Chapter 54 Shares of profits

Chapter 54 Shares of profits
Damien's Pov
The youngest among the subordinates had stood up, ready to answer.
His father had put him in office after his resignation. I haven't really appointed officials under my rule for 5 years, but I've eliminated many by exposing their wrongdoing and corruption in a grand style.
"Alpha, we've taken measures to ensure humans won't be a problem."
He clears his throat further and then thins his lips as though memorizing his lines.
Pathetic.
"We've... we've made arrangements with the local authorities, and we've agreed to provide them with a... a share of the profits."
I scoffed, disgusted by his statement and my eyes' glitz, skeptical over the whole discussion.
"A share of profit? And how much of a share are you willing to give up? 20%? Maybe 40%?"
He swallowed hard as his face turned pale.
"We've thought more along with 5% on the line, alpha" he replied, and I burst into laughter, but it was more like a growl.
I turned to look at Daven, who seemed like a statue beside me, unfazed.
"5%? You think that's enough to keep those manipulative humans off our backs? You think it's enough to buy their silence? Is this a joke!"
I rubbed my forehead, dropped my legs from the table, and squared my shoulders.
I'm so done with this meeting. They were exchanging nervous glances.
However, my eyes were daring them to speak up.
Another seasoned wolf, Rhyn, spoke up.
"We've also taken steps to intimidate the humans. We've made it clear that we're not to be trifled with, and any interference will be dealt with swiftly and severely."
His voice was steady but cautious, and I narrowed my gaze at him.
My body stiffens as the sound of that only infuriates me.
I'm literally trying to make my reign more peaceful and bond with every clan, but they've already thought of throwing a war over a piece of land we'd be acquiring.
"Intimidation? You think they won't come back whining and complaining, once they realize what's really going on?"
I closed my eyes briefly, bottling my anger and remaining calm.
"And eventually a war starts. Who'd pay for that?"
There was silence again and my hand took the project on paper which was in the middle of the table.
Annoyingly, I threw it at the leader's face, who shuddered and lowered his eyes in a grunt.
"I want answers, gentlemen. I want to know how you're going to keep the humans off our backs."
"I want to know how you're going to make sure this acquisition doesn't become a liability. And I want to know now."
Their faces were pale and sweaty.
Hose spoke up in a trembling voice.
"We've identified the key players in the area, made contact with them, and also offered them incentives to look the other way."
I narrowed my gaze, bit my lips, and then scowled "Incentives? What kind of incentives?"
"Money, higher than the percentage we proposed earlier, since you have an issue with the low percentage," Daniel challenges, adjusting himself on the chair.
"You didn't involve the local law enforcement? How are you going to handle them?" I wanted every reason to deny their proposals.
I might have the power, but in the end, it's difficult to uproot them all at once.
Occupying these positions is hereditary, and it's a law that has been established in ancient times.
That's definitely why I'm cursed by incompetent members.
"We've made arrangements with them too, agreeing to provide them with regular updates and to cooperate with them fully," Estain answered, and his voice was firmer, but his face was reading a different thing.
I crossed my arms, ready to hit with another question and this time around, it's the politicians, the ones who'd be looking to exploit the situation for their own gain.
Hose took the question like he'd been waiting. "We've made contact with them too, and it's settled."
I smirked, displeased that they'd already arranged with the corrupt people for their personal gain.
"Support? And you all believe that's enough for us to own the land? Do you think they won't try to squeeze us for more?"
Perfect. Now they have no answers to that, and I was glad that this proposal failed.
Inhaling, I said;
"And if things go wrong? If they decide to fight? I need answers."
Their eyes were now daring me as there was silence again with murmurs being exchanged with another.
The room heats up with tension and an unspoken threat lingers.
"I want a full report on my desk by tomorrow morning. I want to know every detail, every contingency plan, every possible outcome. I want to know that you've thought of everything."
They nodded hastily with angst written all over them.
"And gentlemen," I added, pushing myself up.
"Don't even think about coming to me with excuses. I don't tolerate failure. I don't tolerate incompetence," I concluded, looking at them with cold and unforgiving eyes.
With a nod, I dismissed them. In a low growl: "Get out. Don't come back until you've got something worth my time."
They all scrambled to their feet, and their faces seemed relieved as they hastily exited the room.
I watched them leave and as soon as they left, I leaned back to my chair and my gaze drifted away.
For a moment, there was silence and not even Damien spoke.
"It's going to be a long day," I whispered, closing my eyes and then resting my head on the headrest.
Finally, once I'm done with this Harry guy, I'm definitely sleeping in the arms of Rosie.
"Daven?" I called and almost immediately, he stood in front of me.
"Handle the slot case, I'd be seeing Harry alone," I said, fluttering my eyes and placing my lighter inside my pocket.
"Yes sir, the jet will take off in 30 minutes, I have everything ready, sir," he announces, and I just hum.
"Don't forget to tell me every hint you get regarding the case," I pointed out and he saluted.
Hastily, I stood up from my chair and strolled out of the office.