6: Striking a Deal

HARPER

In my book, vampires were nothing more than pompous jerks. From the get-go, they seemed to underestimate me, thinking they could easily manipulate me. They soon discovered that I was fully conscious of every word and promise, every question and need from both sides.

I was an active participant in drafting our agreement. I was right there with Axel, ensuring these two jerks didn’t get the upper hand.

Adis caught on pretty quickly. Kaven, however, took a bit longer. Eventually, Adis just started reviewing what we’d agreed upon.

We had most of it sorted out, though I did shoot Axel a few messages here and there. He was always quick to reply. I didn’t want to call him—I could handle this.

I just wanted to confirm a few details. After all, he was still the alpha, and I needed to check in on major points.

I remained standing, as did Seirra. Her father didn’t even glance her way, only acknowledging Kaven. The only time she moved was to serve her father and Kaven a drink halfway through our meeting.

A server brought it to her, and she poured and handed them the dark liquid. Inside, I seethed at the way they treated her like a servant.

They didn’t want the lower-ranking females to serve them. They wanted the higher-ranking female. It was their twisted way of reminding her of her place.

I despised it. All I could see in these men were the monsters who tried to take and impregnate my sister. I kept my anger in check, grateful for my self-control.

At one point, I noticed Kaven lightly trace the back of his fingers up Seirra’s thigh. For a split second, I almost lunged at him. She was standing close to the arm of his chair, the slit of her dress revealing her thigh.

His knuckles brushed against her soft skin, and my inner beast growled in protest. I loathed it. LOATHED. IT.

My gaze flicked to her. Did she enjoy it? Did he mean something to her? I wasn’t naive. I could tell from the conversation and my own intuition that her father would undoubtedly choose Kaven for her.

I’d never wanted someone dead as much as I did him in that moment. But then I saw her reaction. She kept looking away.

Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and I could see the tension in her muscles. That eased my anger a bit. She didn’t like it, and I didn’t detect any mutual attraction.

I realized I’d dug my claws into my arm and quickly stopped. My arms were crossed, and I kept my fingers over the puncture wounds so they wouldn’t bleed and could heal unnoticed.

For a moment, I lost track of the conversation. It was damn hard not to look at her. From the moment she’d greeted us, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Her silver dress clung to her in all the right places, a slit revealing her smooth skin and slender legs. I bet they were as soft as they looked, even better with my fingers gripping them, holding her exactly where I wanted her.

Sliding against that soft skin and into her silky warmth. I took a mental breath and refocused on Adis, who was speaking. I caught up with the conversation.

He had a tablet in his hands. There wasn’t much left to discuss. We just needed to finalize this damn contract.

“We can get this written up then. However, there is one more item I would like to discuss,” Adis said, and I just stared at him.

It was incredibly late, past midnight, but vampires were creatures of the night.

“And what would that be?” I asked, not breaking eye contact.

“I’ve heard that you’re planning to build a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. You’re involved with the medical training and facility in your territory, aren’t you?” Adis asked.

I knew others were curious, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep such a project under wraps now that Axel had started taking construction bids.

“What’s your point?” I asked. I knew that Adis didn’t have top-tier medical facilities here in the Red Coven territory. They were vampires, after all, and they healed quickly.

Their medical facilities were primarily for the humans and other supernaturals living in their territory. Still, they needed certain drugs and treatments.

Diseases that affected beings like us required very specialized treatments, chemicals, and drugs. Or biological weapons, which was a terrifying thought.

“We’re willing to contribute to the construction, help with costs. I’d like to discuss a partnership,” Adis said. I was silent for a moment.

“Right now, there’s no partnership or talks. I’ll let Axel know you’re interested. Our current discussion is about border control, trade through territory, and freedom of citizens to pass between our borders. The manufacturing project we may or may not be undertaking is not up for discussion at this time,” I told him. Everyone wanted a piece of that pie.

Axel knew it too, and only a few of us knew the building’s location right now. We were worried about sabotage. The territories that had the ability to manufacture were starting to capitalize on it.

“Well, I think my coven would be far more agreeable if we could partner in this. It would certainly be a show of good faith. There are things we vampires need,” Adis commented.

Yeah, like greed. I wouldn’t partner with him at all. We just needed to maintain peace between our two large territories.

“Like I said, I’ll let Axel know. I can’t make a decision for him regarding something that hasn’t been discussed beforehand,” I stated.

Adis picked up the tablet and some of the papers there. He handed them to Kaven.

“Go get this started and drawn up. I’d like to get this signed and done by tomorrow,” Adis said. It was a dismissal, and Kaven just looked at him but got up and took the items with him.

Sierra started to follow, seeming like she was going to help Kaven or something.

“Stay, Sierra,” Adis commanded, and Sierra stopped. I really hated the way he spoke to her.

“I’m willing to pay a large amount for a partnership, just so you and your alpha are aware. I’d also be willing to pay for your time to teach and upgrade our medical facilities. It’s an area we’re lacking in and shouldn’t be. There’s been talk about the lack of fertility drugs for certain species that struggle or have longer times between conception. I have couples who would be willing to participate in research if Axel is looking into new alternatives and drugs,” Adis said, standing up.

I raised an eyebrow. That was not the direction I thought he was going to go.

“I’m sorry, Adis, but I can’t provide any information at this point. Everything is still up in the air. Just rumors. We’re all aware of the fertility issues some species are facing. If your people are affected, I’m truly sorry. I’m sure Axel would be open to a discussion when the time is right,” I replied, choosing my words carefully.

Adis seemed to accept this. “Well, I guess that concludes our conversation for tonight. We’ve arranged rooms for you upstairs. Feel free to enjoy our entertainment, bar, and restaurant. Everything’s on the house. We appreciated your hospitality when we visited your territory. We hope to maintain a good relationship and work together. Trust isn’t easy, but I believe our coven and your pack can find common ground. Together, we’re a formidable force,” he said.

I nodded in agreement. “Indeed, we are,” I said.

We still held the largest territory. As Axel’s second, it was my duty to protect that and ensure boundaries were respected. Our people were our priority. Adis was a friend on paper, but my instincts told me not to trust him.

Adis seemed pleased. “Good to hear. We’ll have the final agreement ready for signing tomorrow evening. I’d like to have a word with Axel beforehand, if that’s okay. I can tell you’re his right-hand man. He chose his beta wisely. But you’re still second-in-command,” he said.

I shrugged off his comment. I was second, and if he needed to clear things with Axel first, so be it.

“No problem at all. We appreciate your hospitality. If we’re done here.” I said, and Adis gestured toward the door.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lord Adis and Lady Sierra,” I said, making sure to address them both.

Adis seemed surprised that I treated Sierra as an equal. Jerk.

As I turned to leave, my expression hardened. Ian caught my eye, and I could tell he was thinking the same thing. Damn medieval vampire.

Ian, Zen, and I left the room, relieved to be done and exhausted from the long drive and late night. We collected our keys and passes, but I couldn’t help glancing back at the room we’d just left.

I hadn’t gotten a chance to talk to her yet. It was difficult when she was constantly surrounded by the men who controlled her life. I noticed her guard in the hallway and pondered for a moment.

I bet I could dig up some dirt on him. With a sigh, I rounded the corner and told the others I wasn’t ready for bed yet.

They asked if I was sure about going to the bar alone. I joked that I’d howl if I needed help, and they laughed.

I just needed something to dull the frustration inside me. Once again, I was forced to watch my mate from across the room, unable to touch or speak to her. My inner beast was growling in protest, and I knew it couldn’t handle much more rejection.

So, for now, I turned to alcohol, my go-to vice when I was upset. At least that was free.