"Ava, you can't continue to hide behind your family's name."
It was a cool, collected, and very terrifying voice. As Victor Langston, a predator in a fitted suit, entered the vast hall, I turned abruptly and gasped. All eyes turned to the stranger who had entered the center of our sanctuary without permission and without fear, and the group of pack leaders and allies froze.
"Victor, what do you want?" I inquired, maintaining a steady tone of voice in spite of the quiver that was growing within of me.
He grinned, but it was a trap-like smile. "Oh, I believe you are aware. It's time to quit acting as though this power charade you call leadership can last.
The tension was thick enough to choke on, and the room was alive with whispers. Suddenly, Rogan was at my side, and even as Victor's words pierced the atmosphere, his presence grounded me.
Rogan said, his voice low and menacing, "Go now." "You are not welcome in this place."
Victor's face remained unwavering. His delight, if anything, increased. "Oh, Rogan. The devoted guardian at all times. Let's not rush things, though. I'm here to offer a suggestion that would be advantageous to everyone present.
I tightened my hands at my sides. "What you have to offer is of no interest to us."
With a tone full of fake charm, Victor shot out, "Oh, but you haven't even heard me out." He took a step toward me and met my eyes. I've been observing, you see, Ava. You and your little kingdom? It is brittle. If you make a mistake or the foundation cracks, everything will fall apart.
As his words struck their point, the room fell silent. I sensed that the assembled leaders were beginning to distrust him, their allegiance faltering in the face of his audacity.
"What do you suggest?" I asked, even though I felt guilty for making him feel good about it.
Victor grinned more broadly. "Easy. Move aside. Give me command, and I'll guarantee stability. defense. Strength.
Rogan chuckled harshly. You're referring to surrender. destruction. After everything you've done, do you believe anyone here would follow you?
Victor ignored him, concentrating only on me. "You're intelligent enough to recognize when you're being outmatched, Ava. I am giving you the opportunity to salvage the legacy of your family, which is in danger. Giving up control is all you need to do.
As his words settled over me, my heart thumped in my chest. It was a declaration of war, not only a threat.
"Do you really believe that I would betray everything my family has worked so hard to give it to you?" Despite my internal maelstrom, I asked in a firm voice.
Victor's eyes grew gloomy as the façade of charm somewhat lifted to expose the danger underneath. You refer to it as betrayal. I refer to it as survival. But I can assure you, Ava, that you won't like the result if you insist on battling me.
Victor's statements set off a conflagration of dread and rage, causing the room to explode into chaos with voices shouting over each other. I caught Rogan's arm and stopped him before he could move forward with his fists clenched.
With my eyes meeting his, I muttered, "This isn't the place."
He nodded after he paused, his jaw clenched. We turned back to Victor together.
I firmly responded, "Get out," my voice rising above the din. "Your argument has been made. Now go.
With a hint of danger in his eyes, Victor cocked his head. Excellent. But keep in mind, Ava—this was your opportunity to escape the following step.
Leaving a path of discomfort behind him, he turned and walked out of the hall.
The house was oddly quiet later that night. Victor's suggestion hung heavy between Rogan and me as we sat in the study.
At last, Rogan broke the silence by saying, "He won't stop."
I answered, my voice just above a whisper, "I know." However, we cannot compromise. Everything we have battled for will be lost if we do.
With a steady, warm touch, he reached for my hand. "Ava, we'll fight him. Together.
Instead of reassuring me, the statements made me feel even more terrified. Victor posed a threat to everyone I cared about, not just to me.
Claire rushed into the room with a terrified and pale face, as though she had been called by my thoughts.
She held out her phone and said, "You must see this."
As I read the headline on the screen, I took it from her, feeling sick to my stomach.
The battle for power begins when Victor Langston publicly challenges Ava's leadership.
As I read the piece, my blood froze. Victor had gone to the media, fabricating a story about unrest and instability in our pack. He portrayed himself as the rescuer, the one who could restore stability to a monarchy in decline.
I sounded angry as I said, "He's trying to turn them against us."
Rogan stood, his face gloomy. "We'll then reveal the truth to them." We'll reveal him as the cunning coward that he is.
The sound of glass breaking reverberated throughout the house before I could reply. After exchanging glances, Rogan and I hurried toward the commotion, Claire following closely after.
A piece of paper was tied to a big boulder that was lying in the middle of a sea of shattered glass in the main hall. I knelt down and unfolded the note, my hands shaking as I did so.
"This is only the start. Make a good decision, Ava. Time is running out.
Rogan's hand settled firmly and comfortingly on my shoulder. He's attempting to frighten you. Keep him from winning.
I stood up straight, my determination strengthening. I will not be frightened by him. But he will get a fight if he wants one.
Claire's face was cautious as she picked up the pebble. "Now what do we do?"
"We get ready," I stated firmly. Victor believes he can just go right in here and take from us everything. He's going to realize how mistaken he is.
However, I couldn't get rid of the impression that we were already playing into Victor's hands as the night went on and the house sank into a tight quiet. Always three steps ahead, he was a skilled manipulator.
Then, as I was about to fall asleep, my phone began to vibrate. With a sinking heart, I took it up and read the words on the screen.
"Please meet me in the former chapel. Come by yourself. midnight.
I didn't need a name, yet there wasn't one. I recognized the person.
Victor Langston had more games to play. And he was taking it personally this time.