Page 65 of Savage Obsession

During the next council meeting, I step into the grand meeting hall, my suit sharp, my expression unreadable. The council members are already seated, their faces tight with anticipation. They think I’m coming here to defend myself.

They’re about to realize their mistake.

My father sits at the head of the long oak table, his presence as commanding as ever. His expression is unreadable, but I know him too well. He’s pissed that the last shipment was hit, but more than that—he’s pissed that it gives the council ammunition against me and he wants me to make it right. My father hasgradually been relinquishing his power to me over the past few years. Allowing me to make big decisions and call the shots in certain matters, and today is one of those days.

I am going to send a clear message once and for all. My reign will not tolerate backstabbers and snitches.

Basilis is the first to speak, his voice laced with condescension. “Aithan, this attack raises serious concerns about your leadership. Losing a shipment of that magnitude, a shipment worth millions—it makes us look weak.”

I lean back in my chair, arms crossed. “You’re right. It does.”

The admission stuns them. I see it in the flicker of surprise on their faces. They expected me to be defensive, to argue, to justify my carelessness.

Instead, I smile. “Which is why we’re going to find the rat who sold us out. And when we do, I’ll personally rip his heart out.”

Silence.

Orestes clears his throat. “That’s a bold claim. How do we know it wasn’t just a calculated move from one of our external enemies? Or maybe even the Russians? Those people should not be trusted."

He’s sweating.

Good.

I tilt my head. "Because the rerouting of the shipment was unknown to any external person. Only some men in this room.”

Orestes pales. Basilis shifts in his seat.

Gotcha.

My father watches the exchange in silence, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. He’s letting me handle this, waiting to see if I can clean up this mess.

“So here’s what’s going to happen,” I continue. “Every man who had access to that shipment’s details will be investigated. That includes all of you.”

Orestes jumps to his feet. “You can’t be serious!”

I arch a brow. “You look nervous, Orestes.”

Basilis tries to salvage the situation. “Aithan, this isn’t necessary. We should focus on finding our real enemies, not pointing fingers at each other.”

“Oh, but I think it is necessary.” I push my chair back and stand, my presence towering over them. “Because someone in this room is working against us. And I'm going to make an example out of him so severe, no one will ever dare betray me again.”

Orestes turns to my father. “We need leadership that knows what they are doing. Not one that invites failure and tries to point accusing fingers.”

I let out a short, humorless laugh, rolling my shoulders. “You think this was my failure?” My voice is smooth, but my blood is molten steel. “Let me ask you something. Who, exactly, do you think ordered the hit?”

Orestes stiffens, a flicker of unease betraying him.

I tilt my head. “I already know the answer. The only question is whether the person is going to admit it out loud… or if I’ll have to drag it out myself.”

The tension in the room spikes. Every man at the table straightens, the power dynamics shifting in an instant.

Orestes scoffs, leaning back in his chair. “Maybe you should go and ask the Russians whose asses you are so happy to kiss.” He mumbles.

“Ah, and I can tell you for a fact that they’ve got such lovely asses. Especially my wife.” I say with a deathly calm amusement.”

“Why couldn’t you marry one of our own? When we asked for you to marry, we did not ask for an alliance with the bloody Russians.” Basilis bristles.

“We are yet to enjoy any privilege from the so-called allegiance.” Another leader chimes in.

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