Chapter 100
Asher’s POV
D
D
Once again, we were gathered at the Council house ready to defend whatever we had been able to jot down as a growth strategy for the next annual session of our Kingdom’s and the packs under us.
Each person was asked to make their goals very realistic so that the goals could be even more achievable. My partnership with Cyberplus Innovations remained one of my biggest goals, because that alone was capable of boosting our economy by far.
I sat at the outer of the room alongside the three other Kings present, adjusting my tie and smoothing out my blazer as I waited patiently for the defence to commence. There were only four Kings available because Israel was still yet to arrive. He probably was waiting for the perfect time to step in and announce his presence like the master show–off that he was. I pushed the thought of Israel’s arrival to the back of my mind and instead began to prepare myself for what I was about to face inside the inner room.
I struggled to stay calm and to even summon the confidence I desperately needed. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders; I had to present a plan that not only showcased our growth but also secured our future.
The council chamber was set up differently this time. A long table stretched across the room, and each king would present their plans one by one inside the room at the far end of the one where we sat and waited, ensuring that no one could steal another’s ideas.
Elder Lexy stood at the head of the table, his voice booming as he called the meeting to order. “Welcome back, gentlemen. Today, we will hear each of your strategies for growth in the coming year. Let’s proceed in the order of our last meeting.”
King Dorian went in first, returning with an expression that made me want to rethink all my plans. All his confidence seemed to have faded into frustration.
Next was King Rodney, who came out looking even worse than Dorian had. What the heck was going on in there?
Soon, it was time for my father to go ahead and defend his. He paused at the entrance of the room, glaring back at me with an intensity that spoke volumes of his lack of confidence towards whatever plan he had set out. I didn’t fail to notice the weariness etched on his face, a reflection of the pressure he carried.
Finally, it was my turn. I stood, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. This wasn’t supposed to be anything. I made a mental note to myself that I had become familiar with the process and that there was nothing to be scared of.
“Welcome, King Asher.” They greeted me as soon as I entered the hall and I in turn acknowledged their authority.
“Have your seat!” Elder Lexy said, gesturing towards the chair in front of me.
They briefly looked down at their record sheets, jotting a few things before they finally looked back up. “You may begin.
I took out three copies of the plan and shared it. “So, during the last season, we recorded just a 10% increase preceding an 8% increase from the upper year. And so this year I thought it through, rubbing minds with the Elders and the wise men of my Kingdom. And we made a decision to go for two times what we did in this newly rounded session.”
“That is to say, I’m aiming for 20% growth this year,” I declared, trying to project confidence. “Our partnership with Cyberplus Innovations will allow us to access new technologies and resources. We’ll focus on leveraging these advancements to strengthen our economy and improve our standing among both Lycans and humans. Also, we plan to run a tech training program which will not only draw people’s attention but also draw us reasonable revenue”
As I went ahead to set out the details of my plans, doing justice to every figure I had jotted down on the paper. Even before I was done, I could already see the Council members nodding in approval, at least, I felt a flicker of hope as I concluded my presentation.
But as I returned to have my sit, the door swung open, and Israel strolled in, a smug grin plastered on his face. His perfect timing seemed to wow everyone including me, cause at some point I had thought that he would no longer be attending. But boom! Out of nowhere, he appears, right before his name is called. He took his place at the table with an air of superiority, and I could feel the tension in the room shift.
“Welcome, King Israel. You’re next.”
Israel remained in the room for quite a couple of minutes, longer than any other King including myself and I found all the confidence from earlier suddenly fade away like it was being washed by erosion.
Once Israel was done, he stepped out. I noticed his eyes were directly on me, an infuriating smile etched on his face. And the next thing
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12:50 PM
Chapter 100
+15
I knew, Israel walked over to where I sat, collapsing into the chair by me.
“Asher,” he said, his tone dripping with condescension, “Rumor has it that you’re still working your ass to get a partnership with Cyberplus Innovations.” He started, causing my eyes to flicker to him.
In a deadly gaze, I met his eyes. “What do you want?”
“Nothing much, I’m just, you know, trying to help a brother in need.”
I chuckled repeating his last words, “Help a brother in need.”
“Yes, Asher.” He replied, sounding so innocent. “You know, I have connections there. Perhaps I could help you secure a partnership.”
I raised an eyebrow, cautious of his ulterior motives. “And what do you want in return, Israel?”
He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “THE LADY, I want Gemini.”
A laugh erupted from me, drawing the attention of other Kings who were already curious to know what two archenemies were discussing.
“You can’t be serious, Israel,” I said, my laugh finally dying down.
“I’m dead serious,” Israel said, maintaining a serious demeanour. “If you give her to me, I can guarantee you a deal with Cyberplus. Think about it–a win–win situation.”
My heart raced at the thought of Israel being serious about Gemini. “What do you think, that I’m a fool? Huh Israel?” You think I’d trade my mate for a business deal?” I shot back, anger flaring inside me.
He shrugged, feigning indifference. “It’s just business, Asher. And I happened to have overheard that you two have nothing for each other. Of course, I don’t expect someone like you to ever fall in love. Your heart is too damn cold for that.”
His words pierced me deeper than I could admit.
“So if you think this through, you’d see that I’m not actually asking much from you, yet I’m offering this much.”
The thought of him rating Gemini as not much burned within me, swirling an anger that sat deep within me. Without thinking of the consequences, I slammed my hand into his pointed nose.
“Fuck!” He yelled, holding onto his nose which was now dripping blood.
“Don’t you dare speak about my mate like that!”
Instead of fighting back, a laugh erupted from Israel. “I never said she was worthless, you’re the one who doesn’t know what she’s capable of doing. And trust me, I’m not even bothered, ‘cause soon she would find her path.”
The Elders burst out of the inner room, “What is going on, here?”
“It’s nothing,” Israel waved, his smile lingering. “We’re good.” Turning back to me he said, “Ain’t we, Asher?”
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