Page 38 of Wolf's Mark

That was left to Chase at this point. He was still in love with airports and hotels, including hooking up with hot chicks whenever possible.

I glanced out the window and as usual, I had to smile. Mother never took herself too seriously. She had the finest couture clothing, her love of Italy taking her there at least three times a year. When needed, she looked like a corporate mogul.

But her love of funky, almost gypsy-like attire made her well known in town. She’d told us her vivid clothing kept her young.

Right…

As she rushed into the office, tossing her long bleached-blonde hair over her shoulder, she didn’t offer her bright smile as usual. Instead, the moment she removed her sunglasses, I noticed it was obvious she hadn’t gotten much sleep.

“Gentlemen. Let me get some coffee and we’ll head into the boardroom.”

Today’s meeting was originally about selecting a new board member. We’d yet to go public, which was on the agenda for this year, so we were in control of those who served. A fifth was needed, Tom Jones dying from a heart attack. He’d been aworker from the pack, a man who’d lived a very long and happy life.

There was no surprise how he’d died. We weren’t immortal, easily succumbing to everything from food poisoning to horrific vehicle accidents, diseases, and organ failures.

Still, it had been a significant loss.

Right now, our choices were limited and we would need someone as soon as possible with the votes on the European opportunities around the corner. We tended to vote two against two.

Almost always.

It had become a family joke of sorts.

I doubted we would be getting to the important business today.

She remained silent as she prepared a cup of coffee, which wasn’t like her.

When it was time to head into the boardroom, she took her usual place at the helm. It had been our father’s seat before she’d taken his place.

Our mother always had her beloved MacBook with her. She took her sweet time pulling it out while the rest of us sat in silence.

The air in the room was suddenly insufferable.

“Mother,” Riker threw in. “Can you cut the dramatics? We do have business to handle. We are a major corporation and need decisions made. Now, what in God’s name is the Wolfen council hiding? What are we facing?”

I was prepared for a quick jab in reply like she always threw out, but she said nothing, did nothing. She just turned on her computer.

What the hell was going on?

“Should I allow the family to handle this discussion, Mary?” Parker asked. She’d insisted the moment he’d come on board that she would never go by Mrs. Wolf. She considered her ex-husband the single blight in her life.

I can’t say I blamed her. The man, our father, was an ass.

“No, Parker. You need to stay. This will undoubtedly affect you as well.” She was much more polished today, something that should make the four of us sweat.

Except we never did.

We were confident bastards who never allowed anyone to notice any hint of aggravation. However, today was different.

This was her show. Her time to shine. We had to wait and be patient for the bomb to drop.

When it did, I was the least surprised.

“I’m expecting a war.” She made the statement far too casually as if she was announcing dinner plans with some sheik.

“A war? With whom? The Italian team owning Ferrari, or Maserati? Fuck them. Our cars are better made and highly sought after by their clients as well.” Chase was so out of understanding I was shocked.

“Don’t interrupt me, Chase,” Mother threw back. “This has nothing to do with Wolfen Industries and everything to do with the Wolfen existence.”

---