9

The Big Bad Wolf

I tilt my head to the side and narrow my eyes at Luth. “Luth,” I begin, ignoring the condolence which he just finished giving. “I know you and I know that you cannot be anywhere – here included – if it will not favor you. So, tell me, why are you here?”

He grins slyly and flops back into the beta’s seat and I frown. “Wayne invited me here. You can go ahead and ask him.”

“He is Beta Wayne to you.” I growl. “And since he invited you, did he also ask you to occupy his seat?”

“Not for long.” He grins.

I tilt my brow. “What is that?”

He shakes his head and rises from the seat slowly. “Nothing, Crystal. And if you are looking for your ‘beta’ he’s in the Alpha’s office.”

I hurry off, not waiting to hear the next words that leave his mouth. I don’t like the feeling I am getting. What is the Beta doing in my father’s office when my father is obviously dead? And why has he invited Luth who is coincidentally from a family of betas.

Once I am in front of the Alpha’s office, I stand for a moment, to gather my thoughts then push the door open. The Beta is in my father’s office with two other men I don’t recognize.

He looked up as soon as I enter and the expression on his face changes from neutral to scornful. His hands were on the desk as he addressed the men – whose eyes are now turned towards me – but once he sees me, he flairs up.

“What are you doing here, Crystal? You cannot just barge into an office without knocking.” He says and I note the warning clouds that settles on his features.

I cross my arms over my chest and tilt my chin up. “Can I not? Beta?” I put emphasis on the word beta just in case he has forgotten his place.

“You will not disrespect me child in front of our guests.” His tone takes an icy turn.

“First of all, Beta Wayne,” I remark, pleased at how nonchalant I sound. “I am not a child and secondly,” my eyes strays to the guests. “Why are we having guests when my father just died? Thirdly, why are you using his office when you have yours?”

He looks at me intently, then strides to the door grazing my shoulder intentionally. He returns back to my father’s seat and settled into it. I think he is doing this to spite me and although it aggravates me, I don’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

“To answer your questions, Crystal.” He begins slowly. “These are your father’s guests not mine, I would have met them in my office but as you must have seen before barging in here like an insolent child – “emphasis on the word child “– Luth is currently occupying it. I am sure that answers your questions.”

Nervously, I moisten my dry lips and draw a deep breath, forbidding myself to tremble. “Beta Wayne.” I say softly. “I would reiterate the concerns I had earlier. My parents just died, are we supposed to already be welcoming guests?”

He growls at me then looks back to his guests and flash them a smile. “You do realize those guests you are talking about are sitting right in front of you. Where are your manners, Crystal?”

Taking a deep, unsteady breath, I take a step back realizing myself. “Beta Wayne. Since you are going to go ahead and scrap out the mourning phase,” I say, lifting my chin defiantly to meet his. “Then I am also going to move forward and take my mantle of authority.”

I move closer to him, thrusting my head forward. “Beta Wayne, you are in my seat and I would like for you to know your place.”

My reaction seems to amuse and startle him at the same time. He regards me for what seems like ages and finally his lips curl into a smile.

I am caught off guard by his reaction and draw my eyebrows together in puzzlement.

“Crystal, you seem to be misunderstanding something. You see, that is why this gentleman are here. You have no mantle of authority in this pack, you have clearly been sold to the highest bidder and by tomorrow, you will be leaving with these two gentlemen here.”

My mouth droop open. What the hell is he talking on about? Me? Sold? I have often heard of girls been sold to Alphas and betas or any werewolf at all who had enough money but me? What did he mean I have been sold to the highest bidder like I was some house hold appliance or clothes and jewelries which could be auctioned?

“What are you going on about, Beta?” I growl. “Are you trying to take away what is rightfully mine? You would have to try harder than that. If you think this is the best way to get rid of me, then think again.”

The beta’s lips twists into a cynical smile and he crosses his leg one on top the other. He is trying very hard to infuriate me, rile me up and I must say, it is working. I growl and lurch at him but the two ‘gentlemen’ who have been sitting, hold me back.

“It is obvious that your father,” he closed his eyes and lays his palm on his chest. “The moons guide him – did not trust you to lead our pack. You have shown no quality of leadership and you can barely rein in your temper. How do you intend to lead our pack with all the flaws you have?” He says with a significant lifting of his brows.

“It is all here; Crystal and I know you will find it quite hard to believe but it was all your father’s plans.”

I yank myself out of their grasps and press my lips together angrily. “My father would never sell me. This is all you, Wayne.”

He glanced at the two men and gestures for them to leave us and I almost laugh. Why bother sending them out now, they have heard enough already. If they had Been planning to take me home with them tomorrow, I’m surely they’ll think twice about it now.”