Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59360 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
I stare into the sea of glittering eyes. This place is packed with predators, and at the first sign of weakness, they’ll tear me apart. The truth is, I am still in a weakened state from wrestling with my wolf during my moon madness, but I’m not going to show that to anyone–not even my inner circle.
The alpha must be strong, or the pack’s enemies will destroy us.
I won’t let that happen.
“Welcome. It’s good to see you all here today. I understand you have some concerns, and this meeting was called to allay them. In a moment, we’ll address your questions, and the mutiny some of you are plotting. But first, I understand there are rumors that I’m moon mad.” I spread my arms. “Take a good look,” I challenge. “I’ll wait.” I let silence fall over the place.
A few of the laser bright eyes wink out, one pair at a time. A sign that I’ve calmed at least a few of them.
“The next wolf who accuses me of moon madness will answer to me personally.”
I signal my top wolves, and they walk out and line the stage behind me. Guarding my back as well as watching the crowd. This is the show of strength my pack requires.
“I am your alpha.”
More of the gleaming pairs of eyes dull. Every wolf in the front row bows their heads or raises their chins to show their necks.
I seek out the pockets of resistance, looking for the heads of families that Nickel and Eagle spoke to. Most of them followed my dad, preferring his brutish leadership. I’ve won them over with hard work, honesty, loyalty, and Moon Co’s meteoric rise. It’s time for them to return the favor.
I glare at the top detractors until they also angle their heads, giving me a clear view of their jugulars.
“We are pack.”
“We are pack.” The unified response thunders through the vast room, shaking the walls.
“By now, most of you have heard of the Adalwulf spy. I’m pleased to report we have rooted him out. He’s being held in a secure location at the moment. My cousin, Sullivan Blackthroat, can confirm that. We have him and his team to thank for doing the work of uncovering the spy and securing Moon Co against any further attacks.” I wave for him to step forward. My father never gave credit to any of his top wolves, in case they sought support among the pack ranks and turned on him. But a stronger alpha acknowledges that he can’t lead a giant pack alone.
I wait for the smattering of applause to die down.
“And our flagship company, Moon Co, has completed an acquisition that will add billions to our bottom line. Nicholas Cavendish, Jacob Jordan, and many of you have worked on the deal. Victory to you and the entire pack.”
This time the applause is more hearty. It helps that Jake plays to the crowd and takes a bow while Vance sweeps his hands up, encouraging everyone to raise the roof. I lean into the levity, thanking them both. They high five, and the mood of the room gets more relaxed. There are several stoic, stony faces sprinkled in the crowd but not as many as before.
“I’d keep listing the pack’s wins, but we’d be here all day. It’s time for some questions.” I motion to Eagle, who takes a handheld mic down to the floor. He heads straight for an older, distinguished-looking wolf named Lowell Hunt. Lowell used to be one of my father’s top wolves.
No softball questions for me.
“Is it true you lost control in front of the Adalwulfs?” Lowell frowns at me under bristling salt-and-pepper brows. I stare back until he averts his gaze.
“It is.” I’m not my father. I acknowledge my weaknesses instead of browbeating the questioner. “It was a moment of tension, and my wolf and I felt it required a show of strength.” Truth. “It was the wrong move, and it won’t happen again.” Truth again. Now that Madi bears my mark, my wolf will be satisfied. I won’t have to fight him constantly. He’ll allow me to remain in control as long as Madi is safe.
“What about rumors that you have a mate?”
“Do you see a mate up here?” I make a show of looking around. “One day I hope to stand up here and present you to the one Fate chose for me.” My wolf scores my insides with savage claws. I’m dancing around the question like a fucking coward. I can never publicly claim a human mate, not without relinquishing my role. There’s no chance the pack would accept her. It’s not even safe to hint at her while the Adalwulfs are a threat to us. And they’ll always be a threat as long as Odin or Aiden live and breathe. “Today is not that day.”