The ceremony was beautiful, and as was custom, I spoke to honor him, not only as the Alpha, but as his friend. I hoped my words gave some measure of comfort to those who were mourning Royce as I was. Before taking my seat, I touched the top of the closed coffin, giving my final farewell. We took one more look at Royce, who was very handsome, as the mortician had done a beautiful job considering how much make-up was needed to conceal the damage done by the venom. Everyone gave their farewells in their own way. Agnes kissed his lips, stroked his cheek, then walked away after one more kiss goodbye.
He was to be cremated, but that was something we didn’t need to witness. Everyone returned to my mansion, my new one, for the repast. There was plenty of food, and as with the nature of wolves, some fucking. People grieved in their own way. Agnes left after a few hours and I sent Charlene to go with her. She didn’t need to spend this night alone. Before it got too late, I did send the pack home with leftovers. I needed to get some sleep before the meeting.
That night, I dreamed of Royce, of the times went spent together. Laughing, bonding, he was my son’s godfather and wanted me to be godfather to his first child. I woke up, my eyes moist with the tears that had started in my dream. I couldn’t stop the flow and I cried like the night I had lost my parents. My chest burned and I gripped it as if that could stop the pain. I cried for the loss of my friend and was grateful I was alone. I needed to be alone. I rolled onto my side and cried until I didn’t even remember falling asleep again.
I woke up the next day and took a hot shower to get my mind right. I was facing the Alphas and I had to be on top of my game. I got dressed in a black, pin-striped, three-piece suit. I slapped on my gold watch and pinky ring with my initials in diamonds on black onyx. I looked like a million bucks, and that was important. Wolves respected a person who radiated authority.
I went downstairs where my two new Beta Capos were waiting for me. Elliot and Barret, and my Capo, Horacio. We had the ceremony two days ago. The moment Elliot took the oath, I knew it was the best day of his life. I crowned five Beta Capos that day, Drake being the third, Anton the fourth, and Hector as the fifth. Three of the wolves who lived here with Julie and had only held the rank because she fancied them found themselves demoted. One to Capo, and the others to soldiers. They didn’t like it, but I didn’t give a shit. Want rank, earn it like I did and not by kissing ass.
“You ready?” I asked my three wolves, badasses in their own right.
Elliot winked. “You know it, Sir.”
I stopped. “I like when you call me ‘Sir’, but I think I like ‘Boss’ better.”
“‘Boss’ it is then, Boss,” Elliot said.
I smiled. I’d been called “Sir” when I was just a Capo. I felt the title should rise along with my new rank. I motioned for them to follow me, which I didn’t really need to do. We all climbed into the limo and hit the road heading toward Alpha’s Peak. I remembered how long it had taken us to make this same trip over a hundred and fifty years ago. By horse and carriage, no less. My, my, how times had changed. Only a few hours instead of days now. And when we arrived, what used to be a cottage was now a one-story, white brick building. A very simple structure surrounded by trees, bushes, and tall grass.
There were other cars there, all expensive beauties to show off each Alpha’s wealth. I climbed out and walked to the front door. There was a key pad, and I had the code, which was very well organized in Julie’s old notes. I punched in the numbers and entered. Inside looked much better than the outside, but still simple. There was a cherrywood table in the middle with five high-backed leather chairs surrounding it. Sitting in four of those chairs were the other Alphas and standing behind them were their own formidable bodyguards.
I walked up to the table. “Thank you all for coming.”
Akio motioned to the empty chair. “Sit, please.”
I did and my bodyguards took their protective stance behind me. Yes, they were fully armed with guns filled with silver ammunition. I was no fool like Connor was, I didn’t scoff at modern technologies when they could help me win or advance. I was even packing heat myself, a beautiful forty-five magnum. My suits were tailored in a way that could help conceal such a weapon when I was wearing my holster. I made myself comfortable and decided to start the meeting.
“I am here as a show of respect to all Alphas present, and to take the oath and sign the Treaty of Alliance,” I said.
“What happened to Julie?” Josef asked, his cold, blue eyes studying me carefully and apparently with extreme scrutiny. Maybe he was still cross at me from our last meeting when I spoke out of turn.
“I ripped her heart out and ate it,” I replied. I refrained from smiling when I saw his eyes narrow.
“What makes you think we’ll accept your stance as Alpha?” Selena asked.
I looked at her, cocking an eyebrow. “The business that went down between my pack is mine. It doesn’t affect you four as a whole.”
“How do we know that? What caused the riff?” Akio asked.
I sat back in the chair and drummed my fingers on the shiny tabletop as I eyed each Alpha. “Her failure to be a strong leader.”
“Why, because she was a woman?” Selena asked.
I looked at her. “You’re a woman. Do you consider yourself weak?”
“Well played,” she said with a tip of her head.
“She was weak because she came from weak stock. Our former pack Alpha didn’t train her properly. She was far too satisfied with the status quo. I was not,” I said.
“And the status quo being?” Josef asked, his Russian accent thickening a bit.
“That she allowed the four of you to sanction us to the point of crippling us,” I said.
That ruffled some of their feathers and they shifted in their chairs as if prepared for this to become a more hostile meeting. “How is that?” Benjamin asked, and I’d been waiting to see if he was going to have any input.
“We’ve lived in this region with the four of you for over a hundred and fifty years and all we have to show for it is less than three hundred wolves. Compare that to your pack, we stand no chance if any of you decided to take what you have so graciously given. Trust me, I haven’t forgotten your generosity.”
“How comforting to know,” Josef retorted.
“Even still, a pack cannot grow stronger if it cannot grow. So, therefore, I will be demanding leniency,” I said.
Josef slammed his hand down on the table, his canines flashing. “Who the fuck do you think you are to demand anything?”
I jumped up from my chair and the other Alphas followed, all except Akio, who remained sitting but guarded. I placed both hands on the table and looked each one of the Alphas directly in their eyes. “I am the new Alpha of the Forest Grove pack,” I said, announcing the new name of my pack. None of that Red Blossom bullshit. “And I will do what is right, what is best for my pack. I’m not leaving this building until you four comply.” After taking my stance, I settled back into my chair.
“Calm down,” Akio said to the others.
“You’re all right with him coming in here making these demands?” Josef asked, gesturing to me as he glared at Akio.
“We could kill him and take back the territory we gave him,” Selena stated.
“And that is his concern,” Akio stated. “You’re playing right into the reason why he is making the demand. And, I’m inclined to agree.”
Selena snarled and looked at him. “Are you serious?”
Akio nodded. “To refuse shows fear. Fear that he will one day take your territory away. Do you fear Deacon?”
Selena huffed and took her seat again. “Of course not.”
“How about you two?” Akio asked Josef and Benjamin.
Both men sat down and adjusted their expensive suits. “No,” Benjamin said.
“I could never fear Deacon,” Josef stated.
“Well then, it is in our best interest that Deacon build a formidable pack. If ever we need to defend against th
e vampires and dragons, he’ll be no used to us with a small pack. The vampires grow their ranks often and even have thousands more in other cities around the world. The union they have with the dragons cannot be taken lightly,” Akio said.
“Fuck, fine. Have him sign the damn Treaty and take the oath already,” Josef snapped.
Akio looked at me. “Understand, Deacon, this is not an invitation for you to go on a rampage turning any human into a wolf. We’re lifting the ban, but if we feel your motives are questionable, you will be challenged.”
I understood the meaning of his words. I nodded. “I am quite particular with whom I recruit into my pack,” I said, which was true. I had no intention of just turning any old human. Quality stock was most important to me and whatever else the human could bring into the pack.
“That works for me. Any objections?” Akio asked.
It wasn’t lost on me, the fact that the other Alphas seem to allow Akio to take lead, even though we were all supposed to be equal at the table. I could only attribute it to the fact that Akio was the eldest amongst us. Thus, the most powerful with the largest pack. After asking the question, he didn’t get any objections.
“Good, let’s move forward,” Akio said. He conducted the oath and I signed the treaty, sealing my position among them.
“Welcome, Deacon Gables, Alpha of the Forest Grove pack,” Akio said.
“Thank you,” I said, smiling.
The meeting adjourned and I celebrated with my Beta Capos in the back of my limo. We clinked our goblets together, toasting to our pack’s future success.
“Holy shit, I thought we were going to have to start blasting in there, Boss,” Elliot said.
“I was ready if they were,” I said, then took a sip of my whiskey. “That little bastard, Josef, I think he’s going to be a problem.”
“If and when he does become one, you’ll have a loyal pack to back you, Boss,” Hector said.
I nodded. Today was another great day in the life of Deacon Gables. I got home and as soon as I entered, I saw my wives and a few other wolves in the living room. Many were crying while others were standing around looking somber. Charlene was sitting on the sofa, comforting Sanese, who was crying.
I walked over to them. “What’s wrong?”
“Agnes is dead,” Charlene said.
My heart took a plunge into my stomach and I actually stumbled a little before Elliot caught me. “What? How? When?”
Charlene shook her head and licked her lips. “Sometime in the middle of the night. I stayed with her, like you asked. She waited until I was asleep before taking dragon’s venom. I found her body this morning in the bed next to Royce’s suit. The one he was wearing the night he died.”
And just like that, my happy and triumphant moment was gone. Another funeral for a dear friend and their unborn child had to be planned. I had to make sure I was the best Alpha for this pack, because I refused to let their deaths be in vain. I wasn’t a religious man, for God never helped me. Everything I got in life, I had to fight for it one way or another. But if he did exist, I hoped he could forgive me for what I’d done, because I wasn’t sure if I could ever forgive myself. I didn’t think I had enough whiskey or brandy to drown the sorrow I felt at the moment, but I was willing to put it to the test.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
A Better World
I was looking out of the window of my limo as we headed to a location that I’d never been to before. I had Drake, Charlene, and Horacio with me, leaving Elliot to look after the pack in my absence. If anything were to go wrong at this very special meeting, I needed someone I trusted to be able to take over the reins. To say that I was a little nervous would be an understatement. I’d been an Alpha for thirty years now, with over four hundred wolves in my pack. All of the darkness of the past, I had buried and moved toward the future and we were thriving. I even had more children. Charlene had given me two more sons, Eric and Royce, whom we named after my dear friend. And Nicholette had given me my first daughter and she was a welcomed surprised after six sons. Daddy’s little girl, indeed.
My life was going great, so I was very curious when I received a letter from ambassadors from the vampire King, Ara, and the dragon King, Evander, to meet at this location that was on the edge of their territory and mine along with Josef’s. After a meeting with the other Alphas, it would seem they, too, had received the invitation. I wondered just what in the fuck was about to go down. They promised no violence, as this was supposed to be a meeting of the rulers in peace. So, we’d see.
I got to the location, which was a restaurant, one of those fancy numbers. I noticed more luxury cars in the parking lot. I recognized Josef’s ride easily. Damn car was bigger than he was. I wondered if he needed a booster seat to drive the fucking thing? I entered the restaurant with my crew and told the hostess who I was. I wasn’t a fan of these nineties fashions and still preferred to have my suits more tailored. Nor did I care for all the bright colors, but anything was better than the powdered wigs, stockings, ruffles, and buckled shoes I had to wear in the seventeenth century.
The hostess called a waiter over and he led us to the back of the fancy restaurant to where the meeting would be held. A public place, which I figured was to put us at ease. I entered through the double doors and saw Josef, Selena, Benjamin, and two other men, whom I didn’t recognize. But holy fucking shit, they were hot. One was beyond beautiful, gorgeous. He had auburn hair, green eyes, and a come fuck me look if I ever saw one. The other had short blond hair and blue eyes that you could tell held centuries of wisdom. I could feel the power radiating off of them and I had to swallow hard to keep my composure. I sensed one was a vampire and the other was a dragon. I didn’t particularly care for dragons since my only interaction with them had resulted in me nearly dying. But this one… I would make an exception, because Jesus!
I was pleased to know that I wasn’t the last to arrive, as Akio hadn’t made it yet. “Gentlemen… Lady,” I said as I took one of the empty seats surrounding the large white-clothed table.
“Welcome,” the handsome Roman-looking vampire said.
I nodded in acknowledgment.
“We’re going to wait until Akio arrives before we begin, if you don’t mind,” he told us all.
“Fine with me,” I said.
Five minutes later, Akio did arrive and didn’t bother to apologize for being late. Then again, neither did I, but I was only one minute late. He took his seat, never taking his eyes off the dragon and vampire. If anything did kick off, it would be us versus them and I liked our odds.
“I would like to thank you all for coming,” Stated the dragon. “My name is Tylendel, and I stand as Voice of the King. I speak for him as if he were here at this meeting.”
“And my name is Nolan, Lord of District Three. I also speak for my King, Ara,” said the vampire.
“I was under the impression that this was a meeting of the rulers, not their lackies,” Josef said, and for once, I loved that smart-ass mouth of his. I had to admit, the little motherfucker was fearless.
“Be careful who you call a lacky, boy,” Tylendel snarled.
“Be careful who you call a boy, sweetheart,” Josef winked at the dragon.
Tylendel actually smirked at Josef, then sighed. “There is a reason for the absence of our Kings at this table.”
“And that is?” Selena inquired.
“The nature of this meeting is so monumental to all of our cause, that it is taking place at this very moment all over the world with other wolf communities. You see, all of the dragon Kings gathered with the vampire royals last night to discuss our future for a better world. They came to the conclusion that we are powerful enough to take over the world. To have complete dominion over the humans,” Tylendel stated.
“Well, I’m intrigued. Why did they only meet among themselves?” Akio asked.
“Honestly, there are only so many dragon Kings and twelve vampire royals. It was simply easier for them to meet on neutral ground as
we are doing tonight. Once they came to an agreement, ambassadors were sent to meet with all the pack Alphas around the world. There are considerably more of you than us,” Tylendel said.
Well, that was true. Even between our three states, they had one dragon King and one vampire King to our five Alphas. After wolves gained their freedom from dragons and vampires, we learned the only way we were going to survive and grow strong enough to be formidable against them was to form packs of our own. Now, they had to respect our position as equal to their own.
“So, how do you propose we take over this world?” I asked.
“We take this time to put the right people in powerful places. In government, in science, and technology. In weapon manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals. We put vampires, dragons, and werewolves in every faction of human strongholds, making sure that we have infiltrated from the top to the bottom. So that when it’s time, we are the ones who are already in control,” Nolan said. “It’s a brilliant plan, and one long overdue.”
“We have sat back and allowed humans to run this world for thousands of years while we run our own worlds in secret. Why? Why should we hide when we can have so much more?” Tylendel said.
“God, you’re beautiful,” Josef said, then blinked. He cleared his throat and looked a little uncomfortable as if he hadn’t meant to let that slip. I wondered just how much interaction did he have with dragons?
“I know,” Tylendel said with a devilish smile.
Josef actually blushed and looked away, which I bet was a rare reaction for his old ass. I did have to admit, the dragon was radiating some powerful mojo. Even I felt it. My cock was hard and I was glad that it was hidden under the table. Josef, well, everyone knew he was a power bottom. If he wasn’t riding a dick, he wasn’t happy. Elliot kind of had a crush on the little bastard after I told him that. I bet Josef wanted to feel what Tylendel’s cock was like. He’d certainly let his shield down by admitting his attraction. Rare indeed.
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