LAYING A BAIT

LAYING A BAIT
Chapter 78

CYRIL’S POV

“What are your plans? These are all unforeseen events. What are you going to do about the pub?’’’ Lance whined, seemingly impatient as he stood by the door.

‘‘Do you see him to be a problem?’’ I questioned, unconsciously dropping my glass of champagne in disbelief.

“I see him to be a huge disruption in our plans. Besides, the whole Silverstone pack is shaking with the news of his disappearance. If they come to find out that you took him, it might not be good for us.’’ He said pointlessly.

I couldn't help the spark of fury in my belly, an awful scoff leaving my lips.

The fuck was he even talking about?

‘‘I don't remember breaking into Thompson's home to snatch his pub. If yourself and Alan hadn't found the pub and something else probably happened to him, then will that be anyone's fault?’’ I sprinted, hoping to force some sense into his thick skull.

“I just think you're falling out of line, and it's all because of him. He is a distraction. You should focus on our constant attack on Silverstone pack as planned not looking after some insignificant pub....’’

“I won't have you speak of him in such a manner.’’ I cut voidly into him. “Take back your words right away.’’

“I'm sorry, my king.’’ He grumbled disappointedly.

I totally understood his complaints, but there was not a reason for him to worry. I was conscious of my every action.

Over the past two days, I'd filtered through a thousand thoughts in my head on how best to utilise my hold on Thompson's pub to get what I wanted.
I'd spent most hours of my time watching and observing the pub, which was exactly what bothered my nexts in command. They couldn't see things the way I did. They couldn't see things through my perspective.

“You don't have any tasks to attend to?’’ I called out dismissively.

“It's past 3pm already. We should get going for Silverstone pack now.’’ He reported with a glance at his wrist watch.

My heart missed a beat shortly, guiding the skittish anticipation in the hollow pit of my stomach to behold Alessia again.

When Alan brought news of her return last night, I hadn't given him any audience and quietly seeked Regal first.

With mixed emotions, I dumped my glass of whiskey on the counter and retracted from the cellar. Lance followed behind me after shutting the door.

>Back to Present<

Thompson's expression was everything. He seemed totally confused but still trying to make out what my bait might be.

I was sure he cherished his pub at least. If he didn't do enough, Alessia alone surely would.

The plan I envisaged this whole while that neither Lance nor Alan could see, Adrian, was a bait to get Alessia to do my bidding.

“What incredulous offer are you yapping about?’’ Thompson spat, after ransacking his thoughts with no progress.

“Adrian. The pub you left so carelessly.’’ I stated shortly for their reactions.

“No. It wasn't daddy who sent him out.’’ A tiny voice sliced firmly into the haze, commanding and intense silence. One driven by stun and dreadful anticipation, as everyone turned to the little girl.

“L…Liah?” Alessia stuttered. She seemed the most stunned.

“Annalise did it. She sent Adrian out after getting a call from mom Alessia.’’ The little girl sprinted out.

“What!’’ Thompson spat, bewildered.

“Liah!!!’’ Annalise dashed into the scene, panting heavily.

In the blink of an eye, she grabbed the little girl's arm, without a care in the world about how rough that single move struck.

“Let go of her!’’ Alessia stepped up and managed to take Liah away after a bit of struggle.

“Give her back.’’ Annalise demanded.

“What? A call from me?’’ Alessia scoffed, returning to the little girls reports.

“Give my daughter back!’’

‘‘You sent Adrian out knowing the situation in the pack? That's too much a horrible thing to do, Annalise!’’

“And you think jumping between me and my mate isn't such a horrible thing to do as well?’’ Annalise fired back instantly.

“Annalise!!’’ Thompson cut in, seething with rage.

That was as much drama I could allow for the night. I needed to get shots done.

‘‘Enough of that. Do you want him back or not? Of course you should know that comes with a price right? I didn't ask your silly mate to be so selfish.’’ I voiced.

‘‘What do you mean selfish? You call me selfish then what about Alessia huh?’’ She blabbered, seeming least remorseful.

“Where's my son? You have him right?’’ Alessia turned to me, close to breaking down.

“The question should be, is he dead or alive.’’ I countered intentionally.

“No! That can't be it! What have you done to him?’’ Alessia lashed out crazily, rushing up to grab my robe.

Lance showed up before time, pulling her off nearly immediately.

“Let go of me. Where’d you all hide my son?’’ She struggled.

“If I were you, I wouldn't make a fuss just yet.’’ Lance simply muttered in her ears.

She went calm instantly, like a trail of dread sprinted down her spines, awakening her to the intensity of the situation.

“Y-you… You really have…Adrian? You've had him all these while?’’ Thompson stuttered, his index vibrating rebelliously as he stretched it my way.

“It's simple. Leave Alessia to me and have your pub….alive.’’ I added.

‘‘How dare you!’’ He cursed bitterly.

“You have only tonight. By tomorrow his fate will be decided.’’

“No, please. Don't hurt him….’’ Alessia chirped.

“You wouldn't dare touch him. Not my son, not my wife!’’

“I'll go with you!’’ Alessia defiled.

My eyes swole madly with shock, but I was quick to reform them.

“Silly bitch! She's going nowhere with you.!’’ Thompson reproved stubbornly.

“You don't get to decide that. This is Adrian we're talking about here.!’’ Alessia fired defiantly at him.

No, this wasn't just about Adrian. It had to be about Alessia resenting Thompson. I hoped so in the least.

“He wouldn't do shit. He dared not touch a single hair in Adrian's head.” Thompson declared boldly, glaring right into my eyes.