Chapter 79 Chapter 79
Angelina’s POV
The next day, Franklin called me around noon.
"Miss Aria," his voice came through the phone. "Everything is arranged. Creek Pack's leadership is gathering at the Silver Fang Casino tonight at eight PM. I've informed them that Redmeadow Pack is sending someone to discuss the transition."
"They don't know it's me?"
"Not yet. I thought it best to let you make that introduction yourself."
"Fine."
"One more thing—Trent will be there. He's been... cooperative since Cory's death. But the others may not be as accepting."
I ended the call and looked at Daniel, who was sitting across from me in the hotel restaurant, picking at his breakfast.
"We're going to Silver Fang Casino tonight," I said.
Daniel's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "We?"
"You hired me as your bodyguard. That means I stay with you."
"But this is Creek Pack business. I don't need to be there."
"You're with me until your father's job is complete. That was the arrangement."
Daniel set down his fork. "Aria, this is different. You're walking into a room full of people whose Alpha you just killed. They're going to be angry. Hostile. Maybe violent."
"I can handle it."
"I know you can handle it. That's not what I'm worried about." He ran his hand through his hair. "I'm worried about me being in that room when things go bad."
I looked at him. His concern was valid. But the contract was clear.
"You'll be fine. Just stay behind me."
Daniel opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. He knew there was no point.
"Fine," he muttered. "But if anyone tries to kill me, I'm blaming you."
We arrived at Silver Fang Casino at 7:45 PM.
The building was massive. Five stories tall, taking up an entire city block. Neon lights spelled out the name in red and silver. The entrance had two bouncers in black suits, both werewolves. Inside, the casino floor was packed. Slot machines blinked and chimed. Card tables were full. The air smelled like cigarette smoke, alcohol.
Daniel stayed close to me, his eyes darting around nervously.
"Where's the meeting?" I asked a passing waitress.
She pointed toward the back. "Third floor. But you need clearance to—"
I was already walking.
We walked past the main gaming floor toward a set of elevators in the back. The elevator doors opened. We stepped inside.
Daniel pressed the button for the third floor. The doors closed.
"Last chance to back out," Daniel said.
"I'm not backing out."
"I figured."
The elevator climbed. Daniel fidgeted with his jacket sleeve.
"What do you think they'll do?" he asked.
"They'll yell. Threaten. Maybe try to fight."
"And then?"
"Then they'll fall in line."
Daniel looked at me. "You sound very confident."
"I am."
The elevator stopped. The doors opened.
We stepped out into a hallway. Red carpet, dark wood paneling, dim lighting. At the end of the hall was a door. I could hear voices behind it. Loud voices. Angry voices.
Daniel swallowed hard. "That's the conference room."
We walked toward it.
The voices got louder as we approached.
"This is bullshit!"
"Redmeadow Pack thinks they can just hand us over to someone?"
"Alpha Franklin, with all due respect, this arrangement is unacceptable!"
"Cory's barely cold and they're already moving in!"
I stopped in front of the door.
Daniel stood behind me, trying to look calm and failing.
Inside, the argument continued.
"We don't even know who they're sending!"
"Probably some Redmeadow Beta trying to boss us around!"
"Alpha Franklin, please reconsider this decision. Let us handle our own leadership transition!"
I looked at the door. Heavy wood. Probably reinforced.
Then I kicked it.
The door flew off its hinges. It sailed across the room and slammed into the far wall with a deafening crash.
Every voice inside stopped.
I walked through the doorway.
The conference room was large. Long table in the center. Maybe fifteen people sitting around it. All of them staring at me with their mouths open.
Trent was there, sitting near the middle. His face went pale when he saw me.
At the head of the table sat Franklin, calm and composed. Next to the head of the table was an empty chair. The seat meant for Creek Pack's leadership.
I walked straight toward it.
Nobody moved. Nobody spoke.
I sat down in that chair and crossed my legs.
"I'm Aria," I said. "As of tonight, I'm taking over Creek Pack as temporary Alpha. Redmeadow Pack has authorized me to stabilize your operations and maintain order in this territory."
Still silence.
Then someone at the far end of the table stood up.
He was big. Really big. Maybe 6'4", 250 pounds of muscle. Short brown hair, square jaw, scarred knuckles. He looked like he'd been in a lot of fights and won most of them.
"You," he said. His voice was deep, rough. "You're the one who killed Alpha Cory."
"Yes."
His hands clenched into fists. "And now you think you can just walk in here and take over?"
"I don't think. I know."
He turned to Franklin, his tone respectful but strained. "Alpha Franklin, with all due respect, this is unacceptable. You're sending the person who murdered our Alpha to lead us?"
Franklin leaned back in his chair. "That's exactly what's happening, Patrick."
"But—" Another voice spoke up. "Alpha Franklin, surely there must be another way. We appreciate Redmeadow Pack's concern, but—"
"I'm not asking for your permission," I interrupted. "I'm informing you of the situation. There's a difference."
Patrick's jaw tightened. He looked at Franklin again. "Alpha Franklin, I've served Creek Pack for fifteen years. I was Cory's Beta, his right hand. I'm asking you to reconsider this decision."
Franklin's expression didn't change. "The decision stands, Patrick."
"But she has no right to sit in that chair!" Patrick's voice rose slightly, then he caught himself and added more respectfully, "Alpha Franklin, please. This is our Pack."
"And Redmeadow Pack is responsible for maintaining order in this region," Franklin said calmly. "Aria will serve as acting Alpha. That is final."
The room erupted, but the anger was directed at Franklin now, though still expressed with restraint.
"Alpha Franklin, this is too much!"
"We can manage our own affairs!"
"Please, reconsider this arrangement!"
"Alpha Franklin, we're asking you to withdraw this appointment!"
I sat quietly and let them plead with Franklin.
Daniel had stayed near the door. He looked like he wanted to disappear.
After about thirty seconds, I stood up.
The room didn't quiet down immediately.
I waited.
Slowly, the voices died out.
"Are you all finished?" I asked.
Patrick glared at me. "You think you're tough because you killed Cory? That doesn't make you qualified to lead."
"You're right. Killing Cory doesn't make me qualified." I looked around the room. "What makes me qualified is that I'm stronger than every single person in this room. Including you, Patrick."
His face turned red. "You arrogant little—"
"If you're not satisfied," I said calmly, "then come up and fight me."
The entire room went silent.
Patrick stared at me. "What?"
"You heard me. You think I don't deserve this position? Prove it. Beat me in a fight."
Someone laughed nervously. "Is she serious?"
"Dead serious," I said.
Patrick looked around the room. His crew was watching him. Waiting to see what he'd do.
He couldn't back down now. Not in front of everyone.
"Fine," he said. "Let's do this."