Page 153 of Wolf Roulette

My lips curved. “So the pack have already agreed that the data used to form the policies is the most accurate and valid information.”

Some of the Sandstone stewards smiled back.

“Exactly,” the man said.

Perfect.

I skimmed over their other points, but they largely meant nothing to me. “I can’t do these points justice. Stanley, do we need special permission to bring stewards into official meetings?”

“Just advanced notice. We’ve done so before in past negotiations.”

“How much advanced notice? I don’t want to give Sascha time to prepare.”

“Five minutes would do it,” Trixie supplied. “I can clear protocol with Pascal though.”

“Please do.” I glanced up at the quiet Sandstone stewards. “Before we go through the rest, I need to make it clear that this information must be kept to yourself until it’s revealed to the tribe. No one outside of this room, barring the rest of my head team, can know. This could very well be what we need to turn over a fourth grid. Do you understand?”

They nodded.

“When will you make your move, Head Steward?” the first woman asked.

The only thing about nowhavingan idea on how to form a lasting truce was I felt grossly unprepared for the end.

Possessing four grids felt too close to the potentially disastrous consequences. I naturally wanted to resist and delay, but that wasn’t best for my stewards. “I’ll make my move after the Deception Valley Ball.”

26

I re-read the message to double-check my eyes weren’t cold-hearted liars.

King Julius liked you.

“Like fuck he did,” I told my office.

My office agreed.

I read Basilia’s other messages.

Not many can speak to him without pissing their bike shorts.

He’s given me a draft contract for your consideration.

I really hadn’t known what to think after video chatting the vampire royals. In the wake, it seemed like I didn’t have enough to offer.

I texted back.

Thank you. This is good news.

Her reply was instant.

Check your email.

I opened the mail app and found an unread message. “Pretty sure I never gave her my email address.”

Guess billionaires have access to spy shit.

Opening the huge attachment, I skimmed through the first few pages of the draft contract. This was weighted in favour of the Vissimo. Business wasn’t always business, but it was this time.

I typed a second text.

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