Contract 17
Elijah followed Regor through the grand corridors of the Stormbowl Pack's mansion, his frustration still simmering beneath his composed exterior. The mansion's modern elegance, with its sleek marble floors and contemporary art pieces, did little to ease his mood. Regor led him to a large, tastefully decorated lounge where Alpha Leonard awaited.
Alpha Leonard stood as they entered, a welcoming smile on his face, but the atmosphere felt taut with formality. The room. was bathed in warm, ambient lighting, with plush seating arranged around a low glass coffee table. An extravagant spread of gourmet food and fine wines was laid out on a polished mahogany sideboard, but only four people, aside from Regor and Elijah, occupied the room.
Elijah frowned. The irritation from being disturbed slowly turned into anger. Did these people disturb him just for this?
"Your Highness" Alpha Leonard greeted, his tone imbued with respect. "I hope you find the accommodations satisfactory."
Elijah nodded curtly, his eyes sweeping the room as he tried to remain polite despite his impatience. He noted the Beta, a tall man with an authoritative presence, and the two women, who were seated gracefully on one of the sofas. "And the rogues?" he asked, cutting straight to the point.
Alpha Leonard waved a dismissive hand, his smile unwavering. Please, relax. You are safe here. We will discuss the rogues and the situation further after dinner.
Elijah's eyes narrowed. "Td prefer to address the matter sooner rather than later." He started to wonder why the Alpha disturbed him. He had suspicions earlier but didn't think the Alpha would actually act on them.
Alpha Leonard's smile remained intact. "How do you find the place, Your Highness?" Before Elijah could answer, he gestured toward one of the women. "Make sure His Highness is seated and serve him wine."
Without saying a word, the woman nodded and got up, showing off her long red dress that hugged her figure. She smiled at Elijah, her cheeks blushing softly as she approached him and pulled out a seat. "Your Highness.please take a seat."
Elijah's frustration bubbled beneath his calm facade as he watched the woman in the red dress approach. He knew he couldn't leave now, especially since Fiona needed rest after healing him. Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly took a seat but firmly declined the woman's offer to serve him
Instead, he turned to Regor. "Regor, if you don't mind, I'd prefer if someone I trust served me." His tone was clipped, a clear message that he didn't fully trust the situation or the people in the room.
Alpha Leonard's smile remained intact, though a glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "As you wish. Your Highness. Let me introduce everyone. This is my Beta, Jameson Burke." He gestured toward the tall man, who gave a respectful nod. "And these are my daughters. Eliza and Rebecca"This content © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
Eliza, the woman who had offered him a seat, gave a polite smile Rebecca, seated beside her, nodded in acknowledgment.
Elijah's gaze was guarded as he accepted the wine from Regor, maintaining a stoic expression. He took a sip, his eyes never leaving Alpha Leonard..
"I heard that Your Highness had some troubles on your way to the pack?" Alpha Leonard asked. When they arrived, their wounded members were immediately treated by the pack healers. Regor told them it was a rogue attack and did not
elaborate on it.
Alpha Leonard leaned back in his seat, his demeanor shifting to one of casual confidence. "Your Highness, I'm pleased to inform you that the threat from the rogues has been largely neutralized, especially in Georgia. We've strengthened our patrols and increased surveillance across key areas. Our security measures are top-notch, ensuring that such disturbances are managed swiftly and effectively."
He paused to gauge Elijah's reaction, but the prince's expression remained impassive. Undeterred, Alpha Leonard continued, "The Stormbowl Pack has significant influence in Georgia, as you might expect. Our economic footprint is substantial; we hold major contracts in the energy sector and have investments in local infrastructure projects. Our
partnerships with nearby counties provide us with a strong economic buller and political leverage."
Alpha Leonard gestured to the room. "We've cultivated a reputation for both security and prosperity. The Pack's growth over the years has not only enhanced our standing within the state but also extended our reach into neighboring regions. Our efforts have resulted in a robust network of alliances, further securing our position."
Elijah listened, his face a mask of neutrality. He took another sip of his wine, his eyes fixed on Alpha Leonard, waiting for the conversation to shift to more pressing matters.
"I see. Thank you for your hospitality," Elijah answered.
Seeing that Elijah did not seem too interested in what he was talking about, Alpha Leonard gave a wry smile. "Please help yourself with the food and wine. We will talk in detail after you've had a chance to relax."
Alpha Leonard leaned back in his chair, savoring the moment. He was pleased with how the evening had unfolded so far. His pack was flourishing, and Elijah, the prince, was now in his domain, seeking his help. The Stormhowl Pack's status was undeniable, and Leonard was proud of the influence they wielded. His gaze lingered on the prince, noting Elijah's restrained demeanor. Leonard hoped that Elijah would soon realize the advantages of aligning with him.
The Alpha was also driven by a personal ambition. He had long desired to forge a stronger connection with the royal family. One of his daughters, Eliza or Rebecca, would make a suitable match for Elijah. It would secure both their positions and further cement the Stormhowl Pack's status. Leonard believed that once the prince was comfortable, he would see the value in such an alliance.
With a hint of satisfaction, Leonard gestured toward Eliza. "Eliza, please assist His Highness. Cut the meat for him. I'm sure he would appreciate it."
Eliza, still smiling, rose gracefully and approached Elijah. She began to serve him with practiced ease. Leonard watched, convinced that Elijah would soon relax and understand his intentions.
To Leonard's surprise, Elijah suddenly broke the silence. "What is your real goal here, Alpha Leonard?" The prince's blunt words cut through the tension in the room.
Leonard's smile faltered for a moment. He hadn't expected such directness. Recovering quickly, he masked his surprise with a composed expression. He had hoped to reveal his true motives gradually, but Elijah's question forced him to consider his next move carefully. Alpha Leonard met Elijah's gaze steadily. "I appreciate your directness, Your Highness. My real goal is straightforward. I wish to offer you an alliance."
Leonard leaned forward, his tone firm but friendly. "The Stormbowl Pack has considerable influence not only in Georgia but also in neighboring states like Alabama and Texas. Our reach extends to key economic sectors, including energy and infrastructure. By aligning with us, you would secure not only our support but also the backing of the Alphas in these states."
He continued, "This alliance is a win-win situation. You would gain access to our extensive network, which could strengthen your position and provide crucial support in various matters. In return, we gain a valuable partner in the royal family, which would further solidify our standing and influence
Leonard's expression was one of earnest negotiation. "Consider the advantages: increased security through our network, economic benefits from our investments, and political leverage with the support of influential Alphas. It's an opportunity f mutual benefit"
Elijah remained silent, his eyes narrowed slightly. "And by alliance.."
Alpha Leonard let out a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, Your Highness, you read my mind. To seal this alliance perfectly, I propose that you consider mating with one of my daughters-Eliza or Rebecca. It would not only cement our hond but also benefit you greatly."
He leaned forward, his tone growing more earnest. "The Stormbowl Pack has been a steadfast supporter of the crown and
for
the Rite of Kings for over a century. Our influence in Alabama and Texas would bolster your position significantly. This connection would enhance your security, provide economic benefits, and grant you the support of powerful allies" Before Elijah could respond, Leonard cut in, "But what if I refuse?"
Leonard's smile faltered for a moment. He took a breath, trying to mask his surprise at the abruptness of the question "IF you refuse, Your Highness, I will respect your decision. However you would forgo the numerous advantages I've outlined. The support of the Stormbowl Pack and our network would be out of reach, and you might find yourself missing out on a strategic opportunity." It wasn't a threat but a warning, Once Elijah refuses, the Stormhowl Pack will find another candidate to support, and Elijah will definitely lose a huge advantage
Alpha Leonard knew that the Prince was smart enough to realize that an alliance with his pack was his best course of action. Currently, there were more than ten Princes who joined the Rite of Kings. These Princes were all influential all over the world. While Prince Elijah is the top contender, that could easily change very soon if one of the Princes gains a mighty advantage over the others.
To Alpha Leonard, Prince Elijah had no reason to decline this alliance as it was clearly a win-win situation. However, instead of giving him an answer, the Prince suddenly looked toward his left, his expression turning ugly.
"Your Highness" Alpha Leonard called out. "Is something the matter?" he asked.
Suddenly, the Prince got up, a growl echoing from his throat. Then, without saying another word, he rushed out of the
Alarmed. Alpha Leonard and the others in the room quickly decried to follow the prince, concerned that something significant had prompted his sudden change in behavior, Was it a rogue attack?
What could be so important that it overshadowed the importance of his proposed alliance!
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