The information is not going down easily, but the evidence is overwhelming. A couple of years ago, I swore that the Alpha King would do his part with the records I sent him, but he didn’t. He also handed the city over without so much as an explanation or warning. If he didn’t have anything to hide, he wouldn’t have done any of those things. I used to believe people were innocent until proven guilty, but all the markers are pointing at the obvious answer so far
“Say, I believe you, I shrug. “That would mean that the war between the Alpha King and Rogue King is a lie, and the money funding this war is being pocketed by the King. Is that what you’re saying, James!
“You don’t believe me, he smirks. I can see it in your eyes, Sophie. You might look like one of them now, but you’re still just an obedient little Omega, Your King would never do such a thing, would he? He’s good. He’s the werewolf king he laughs. As you should. As we all know, good girls are blessed, aren’t they? Your success is proof.”
“What did my mother have to do with any of this?” That hit a nerve, and I am now fighting the urge to break his remaining fangs. I can heal after; I don’t think anyone would question my reasons, Idiot.
“As I said before, your mother was like a daughter until your father got involved. Half Lycan,” he rolls his eyes. “Not quite up to their standards, was he? Reduced to a lowly beta. He got in her head, and shit went south from there.”
“Who is Belar
“One of mine, Anastasia answers. “Raised by a disgraced Lycan general, born a wolf. My father adopted him when we were very young, Favored him to pit Santi and me against one another. He created a monster that was able to infiltrate the Rogue King’s table.
“It’s why we control the Rogues now. Kaylee and Gavin aren’t his only children. I believe you all know that the fourth prince of the realm isn’t the Alpha King’s blood son. Children of his blood belong to us just as the people of Artume City now belong to you. If their identities were to be made public, they would have to hand them over.”
That is definitely valuable information, Anastasia,” I glare at her.
“How was I supposed to know you were involved in that? I didn’t know your brother was involved. During which one of our interactions would I have brought this issue up?” she huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. “In addition, you would have known this information before going in to take over the city with the King if you had come down here the first time I fucking asked you to.”
“So, how this is going to work is, you have to use proper communication skills. We are friends, okay? How about you invite me over for brunch and say, “Hey, I have a favor to ask.” Blackmailing people is not the right way to get someone to do what you want. You’re a little crazy, Ana.”
“All right, forgive me for not knowing the difference, she throws her hands in the air dramatically. “I don’t know if you remember this, Sophia, but I spent almost two years covered in burns that would not heal.”
“What else do I need to know about this man?” I ask and turn my attention back to James.
If it’s all the same with you, why don’t we take a break and compare notes?” she asks nicely before turning to look at him.” Look at that, idiot. You’re a lot more useful than I thought you would be.”
“Get Killed,” he growls at her.
“That is a horrible comeback. I’m new at this, and even I know to say some fucked up shit,” I scoff.
I’ll take that note down, right now, little mouse, he sneers.
“Come, Ana waves me over to her. We make our way over to the door to the left of the mirror.
I knew he was in here, but I was hoping he wasn’t because whatever it was that just happened in that room back there was kind of sad. He smiles and pulls me onto his lap when I get close. I lean back, rubbing my temples to ease some of the tension I’m holding there.
“I need the rest of those files, Sophia” Anastasia says. “Not just the portions you need me to see.”
“You need to tell me everything you know about this man and his connection to Artume City. Did you hear what he said? The King is stealing money from the packlands to fund a fake war between him and the rogues. If we team up on this-” “Don’t,” Ragnar clears his throat. “Please, do not jinx us, right now, Sophia. Do not say what I think you’re going to say.” “Look, I’m not any happier about this either. There are other prospects for the Packlands. It doesn’t have to be us, but what are we supposed to do?” I ask.
“What are you two assholes talking about?” Ana asks.
“You don’t know because you’re an illiterate fucktard,” Ragnar growls at her. “Why do you have to do everything the hard
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way? I’ve been trying to work with you from the day we met, and you’ve made it clear that you would rather die than let me help you. Are you done? Can we move past this because actual lives are on the line? Mine and yours, Ana. Are you going to take me seriously now, or not?”
The two of them stare at one another enough to make me a little uncomfortable. She’s the one who looks away first with a heavy sigh. She leans against the table in front of the glass and crosses her arms over her cheat again.
“Explain to me what you’re talking about,” she rolls her eyes.
“It’s an abuse of power to steal from the people. If presented at court, he could be removed from his position. We just need the evidence,” I explain.
“This is great,” she grins big. “And if removed, who takes the crown?”
“It’s not a matter of taking the crown. There are others in line to replace him, his mate, and his heirs. It all comes down to whoever presents the information,” Ragnar sighs. “We’re going to have to tell the old people.”
“No,” I groan. “Your dad is going to be pissed about us working with your mobster cousins. Oh, my goodness. I’m never going to get Major General Helvig off my ass after this. I already have six personal guards on top of the teams your father sent.”
“In my defence, this was your idea,” Ragnar crosses his arms over his chest.
“How was I supposed to know the Alpha King was dirty? I thought he was tricked by the Romanos, like me.”
“That’s not a thing,” they all say at the same time. Even the hostage.
“Okay, not it,” I step back. His eyes immediately zero in on me.
“What? No, you’re not sticking me with this.”
“Rules of not it,” Ana smirks. “Also, not it.”
“You’ll pay for this later, Little Wolf,” he growls, reaching for his phone. “I’m not forgetting this.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
