Page 26 of Make Me

Bethany nodded. The Fae used to be a reliable source of information, but since the Great War when they disappeared, the witches had been the only forecasters of the weather. And the witches were too power hungry to be a reliable source of information.

“Then let’s keep an extra fifteen percent in our stores for the winter and take the rest to the market. We can always sell the additional later or keep it for next year and not have to cut as much down.”

“Fifteen percent is too much,” Sadara contradicted her. “Store ten percent and sell the rest.”

Bethany bit her lip against her retort. What was the point of asking her opinion and then not taking it? They could always sell the extra wood later, but if they had to buy it back, they would spend more money than they would make. For a half second, she considered speaking up but decided against it. It wasn’t worth the fight. Or sitting in this meeting any longer.

“Meeting dismissed,” Sadara said.

She stood, and the rest of the room scrambled to their feet. Bethany headed towards the door, intent on slipping out before her mother could find something for her to do.

“Bethany.”

Bethany fought off a groan. She was so close.

“Yes?” She turned, hoping whatever it was it would be quick.

“Join me in my office.” Sadara stepped past her, and Bethany bit her lip as she followed her mother down the hall to her office.

Her mother took her time settling into her seat and shuffling the papers around on her desk. It was one of her mother’s many techniques to teach Bethany patience. If she fidgeted, her mother would make her wait longer, so Bethany kept herself still and pasted a bored look on her face.

Finally, her mother looked up. “I’ve planned a dinner tonight. Make sure you are there and not late. And dress appropriately.”

Bethany’s eyebrows shot up. “And who will be at this dinner?” She had a bad feeling about the guest list.

“Some important people in the shifter world,” Sadara said, her eyes on a piece of paper in front of her. “You will be representing the Pride.”

“Some important people or some important people’s sons?” Bethany pushed.

Her mother had spent the last few weeks hinting at a list of potential consorts for her but hadn’t pushed for anything beyond that. Bethany had shut it down every time, but it seemed her mother was out of patience.

She let out a sharp sigh. “Bethany, we’ve talked about this.”

“No, we haven’t talked about anything,” Bethany said. “You’ve talked about it, despite my express wishes that I have no desire to take a consort any time soon.”

“A consort will only cement your position as Alpha when you take over. Provide the pride strength and stability.”

“How? You’ve done fine without one.”

Sadara’s eyes flashed dangerously, and Bethany knew she was treading on fragile ground. The only surefire way to get under her mother’s skin was to hint at or mention her father.

“There has been a lot I have shielded you from. There will always be unrest in the Realm, people seeking more power. A powerful match not only secures your place as Alpha but also keeps the Pride safe.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to cultivate multiple allies instead?” Bethany pushed.

Her mother ignored her, a clear sign she was done with the conversation. “Dinner will be at six. Dress appropriately.”

Biting her lip so hard she tasted blood, Bethany stood and stormed out of the office. The second she said something her mother didn’t like or didn’t agree with, she shut Bethany down. She was so Realms-damned worried about maintaining power that she failed to see the Realm was changing. Something big was on the horizon, but all her mother cared about was Bethany taking a consort.

She was so angry that she didn’t even notice someone standing outside the door of the meeting hall until she almost slammed into him.

“Easy there, Princess,” an insufferable voice drawled. “Don’t need to act that excited to see me.”

“I’m not,” Bethany shot back at Alonzo.

He ran his hand through his sandy blond hair. “Come on, Beth, don’t be like that.”

“Don’t call me that!” Bethany shot back.

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