“I never claimed Jadi committed any wrongdoing,” Andrew articulates serenely, yet I observe a fleeting anxiety in his eyes as he retreats from my petite Latina companion, who regards him with intense ire. “I would have relished the opportunity to insult Benoit Perrault years ago.”
“Therefore, why-”
“The situation is more intricate than you perceive, and regrettably, Jadi and his wolf have exacerbated the circumstances,” Andrew interjects. “Kindly proceed to the Pack house so that Josie may converse with you both.”
Recognising that we would inevitably confront Josie, we retrieve Bray and proceed to the pack house, where Andrew engages Bray in play with Muppet on the lawn, while Ricky and I ascend to Josie’s office.
I do not detect the presence of the visiting Alphas, indicating they have likely departed from the Pack, which exacerbates my anxiety. Ricky appears to be anxious as she tightly grips my hand while I open the office door.
The atmosphere in the room is charged, with Josie cradling her head in her hands as she concentrates on her breathing, while her partner, Mark, casts a lethal glare at me. Wesley, their Beta, appears to be the sole individual unperturbed at present, welcoming both Ricky and myself with a smile. A chilling apprehension envelops me when Mark begins to talk.
“Are you aware of the consequences of your actions?” Mark growls, his blue eyes shifting between sapphire and silver. “Are you aware of the extent of your mistakes?”
“Mark, cease this…” Josie cautions, her expression serious as she gazes at her husband. “Allow them to articulate their perspectives prior to assigning culpability to any individual.”
“You are aware, as am I, that the rationale is inconsequential.” Jadi has no authority to urinate on an Alpha within my domain!”
“Our territory,” Josie rectifies him, causing Mark’s mouth to close immediately. “You overlook the fact that Jadi and Ricky are my guests, and Benoit, as a visitor, ought to have shown respect towards me by honouring my guests.” Both you and I are aware that he has not!”
What do you suggest we undertake?Mark shakes his head in incredulity. “Should we permit Jadi to discard all our efforts due to his inability to manage his anger?” ”
Josie replies, “You are in no position to criticise,” as Wesley suppresses his laughter with a cough.
Mark casts a lethal glare at him, while Wesley raises his hands in capitulation.
“I believe I require some fresh air,” Mark murmurs, striding past me.
“I love you,” Josie calls after him, prompting Mark to pause at the door and inhale deeply.
“I love you as well,” he exhales, shutting the door behind him as he exits.
Josie exhales deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose as she once more puts her head in her hands.
“Josie, I can elucidate,” Ricky states when the oppressive quiet gets unbearable. “Jadi was merely-”
Josie raises her hand while Ricky covers her mouth.
“I am already aware of the events that transpired,” she murmurs, finally meeting our gaze. “I perceived your memories the moment you entered.” She combs her fingers over her hair and reclines in her chair with her eyes shut. “Regrettably, this does not ameliorate the situation.”
What is the specific problem?Ricky requests the presence of both of us. Benoit is really another Alpha.
What is the problem?Josie chuckles sarcastically, adjusting her posture. The problem is that Lune De Minuit is the mother pack of River Moon in France, possessing a 12% stake in the pack corporation and exerting significant influence over our other stockholders. Alpha Jacques’s eldest daughter, Adeline, previously managed these investments before she became unmanageable six months ago. Benoit is the presumptive heir to the Alpha title and has been overseeing the shares from France. He is poised to assume the title next month; therefore, we have scheduled a formal meeting with him next week to deliberate about the future of our collaboration. His father, however, opted to arrive two weeks ahead of schedule.” She pauses to massage her temples in fatigue. Mark has been negotiating with Jacque throughout the week to establish a conclusive plan to terminate the partnership. This morning, they reached an understanding until Jimmy, in a most ungracious manner, urinated on Benoit Perrault. Currently, all negotiations have been terminated, and Lune de Minuit has designated River Moon, and thus my kingdom, as an adversary.
The young Queen appears on the verge of emotional eruption, momentarily overcome by frustration.
“I can scarcely believe I have been Queen for less than three months and am on the verge of entering another war,” she murmurs softly, as Wesley approaches and pats her back.
“Acknowledge your own merits,” he laughs. You assumed the identity of Luna for approximately five minutes before to our conflict with the Witches, whom you defeated in under three weeks. You can manage an arrogant Alpha and his son with your hands restrained.
