Chapter 29 Twenty Nine
Elara's POV
“You can't go there alone. It might be a trap.” Darius emphasized, scoffing at my stubbornness.
“There's nothing I can do. I have already agreed to meet with him. Backing out now will only make me look like a fool. Like a coward. I can't afford to ruin my reputation because of your fears.” I uttered, hoping they see things in my own perspective.
“But it's a trap. You don't have to drive yourself to anyone, Boss.” Aria added while chewing her bubble gum.
“We can go with you. We'll stay hidden. Alpha Allan is crafty and we don't know what he wants to do. We don't know what his motive is. We have to be a step ahead of him. We have to plan our move. We have to be on alert.” Throne suggested.
I shook my head, firm in my decision.
"I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine. I have handled situations like this before. I can take care of myself. You all don't have to worry.” I promised earnestly.
Cyric eyes locked with mine. Worry etched on his face.
“You need to consider our pleas, Boss. We are not just talking about your safety here. Your safety is one but also we're talking about the pack's reputation. If something should happen to you, it'll reflect poorly on us all. We should go with you. If we should go with you.
I sighed, facepalming myself.
"I understand your worries but I've made up my mind. I'll go alone as requested. If they would take me for a fool if I bring my men along. Why don't y'all focus on preparing for the duel betweenThrone and Cyric. That's more important than speculating about Alpha Allan's intentions."
Cyric nodded, though his eyes still held concern.
“Duel? Who cares about some fucking duel. Your life is more important than a duel.” Aria was thunder beside me.
I let out a tired sigh, rubbing my temples. “Aria, I get that you are worried. But this meeting is a crucial step for me. It’s about respect. If I should back down at the very last minute, what would other Alphas think of me? Allan would definitely spread the words around. They will think I’m weak. They will assume me as a coward. I can’t let that happen.”
“But…”
Aria crossed her arms, still fuming.
“You will have to calm down Aria.”I spoke softly but firmly, turning to face her.
“I know you’re all worried, but this is my decision. I will go meet with Alpha Allan tomorrow . I am going alone and that’s final.”
Darius ran a hand through his hair, his frustration palatable.
I was glad to see how much they cared and worried about my safety.
“If you insist on going, at least you have to wear your tracker, Boss. We’ll follow from a distance. We will monitor you. No one will know.” Darius urged.
“You don't have to worry about me.”
Throne gritted his teeth, trying to make me reason with him. “At least let us track you from a distance. Just in case anything fishy happens.”
“If you all insist, then. Fine. ” I finally agreed to stand up. “You all will have to play by my rules. No one steps in unless I give the signal.”
They all nodded, though I could see the doubt in their faces, especially Cyric.
“But what if we notice something fishy?” Cyric inquired.
I hesitated, then gave a small nod. “If you notice anything strange, you act. But for the meantime, you can keep track from far away while awaiting my signal.”
“Do we all have to go with you? Of course I know I am out of the picture since I am terrible at combat or anything except tech. Aria should stay back and help out. Cyric and Throne can go with you instead.” Darius suggested, his gaze swept across the room.
“What would I be doing back here?.” Aria flared up. “ I want to be out there with the Boss protecting her.”
“But we need you back here. What if they attack again? You know I don't know how to fight or use a gun or an arrow. I can't even throw a grenade.”
Aria sighed, the space between her brows wrinkled.
“But… I ….”
“You'll have to do as Darius said, Aria. Stay back and protect our territory tomorrow while I, Throne and Cyric are away.”
Aria nodded slightly.
“Yes ma'am.”
Cyric let out a deep breath. “Okay Boss. We will be ready for tomorrow.”
“Good,” I said, grabbing my coat. “This meeting will make Allan realize my worth in the werewolf world. In Nightshade city. It will show him that I don’t back down. I'll make him end this on my terms.”
“Just be careful, Boss. Allan isn't someone to be trusted.” Aria said, her voice laced with concern.
“Thank you, Aria. I understand.”
★
I sat by the edge of my bed, wiping the metal head of my gun with a wet towel in preparation for tomorrow. I had to be ready. I had to get my dancing shoes ready in case there was a change in the dancing step.
My phone buzzed on the bed, beside me. I picked it up. A message notification from Lucas popped on my screen. I tapped it one, my countenance changing.
My chest tightened the moment I read the message.
Lucas: The news is already out, Elara. The Kordova warehouse looting has finally made it on the radio and TV after those cowards delayed it for too long. Everyone thinks it's the Penta pack because of the beef they have with the Kordova. But I know the truth, Elara. Cops, councilmen and every other person might not know the truth but I do. You need to be careful or you will get bitten. My deal and offer for you still stands, but you don’t have much time left.
You either take it soon or risk everything crashing down. By everything I mean your syndicate.
I smiled coldly and typed my reply without wasting time. I had to show Lucas that his threats didn't move me.
Elara: I don’t care about your empty threats, Lucas. I’m not afraid of you or your little blackmail. Tell the Kordova if you wan to. That's if they will even believe you and even if they do, they are wise to know better. They know that going up against me will cost them a lot. I will crush them with every ramification . Be it business or war. What makes you think you scare me?
Keep dreaming. Dreamer boy. You can take your stupid deal and shove it down your ass. I don’t need it. I don’t need you. Nor your so-called immunity. Leave me the fuck alone. Stay out of my way or I’ll make you regret ever texting me.
And without thinking twice, I hit the send button.