Chapter 96: Chapter 96

“Welcome, everyone,” David called to the room, turning the whispers into silence. This time his suit was navy blue, making his eyes appear even brighter and more vibrant. This man was what he strived most to be; handsome, charismatic, wealthy, and powerful.

That’s the danger of the soul. No matter how beautiful you are on the outside, no matter what favors its appearance may earn you, the soul can rot from the inside out.

Many of the murmurs were about the sudden absence of Maurice Evans. I listened to each and every one, forcing myself to remain calm.

“As I’m sure you’ve all noticed, we’re missing a member of the table,” David raised an eyebrow towards the room full of witnesses. He turned to where I was sitting in particular, and though his eyes weren’t on me, I couldn’t help but feel a bit paranoid. “Maurice Evans was called back to his pack sometime early this morning. There’s nothing to worry about, just a misunderstanding within the pack that turned into a larger inconvenience. While he regrets leaving earlier than anticipated, he hopes to be back before our final meeting concludes.”

I tried not to let out a breath of pure relief too loudly. As if my body couldn’t help itself, my eyes darted to where Sven Ross was sitting. He was wearing a thick leather jacket, and his raven-black hair was slicked back. I noticed the faint white line of a scar that crossed his forehead and wondered how I hadn’t noticed it before.

Instinctively, I stiffened as my eyes traveled downward, and I realized he was looking at me. His pale eyes were eerily calm as they burned into mine. It was an expression that said ‘I’ve done my part, can you hold up yours?’

“With that said, Andres Evans, eldest son of Maurice Evans, will temporarily occupy his father’s seat. He’ll arrive within an hour and be fully briefed on everything discussed so far. On our final day, if Maurice Evans cannot return, his son will cast a polite vote representing his father’s authority and expectations.”

There were some murmurs that echoed through the crowd, and I perked my ears up to every single word spoken. I held my breath, waiting for someone to utter those words. There was nothing, no hint of foul play. I counted to ten and let out a shallow sigh, then laced my fingers with Ethan’s. The last part helped me relax a bit more.

“Now that all the announcements have concluded, let’s begin today’s meeting,” Robert Reynolds nodded to the crowd, smoothing the front of his platinum-gray suit. He looked impeccable and professional, but there was a certain stiffness in his body that made him seem tense and somewhat unapproachable. “Jason, you’ve been quite quiet in our last meeting. Would you mind starting us off?” Robert asked thoughtfully, shooting a cold glance at the shortest member of the High Table.

Jason Harper had the most to lose out of any of these men. If I joined the High Table, Jason would be sidelined. He’d be nothing more than an average Alpha. It was clear from his venomous emotions that he wouldn’t be joining my team anytime soon.

“Yeah, well, I needed more information before jumping to conclusions,” Jason smiled at the room, but it was a completely empty gesture. It was like seeing something alien mimic human expression and emotion, hollow and transparent. “While it’s my seat on the line, I wish to be as impartial as possible. I think it would be best if David continued here. In the meantime, I’d like to think on what we’ve discussed so far.”

The silent snort I let out was completely involuntary. I immediately stiffened afterward, praying that no one had heard me. The conversation continued to flow smoothly, and no one seemed to bat an eye at my silent exclamation.

“Oi,” I hissed, my narrowed eyes shooting towards Ethan’s face. I rubbed the spot on my arm that Ethan had pinched and glared at him. He looked at Jason and then at me before chuckling.

“Oh,” I mumbled sheepishly. “Sorry.”

“In our last meeting, we confirmed Mrs. Sussan’s abilities and discussed what potential she might have in our world,” Robert continued without missing a beat. “While she appears to have control over her abilities, those of our kind are interested in us overseeing this progress and ensuring she matures into her powers with full control.”

“Having said that, she could be useful to our packs, securing the success of our kind and all that,” Sven Ross chose his moment to speak, giving me a lazy smile with eyes that had too much hidden.

“How right you are,” David agreed, with a friendly smile on his face. This time his eyes turned towards me, cold and calculating beneath his warm exterior. Ethan’s emotions grew fragile, but he managed to contain his anger as we remained silent, unable to do anything but watch. “While you know little about our world, you have the opportunity to make a difference. Something like this rarely happens, and we hope you can see it as an opportunity. While each of us may have different terms and requests, by no means are you obligated to choose. It is your right to accept or deny as you see fit.”

I straightened my back and moved to the center of the room as directed. Only I could hear the beating of my heart, echoing the whispers from all sides of the room.

“I make no promises, but I will listen to your offers,” I chose my words carefully, forcing myself to look David Zoe in the eyes the entire time.

He wasn’t a foolish man. He knew he couldn’t deceive me anymore and wouldn’t pretend to. Any deal made with him would surely end in my death or enslavement. How many other white wolves had walked willingly into his land, completely ignorant of what truly awaited them?

“While we communicate and work as one, we are five individual packs with our own lands and customs. As such, any agreement will reflect our individual pack,” David continued with a slight smile.

His words surprised some and sparked murmurs throughout the room. I caught snippets, but the words I heard were unsettling at best. Words like ‘takeover,’ ‘always share,’ ‘selfish and conspiratorial’ spilled from the mouths of some witnesses. Others denied it, asserting that David was doing what was best and that he had more experience than any other High Table member. Many of these people trusted him, and for my life, I couldn’t understand why.

A flicker of surprise crossed Sven’s face, Robert Reynolds remained still, and Jason practically seethed with rage. What David had done was definitely unusual.

“As head of the High Table, I believe I’ll start with what my pack could offer you in exchange for your time and service,” David allowed little time for discussion, and from the emotions buzzing around, most were too terrified to interrupt him. I focused on the golden-haired Alpha and Luna again. They weren’t afraid of David and seemed to despise him more than anyone.

“First, you would have my entire collection of knowledge at your disposal, including anything related to white wolves. You’ll also have access to my external sources, in case you need more information. I have a few white wolves living in my territory, and I’d be willing to transfer any who wish to move to your domain. Most in my pack provide protection against rogues. Lastly, you must reside in my pack four months out of the year. There you will train and assist me in High Table matters. These months are at your discretion, and your companions can also attend. If you accept my terms, I’ll welcome you to your seat as High Table leader and offer myself as your mentor.”

His terms were stunning, to say the least. I had almost lost it at his last requirement, the one promising my downfall. Four months a year in his pack, like I was some object passed back and forth. The crowd oohed and aahed at his generosity, while I wanted to growl and scream. It wasn’t a gift; it was a death sentence.

What was even more surprising: David Zoe was pushing his longtime accomplice, Jason Harper, out of the picture. He was essentially handing me my seat on a silver platter and shoving Jason aside. Jason would be downgraded after this, turned into nothing more than a basic Alpha. I was also pretty sure he’d lose any deals he had with David Zoe. What a way to end a partnership.

Rage coursed through me, buckling my legs. Even from where I stood, I could hear the snap and creak of the wooden podium breaking beneath his fingers. His eyes held the fire of hell’s depths, and it was all directed at me.

I wasn’t foolish to what was going on. Clearly, David Zoe was the wealthiest Alpha. He had the most assets and, I assumed, the most white wolves. The other High Table members only agreed to use me as long as it benefited them all. David had flipped the script.

“Well, though it doesn’t make sense, I suppose I’m next,” Robert cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. I could sense his discomfort with the situation, along with an underlying tone of concern. He looked me in the eyes, and I felt a shift in his emotions. Curiosity and something else, perhaps hope? “While my collection of knowledge is smaller than David’s, I assure you, you’ll find things within my walls that even he doesn’t have. I offer you my knowledge and my pack if you ever need my assistance. Instead of obligating you to come to my land, I would visit you monthly to ensure your development and magical abilities remain steady.”

There were some murmurs as many caught the sarcastic undertone Robert carefully placed in his words. In truth, his proposal wasn’t terrible. It was essentially an alliance, one with a bit more stipulation.

I smoothed any emotion from my face but nodded to Robert Reynolds. Next was Sven, who had reclined in his chair. He was cleaning under his nails with a jagged leaf, paying no attention to the conversation around him.

Robert nudged Sven, catching his attention. The knife withdrew in an instant, faster than my eyes could catch.

“Ah, my turn, right?” he growled, stretching in his seat. He pushed back the ink-black hair that fell over his forehead and stared at me for a long moment. When he spoke, it was slow and drawn out. I wanted to laugh for a moment. The man had the audacity to be bored, during a meeting discussing my right to live. “I have no use for your abilities, girl. I can give you information, training, whatever you need. I wouldn’t mind having a powerful pack covering my back, and vice versa. Want an alliance? We can talk. I don’t need a guard dog.”

A part of me desperately hoped Sven wasn’t a jerk because he was the kind of man I could see getting along with. He was strange, no doubt, but honest. This place was built on lies, and having the truth was refreshing. His offer, on the other hand, had been the best so far. It wasn’t a offer of servitude but of alliance.

The only one left silent was Jason Harper. It was horribly unfair how all of this had been set up, and if he wasn’t a psychopath, I would have felt sorry for the man. It didn’t make sense for Jason to offer me anything. He would accept one of the others and shove him out of his seat at the High Table, that was inevitable.

“Three very generous offers. All of which could benefit our kind,” David finally spoke, shooting a sharp glance at Thomas. “If you choose one, the contracts will be drawn up afterward. Additionally, these offers are based on a trial period. We still don’t know the full extent of your abilities, though we certainly know what you might be capable of if your powers reach full maturity. During this trial period, you’ll be closely monitored. Whoever you choose will ensure you have full control at all times.”

It was a prison sentence, basically. No matter what I chose, David Zoe would get what he wanted. I could easily choose Sven and reject Robert and David, but he would retaliate. There was no way David would let me slip through his greedy fingers.

“What happens if she rejects all three offers? What happens then to ensure she maintains control over her abilities?” Jason Harper asked, his voice oily and his small, bright eyes narrowed. He stood from his seat and addressed the crowd directly. “None of you are thinking about the future. Yes, she may learn to control her abilities, but it’s she who can use them. How can we dictate what she does with these gifts? What if one morning she desires to eradicate the High Table? It would take an army to stop her. What ensures us that day will never come? I’m thinking of our future, of your grandchildren’s children. What’s truly best for us? This ability could have been celebrated in times of war. We’re at peace, right now. Maybe, we don’t need her abilities at this given time. Worse yet, it’s stirring chaos that was long removed from the High Table. I won’t fall for the allure of power, no matter how the pack looks. This she-wolf wields death and is here to bring war.”