Accidental Surrogate

Chapter 247 – Kieran Shares Something Unexpected

Ella

Dinner is a tense affair.

I wish I could say it’s clear whether or not our efforts with this summit are paying off, but all of these Alphas play their cards so close to their chests – well, all except Kieran. The Storm Forest Alpha spends the evening glaring at everyone around him, even his own men. I’m beginning to think that there isn’t any way for us to win him over and that we should focus our attention elsewhere – on the Alpha’s we can form alliances with. Still, I understand that excluding him might make his animosity towards our cause even greater.

I ponder my conversation with Sinclair, wondering if Kieran is actively betraying us. Has he told Damon that my mate still lives? Is he planning on helping him attempt another assassination? I don’t believe he cares about people beyond his pack or perhaps beyond Vanara, but I didn’t believe he was stupid. It’s one thing to refuse to join forces with us, and another entirely to make a suicide pact with a madman – for that’s surely what joining Damon would mean.

Of course, I’ve been wrong before. Sinclair believes he’s hiding something, and I have to admit the Alpha’s behavior is suspect. So my only mission tonight is to persuade Kieran to come clean, and I know exactly how I’m going to do it.

I start with simple observation, knowing just how uncomfortable persistent and unwanted attention can be to one with a guilty conscience. I don’t hide the fact that I’m watching him. Every time Kieran looks up and finds my eyes on him, I stare with the same expression I’ve always used for misbehaving children. It’s not threatening or cold, rather deliberate and dismayed. It says: I know what you’ve done and I’m already disappointed, don’t make things worse by lying to me.

I begin sprinkling bait into my conversations as well, which isn’t difficult when all the delegates want to debrief about their excursion today. “It was absolutely sickening.” The Black Alder is saying next to me. “I’ve never seen so many people in so much pain.” He’s looking at me with wide eyed sincerity, eager to hear my perspective. They all are – being a child of the Goddess has its benefits.

sadly. “It’s the worst kind of betrayal. What kind of Alpha could possibly stomach harming so many shifters,

Silver Dawn Alpha pipes

If we only help the shifters and leave the humans behind, then those settlements you saw today will only grow. The people will see that we only care for our own kind – they

learned about shifters, Dominic explained to me that he doesn’t lead because he wants to. He does it because his power is a grave responsibility – he has the strength to spare, so he’s obligated to lend it to those in need. This is the same principle. Vanara has the power and strength that all those beings fleeing the war, and everyone who remains trapped under Damon’s thumb, lack.” Sinclair has one

world wages war…” I trail off, sounding forlorn. “Well I just can’t find any honor in that.” I

against the marble floor, adding violent emphasis to his

steadying hand on his leg, keeping my posture relaxed. “It’s okay.” I soothe, trying to gentle his worth.

pouring off of him in waves. “Ohh you’re too clever for your own good, you

been told.” I tell him, smiling

minute, and the quiet drags on interminably. Eventually Kieran seems to find the right words, “Yesterday I returned to my rooms to find an anonymous electronic message waiting, including a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255