Chapter 246 – 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.
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
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
meant to protect them.” I sigh, shaking my head sadly. “It’s the worst kind of betrayal. What kind of Alpha could
only shifters!” The Silver Dawn Alpha pipes up. “The human
who he hurts, and if some of us suffer then we all do. If we only help the shifters and leave the humans behind, then those settlements you saw today will only
he’s obligated to lend it to those in need. This is the same
this conflict. And it would be easy to say it’s not your problem, but if your life is easy and prosperous while the rest of the world wages war…” I trail off, sounding forlorn.
back and clatters against the marble floor, adding violent emphasis to his outburst.. A hush falls over the room, and I’m infinitely pleased this is a private dinner
his leg, keeping my posture relaxed. “It’s okay.” I soothe, trying to gentle his
pouring off of him in waves. “Ohh you’re too clever
I
have no alternative.” He’s silent for almost half a 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 video link and a note advising me to follow it if I cared about the future of Vanara. When I did so, I discovered that Damon was waiting on the
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