Chapter 58 Battle of the Fittest
1525words
The chatter amongst the Alphas could be heard from the hallway as Beta Don, Beverly, and I entered the packhouse meeting room. I was pleased that everyone had clearly been enjoying themselves during their stay at Midnight Moon. Hospitality was important for a pack's appearance and should never be overlooked, as it often reflected what a potential alliance with that pack would look like. The meeting room was a more formal setting, specifically designed for large meetings that the Alpha's Den couldn't accommodate. Three massive chandeliers hung in line with each other, giving the room a superior feeling, and a long wooden ebony table sat immediately beneath them. My great-grandfather had always believed that bright lights intensified emotions, while dimmer lights wouldn't take those emotions away but could keep them steady. Thus, it was critical that meetings like these were held in an appropriate setting. I, on the other hand, believed that to be a silly Alpha legend: if an Alpha was enraged, all hell could break loose—with or without adequate lighting.
I approached the head of the table since the meeting was being held on my territory. All of the chairs surrounding the ebony table were substantially larger than a regular office chair and were made of red leather with black stitching, representing Midnight Moon colors. I took a seat in my chair, and Maria approached, bowing her head to me. Maria wore a black and white suit dress with black flats. "Good day, Alpha. Can I fetch you something to drink?" she asked in an innocent voice. Maria was about eighteen years old and had been a kitchen maid for just over four years. "Brandy, neat," I told her effortlessly.
After all the drinks arrived, Beta Don called the room to attention. "On behalf of Midnight Moon, we would like to thank you all for attending the coronation of our Alpha, Jaxon. I have reviewed all matters submitted for today's meeting and would like to start by discussing business between Alpha Blake of White Falls Pack and Alpha Jaxon of Midnight Moon," he said and sat back down beside me.
Alpha Blake stood and moved behind his chair; he had always been a man of dramatics. "As you all already know, White Falls Pack is the strongest pack in Europe—leading in pack size, monetary value, and exports. Alpha Jaxon, your reputation precedes you as the great leader you are; otherwise, we wouldn't be here today. In exchange for an alliance between the two most powerful packs in the world, I will give you 30 of my best slaves. I request your word that if White Falls is ever to call for aid, you will be the first and last alliance there," Alpha Blake said grimly through his harsh accent. Without bothering to stand, I shook my head and rested my elbows on the wooden table. I was slightly irritated that he had offered me slaves, knowing very well that the custom had been abolished in North America decades ago.
"No deal, Alpha Blake. I refuse to participate in the barbaric act of owning slaves. You have two options in the way I see it: Number one, White Falls contributes five percent of profit margins from your biggest export of moonshine liquor to Midnight Moon, and you have Midnight Moon's full backing at your request—whenever and for however long. Number two, White Falls contributes one percent of profit margins from exports of moonshine liquor, in addition to 1,000 liters delivered yearly for Midnight Moon's personal use, in exchange for Midnight Moon's full backing at your request, subject to my final decision."
Murmurs spread throughout the room as a stunned Alpha Blake stood behind his chair. Some might have thought I was being unreasonable, but I knew Alpha Blake needed Midnight Moon more than the other way around. However, an alliance from Europe was still valuable. He slouched forward in defeat. "Agreed to option two. May our pack alliance hold strong through generations," he said quietly and returned to his seat.
I took a swig of the amber-colored liquid in front of me and glanced at my watch. This was going by quicker than I had anticipated. I was eager to return to my mate, desperate to hold her again. My Beta Don stood up again with a formal announcement: "On behalf of Midnight Moon, next for discussions is Alpha Christian with Crescent Moon Pack and Alpha Jaxon of Midnight Moon," he said and sat back down beside me.
Alpha Christian shot a suspicious grin at me and placed his glass of vodka in front of him. "Very well, gentlemen. The alliance between Midnight Moon and Crescent Moon is set to expire, and I have come forward today to renegotiate the terms. I've had some previous discussions with Luna Beverly on this matter, and she believes that my terms are fair. Our previous alliance was that Crescent Moon provided aid whenever requested, along with intel on potential attacks, as Crescent Moon is very well connected, thanks to our sources in and out of the human world. Crescent Moon was, after all, who identified that Alpha Max was picking out the guards of Midnight Moon—which has led us to this grand celebration today." I wasn't sure why Alpha Christian was taking credit; sure, he had been involved, but Midnight Moon had identified which pack was responsible for the attacks before his information. My patience was running low, even my wolf was antsy.
"The return from Midnight Moon Pack has been their aid, along with biweekly training for my warriors. Today, I am willing to lighten your load, Alpha Jaxon, as my pack is now well trained," Alpha Christian let out a sly chuckle that made me wonder about his motive. He was playing a dangerous game. "We will continue our side of the alliance with honor. I will drop ALL conditions in exchange for a she-wolf by the name of Adeline, with whom I'm aware you're already quite acquainted. I request to take her as my chosen mate and for her to change her allegiance to Crescent Moon immediately. It is time that Crescent Moon receives its rightful heir."
The pressure of my wolf banging for full control made my head throb. I clenched my jaw hard, trying to conceal my extended canines. My wolf was livid that I hadn't reacted to those words and killed Alpha Christian on the spot. "Not accepted," I muttered through gritted teeth, equally eager for a bloodbath. Confused glares were aimed at me from the other Alphas; to them, it had seemed like a fair negotiation. Alpha Jacob spoke up as he scribbled something in his black notebook, "I believe that Alpha Christian's terms are acceptable. He has requested nothing apart from a she-wolf that he intends to choose as his mate. Surely, you're aware, Alpha Jaxon, that you cannot stand between a mating." The other Alphas nodded in agreement, and Beverly strolled over from behind me, draping her arms around my neck. "I've given Alpha Christian my blessing on the matter, honey. Adeline will have a much better life in Crescent Moon. How can we take that away from her? The chance to be loved?"
I let out a loud growl that made the walls in the meeting room vibrate. "Know. Your. Place. Beverly."
Beta Don stood up. "I believe it is closing in on lunchtime. Let's resume at 1 p.m." He stared at me through worried eyes, aware that I was on edge and about to lose control at any moment.
"Everyone stays here. We will eat after negotiations are complete," I told him in a threatening voice that made him sit back instantly. "I am not required to accept anyone's offer, Alpha Jacob."
Alpha Christian straightened his posture. "Very well. I am prepared to throw in 50 percent profit margins of all crop exports over the upcoming five years."
Widened eyes surrounded the table. The Alphas were in disbelief at the offer. Alpha Jacob nearly choked on his saliva, coughing hysterically. When he finally composed himself, he said, "That is a very generous offer—one that may cause your pack significant losses." Alpha Christian beamed his green eyes at me. "With the right Alpha and Luna, they'll recoup those losses."
I slammed my fist against the table, surprised it didn't break in two. "Under NO circumstances will I be bartering my mate." Whispers and gasps filled the room. "It was scheduled to be announced today to you all first since you have made the trip to witness the coronation. I will no longer be taking Beverly as my chosen mate. I have been blessed to find my fated mate, who happens to be the girl Alpha Christian is keen on. I have already marked her and will proceed with the mating ceremony by next week," I told them in a demanding voice.
Beverly released an abrupt sob and ran out of the meeting room. Feeling my eyes darken, I stared directly at Alpha Christian. "For those who wish to challenge me for my position may do so after the announcement has been made to my pack tonight."
