on your plate.”

  Wade glanced sheepishly at me when I padded to the garment bag.

  “It’s okay,” I said. “But I don’t want to see the list, okay? Get rid of it.”

  “Deal, baby girl. Now, get naked. We’ve got a job to do.”

  I obeyed and shrugged into the pale gold ensemble. My jaw dropped. “You made this?”

  “I know, right?” Wade mumbled.

  Bright red, Cameron pinned and tucked lose sections. The gold went well against my skin and brought out lighter undertones in my hair I didn’t know existed.

  They helped me out of the dress after.

  I grabbed a pair of jeans and tank top and dressed.

  “I’ve cancelled all your meetings next Friday,” Wade announced.

  “You what?”

  He raised both hands. “Before you get in a tizz, we have a whole extra week until Grids. You can take one day off now and then, Andie. Your hair will thank you for it. Seriously, when was the last time you had it cut?”

  I thought about it. “By someone else?”

  “Yes. By someone in a salon.”

  Never. “You’re going to cut my hair?”

  “A professional will, yes. After our steam room and massage appointment. You will look better for this ball if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Cameron sighed. “What he means to say is that we’ve arranged a pamper day. The head team are fine with it. Everyone is looking forward to some time off.”

  I hadn’t considered my team in this. “They are?”

  She nodded.

  My friends were usually right. The entire head team deserved a day to unwind and recharge. “I’ll be there. Right now, I’m expected elsewhere.”

  Grabbing a jacket and slipping into knee-high boots, I then speed-walked to the meeting room. Sorry, Booker. We’ll run later, I promise.

  Maybe Greyson could come?

  I switched channels. Sascha, Booker wants to know if Greyson can come for a run later.

  His reply was immediate. He’d love to.

  My cheeks warmed, courtesy of Booker’s glee. She’s looking forward to it.

  I cut off the chat and stepped into the conference room.

  The tables were drawn together. Trixie and Stanley were in attendance, along with five representatives from Sandstone.

  I greeted everyone, then took my seat. “We’ve had a few days to assess Sandstone. What are the findings?”

  Trixie set a report in front of me.

  It was ten pages at least.

  “I’m not going to pretend I have a speck of the knowledge each of you do,” I addressed the nervous workers. “We need to know what each point means, and the impacts of each point. So you’re aware of what we intend to do, currently the tribe holds three penalty points. We need two more. Whatever we take to the pac
k needs to be failsafe.”

  The row of workers nodded.

  A woman in the middle cleared her throat, “There’s one major lapse, Head Steward. The rest certainly add up, but one in particular had significant environmental impacts.”

  Perfect.

  “Show me,” I said.

  She thumbed through her copy. “Page four. Fifth point down. The area where we dump our extraction waste products was assessed. During this, it was found that waste products had been dumped in the wrong area, near a small waterway. The fluoride levels there were tested and found in excess of 1 mg per litre, which is in direct violation of our practices.”

  From my council stint, I knew that the population of Deception Valley relied on our clean waterways. “That’s a hazardous level?”

  “Some data maintains negative effects in young children. We monitor waterways around the waste disposal area closely.”

  “Are we able to prove that the loads were dropped in the wrong area by the pack and not us?”

  Trixie replied, “Yes, Head Steward. Photo and video footage is a routine part of grid turnovers. We take footage on the Wednesday evening prior to a match, and also upon resuming management of a grid. We have before and after pictures, and the pack will have their own.”

  We had an ace. “Excellent. In your expert opinions, what is the combined environmental impact of the rest of these points?”

  The woman spoke again. “There’s a level of environmental impact that the pack and tribe agree—in strict terms—can’t be avoided with the extraction of natural resources. Each of the mentioned points, long-term, would have created a mild negative effect on the quarry itself and the surrounding area. Combined, there’s current data to support our opinion that the long-term environmental effect of these lapses would have been significant.”

  “Thank you.” I glanced at Stanley and Trixie. “The pack will argue that no long-term effect was displayed even if we can prove it with external studies. What do we have against that?”

  “Care for the land must be displayed at all times. The contract is clear,” Stanley answered. “It doesn’t matter whether they had the grid for a week or a year. It’s their duty to heed the guidelines constantly.”