“You think this is aggressive?” Kelton laughed. “You really are blind to the world.”
Gregor turned to look at the other two council associates. “I think we have our answer, gentlemen.”
“Finally.” Kelton muttered. It had taken long enough for them to get the message.
He didn’t know who they were going to ask to take up the leadership role. They’d been hounding him to take the position and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
The race needed someone to lead them. To show them the way. Kelton wasn’t that person. He was a fighter. He needed to be out on the streets. Being stuck behind a desk was never an option for him. It was bad enough getting bogged down at the academy.
That was when the thought struck. It was something he had been playing with for a while, but the time seemed right now.
“Before you go, I would like to speak with you about a situation.” He said to them as they rose out of their seats.
“What is it now?” Gregor snapped.
Kelton held in a chuckled. They’d come here hoping to bully him into taking a position with them, but now they were going to lose him in more ways than one.
“I wish to resign as the Head of the Sons of Satrina Combat Training Academy.”
Silence filled the room.
“I’ll file it in paperwork shortly. You’ll have my official resignation.”
He’d done it. He’d finally taken that step. It was something he had been thinking about for a while now. It was time. He had to do this.
Ever since he had got Kayleigh back and Elias and Cala had come into his life, Kelton hadn’t had enough time to spend with them. He wanted a family, he wanted to be part of the family. It seemed like he was getting called away every two minutes to deal with some issue with the trainees or something that had happened at the academy. His time with them wasn’t enough.
It would be a hell of a change for him to deal with, but he knew the decision to step down was the right one. He would still lead the warriors out on the streets, but his workload would be halved with leaving the leadership of the academy.
He already had an idea he wanted to tell them about who he wanted to take over from him. It wasn’t like he had just plucked this idea from thin air. He’d thought about it long and hard.
“Are you trying to be funny?”
“No. This is something I have been thinking about for a while. It doesn’t fit right with my life anymore.”
“And you thought you’d throw this at us now? While we’re looking for a new leader of the race? Now we have to find a new head for here?” Gregor looked like he was fuming. “Fantastic timing.”
“I thought it was a good time to bring it up seeing as you were here, yes.” Kelton had to hold in the laughter. As much as he had been thinking about it, this seemed the perfect time. It was just a bonus that he pissed the suits off in the process.
The other men were silent, but that didn’t surprise Kelton. Gregor was an opinionated ass and always liked to hog the limelight. They were simply following along after him like lapdogs.
“I think we need to sit back down.” Gregor gritted his teeth.
Kelton turned and hid a smirk. He hadn’t expected the day to go this way, but he was pleased to finally make the decision. It was time to take the plunge and it felt right and good.
He’d had more than enough of the council bugging him to take the leadership role. He wasn’t built for something like that. And now, he no longer wanted to run the academy. They’d made his life easier by trying to force his hand. Of course, he’d always be involved with the academy and the trainees as he would be taking on the warriors when they graduated, but he no longer needed the headache of running things. He had more in his life and wanted to concentrate on that.
“And what has brought about this sudden change of heart?” Gregor sneered.
The man was pushing his luck. Who was he to speak to a warrior like that? He’d be lucky to walk out of here in one piece. “It is not a sudden decision. I have been thinking about this for some time now.”
“And you didn’t think to bring this to our attention before now?”
“What? And tell you I was thinking of resigning?”
“Yes. A heads up would have been the respectful thing to do.”
Kelton rolled his eyes. This man knew nothing of respect. “I no longer feel that I want to lead the academy. My place is out on the streets.”
“So you’re not going to desert them completely? You’re going to stay the head of the warriors?”
“Yes.”
“Well, isn’t that big of you.” Gregor muttered.
Kelton had enough. How dare this man come in here and speak to him like that? “I have dedicated my life to the warriors. I have been training the recruits for longer than I can care to remember. It is time for me to pass the torch. This place needs new blood.”
“And who is that going to be? As well as appointing a leader for our council and race, we now have to find a new head of the academy!”
“I wanted to speak to you about that. I think I have the perfect candidate.”
Gregor scoffed. “Oh please enlighten us.” He pushed his tiny glasses further up his nose with his finger and glared at the warrior.
“Master Warrior Verynai.”
Gregor laughed out loud. “You cannot be serious! That man is a Neanderthal!”
Kelton had to rein in his temper. It was one thing coming in here and being rude to him, but it was another when they attacked his brother. “He is a very competent warrior and would be the perfect replacement. He knows exactly what he’s doing here.”
“Well, if that’s your opinion, maybe it is better that you do step down. Verynai? Really!”
Kelton took in a deep breath and turned to speak to the other men. Maybe he’d get more sense out of them. “Master Warrior Verynai has an excellent record out on the streets. He is excellent within his training role at the academy and has stepped up to his role as Second in Command. He is the perfect candidate.”
“Well, it is true. He is a good warrior.”
“He’s not just good. He’s great.” Kelton stated.
“I don’t see it.” Gregor sniffed. “Can you imagine him speaking with the parents? He’d scare the life out of them!”
Kelton frowned. “Are you discriminating?” He couldn’t believe they’d be so narrow minded. Just because the guy liked body art, it didn’t mean he would do a bad job. Kelton hated how people judge Verynai on his aggressive appearance. Many of the warriors had ink and piercings but they didn’t have a problem with them. It made him mad.
“Well, that is my recommendation. Take it or leave it.”
“And when do you plan to step down?”
Kelton wasn’t going to be unreasonable about this. He would have a lot to teach whoever was going to take over from him. “I didn’t plan on giving you a set time frame. It will take some time to hand over and I want to make sure it runs smoothly.”
“Verynai would be a good option. He knows the academy well.” One of the other men said.
Gregor narrowed his eyes. “He is a thug.”
“He’s a Master Warrior and fantastic at what he does.” Kelton countered.
Gregor was all about putting on a good appearance. Kelton knew that there was more to leading the warriors and the academy than being smart, putting on airs and graces and looking the part. Verynai was the perfect replacement. If only he could get them to see it.
“Do you have another suggestion?” Kelton hissed, hating that Gregor was being so bias.
“Any of the warriors would be better than him!”
Kelton shook his head. “You’re wrong.”
“I think we should speak to him.” One of the others said.
Gregor huffed and puffed. “I don’t see how we have much of an option. We’re tied up with filling the role of race leader.” He huffed a bit more. “It would have to be a trial period. If we don’t find him suitable, another will be appo
inted.”
Kelton couldn’t really ask for more than that. He’d sprung this on them and knew that they wouldn’t be happy about it, but Verynai really was their best option. He was a good guy if you got past the intense exterior.
“Go and get him.” Gregor ordered.
Kelton growled and the man seemed to shrink into himself. “Remember who you are talking to.” There was no way he was letting this little man try and talk down to him. He could snap him in half.
He moved out of the office and closed the door, leaning back against it for a moment. Once the door had clicked, he could hear the voices raising in the office and he was glad to be out of there. He knew that Gregor would be in there bitching about Verynai. Kelton wouldn’t stand for that. He was a friend and a brother, no one could say a bad word about him.
Motioning to one of the warriors walking by, he asked them to go and get Master Warrior Verynai. He would have done it himself, but he didn’t want to leave the council members. Even though he didn’t want to be in an office with him. Could he sit there and listen to their pompous voices? No.
It didn’t take long for Verynai to come strolling. “Is everything okay?”
Kelton tried not to give anything away with the expression on his face. “The council want to talk to you.”
“Are you shitting me? What have I done?”
Kelton laughed. Verynai wouldn’t change for anyone and he would have loved to have seen Gregor’s face when Verynai went in there. But, he had to stay out and let them talk this through.
“You haven’t done anything.”
“Are they just being assholes again?”
Kelton laughed again. “Just go in and listen to them. Keep an open mind and know that this wasn’t their decision.”
“What’s going on? Have you done something?”
“Just go on into my office. They’re waiting for you.”
Verynai glared at him as he opened the door. Kelton finally grinned over at him. He was just glad he had a bit of a time out from having to speak to the pencil pushers.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but he knew the academy would be in good hands with Verynai. And it wasn’t like he was going to be far if they ever needed any help. He wouldn’t ever leave them high and dry, but he wanted to get his priorities straight.
Kayleigh. Elias. Cala. They were the most important things in his life now. It struck him hard how much he had missed in Cala’s life and how much he could have changed things for her. She’d had a miserable life living with her bitch of a mother and sister. If only he had known earlier, he may have been able to save her from all that.
He was hoping to make it up to her now. They were still a little stiff with each other but things were getting easier. Hopefully, as time went on, they’d get even better. Kayleigh was getting on well with her and Elias adored his big sister. It would take some time, but Kelton was sure they’d get there. All they needed was a little time to adjust to being in each other’s lives and with cutting back his workload, they’d have that.
And he didn’t want to miss out on Elias growing up. Kelton would still be out on the streets, but pulling back from the stress of the academy would free up a lot more time to spend with his family. He wanted to see his boy grow and change. He didn’t want to miss a moment of it. Elias was their miracle baby and he didn’t want to miss a thing.
Plus, after what happened with Master Warrior Dixon, he didn’t think the academy was a safe place to have his family. When he spoke to her about getting a home away from the mansion, Kayleigh wouldn’t move because she knew how much he was needed there. He wanted his family to live in safety. At the academy, it was constantly in the back of his mind, knowing that they were up there and anything could happen to them.
Of course, there are dangers everywhere. As the head of the warriors, Kelton was a target. But in his own home, he could secure it and make it as safe as possible. At least if he kept the location secret, Kayleigh and the kids wouldn’t constantly be in danger. It would give him some peace of mind.
The shifters knew of their location. He had spoken at length with Verynai as to whether to move again. They decided to keep the security at the highest level and see how things went on. They didn’t want to be chased out of their home again. That would mean the shifters won the war and they didn’t want that. They’d wait them out for now.
When the Lamia Mortuorum were told their location, they’d moved out straight away, not wanting to put the trainees in danger. Could they do that again? Yes, they could. But did they want to? No. They’d made the mansion their home. The shifters weren’t going to chase them out.
He heard more raised voices coming from in the office. Kelton couldn’t help but smirk as he heard the Master Warrior roar. Verynai would be giving them hell. That was the reason he thought Verynai would be the perfect candidate to take over from him. He wouldn’t take any shit from the council and would run the academy the way he thought best, not how they told him to.
It would be a shame to leave them, but it was time. He had to do this. The academy would survive without him. He was just one man. Verynai would be able to lead them on to bigger and greater things.
It would be a big change, but one that was worth it.
Chapter Twenty One
The door suddenly swung open behind him. Kelton braced himself. He knew this wasn’t going to be pretty.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Verynai yelled, looking absolutely fuming. “You couldn’t have given me some kind of warning?”
“You’re the perfect person.” Kelton tried not to smirk. The way the other warrior was feeling, it was likely he’d put him on his butt.
“No, Kelton. You are. What are you doing?” He was fuming.
Kelton knew that he wasn’t going to be happy having this responsibility thrust upon him, but Kelton knew it was the best decision for the future trainees. He was the best of the warriors and would lead them on to great things. As soon as he explained that he wanted more time with his family, he knew Verynai would calm down and see reason. As gruff as the other man was, Kelton knew he was a family man at heart and couldn’t wait to start his own as soon as he found that special woman.
“Let’s take a walk.” Kelton suggested. He thought some fresh air might calm the situation a bit.
“I don’t want to take a fucking walk. I want to know what the hell’s going on!”
Kelton ignore him and headed towards the main door. He didn’t want to discuss this anywhere near the council members, or anyone else for that matter. No one knew what he had decided and he didn’t want them to find out until things had settled down.
He could hear Verynai stomping behind him, swearing and cursing under his breath.
As soon as they were far enough away for anyone to hear, Kelton turned to look at him. “You’re my first choice. You can do this.”
“I don’t want to do this!”
“They don’t want me to do this! That asshole made it very clear what he thought of me!” Verynai gestured back towards the building, indicating he meant the pencil-pushers.
“I don’t care what they think. I know you can do this.”
“Whatever. They don’t know what this place needs.”
Kelton shook his head. It was going to take a lot to convince him to take the role, but he’d do anything necessary. If he was going to leave the leadership position at the academy, he wanted to leave it in the best hands. And that was Verynai.
“Why the hell are you leaving? What happened?”
“My family happened.”
“What does that mean?”
Kelton started walking again. “You know how much Kayleigh means to me.”
“Yeah, of course I do. But that hasn’t stopped you before.”
“I’ve got Elias and Cala to think about. The job as head of the academy is intense and time consuming. I don’t want to miss out on him growing up and I’ve got a lot of catching up to do with Cala.”
Ver
ynai grunted. “You can do both.”
“No. I can’t. I want to keep the role as head of the academy, and I wouldn’t leave you high and dry. But, I don’t want this anymore. I want to spend more time with my family.”
What could Verynai say to that? He knew that Kelton was a family man and was finding dividing his time between them difficult. In all honestly, this wasn’t much of a surprise to him. He hadn’t thought it would happen as quickly as this, but it was totally understandable.
He envied Kelton. He had it all.
“When are you leaving?”
“It’s not like I’m going straight away and I’ll always be around if you need me for anything.” Kelton smiled a little, knowing that Verynai was coming around to the idea. He knew how Kelton felt about family.
“They weren’t happy about it.” Verynai said referring to the council members.
“I can imagine.” Kelton laughed.
“I can’t say I blame them.”
“What do you mean?” Kelton frowned.
“Look at me! I’m not leadership material.”
“You’re talking rubbish.”
“They want a pretty boy in a suit.” Verynai frowned. That wasn’t ever going to be him. He wouldn’t change for anyone.
“What are you trying to say? Are you calling me a pretty boy?” Kelton didn’t know whether to laugh or be offended. He knew what he meant though.
“No, no. I don’t mean you. They respect you. I mean, if they’re looking for a replacement, they’ll want someone they can mould, someone who’ll bow down to them. You know that’s not me.” If he was going to lead the academy, he’d do it in his own way. The council wouldn’t like it, but he would carry on the way Kelton had led them. They would want change and Verynai knew what worked and wouldn’t change it.
“Which is exactly why I put your name forward. They don’t have the first clue what it takes to be a warrior. We need someone who knows what it takes. That’s you.”
They walked on in silence for a moment. “Would you have put Dixon forward?”
End of an Era: A Sons of Satrina Novel (The Sons of Satrina Book 4) Page 24