Page 36 of Sacrifice

“Which is why it has to look real. Make it a ‘tragic accident’ during the raid,” I explain, watching the idea settle over the group like a mantle.

“High risk,” Aisling murmurs, concern etched into her features. “But if it means reining in Vance, then I think Inari might—”

Her voice is abruptly cut short by the buzzing of the comms unit nestled on the wall. We all turn towards the sound, the screen illuminating to reveal the caller ID.

Inari Toure.

“Speak of the devil,” I mutter under my breath as Gunnar strides over and presses the accept button.

“Good morning, Angels,” Inari’s smooth voice greets us, her image sharp against the screen. Her eyes seem to penetrate through the digital barrier, holding an intensity that commands attention.

“Morning, Inari,” Gunnar replies. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I want to meet,” she says, cutting straight to the chase. “All of you. There are developments regarding our mutual…interests. And time is critical.”

“Developments?” I echo, sharing a glance with Luka, who leans forward attentively.

“Indeed. I suggest you come prepared for more than just pleasantries,” Inari continues, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “I’ll see you in my office in fifteen.”

The screen goes dark, leaving us in silence. The air is charged with a new kind of anticipation, one that promises that the game is about to change once again.

“Looks like breakfast is over,” Oberon quips.

I guess it is…and our world is about to be shaken once again.

Chapter sixteen

Gunnar

The door to Inari’s office swings open with a quiet creak that seems too gentle for the gravity of our entrance. We’re a pack on edge—patched together by necessity, not choice. The air smells like luxury—high-shelf liquor, oranges, perfume. I take the lead, my boots sinking into the plush underfoot, while Aisling follows close behind, the light catching on her silver-gold hair.

Inari doesn’t look up right away. She’s all business, eyes fixed on the screen before her, fingers tapping in a staccato rhythm that almost drowns out the city’s constant hum. But then she does, and there’s an immediate shift in her posture, a keen alertness that marks every omega who’s had to claw their way to the top.

“Rook, didn’t expect you,” she says without preamble, looking between him and Aisling. “Congratulations must be in order?”

“I…yeah, I suppose so,” Rook says, cheeks flushing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him bashful—but Aisling tends to have that effect on people.

“Everything good with Nero?” Inari asks, sharp gaze cutting through the bullshit to land squarely on me and Aisling. It’s clear she’s looking for the cracks, the places where our story might crumble.

“Things are…progressing,” I reply, choosing my words carefully. Aisling remains silent beside me, her grey eyes steady, giving nothing away. That’s her strength—the ability to look chaos in the eye and not blink first.

“Progressing,” Inari echoes, a hint of amusement coloring her tone. “So you’re taking my advice seriously.”

“Met with Nero last night,” Aisling pipes up, her voice even. “He seems amenable—excited, even, about the match.”

“Is that so?” Inari leans back, the leather of her chair creaking slightly under her weight. Her eyes flicker to mine. “And are you planning to make this official?”

“Absolutely,” I confirm, my response clipped and final. There’s power in brevity, and right now, we need all the power we can get.

“Then let’s celebrate.” The ease in Inari’s voice belies the gravity of her next words. She stands, circling her desk with the grace of a predator that’s never had to pounce because prey comes willingly to its jaws. “I propose a dinner. Lavish, extravagant—to announce my support for your pack’s union with Nero.

The rest of the pack is silent, blindsided by the offer. A lavish dinner isn’t just a show of support—it’s a declaration, an assertion of power. It’s Inari telling the world that she backs us, and in the broken landscape of post-Great Mutation politics, that endorsement could mean everything.

“Surprised?” Inari asks, a small smile dancing on her lips as she surveys our reactions.

“Just seems like the kind of party that could make you a lot of enemies,” Rook shoots back.

“Consider it a strategic investment,” Inari says, her smile widening. “This alliance…it’s good for business.”

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