by Jen L. Grey
"Then name them." I had to at least make sure I understood why he hated me so much.
"The first one is your lack of raising and respect." Simon jumped to his feet and stood in front of me. "You should have never talked to us like that at the party. You are nothing, just a waste of air."
Liam growled in warning.
I asked him. Let him have his say. If he was trying to hurt me, it wouldn't happen, but I had to understand how his mind worked. "And two?" I stared him in the eyes, daring him to continue.
"You're weak." He spat the words at me. "You're too close to your friends and family and care too damn much about nearly everything and everyone. You aren't built for the world we," he said as he pointed to the four heirs, "live in. If you'd been smart that day at the abandoned repair shop, you'd have let that bullet hit Micah."
"Are you being serious right now?" Micah's eyes widened, and he shook his head. "You would have let me die?"
He shrugged. "One less heir and more power for the remaining three."
"Wow, that’s cold, man. You do realize we couldn't take over his council seat, right?" Liam arched an eyebrow. "The council itself almost didn't survive after Brent died. Taking it down to three would cause civil unrest. Now that I see what your real motive is, I won’t forget it."
"Brent?" Simon shook his head and frowned. "You're putting a name to the overseer now, which means she's fucking with your mind. You can't personalize him. He was a casualty of war."
"War?" This couldn't be real. "He was a council member. How in the hell does that make sense?"
"And that brings me to the third point. You don't realize how things work." Simon waved his hand around to the three other heirs. "We're always at war with one another. Strong alphas always compete, constantly trying to take over the next level. It's in our blood."
"No, it's not." I couldn't believe his twisted view of reality. "When you let your animal part take over more than it should, that's when you become that way. Strong leaders want to take care of the ones below them. They aren't solely focused on coming out on top."
"This proves my point further. To be a good leader, you should be revered and feared." Simon held his hands out to his sides. "The four of us were like fucking gods until you interfered."
"Gods? That's how you think the packs view you?" For the first time, I realized what his problem was. He was scared and didn't want to get hurt. It was easier to push everyone away and justify it with his strength than to admit his own fear. "I hate to tell you this, but that's not it at all. They view you as leaders, not gods. And for the last few years, they've been questioning everything to see if you're even listening to them anymore."
"We don't have to listen; we know what's right." Simon sneered at me. "And these three idiots feel the same way. You've just managed to mess with their heads. You're nothing but a manipulative bitch."
"That's enough." Liam's voice was cold, and his body tensed. "Say one more bad thing about her and I'll make something bad happen to you."
My heart warmed at how he was standing up for me. It was amazing how our relationship had changed everything so quickly. Once he’d stopped fighting our bond, he was all in.
"Liam," Simon started, but Liam cut him off.
"For the first time in our entire lives, we have someone with us who isn't trying to get something out of us. Do you really think Evan would've warmed to her if that wasn't true? He didn't like anyone before her and was probably on the same page as you." Liam stood and faced him head-on. "She risked her life for Micah, which is something you even admitted that you would never do. Why the hell doesn't she deserve our loyalty?"
"She's doing it all to mess with us." Simon lifted both hands in front of him. "And your judgment is clouded because fate is trying to screw you over."
"Yes, I got shot just to mess with you all." He was insane. "It hurt like a bitch, and I couldn't breathe without excruciating pain, all so I can fuck with every one of your heads." At this point, I gave up. "Forget I asked for your reasons. I'm not interested in them anymore."
"Honestly, I hate that it's come to this, but like you said, the old us were only out for ourselves." Liam's blue eyes darkened, and he shook his head. "You keep it up, and you're going to be left all alone." Liam sat back next to me and pulled me into his lap.
"I can't be alone. We're in this together." Simon's face fell, and he placed a hand on his chest. "The four of us always have to stay together for our future. That's the whole point of this trip."
"Just because we have to see each other doesn't mean we're on the same side." Evan arched an eyebrow and cut his eyes at him. "It would be good to remember that."
The flight attendant appeared from the front of the cabin. "We're beginning to descend, so please take your seats. We'll be on the ground in twenty minutes."
I took a deep breath. I had to get my nerves together, or New York could be more of a train wreck than the flight here.
The East was actually what humans called the northeast today. It was everything from Pennsylvania and New Jersey up.
Since New York was part of the eastern territory, Evan took lead as we exited the plane. Liam and Micah were on either side of me as we followed directly behind Evan. Simon pouted as he followed in the very back.
As soon as we entered the building, we saw two large men who distinctly smelled of wolves. The taller and larger man had red hair and muddy brown eyes. He had to be Robyn's father. He puffed his chest out as our group of five approached him. He was only a couple of inches taller than me, and he wore a suit that hugged his entire body, including his large belly.
The city alpha was almost the same size as the other man, but his presence wasn't quite as commanding. He was a little more slender, but his black suit was also a little more forgiving. He was about my height but balding. When his yellow eyes met my own, a shiver ran down my spine.
"Mr. Lyndon and Mr. Grover." Evan gave a small, tight smile. "Thanks for meeting us here. You, of course, didn't have to."
"We want to welcome the future members of the council here personally." Mr. Grover lifted his head and grinned. "After all, my dear, sweet Robyn is going to the academy this year. Of course, you all know she talks about how you hang out with her from time to time."
"Oh, does she now?" Simon snickered from behind.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Mr. Grover's smile changed to a scowl.
In this exact moment, he could be a dead ringer for his daughter. That scowl was the constant expression she had on her face.
"Ignore him. Something happened on the plane that has him out of sorts." Liam stepped forward, taking hold of the situation. "I'm Liam, the heir to the northern seat."
"It's a huge honor to meet you." The city alpha stepped in front of Mr. Grover. "I'm Mr. Lyndon, and I'm the one who runs this city with the support of Mr. Grover."
Liam glanced at Evan.
Evan nodded in return and took a step back.
"This is Micah, who is the heir of the south, and Simon, who is the western heir." Liam stepped forward, handling the introductions. Evan hates talking and dealing with politics.
Ah, so you were asking for permission to take over? That's what that whole exchange between them was about.
Of course. This is his territory. Liam stepped beside me and held my hand.
You do realize that all four of you are responsible for not only your territory but each other's, right? It reminded me of how Professor Johnson had talked about the initial Blood Council. Yes, you have your own area you represent, but when you make decisions, it should be for the good of all of the people.
"And who might this pretty young lady be?" Mr. Lyndon once again locked his gaze on me, and his eyes traveled to Liam's and my joined hands.
"This is my mate, Mia." Liam nodded toward me.
Simon shook his head and openly cringed at those words.
"I didn't realize one of the heirs had already chosen." Mr. Lyndon leered as he stepped in my direction.
&n
bsp; "We're fated mates." Liam stepped slightly in front of me, effectively cutting the city alpha off. "Are we ready to go?"
"Uh... yes." Mr. Grover appeared to have recovered as he motioned for us to head in the direction of the front of the building. "We ordered a limo and figured we could take you to lunch at Mr. Lyndon's restaurant so we can discuss business. We also have some tickets for a show for you tonight. We thought you might want to get settled and have a nice night before leaving in the morning."
"Great." Evan headed toward the door at a near sprint.
The rest of us followed behind, keeping our thoughts to ourselves.
When we reached the door, Mr. Grover rushed to catch up with Evan. The automatic doors opened, and Mr. Grover pointed at the only limousine in front like we couldn't have figured it out.
The valet opened the doors, and Evan was the first to get in. Liam tugged on my arm, indicating that I get in right behind the eastern alphas, so I followed suit with Liam climbing in after me.
Soon, the heirs were all sitting on one side of the car while the two northern alphas sat in the shorter seat opposite, facing us.
"I'm so glad you decided to visit us. I heard that we're your first stop. This city is amazing, and we've done so much for our people." Mr. Lyndon grinned as he pointed out the window. "We have restaurants here. Some of our people are even in the Broadway shows while some are teachers, helping influence the minds of both shifters and human children."
"This is similar to the way it is in Boston and other areas as well, but of course, nothing is quite like New York." Mr. Grover leaned into us like he was letting us in on a very well-kept secret.
Wow, they are full of shit. For them to be trying this hard, it made me wonder what in the hell they were covering up.
A huge grin spread across Liam's face before he was able to school it back into a neutral expression. I love how you call things as you see them.
Good, because that will never change. I stopped listening to the two idiots babble on about whatever great things they were doing. All I heard were a few words repeated over and over again; best, amazing, world-changing, and influencing. When someone tries to sell you a used car, they only tell you the good things and not the bad. So what are they hiding?
You think they're up to something? Liam squeezed my hand and glanced out the window.
It's New York City. My eyes took in the sights as we drove by. The roads were packed, and so were the sidewalks. Everyone, from people wearing suits to homeless people, walked within the hordes. It's the perfect city to hide things that others would want to keep buried.
Well, I guess we're about to find out. Liam glanced over at Micah.
The southern heir had a blank look on his face, but he seemed to be trying to pay attention.
Soon, the car began slowing down, and we pulled up to a restaurant that was right across from Central Park.
The driver jumped from the car to open the door so all of us could climb out. As we moved into the restaurant, Mr. Lyndon headed to the hostess’ stand. As soon as the hostess saw him, she immediately had menus out and ready.
I paused a second to take in the restaurant. It was an older building with dark cherry wood throughout, even on the walls. There was a large bar stationed at the left side with hundreds of bottles of wine, liquor, and beers filling every cabinet. Glasses of all types hung from underneath the cabinet, leaving the counters empty and ready to be used.
Come on. Liam tugged on my hand as we followed the city alpha through the restaurant, passing a few tables strategically scattered throughout the space, toward the back. We entered a private area with a table already set up for six.
"Oh, we need one more chair immediately." Mr. Lyndon turned to Liam and me. "We didn't know there would be five of you, so please be patient while she gets another chair for your mate."
"She shouldn't be here." Simon's whisper was low enough so the alphas couldn't hear but Liam and I could.
Liam turned his head and gave him a warning.
Simon lifted both hands in the air as if in surrender.
I want you to sit between Evan and me. Liam took the lead and placed me in the middle of one side. We moved like clockwork, Evan sitting immediately on one side of me while Liam sat on the other. Micah sat across from Liam, and Simon sat directly in front of me. Soon, the hostess appeared, and the city alpha wound up sitting at the end of the table between Evan and Mr. Grover.
Within minutes, we had our drinks and food ordered; that was when they decided to begin talking business.
"We need more funds so we can attract more humans to our businesses." Mr. Lyndon leaned forward, making sure he met with every one of the heirs’ eyes, but he avoided mine like the plague. "Yes, we have to keep our identity a secret, but dammit, the more they depend on us, the better. You never know what the future will bring."
"That's what all the large eastern cities need. My region has the most people in it despite its small size. That means we have to monopolize the markets in other creative ways. Like, for instance, the show you’ll see tonight; it's located at a place we could buy out. Think of the diversity it would bring to our overall portfolio."
I hate to do this, but I'm going to run to the bathroom. I really should have stayed and listened, but it didn't interest me. These people weren't talking about how their packs were doing, only how to make each one of them richer.
Do I need to come with you? Liam's eyes met mine.
No, I'm fine. I'll let you know if I fall into the toilet and need help. He was a little too overprotective sometimes, but I couldn't blame him.
Fine. His warm chuckle sounded in my head.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but where can I find the ladies’ room?" I glanced at the two alphas, not sure which one would respond.
"Sure, you can use the staff bathroom. It's in the back corner." Mr. Lyndon pointed back toward the direction we’d entered. "To the right. You can't miss it."
"Okay, thanks." I turned on my heel, desperate to get out of the room for a second. As I followed his instructions, I heard someone crying. I hurried toward the noise, which took me straight to where he had directed.
"I have to figure out something. She's sick. She can't live in those conditions." A girl's voice broke in pain.
"You know there isn't a damn thing we can do." Another voice sounded upset but devoid of hope. "All of us that don't provide them any value have to live there. There are no exceptions. You know they'd put all of us out on our asses if we tried anything. We're stuck."
"She's going to die. She's barely moving; she’s so still that I find rats and their feces all over her." The girl broke down again. "I can't lose her.”
The older woman’s tone hardened. “Yes, she's a shifter, but even we have to die at some point. You need to grow up and realize that."
My heart sank into my stomach. I opened the door to find a young woman with tears pouring down her cheeks, talking with a woman who had to be in her fifties. The girl wiped her tears away from her chocolate-colored eyes, and the older one stiffened, blowing out a breath.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. I was told to find the bathrooms here." I looked down the small hall that led to two stalls.
"Oh, we were done here." The older one glared at the younger girl as she grabbed a paper towel and handed it to her. "She came in with the alphas and the heirs."
The younger girl licked her lips. "We'll get out of your way."
"Wait." I didn't want them to go.
They both flinched at my command.
"If we wanted to come by and check on your pack tonight, where would we go?"
The girl spun around with what could only have been hope in her eyes. "We live off Fulton Street."
"Shush. Nothing good can come of this." The older one met my gaze, and something akin to hate filled her eyes. "Just leave us alone, and stop playing with our lives. Don't give us hope when all you elite people only take from us." The older woman grabbed the younger one's arm. "You've done enough
. We need to go."
As the door shut behind them, my heart felt heavy. There was no way in hell I was going to some play tonight when our people were struggling. It was time to see what really went on when the regional and city alphas weren't around to watch and direct our every move.
Chapter Thirteen
As I stepped out of the bathroom, my mind replayed the conversation I'd overheard. Something didn't seem right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Obviously, the place they lived was a dump, but why couldn't they move? And why segregate them from humans? It made no sense.
Someone cleared their throat, causing me to look in their direction.
Mr. Grover stood about five feet away from me, leaning against the dark cherry wooden wall. His muddy eyes turned dark as he glowered at me. Robyn had definitely learned that particular look from him.
I moved to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm a little too hard, yanking me back toward him.
"I was under the impression that my daughter was dating the northern heir." His face turned into a sneer. "So what a surprise to find him bring not only a girl but his fated mate with him."
Of course, he was going to try to bully and intimidate me. The more elite people I met, the more unworthy they became in my eyes. "Well, maybe you misunderstood her. Liam never dated her."
I moved to pull my arm out of his grip, but he dug his fingers in deeper.
"There was no misunderstanding. How the fuck did someone like you catch his eye? From what she told me, your dad is just a pack alpha, and Liam got her to put you in your place." He frowned, and his nose wrinkled in disgust. "You aren't worthy of him. You're probably just a plaything."
"You know as well as I do that he's claimed me." Every shifter could smell when someone was claimed. It became two distinct scents combined into one.
"But there are ways to handle that." His eyes flashed with something akin to hunger. "All it takes is one accident."
I almost alerted Liam of what was happening, but this was something I had to do on my own. The more it looked like he was protecting me, the worse it would be. I needed to start relying on my own wolf to handle these situations. "I'd be careful who you threaten."