Page 81 of Villainous Fate

“Normally, I would recommend increasing patrols on their side, either in numbers or in frequency, but we already have an increased presence on the eastern border due to their continued attempts to push through to the lake. We don’t have enough personnel to continue at our current levels, let alone to add more. It’s possible word of our shrinking numbers is getting out. If you would allow more transfers from other packs, we might be able to fill the ranks of the teams we are short on,” he says, keeping emotion out of his voice as he lays the situation out.

Giovanni seems to ponder the decision, his hand going to his chin and his eyebrows dropping.

“Inviting new wolves to our pack opens the doors for spies and informants. We cannot vet the individuals except by speaking with their old packs. If they are being placed with us, it could be in an attempt to take us down from the inside,” Marlo responds, a hint of paranoia in his tone.

“Not allowing wolves into the pack could be detrimental to our survival, my Alpha. Fresh blood allows for new matings, either Fated or otherwise, bringing new pups into the fold. We need to open our borders to our allies again. It's been almost a decade.” An older Beta sitting next to Belsom says.

“And what of your safety? We throw that away?!” Giovanni yells, rising from his seat and leaning over the table. He slams his hand down on the folder in front of him before continuing. “Everything I do for this pack is with its survival in mind!”

“Father,” Luca begins, his voice docile and calm. “No one is questioning your leadership. We are simply looking for answers to our lack of personnel. What if we held another Alliance festival? Invite our closest allies and recruit from them. This way, it isn’t them sending us recruits but rather us hand selecting them?” Luca offers as a solution, and for the first time, I see how his gentler hand works in a position of leadership.

Alpha Marlo calms down immediately, his face contemplative.

“I’ll consider it. What of the second incident?” Giovanni says, turning back to Lorenzo.

“The second incident occurred at the diner. It was reported that an Alpha used command on a group of our high school students. The scene was witnessed by a room full of humans and shifters alike.” Belsom’s eyes slide over to me, and I realize I have stopped breathing.

Am I in trouble?

Oh Fuck, that was his son…

What a tattle-telling little bitch!

I sit straight in my seat, not looking away as Marlo responds.

“Impossible. Luca knows better than to openly use his abilities in public, and Frank and I were in meetings with Alpha Amato until his bravo shift.” He says, almost dismissing the claim as his coffee finally arrives and is gently set on the table before him.

“Thank you, Hillary,” Luca says, dismissing her as Giovanni ignores the servant altogether.

Just another way the two men differ.

“Apologies, my Alpha. I do not mean to correct you, but you aren’t the only Alphas in the territory anymore,” Lorenzo finishes, still locked on me. As if he finally catches on, Alpha Marlo turns his attention to me.

Part of me understands that getting into a staring contest with a seated Alpha isn’t a good idea. The other part hates the idea of backing down when I didn’t do anything wrong. Before meeting his gaze, I look to Luca, who flexes his jaw and shakes his head ever so slightly.

Shut up. Don’t fight our question.

His message is crystal clear.

“Cadet Stone,” Marlo addresses me like my name puts a bad taste in his mouth.

Not a cadet anymore, but okay…

“Would you like to explain why, on your first day in my territory, I already have to hear about your mistakes?”

“Apologies, Alpha. Won’t happen again,” I say, keeping it short and forcing myself to look at the table instead of him.

My wolf will not back down, so I choose the lesser evil. Avoidance.

“Did you think you could waltz your way into my territory and just start throwing your power around? I don’t take kindly to insubordination in my pack, Stone. But, as you feel the need to flex your rather insignificant muscles, you can join the bravo team and work doubles this week just to get that extra energy out of your system,” he finishes, amusement in his tone as he lays down the punishment.

“Yes, Alpha,” I answer before leaning back in my chair now that the conversation is no longer on me.

“Alpha, that is all? Shouldn’t he serve a stronger punishment? My son was among those high schoolers threatened in the diner. What kind of message does that send to them?” Belsom adds, with mischief in his eyes.

“Are you questioning my decision, Second?” Marlo comes back firmly, a single eyebrow raised.

“Of course not, My Alpha. I only add that you did not hear the full extent of the disturbance and want to be sure you had all of the information before deciding,” he explains quickly, covering his meddling.

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