Chapter 31 Thirty One
Elara's POV
“I can't believe I have finally met with the famous rouge queen that has the entire werewolf community on edge. You are really spoken for. Your news is all over. I am so honored to have your presence grace this meeting.” Allan began, pouring out wine into our wine glasses. He pushed it towards my direction. I picked up the glass of wine, our glass meeting in a soft click..
"To new alliances," Allan said, his eyes locking onto mine as we sipped our wine.
I smiled, the taste of the wine was rich. It was so bold on my palate.
I can't really say.” I replied, setting my glass down beside my purse.
“I am quite intrigued. I am intrigued by your interest in meeting me, Alpha Allan. What do you hope to gain from this little meeting of ours?"
My gaze never wavered. It was fixed on Allan’s face as I monitored him closely. My tone is steady.
Allan smiled, his eyes growing wide as he grinned . His eyes gleamed with keen interest.
"Let's discuss the terms of a potential partnership between us both, shall we?" he said, leaning forward.
“Potential partnership? You sound so confident and sure? What's behind that tone?”. I inquired, biting into my lower lips. My gaze caught a mole under his lower lip.
“Of course. I know that I would go home with a lottery. I trust my guts. I know that I would convince you to sign a deal with me.”
“Interesting. You are such an interesting person, Alpha Allan. You seem smart. Compulsive. You have a lot of potential.” I commented, smiling maliciously.
“That's why I hope we can make it work. I know I would benefit a lot working with you and so would you. At this critical moment, my pack needs you.”
“What makes you think I am what your pack needs?”
Alpha Allan took a sip from his wine. I loved the tension I created. I could feel he was tense. I loved how uncomfortable my question made him feel.
Allan chuckled nervously,swirling the wine in his glass. “Because I know power when I see it and besides, power recognizes power, Elara. And you, my dear, you have the power. The authority. You have plenty of it.”
I tilted my head slightly, studying him for a minute. A smile creeping on my face.
“What a flatter! Flattery won't get you anywhere close to your answers with me.”
He smirked, unfazed by what I said.
“It is not flattery. I mean everything I said. Just a mention of your name and its shaking territories. Packs are scared of you. Alpha’s tremble at the sound of your name. That’s why I need you. My pack is growing, but not fast enough. I need your assistance. With your help, we both would rule a bigger part of Nightshade and make other Alpha fall prostrate to us.”
I leaned back into my chair, partially intrigued. I folded my arms, my gaze burning into Allan.
“So, you don’t just want a partner. You don't want to strike a deal. You want a shortcut to power, huh?.”
Allan paused, smile thinning. “Yes. Is it a bad thing if I do want a shortcut to power? Is that a bad thing?”
A short laughter escaped my lips. Soft, the sound low and sharp.
I am not saying wanting power is bad. It's just too dangerous. Not everyone can handle its heat. Besides, power isn’t something you beg for, Allan. Power had to be earned. It has to be taken and even sometimes stolen.”
My eyes caught just when his jaw tightened and he kept his smile on like it was a product on display in a glass box.
“That’s exactly why I want to work with you. You have a hat it takes to make me just like you. You’ve been here before. You know all this. You are smart and have won your way as one of the prominent leaders in the werewolf community. You’re fearless. I admire you. That's why I crave your help now more than ever.”
I leaned in, my voice dropping slightly. “Fearlessness doesn’t mean foolish. The Kordova's have you as their prime suspect due to issues and controversies I can't wrap my fingers around. This is a crucial time in the werewolf community. Having anything to do with you can be catastrophic.”
“Catastrophic? .” Allan chuckled, darkness flashing in his eyes for a minute.
“I have the right offer. Information that you would love to hear. We should strike a deal. It doesn't matter what's happening in the werewolf community. You have the manpower. The money to do whatever you want with fear. You have to help me.”
I stared at him, my fingers tapping slowly on the table. The room felt warmer now but pressure still felt heavy in the room.
“Allan,” I started off quietly, but firmly. “Do you understand the risk of what you're asking me to do?”
He raised a brow, pretending not to know. He sipped from his wine while I watched him
“You’re asking me to form an alliance with you. Someone who is already on Kordova's radar. That's not a small thing. The Kordova's are crazy people. They don’t let go once they set their eyes on someone. You are their suspect. I don't want to get mixed up with your problems.”
He opened his mouth, but I lifted a hand.
“If I work with you now, they’ll think I’m involved in your mess. They will think I helped you loot their warehouse . I’ve worked so hard in building my name and I won't let it get dragged through the mud because of some shady controversy you won’t even explain properly.”
“Elara—”
“No,” I cut him off again, my tone harsh. “You said you admire me? If you do admire me, don’t insult my intelligence. I am Smart. I know danger when I see it. The Kordovas are watching your every step. And trust me, if they should catch a scent of our alliance, they’ll come for me too. I am scared of them. I just don't want to gamble with the lives of my rogue members. That’s not something I’ll not allow. I don’t care how good your offer sounds.”
He looked away for a second, jaw clenched.
“I can clear my name,” he said quietly.
“Then clear it,” I replied, standing slowly. “Until then, we don’t talk about deals. Not until you have cleared the ticking bomb tied to your name.”