Being Alpha_Olde Town Pack

by Katie Salidas

  “Why was I asked here if my opinion isn’t worth listening to?” Vivian protested.

  “It is, Mother. We’re working on a compromise,” Ace said, still finding the role reversal between him and his mother tough to deal with.

  No doubt she was feeling the same, but what mattered most was how others saw them.

  “Fine. Do as you like.”

  “Don’t be so melodramatic. You said you wanted Nikita in power. Do you not trust her?” Ace asked.

  “I don’t really know, and I don’t like Jay being put at risk in case we’ve made a bad decision. This is a delicate matter, and I don’t think you’re weighing both sides.”

  Ace looked to Orion and Jay for backup, but neither of them were offering it. Alpha or no, no one wanted to go up against a mamma wolf.

  “I am, Mother, I swear.” Ace said. “But you’re going to have to accept that Jay and I have important roles to fill in this territory now. We might be your children, but to the pack, we are now the Alpha and Enforcer.”

  A tear welled in the corner of Vivian’s eye, but rather than argue further, she crossed her arms and stared straight ahead past Ace to the picture of David on the wall.

  Ace looked to Orion. “Let’s adjourn for now and prepare for the bloodbath. Even if we come to a decision in our council, the other Alphas will have to weigh in as well.”

  He did not wait for the members of his council to stand. His stress levels already maxed out, Ace made a beeline out into the hallway, needing fresh air. As he took to the long corridor of windows, he saw Emma heading in his direction.

  “Ace, can I have a word?” she asked, but he was in no mood to have more stress heaped on him; and impressing her – or rather, failing to – had already set the course of his day on a bad path.

  “Later, please,” he started, to say but Emma changed directions to intercept him.

  “Sorry for how I acted earlier. I was a bit of a bitch.” She sounded genuine, and if he hadn’t already been on his way to blow off some steam he might have been able to respond in kind, but what he really needed at that moment was peace and quiet and a few minutes to catch his breath.

  “We’re good. You’re fine. I have to be... I need to go right now. Talk later.” He kept his pace brisk as he headed to the end of the corridor.

  Emma stopped dead in her tracks without another word.

  A little voice in the back of his head begged him to stop and acknowledge her, but a much larger part of him was screaming for some stress relief, so he continued all the way out the door to the back lawn and then ripped his clothes off and shifted before heading into the lightly wooded area just past the gardens.

  13

  Aeson Silverman

  Ace sat in his office looking over the last of the details for the evening. The day had been marked by tension and stress, with nothing going according to their meticulously laid out plans. Despite failures, setbacks, and a bruised ego from dealing with Emma, hope still remained that he might make it through this week-long council summit with his sanity intact.

  At that moment, all the envoys should have gathered in the solarium. Just outside his office, noise of polite chatter confirmed it. He couldn’t make out the threads of conversation filtering through the heavy wooden doors of his office, but the clip-clopping of expensive shoes on the marble floor suggested mingling between parties.

  He’d be called in soon.

  The mantle of power weighed more heavily on his shoulders now than he’d ever felt it before. As host and moderator, everything he did and said would be scrutinized. A measuring stick of his mettle as a leader, his regional pack – and the network of other packs in his territory – would be watching to see how he dealt with the big dogs. And they too – the other Alphas – would be looking for weakness and cracks in his resolve. Should another Leif be waiting in the wings, this would be the opportunity to select the next leader vulnerable to manipulation.

  Bad news was best paired with good food. An idea pioneered by Vivian in her early days as Alpha Female, that had morphed into a tradition the newest Silverman Alpha eagerly continued.

  Hunger as the enemy of reason demanded a heavy appetizer to sate the wolf – something meaty and rich in flavor – then a stimulating, strong alcohol to temper the initial aggression that might arise with opposing opinions.

  He looked over the menu one last time, reading his mother’s notes.

  Timing, as much as tact, goes a long way in diffusing potentially dangerous situations such as these. You cannot predict the outcome, but you can leverage the odds in your favor by starting off on the right foot.

  Setting the appropriate mood begins from the moment guests begin to congregate.

  Start with an ice-breaking aperitif of orange-infused champagne and an appetizer of beef canapés with cucumber sauce in the solarium before the official dinner begins.

  Mingle and be seen as a gregarious host. Do not discuss politics at this time.

  Keep the conversation light and the champagne glasses filled.

  Once you have moved into the dining room, guest will finds a folder on each of their chairs. The first course – a hearty steak salad with garlic crème sauce–should also be ready and waiting for them to devour as they sip red Bordeaux wine and digest the packet of information outlining the topics they’ll need to go over.

  If all goes as it should, bellies will be full and tempers will be neutralized, leaving everyone in a more receptive state to discuss sensitive topics.

  After the palate cleanser of raspberry and lime sorbet arrives, but before the main course of pasta pecorino, it will be time to officially start the meeting.

  A knock sounded at the door moments before Peter opened it and peeked inside. “The packs have all gathered in the solarium. It’s time to make your grand entrance.”

  “Thank you.” Ace set down his notes. “Have the appetizers gone out yet?”

  “I believe so, sir.” Peter stepped in and helped Ace slip into his dinner jacket. He brushed away some stray lint and stepped back, awaiting further instructions.

  “Pay close attention to the Lobos tonight.” Ace kept his voice low. He took a deep breath and steadied his nerves as Peter turned to open the door and announced him.

  All eyes fell on Ace as he lifted his arms to welcome everyone, smiling brightly. “Thank you all for joining us here on such short notice.” He took a moment to respectfully meet each wolf eye-to-eye as he spoke. “I have it on great authority that tonight’s menu will be an adventure for the senses. Vivian Silverman” – he nodded to his mother standing at the back of the room – “has outdone herself yet again. And while we wait for the dining room to open, please raise a glass with me and let us begin with a toast to peace between our packs.”

  Decorated lavishly, the solarium could double as a grand ballroom, missing only one thing: music. Without a steady beat to unify them, the representatives of the various packs paired off haphazardly as they navigated the complicated dance of diplomacy.

  Ace swiped a champagne flute from a passing waiter and knocked it back as he searched through the crowd for Emma.

  The pressure of politics made him realize far too late that he’d ignored her apology. She could think the worst of him for being proud of his family’s wealth and station in life, but he was not an asshole. She might not like him, but he’d be damned if she thought him a prick.

  “Why bother with the dog and pony show, son?” Tito clapped him on the back and did not let go. “How about we get down to business?”

  “Timing is everything,” Ace replied politely, resisting the slight nudge forward as Tito pressed against his back. “And I doubt you want to risk Vivian’s temper. These things are still her domain until I select a mate.”

  That had the older wolf openly laughing loud enough for others in the room to stop and look. “I remember, back in the day, Vivian threatening to flay a man alive over an issue with the wine list.”

  “We’re all grateful she saw reason and l
et my father live.” Ace waved at a waiter carrying a large silver tray. “Quick. She’s looking. Try these hors d’oeuvres.”

  “A true master of social events, your mother.” Tito reached out a hand and picked up three canapés.

  Ace used the distraction to move further into the room. Still searching for Emma, he found one of her packmates by the fireplace.

  “Rachel, right?” he asked as he approached. “So many names in such a short time. I’d hate to create diplomatic disaster by screwing yours up.”

  “So glad you remembered.” The look in her eyes walked the line between nervousness and concern, but her voice didn’t betray any emotion. “It’s not me you have to worry about. I hear you committed political suicide with Emma earlier today.”

  “Yes. I was not at my best today. If you see her, would you let her know I’m looking to apologize?”

  “I can deliver a message, if you like.”

  “No. I’ll do my own groveling. Just let her know that’s the plan.”

  The nervousness dissipated, and Rachel’s smile brightened up her entire face. “Wear knee pads.”

  “I’ll take that under advisement.” Ace caught another waiter passing by and grabbed two more champagne flutes. He handed one to Rachel. “Please enjoy yourself.”

  As he spun around to continue the search, Jay caught him by the arm. “How much longer do we have to wait? The natives are getting restless.”

  “I know. Tito just tried to corner me for a private meeting.” He walked with Jay around the perimeter of the room, keeping an eye out as he passed each mingling group. “Is that Aiden talking with Regina?”

  The widow of the former Alpha of the Reds pack had come wearing the traditional black of mourning. Her face looked a mess, a mixture of sadness and anger.

  “She only just arrived in time to set her bags in her room. Regina wasted no time in speaking with Tito. She’s been asking for you, and I did my best to hold her off.” Jay nodded as they passed her.

  “And now she’s got her claws in the Olde Town,” Ace remarked, noting the contrast between Regina’s flailing arms and accusing eyes and Aiden’s stony expression. “Slow down. I would love to be a fly in the wall on that conversation.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. She’s mad with grief.” Jay pushed them to walk faster as they headed toward Vivian and Orion. “Lucky she didn’t spot Brady first. I had to do some creative interference; sent Emma and Brady to the detainment center. Said they needed to gather and sign off on some medical release for Leif before we get started.”

  “And when they realize you were full of shit?” Ace appreciated his brother’s quick thinking, but the follow-through was never there for his half-baked plans.

  Jay shrugged. “I think Aiden will back me up on the necessary deception.”

  “Good. Make sure you tell them I had nothing to do with it. Emma already thinks I’m a royal asshole.”

  “That didn’t take her long. She’s a smart one,” Jay teased.

  “I warned you.”

  “I know. And when have I ever listened?”

  Orion stepped forward and held a hand out to Ace. “Excellent party.” Ace took the offered hand, confused by the formality of his uncle’s greeting. Orion bent in close, whispering, “Regina arrived with two unregistered guests. She claims they’re her personal security.” His eyes shifted, looking past Ace to the opposite side of the room.

  The message took a moment to register, but as soon as Ace realized what his uncle was trying to do, he boasted, “I believe everyone here would agree,” allowing his words to give a reason for the way he waved a hand around the room and turned his own eyes toward the crowd.

  Two men – identically dressed in suits that bulged slightly near the arm – stood within arm’s reach of Regina, but were not actively mingling. He turned back toward Orion. “Are we concerned? They have weapons.”

  “We’re keeping an eye on them,” Jay responded. “It’s not normal for a wolf to bring a human weapon.”

  “Isn’t that one of the reasons we’re here? The Reds were never a very normal pack, were they?” Ace groaned; he had not drunk nearly enough alcohol to deal with this kind of additional stress.

  “It’s your home,” Orion cautioned. “You can suggest they disarm.”

  “Would you have done that in my position?” Ace welcomed the advice of the former leader.

  Orion’s head tilted sideways in thoughtful contemplation before responding. “If I felt they were a true threat, perhaps.”

  “Are they packing silver bullets?” Ace joked, but no one seemed to get the punch line.

  “My guess?” Jay crossed his arms, not bothering to hide the curious look as he inspected them. “They’re for show. Regina feels weak and outnumbered right now.”

  “I’d be concerned with why she feels this way, then,” Vivian said, between sips from her glass.

  “It’s not always easy to stand in the same room as an official executioner,” Ace said solemnly. “Even if it was done to serve justice.” Everyone in his group could empathize with that statement, having lived through Richard doing his duty as Enforcer when David Silverman had been executed. He could not be faulted for carrying out his job, though initially it had been very difficult to be in the same room with him.

  “Why come, then?” Jay asked.

  “Because she wants to claim the territory,” Vivian answered before anyone else. “Isn’t it obvious? She has children who could legitimately take over. I did the same for you.”

  Her words struck him like a slap in the face. Ace had never formally thanked his mother for going to bat for him when the previous Silverman Alpha had died. Vivian had been relentless, despite his protests. By rights, Giselle was the natural heir, but through her tireless work, Vivian made Ace’s name synonymous with the title. Looking at it from that angle gave a new perspective to Regina’s presence and paranoia.

  “Let Regina have her henchmen if it’s a placebo she needs to feel safe,” Ace replied.

  “Why her children didn’t come is a more important question,” Orion added.

  Ace understood the answer better than most. Power could be an exciting thing, but the responsibility of it was threatening to drown him. “Maybe they don’t want it.”

  “Pups of this generation” – anger rumbled in Orion’s voice – “can’t handle responsibility or duty to their packs. It’s no wonder the territories are going to shit.”

  Had he not have been found unworthy by the council, Orion himself might have regained the title. And he knew exactly how to wield power. The unchecked aggression in his tone should have been taken as a challenge to Ace’s authority, but a fight among his own pack, especially in public like this, would do more harm than good.

  “Arguments about pups of my generations will have to wait for another time. But we will have words on that subject later.” Ace dismissed himself from the conversation before tempers could flair.

  14

  Emma MacBride

  Two guards stood watch at the door to the detainment center – more wolves with faces she should commit to memory – but in her haste, she quickly brushed past them. “We need to grab the sign-in sheet for all visitors since he arrived,” Emma reminded Brady as she punched her security code into the panel on the door and waited for the soft click of the mechanical lock to open.

  Brady grabbed hold of the door as she flung it open. “Easy! Why the rush?”

  “This guy gives me the creeps. I told you I don’t like being around him.” Her whole body shivered at just the thought.

  “I’ve never seen you so worked up.” Brady pushed past her into the antechamber. “Let me take the lead, and I can protect you.”

  “I don’t need your protection,” she retorted. On a night where she could have been drowning her sorrows in endless glasses of champagne and mingling with the who’s who of wolves from other packs, she found herself alone again with Brady. And the icing on that slice of fail cake was being sent on a wild goose cha
se to track down documents she knew had no bearing on their case against Leif Chevalier. “What I need is a good stiff drink.”

  “Something bothering you, Emma?” Brady stopped short in front of her.

  “I’m fine.” Emma tried to push aside his massive body, but Brady was a stone wall of muscles.

  “All evidence to the contrary. You’re off your game. What’s bothering you?”

  “Look. We have to grab these stupid papers so we can get back to the dinner meeting. Let’s just do our job.”

  “You never used to act this way toward me.”

  “Am I not allowed to be frustrated now?”

  “You’ve been cold and distant lately.”

  He stood so close, she could feel the heat radiating from his skin. She knew every ripple of muscle on his perfect body underneath his well-tailored suit, and ached to touch him again. Her fingers nearly reached out automatically, but she forced them into a ball, tightly fisting her hands in anger, more at herself than the situation. He was with Rachel – who was more than deserving of his love.

  Brady looked down on her with those milk chocolate eyes that in the past had turned her knees to jelly. “Talk to me. Please.”

  “There’s nothing to say, and we have a job to do.” Emma gritted her teeth against the pain throbbing in her chest.

  “For what it’s worth, you are important to me. Remember that.” He turned around and opened the door to the detainment area.

  If he only knew just how important he was to her. She fought against the emotions threatening to undo her resolve and secured the door behind her. “We need to find the logbook and the records of any drugs that have been administered.”

  Brady looked over to the cell where Leif lay sleeping. “Naptime. What a pleasant surprise.”

  “That’s odd.” Emma walked to the cell and watched for a minute, looking for the natural rise and fall of his chest to make sure he was still breathing. In her experience, the condemned were unable to rest so peacefully. Anxiety over their final moments often led them to insomnia and mania toward the end. But Leif looked the picture of peaceful slumber.