10: Choices and Schemes

HARPER

“Make sure they know that if those documents aren’t signed and ready by tonight, I’m done waiting. I’ve already had a word with Adis. I told him he needs to put it in writing and agree tonight before you leave, or I’m out. I’ve had enough of this back-and-forth nonsense,” Axel declared.

A small smile played on my lips. Axel was sounding irritable and grumpy.

“Good, I’m fed up with the stalling too. I received a message about a meeting time for this evening not too long ago,” I informed him, pulling on a shirt. From the other end of the phone, I could hear faint crying.

“I’ve got her, just rest,” Axel said. His voice sounded distant as if he’d moved the phone away. His tone was one of exasperation, whipped. Axel was whipped, and I found it amusing.

I could hear Layla in the background, her voice weary. Hadn’t she just given birth? If Axel wanted to help care for her and the girls, she should let him, in my opinion.

Once again, Axel surprised me. He was different with Layla, caring and trying to be the man she needed. I respected that immensely. It only reinforced my decision to follow him as my alpha.

“Harper, if they don’t sign tonight, then leave. I’m serious, I don’t care. I’ll deal with it and find another way,” Axel said. I could hear one of the girls he must have picked up. She was crying but slowly quieting down.

In the background, I could hear the other one, but Layla must have picked her up.

“Fine by me. You know, Axel, you sound like you could use a nap,” I teased, commenting on his tone.

“Fu…”

“Axel!” Layla’s voice rang out, and I knew instantly he was being scolded for his language. Axel made a noise, but I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You’re an ass,” Axel retorted, and I could almost see Layla’s glare. I could picture her face in my mind.

I laughed, imagining how exhausted they both must be with twin babies. They were new parents, and I didn’t envy them having twins right off the bat.

“Takes one to know one,” I shot back. “Whipped,” I added.

“You sound like you need to get laid. Just jealous I have my woman. Don’t think I won’t kick your ass if you piss me off enough,” Axel warned.

“Maybe, or maybe I got lucky. You don’t know,” I countered. There was a moment of silence.

“Yeah? Did you?” His tone changed, sounding interested and less tired.

I couldn’t help myself; I was grinning from ear to ear. I felt great today, and even though I knew seeing her again would be tough, I was still excited.

“I was lucky enough to see her and talk to her. Alone. In my room,” I said, grinning even though he couldn’t see it.

“No kidnapping then?” he asked, humor lacing his voice.

I sighed. “No, but one night isn’t enough. The control they have over their women, the way they keep them under their thumb is crazy. I’ve got my work cut out for me, unfortunately,” I admitted.

I certainly did have my work cut out for me. But at least she was receptive to me, so there was that.

“Well, if you do something drastic, let me know ASAP. I like a warning, Harper, not someone showing up at my doorstep,” Axel said.

I decided not to remind him of the several times he’d acted without warning. I sensed his patience was wearing thin, so I didn’t push it.

“I will, and if they don’t have what we need, then I’ll leave and too bad for them,” I said.

Axel grunted in agreement. Before he could hang up, I spoke again.

“How’s Layla? Have you two named the girls yet?” I asked.

“She’s stubborn, but doing well,” Axel grumbled the first part, but I could tell he was relieved that Layla was doing well after having the girls. He’d shared his fears with me, so I knew it eased some of his stress.

“We’ve chosen names, Tamara and Kamina,” he said, and I found myself liking those names. They were unique and interesting, in my opinion.

“Nice. Give Layla my best and I hope to be back tomorrow with the others. Agreement in hand,” I said.

Axel grunted in approval. He gave me a few more instructions about the agreement, and then we hung up.

I sighed and stuffed my phone and other items into my pocket. My bag was already packed, and I knew they would take it down to load it into our car. They were good like that, and I didn’t have anything in it that was a risk. Unless they wanted to steal the few clothes I’d brought.

I chuckled to myself at the absurdity of that thought.

When I stepped out into the hallway, Ian and Zen were waiting. They met my gaze, and I turned to walk down the hall toward the meeting room we’d been told about.

“Let’s get this over with. I don’t like it here,” I said as I turned, and the other two agreed with me.

Ian asked how our luna was doing, and I filled him in. They both liked Layla and seemed to think she was a good match for Axel. She should be; they were true mates, after all.

As we walked to the meeting room, I wondered how well I’d be able to keep my eyes from straying to her. I could feel a sense of anticipation building inside me. My animal side was eager, but I knew I needed to appear indifferent.

Her father had sent her to me, even if she’d come willingly. The primal part of me wanted to just grab her and make her leave with me. The rational part knew that was the worst thing I could do.

When we arrived at the meeting room, I was mildly surprised to see both Adis and Kaven already there, ready and waiting. A couple of guards were present too, but we went in. Ian and Zen stayed back, and I took a seat.

I immediately noticed that Sierra was absent.

“We’ve drawn up everything and signed. Alpha Axel made it very clear earlier that negotiations will be over if we don’t reach an agreement today and sign,” Adis said, sounding annoyed.

“We’re not interested in stalling, nor in those who think they can keep holding up progress. We appreciate swift action, keeping your word, and mutual understanding. We have a lot to do, and this is holding up several things. So yes, if you’re having second thoughts about our arrangements, then we’ll wish you well and understand that you didn’t want a mutual agreement between our territories,” I said.

Adis looked at me. I was sitting this time, and he gave me a look.

“We’ve got our deal. I’d say my people and I have been pretty decent to you. We’re looking forward to future partnerships and trade with you,” Adis stated as I picked up the agreement and began to read.

I was definitely going to scrutinize this document, ensuring nothing was out of place. That no words had been altered. Axel had signed an electronic copy. I had this one, so I was going to double-check they hadn’t tweaked anything from what they gave Axel.

“Everything is in order.” Adis assured me after I’d been reading for a while. I scanned the papers in my hand as I turned the page.

I was a quick reader, and this wasn’t my first rodeo with a document full of tedious jargon.

“I’m sure you can appreciate a thorough partner. I need to do my job right for my alpha. He’s the one I answer to, after all,” I said, reminding them that I didn’t care.

They were just people I had to deal with for him. My eyes drifted to Kaven. I noticed he’d been watching me the whole time, looking incredibly tense. It was making me a little uneasy. What was his deal? Not in the mood for pretenses today, huh?

Finally, I reached the end and signaled for a pen to sign the document.

“Everything seems to be in order then? I trust your stay and discussions with us met your expectations,” Adis said. I met his gaze after signing on a few lines.

I looked back down, flipping a page. “They did. I always appreciate hospitality,” I replied.

“Then I hope you and Alpha Axel would be open to future dealings. As I mentioned, we’re very interested and willing to invest in the pharmaceutical facility you’re planning,” Adis said. “I believe my daughter and I have been accommodating and willing to engage with you and your people.”

I didn’t look up at his comment. I finished signing and felt a surge of irritation inside me. What a jerk. It was a veiled comment, I knew it was. If he thought I was going to be swayed by Sierra involving herself in business dealings, he was sorely mistaken. I met his gaze.

“You both have been. Sierra is an incredibly intelligent and capable woman, you should be proud to have such an heir. I enjoyed speaking with her,” I said.

Adis was watching me. I was certain he knew where she’d been last night. Her guard had been there. I also noticed how tense Kaven was, and he hadn’t said much. His eyes had a reddish tint. Jealous, was he? Good.

I was also annoyed that Adis still seemed to think that me being a lycan made me some animal that thought with my lower half and not my brain. As if sleeping with his daughter would earn him more.

Sierra needed to get out of here. This place was toxic with a capital T. This man was toxic and abusive, no doubt about it.

“She is a high-value woman, yes. She will bear strong male heirs in time. I’m glad she seemed to have impressed you and met expectations then,” Adis said, and for a moment I thought Kaven was going to say something or attack me.

There was a flash of red in his eyes. I didn’t have time for petty nonsense. I wanted to get out of here.

“I think we’re done here, and I’ll discuss the pharmaceutical offer with Axel. Send me what you want in writing,” I said, knowing that would keep Sierra out of trouble with her father.

Not that we were going to, just the thought that it might. Adis seemed to relax a bit at my words. Adis and Kaven both stood up, and Adis gave me a slight nod.

“Kaven will see you out. Typically it would be Sierra, but she has an appointment,” Adis said. Kaven didn’t look thrilled about this, but the look Adis gave him said he better.

I didn’t need to be escorted out, but I knew it was custom, and I was sure they would enjoy watching me.

“Until next time then. Enjoy your evening, Lord Adis,” I said calmly and walked to the door. It was opened for me, both Ian and Zen stepping out.

Kaven followed along with one vampire guard. It was silent as we walked. I didn’t need to talk to him, and I was sure he didn’t want to talk to me.

Though I could see his shoulders were tense. Seemed like that stick he had up his ass was firmly in place, might have even slipped a little further up by the looks of things.

When we got to the front area and I saw our vehicle pull up, Kaven turned as a servant opened the doors.

“I hope you enjoyed the only time you’ll get to touch a high-class woman. Just so we’re clear, I don’t share Adis’ sentiment. She was told to be there, she didn’t want to. Don’t expect such a handout again. Adis won’t always call the shots,” Kaven said.

I met his gaze and suppressed a dark smile. Jealous much? He wouldn’t have had to worry about it if they didn’t treat their women like objects.

“I can see why she would choose to sleep with an animal when the other option is weak common trash like you. I’m not scared of you, Kaven, it will take more than one of you to best me,” I said, moving forward and turning away from him.

“Her father is settling if he hands her to you,” I added. Both Ian and Zen followed me.

I heard the guard behind us say, “Sir,” so Kaven must have thought of doing something. However, we were out the door and into our vehicle.

Zen was driving and Ian was in the back seat. It was an SUV, so it was large with a wide back that had a divider up between us and where our bags were.

The divider had a window in it that Zen could use his rearview to see. Ian laughed as we started driving, and Zen looked at me.

“Did you sleep with Lady Sierra?” Zen asked, as they heard the comments.

“Did you see his face when you called him common? Fucking vampire snob, priceless,” Ian said at the same time, shaking his head.

I looked at Zen. “What? I like her, she’s smart and attractive. Better company than you two jerks,” I said, and Zen laughed.

“I guess. Let’s get out of this coven. Don’t trust them as far as I can throw them,” Zen stated.

I seconded that. Though a part of me was suddenly feeling upset knowing I was again leaving my mate behind. This time it felt more intense.

However, right now I felt like her scent was strong and stuck in my nose. I hoped that it didn’t fade, or I might actually get out of the car and walk back.

I began to massage my forehead as our pace quickened. Damn, what was my next move?

I was at a loss on how to return here, or how to see her again now that we had no business stepping foot in Red Coven territory.

I sank into my seat, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around Sierra.

I was on a ticking clock. It was only a matter of time before I did something reckless, unless I could come up with a smart plan first.