Chapter 43 Last Resort
“That’s because I was out there trying to make sure that you, your sister, and the flare are safe.”
Russell huffed, shaking his head with a wry smile.
“Her name is Mia, Marcus. You must learn to stop calling her a flare.”
“But that’s what she is, isn’t it?” The Beta raised an eyebrow, looking the Alpha in the eyes.
The Alpha nodded, and then he exhaled sharply.
“Let’s stick with Mia and do away with the flare for now, shall we?”
Marcus shuddered, reluctance etched all over his face.
The Alpha huffed, realizing what the look on the Beta’s face meant.
Slowly, he moved out of the room, and after he had taken a glance at Mia, he shut the door.
“What did you mean when you said you were out there keeping us safe?”
“He finally asks.” Marcus sniggered, turning to his right.
He stared at one of the doors for a while, and without returning his gaze to the Alpha, he asked,
“Where is Alara?”
Russell turned to look at the door as well, taking two steps forward.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen her since this morning.” He sighed softly, returning his gaze to the Beta.
The Alpha was still waiting to get a response, but the Beta seemed to be taking his time.
“Talk to me, Marcus. What happened?” He was beginning to seem a bit desperate for an answer, and Marcus could see it glittering in his eyes.
“I think we should go to the lobby.” The Beta suggested, and without delay, Russell led the way, increasing the pace of his steps.
At the lobby, they grabbed two glasses and poured some whiskey for themselves.
The Alpha had taken three sips, yet all he got from Marcus was silence, accompanied by a heavy countenance.
“I didn’t plan on getting drunk tonight before hearing what you have to say, Marcus.”
“We both know that alcohol does not affect you, Russell.” Marcus scoffed, lifting his almost empty glass to his face.
“We just drink it for the taste, and not the feeling.” He added, taking a deep breath.
His words had left an impression on the Alpha, draining the remaining patience inside him.
“If you are not ready to say anything, then I had better be thinking of returning to my chamber.” He said sternly, his eyes sparking with annoyance.
Marcus dropped the glass on the shiny cabinet in front of him, and getting rid of his smile, he quickly switched into a serious mood.
“The rebels are demanding twice the amount we paid last year, Russell. I spoke with Lucas this evening, he came knocking at my door.”
Russell raised an eyebrow, and after waiting for the Beta to say he was joking, he finally felt the tension from his utterances.
“Those greedy bastards!” He growled, clenching his fists tightly.
“I didn’t even realize that it’s a year already.” He whispered, looking around to be sure they were alone.
Marcus could no longer hold the urge to drink more of the liquor.
He grabbed the glass and gulped down everything inside.
He smacked, sighing heavily.
“It’s not up to a year, Russell. We have approximately two months and a week before it’s time for the next payment.”
“Then why did he come knocking at your door?” Russell asked, anger brewing inside him.
Marcus tutted, grunting in frustration after a failed attempt to figure out a suitable explanation to give to the Alpha.
“I asked, but Lucas refused to say. He just gave his usual threat and walked away.”
“I see…” Russell took a deep breath, and finally, he finished his own glass of liquor.
“I think this has something to do with Craig’s return,” Marcus said just when the Alpha was about to grab the bottle of whiskey, causing him to withdraw his reach.
“Lucas mentioned that he has been in communication with Craig, and that they are planning something big.”
“You should have begun with that.” Russell snapped, snarling inwardly.
He took a deep breath, pushing the bottle aside.
He was silent for a while, but seeing his countenance, the Beta knew that it was only a matter of time before he broke his silence.
Slowly, Russell looked Marcus in the eyes, his pupils burning with rage.
“I think it is time for us to stop, Marcus. I never should have continued this ridiculous treaty with them,” His fangs crawled out, but they had only gotten halfway before he was able to push them back.
“You know that would have been a great risk, Russell.” Marcus took a deep breath, looking around.
“Those rebels are not just rogues, they are primordial, and they are greater in number than the smallest pack in the Eastern territory.”
“I know.” Russell nodded, sighing in despair.
“I just wish Uncle had allowed me to destroy them while they were still struggling to find their feet after the battle with the humans.”
“Your uncle knew what was at stake, Russell. Lucas has allies in the eastern and western territories.” Marcus said with full conviction, causing the Alpha to look him in the face.
“And the south?” Russell asked, and the Beta shook his head.
“None that I know of.” Marcus retorted, his voice low and smooth.
Silence took over between them, but it only had to last for a few seconds before the Alpha got rid of it.
“Honestly, I don’t feel good about this. How can I be paying to rebels just because I am afraid of what they can do?”
“That’s because it is a wise thing to do, Russell. Ten million dollars is nothing to you. Just sign the cheque, and we will be done with this.”
“No.” Russell shook his head, his eyes burning with fury.
An intense sensation churned inside his stomach, burning through his chest.
“Not anymore, Marcus.” He stood on his resolve, causing the Beta to gasp.
“You are not thinking what I think you are, Russell,” Marcus muttered, his breath shaking slowly.
Russell huffed, his eyes still flaming in a rage.
“Never again are we going to give even a dime to Lucas and his band of thieves. We are going to war, it is long overdue.”
He grabbed the bottle of whiskey, poured a little inside his glass, and gulped it at a go.
“Go home and rest, Marcus. We will talk about this in the morning.” He patted the Beta on his right shoulder, and with a wry smile, he walked away, leaving him to stare at him.