Chapter 28
TWENTY-EIGHT
R ook’s tiger had finally had enough. Power gathered in his chest, and he released it in a roar that shook the rafters. Silence fell instantly.
He rose slowly, letting his alpha energy fill the room. Several of Justus’s supporters took involuntary steps back.
“If anyone else wishes to question my mate choice,” his voice carried deadly calm, “step forward now.”
No one moved.
“No?” He surveyed the room. “Then let me be clear. Clover is my mate. This is not a debate. This is not a negotiation. Any disrespect toward her will be treated as a direct challenge to my authority. Are we understood?”
Keelan shifted from foot to foot, unsure. “But the pride’s future?—”
“The pride’s future is my responsibility.” Rook’s gaze pinned him in place. “A responsibility I take seriously. Which is why I’m implementing a mentorship program – matching successful pride members with those seeking guidance. We will grow stronger together, combining traditional values with innovation.”
“Pretty words.” Hudson stepped forward. “But actions speak louder. Under your leadership, our secrets spill like water. Perhaps it’s time for change. Someone who wouldn’t let sentiment cloud their judgment. Someone who wouldn’t take a weak witch for?—”
A blast of green energy sent Hudson flying. He hit the back wall with a satisfying thud, sliding to the floor in an undignified heap.
Clover stood, magic dancing around her like emerald lightning. She was stunning and dangerous. The fire in her eyes was pure energy. “Sorry, what was that about weak witches? I was distracted by how pathetic you look sprawled on the floor.”
Hudson scrambled up, face red. “How dare you?—”
“Oh, honey.” She smiled sweetly, the flames in her eyes flaring brighter. “I dare plenty. But you’re right about one thing – action does speak louder than words. Which is why Rook and I developed the perfect signature scent for the med spa. Something revolutionary. Something that will change the industry forever.”
Her magic coiled around her like a living thing. “Of course, a real businessman would have created his own formula instead of stealing others’ work. But I suppose not everyone can be as brilliant as my man. I mean, have you seen him? My mate? Brain like a steel trap, muscles like a Greek god, and he actually knows how to coordinate his accessories.”
Hudson’s face darkened further. Rook had a hard time keeping himself from grinning at her over-the-top compliments.
“Not to mention his leadership skills.” Clover continued cheerfully. “Did you know he negotiated three international contracts last week? In different languages? While also designing new security protocols and rescuing a kitten from a tree?”
Lane coughed to hide his laughter.
“And don’t even get me started on his business acumen.” She sighed dramatically. “The way he analyzes market trends... absolutely brilliant. Why, just yesterday he predicted the exact time it would rain. And then made it rain. Because he’s just that impressive.”
“This is ridiculous—” Hudson sputtered.
“Oh, and he can bench press a car. While doing calculus. In his head. Backward.” Clover beamed at Hudson. “But please, tell us more about how you think you could do better. We could all use a good laugh.”
Hudson stormed out, practically leaving smoke trails. Several of his supporters followed, but most stayed, looking both amused and uncertain.
“Anyone else have concerns?” Rook asked softly. The room remained silent. “Then we’re done here. Everyone, dismissed.”
Pride members filed out, many nodding respectfully to Clover. His family lingered.
“Do you need anything?” Sabine touched his arm. “We can?—”
“Go home.” He managed a smile. “A true leader doesn’t need help for the most basic parts of his job. Besides, I have everything I need right here.”
Later, sprawled on Clover’s couch with empty pizza boxes scattered around, Rook finally relaxed. “Bench press a car while doing backward calculus?”
“Too much?” She grinned up at him. “I was going to add that you can also juggle flaming swords while reciting poetry in ancient Greek, but I thought that might be overkill.”
“Clearly you were trying to be realistic.” He pulled her closer. “Though I notice you didn’t mention my most impressive talent.”
“What’s that?”
“Putting up with your terrible sense of humor.”
She gasped in mock offense. “Excuse you, I’m hilarious. You’re just jealous because you can’t actually make it rain.”
“No?” He kissed her neck. “Then why do you always seem to melt around me?”
“Oh god, that was awful.” But she laughed, bright and beautiful. “We need to work on your pickup lines.”
“I don’t know, seemed pretty effective to me.” He captured her lips, swallowing her retort.
When they finally came up for air, she asked, “Think Hudson took the bait?”
“After that performance? His ego won’t let him resist.” Rook smiled against her skin. “You were magnificent, by the way. Terrifying, but magnificent.”
“He deserved worse.” She snuggled closer. “No one disrespects my mate. Even if he can’t actually juggle flaming swords.”
“Yet. Give me time.”
Her laugh filled the room, and his tiger purred with contentment. Let Hudson scheme. Let Justus plot. They had no idea what they were up against.
Together, he and Clover were unstoppable.
Even if he couldn’t actually make it rain.