Chapter 55: 55: The Fine Print

MAX

The fine print. It’s a big deal, and now I understand why the king only gave me a day to respond. I’m almost certain he’s hoping I’ll skim through the paperwork and miss the details.

I don’t want to believe the king would try to trick me, especially since we’re supposed to respect him as our leader. But twenty-four hours is hardly enough time to make any major decision, let alone one that could change my life and commit me to the king’s service.

I’ve been wrestling with this offer. What if it prevents me from finding my mate?

But then again, what if it leads me to her? That can’t be true if Ginger is my mate.

What will happen to my pack if I take this opportunity?

The fine print. I’ve spent hours studying these documents and even called my mom to have her look them over.

“Max, it’s late here, and this document is almost fifty pages long. Have you read it?”

“Yes, Mom, I tried. But I started to get a headache and might have missed some important stuff. I need you to take a closer look. And when you’re done, can you talk it over with Dad? I can’t make this decision alone.”

I told her this, hoping she could help me. “Max, we can’t make this decision for you. It’s a big deal for you and the pack, but we’ll be okay if you decide to take the offer. Your father will just have to stay in charge of the pack a little longer. He can handle it.”

“Right, of course he can. Mom, please, look it over and call me first thing tomorrow. I love you.”

After our call, I put the papers back in the folder and stashed them in my nightstand drawer. I needed to work out and blow off some steam.

I had this nagging feeling that I was missing something in the fine print, and it was making me anxious. It was two in the morning, and I had spent the entire day going over these papers.

Exercise was the only thing that would help me sleep. I had to give the king an answer soon, but I needed to be clear-headed, and I needed my parents’ advice.

The guards gave me strange looks as I headed to the gym. I guess not many people work out in the middle of the night, especially those in alpha training.

We’re always working out and usually exhausted. I had a couple of days before I had to go back to classes, our last free weekend before the end.

Most of the guys were going home for a short two-month break before returning for their third year. For me, this was it.

I had completed my alpha training in two years. I’d be home in time for my twenty-second birthday, and soon after, Melanie would turn twenty-one.

I was excited to celebrate with her. The twins are now eighteen and out of high school.

It all feels so unreal. I’ve missed so much back home.

Maybe that’s my answer. Maybe I don’t want to miss out on anything else at home.

I shake my head as all these thoughts rush through my mind. Fifty million dollars a year is a lot of money.

It’s almost like the king made the offer too good to refuse, on purpose. An hour later, I’m completely worn out.

I head back to my room, shower, and collapse into bed, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep. I still don’t have an answer, and I’m hoping to wake up to a call from my parents.

I need their advice, whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent.

***

My phone rings, jolting me awake. I glance at the clock and see it’s almost seven in the morning.

I groan, only four hours of sleep. I roll over and pick up the phone, answering with a grumble.

“What?”

“Maximus, is that how you talk to your mother?”

I hear my mother’s tired voice on the other end. If it’s seven here, it’s almost midnight there.

I sit up quickly, now fully awake. “Sorry, I didn’t even see who was calling. I’m really out of it.”

I run my hand down my face and slap my cheek, trying to wake up more. “Uh huh, well do you want the good news or the bad news?” she asks.

“I want both, just tell me straight.” I hear a sigh on the other end.

“Well, the good news. It’s a great offer. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some.

Financially, you and the pack would never have to worry about anything. I’m sure many wouldn’t hesitate to take the offer, especially the chance to be second in command of the king’s Army.

That’s a big deal, Max. You must have really impressed the king.” I hear my dad in the background, and then his deep voice comes over the phone.

“Max, this is a binding contract. If you agree, you’re committing your life to the king and his Army. Do you understand that?”

“I do. But for how long? What’s the fine print?

I read this until my eyes were blurry and I couldn’t understand a lot of the language. Some of it’s in Italian too.”

“About that. I was able to translate the Italian parts of the contract. I was surprised the king had it written like that, to be honest,” my father’s voice is serious, low.

He pauses before continuing. “It’s for ten years, Max. You’d have to stay in Italy, in the king’s Army, for at least ten years.”

“What?” I nearly shout. “That’s crazy.”

“Yeah, and I don’t know if you realize this, Max, but I need to retire. I’ve worked hard since I was young and I’ve done well with the pack, but your dad needs a break.”

He says this like I haven’t already thought about that. “Even if Jaydon took over the pack, there’s still the Venice Pack to consider.”

I’m stunned. Ten years. That’s the best years of my life.

“Right. So when you say ten years and it’s binding, there’s no clause for a shorter term of service? It’s ten years or nothing?”

“That’s right, son. Look. I’m proud of you.

Obviously, you worked hard and caught the king’s attention from the start, but you must have really stood out for him to offer you a position like this. Usually, it’s a position you work toward, not one you’re handed.”

“I think I know the answer already, but what do you and Mom think I should do? Will this upset the king?”

I hadn’t thought about him being angry until now, and no one wants to be on the king’s bad side. “Don’t go for it. It’s a long road and you’ve got so much more to live for, kiddo.

But hey, it’s your call at the end of the day and we’re here for you. I believe the king will honor whatever choice you make.

He’s not one to do otherwise. I’ve known him for years, so I’m confident about that.

His son is about to take over and I’m sure the king was just trying to pave the way for him before he steps down. Consider it a compliment.”

I pause, taking it all in. This is a lot to digest.

“All right. Thanks, Dad. I bet you and Mom are ready to hit the sack. I’ll keep you posted in a few days.”

We exchange goodbyes and hang up. I sink back into my bed, a headache beginning to pulse.

I plan to catch a few hours of sleep and then try to clear my head to make a decision. Hopefully, the right one.