21. The Vote
Chapter twenty-one
The Vote
Lei
I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes upon me, waiting for my final comment before voting.
“We need to consider all angles before we make a decision.” I steadied my voice, despite the rising tension in my shoulders. “Monique has undoubtedly proven her loyalty and resourcefulness, but we must also acknowledge the risks involved.”
Monique eyed me. “What risks?”
“Bringing you deeper into the Four Aces means exposing you to even greater danger.”
Duck shrugged. “Lei has a point. Being a Friend means her going to other camps like Flower Mafia or Killer Crows and speaking for us. With Monique. . .I don't think we can afford to take any unnecessary risks.”
Monique shook her head. “I'm calling bullshit. By being around the Four Aces, I have already showed that I can be around extremely dangerous men and survive. Or am I wrong?”
I frowned. “You're right.”
“Are you all not wolves?” She smirked at Duck. “Sharp fangs. Bloodied claws.”
Duck stirred.
He definitely gave her this information. I just don't know how.
“Respectfully, Mountain Master. I agree with Monique. That was bullshit.” Chen folded his hands in front of him. “First of all, it wouldn't make sense to send Monique to Flower Mafia or Killer Crows, when our greatest problem for years has been with Rowe Street Mob—a group that she undoubtedly has a huge amount of sway with.”
“Facts.” Monique placed those cards back at her side. “And from what I've learned, there have been several unfair deals given to Rowe Street Mob on the behalf of Killer Crows that has caused the problems. I may not be experienced in negotiating weapon deals, but I do know how to properly talk to Marcy. . .”
She cleared her throat. “I mean Marcelo.”
Hu quirked his brows. “Marcy?”
Duck snorted.
Ever the observant Straw Sandal, Hu watched her. “What is the nature of your relationship with Marcelo?”
“We grew up together as kids.”
It wasn't right but I didn't like that fact.
I studied her. “And was there ever any romantic moments between you two?”
Monique sighed.
What the fuck? There was?
She lowered her voice. “We kissed.”
My blood boiled with rage. “How many times?”
“One summer.”
Duck frowned. “So that was a lot of kissing?”
“We were thirteen.”
Chen widened his eyes. “So you were probably his first kiss?”
We all watched her.
“Okay.” She backed up. “Yes. . .and we were young so we stumbled around with kissing and touching.”
I damn near growled. “Touching?”
“We were thirteen.” She held up both of her hands in front of her.
Duck smirked. “It was a hot summer.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, at the end of the summer that all ended and we remained friends.”
Chen spoke, “Why did it end?”
“Because his life became super heartbreaking and complicated which meant he needed a friend and not a kisser.”
I frowned. “How did his life get complicated?”
She blinked. “You don't know?”
We all shook our heads.
“After his father lost the Paradise City boxing championship he beat his mother to death.”
I tensed.
“A week later, someone found his father dead in an alley.” A sad expression covered her face. “My aunt and uncle took Marcelo in, and. . .he was never really the same, so. . .whenever I came for visits, we hugged a lot and I did his hair, but there was no more kissing or touching. Just the sort of love and comfort that one would have for a family member.”
Chen turned to me. “Not to weaken this heartfelt moment but that's real power. She could at least help with the new development happening with Rowe Street Mob.”
Monique looked at him. “What new development?”
Stress laced Chen's voice. “They're surrounding the mountain.”
Monique rolled her eyes. “They wouldn't be doing that right now, if I had my phone yesterday.”
Chen spoke, “She has my vote for Friend of Four Aces however, I would like her negotiations to be limited to Rowe Street Mob until she has fully proven that she can represent us in the best manner and truly deliver with the position.”
“That's fair.” Monique nodded. “However, I want to have the right to return to Council and expand the title after a set amount of time.”
Chen rubbed his chin. “A year should do it.”
Fuck.
Everyone went silent and turned back to me, waiting for my signal to vote.
Monique was proven to be more than just a lusty interest—soft, warm, and wet; she was becoming a force to be reckoned with, a woman capable of standing on her own in the treacherous world we inhabited.
On edge, I dove my hands in my pockets.
This realization was both a source of pride and a bitter pill to swallow. It meant letting go of some of the control I had unconsciously sought over her, and instead, supporting her rise, even if it meant watching her shine from a distance.
In that moment, I understood this relationship with Monique was at a crossroads. How I chose to act now would define not just us, but the kind of leader I wanted to be after my father's death.
I broke the silence. “Alright. Let's put it to a vote.”
My gaze met Monique's.
Those beautiful eyes were a blend of hope and determination.
“It's traditional for the Mountain Master to be the final vote, but I'll go first.” I stepped forward.
She pursed her lips.
We were so close.
I yearned to touch her, but I remained professional. “This was a ballsy move, yet here you are, standing your ground, unflinching in the face of dangerous men. Wolves, as you said.”
She bit her lip.
“I know I have gone too far with you in these past days, still you've safely navigated through shit that would have broken many.” I let out a long breath. “And this morning. . .even though someone has clearly given you unauthorized text. . .”
I slowly turned and glared at Duck.
He returned to fidgeting with his sword's handle.
“Still. . .” I looked back at Monique. “With that, you've shown strength, wisdom, and a level of understanding that goes beyond the ordinary. You've stood toe-to-toe with us, not as a subordinate, but as an equal.”
I paused, allowing my words to resonate through the space.
Duck, Hu, and Chen watched intently.
“You've earned not just my respect, but clearly the respect of my top officials, which is no easy feat.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “So, Monique, you have my full support and vote to become a Friend of the Four Aces .”
But Marcy and everyone else better fucking know their place. . .
She widened her eyes in shock. “Thank you. . .Lei.”
I backed up, hoping that I hadn't made the wrong decision. “Deputy Mountain Master?”
She still needed another vote. Chen and Duck typically voted together. Meanwhile, Hu was always a wild card and at times, reserved the right to not vote at all.
Chen stepped forward. “Good arguments, Monique.”
She swallowed. “Thank you.”
“Your request to be a Friend of the Four Aces isn't just about a title; it's a recognition of your place among us.” He began speaking with his hands, twirling and twisting his fingers with each point.
That definitely was not a good sign.
Chen flickered his index finger. “While you've proven that you are more than capable of handling the responsibilities and expectations that come with it, I'm not comfortable with your taking on this position. Therefore, you do not have my vote.”
What?
Sadness flickered in her eyes.
I took a deep breath wanting to slap him.
Pressure pressed against my chest.
Granted, I hadn't been happy about her wanting the position in the first place.
I also didn't want her to fail at this Council or feel embarrassed in front of my men.
Monique's voice was shaky. “I understand.”
“However. . .” Chen continued, “I do finally see what Uncle Leo must have saw when he decided to place you at the center of his maneuverings and I believe that you will be an excellent Mountain Mistress and. . .we must start putting those steps in motion and preparing you for that path. Immediately.”
Clearly shocked, Monique parted her mouth.
“Yes. Lei was racing around the city searching for Chanel's body these past days.” Chen bobbed his head. “But you were always on his mind and I believe that his feelings for you are already stronger and will surpass anything that he ever felt for Chanel.”
I stirred.
Chen gave a half bow and returned to where he was standing earlier.
Monique watched him and then sighed.
Pissed, I turned to Duck. “Red Pole?”
Will you go with your brother as usual or for the first time ever. . .vote differently?
I didn't know why Duck always went with Chen. Perhaps it was a little brother-big brother thing. Also, they did grow up in the same household. Maybe that caused them to typically think alike.
Duck shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the moment. His gaze flickered between Monique and me.
To my surprise, there was a conflict evident in his eyes.
What's going on in your mind, cousin?
Duck cleared his throat.
I raised my eyebrows. “Do you need more time to think? I can skip to Hu.”
“No.” Sadness laced Duck's voice. “I agree with my brother.”
“What?” Monique flinched as if she has been slapped.
Sighing, he stepped forward.
“Monique, you've shown yourself to be more than capable. You’re intelligent. Strong-willed, and you have the sort of charisma that would have dangerous men like us. . .listening and agreeing with you.” He paused, his gaze lingering on Monique a moment longer than necessary. “Those are all qualities befitting a Mountain Mistress.”
Monique's eyes widened slightly.
Shit. She may not get the vote.
Duck remained there. “It's clear that you have a powerful effect on those around you, especially. . .myself included. But it's also clear. . .unfortunately. . .that your place is beside Lei, leading us all. You should be Mountain Mistress.”
Monique frowned. “But I'm not petitioning for the role of Mountain Mistress—”
“You're not allowed to interrupt anyone's discussion on their vote.” Chen wagged a finger.
Monique looked close to scratching Chen's eyes out. Still, she kept her composure. “I apologize.”
Duck gave her a small nod of appreciation. “Thank you for understanding, Monique. I know this may not be what you were expecting but sometimes the path we're meant to take isn't the one we initially set out on.”
Monique rolled her eyes.
Duck bowed and returned to his spot.
All eyes then turned to Hu, the final vote.
I gestured to him. “Straw Sandal?”
Hu stepped forward and scratched his head. “Hmmm.”
An unreadable expression covered his face.
Will you finally vote? Or will you keep your neutral position?
In these past days, Duck and Chen had had many different exchanges with Monique. However, Hu always remained silent in the shadows.
But that simply meant that he was assessing her.
A whole quiet minute passed.
Impatient, I spoke, “The outcome of this Council rests on your shoulders. Get on with it.”
Chen jumped in, “Mountain Master, you cannot bully or force people to quickly vote.”
I sighed.
For another minute, Hu stood silently.
Goddamn it.
I ran my fingers through my hair.
And then finally, he took another step forward. “I don't usually vote. . .”
Monique's bottom lip shivered.
I hated her being in this position.
Hu gave Monique a sad smile. “But. . .this is important.”
Oh. He's going to vote.
“Monique, I've been watching you in this little bit of time.”
In that moment, I noticed two crows flying over and squawking. Usually, I would have stared up at them.
Instead, I put my attention back on Hu and hoped for the best.
“Your presence has brought a change to the Four Aces, a change that's been hard for me to ignore.”
Fuck. This could be bad.
Hu hated too much change. It always made him uneasy.
Hu pointed to Monique. “You've challenged Lei a lot, and. . .made us reconsider our own ways. That's not something that should be taken lightly.”
My heart pounded in my ears.
“The role of Mountain Mistress is a significant one.” Hu folded his hands in front of him. “But. . .you're not ready for that no matter what Uncle Leo, Chen, or even Duck think. Those are quite big shoes to fill and Lei's mother did it effortlessly and with pure grace. You will have quite a challenge to go up behind her as well as face our people in the process. They will not accept you in the beginning.”
Those words hung heavy in the air, threatening to suffocate us all.
Fuck this.
I began to step forward.
Chen placed his hand on my arm and stopped me. “You can't interrupt, Mountain Master. And this is his vote, not yours.”
Seething, I clenched my fists and stayed there.
“However, I'm not sure if you should be a Friend of the Four Aces either.” Hu quickly raised one hand. “And that is not my vote, I'm still thinking.”
Duck sighed. “Think quickly and figure it out.”
Hu's gaze remained fixed on Monique. “I'm going to give you a hypothetical situation, Monique.”
What?
Duck glanced at me. “Can he do that?”
I nodded. “Do the hypothetical, Hu, but like Duck said. . .get on with it.”
Hu gazed at Monique. “Consider it a test, if you will, to gauge your readiness for any position within the Four Aces, be it a Friend or Mountain Mistress .”
Monique nodded. “I'm listening.”
Hu leaned forward slightly. “Imagine there's a significant tension between Rowe Street Mob and us, the Four Aces. Given your unique position and perspective, how would you approach smoothing relations between both groups? What steps would you take to ensure peace and mutual benefit?”
I shook my head. “That's unfair. This is a situation that would require a lot of thought and—”
“I can answer it, Lei. I've already been considering this.” Monique raised her index cards, shuffled through a few, and then stopped at one.
We waited as she glanced over her notes.
Well. . .she's really been doing her homework this whole time.
Most women would have simply enjoyed the luxury of the tent—lobster and expensive chocolates, jewelry and whatever else she required.
Monique put the cards back at her side. “First, I think that understanding the root cause of the tension is essential. Is it a matter of territory, respect, or perhaps a miscommunication?”
Not bad.
“Once I identified that, I would arrange a meeting with key figures from both sides, in a neutral location, to encourage an environment of open dialogue.”
Duck smiled.
Chen whispered to me. “She could be Mountain Mistress.”
I shifted my weight to my other foot.
She paused as if considering her next words carefully. “During the discussion, I would emphasize shared interests and the potential for mutual gain. I've seen in Four Aces' history that it's important to not only acknowledge past grievances but to focus on moving forward.”
Hu nodded, listening intently.
“Furthermore,” Monique checked her notes, “I would propose a joint venture or project that benefits both parties, something that requires cooperation and builds trust.”
Hu's expression softened.
“And finally,” Monique concluded, “I would monitor the new project and maintain regular communication, making sure everyone is at ease.”
Good job.
It was as if she’d been my father’s helper long ago, assisting him with writing the rules.
Hu nodded again, this time with a hint of respect in his eyes. “That's a solid approach.”
He turned towards me and the rest of the council. “Based on this, she has my vote, not just for the title of Friend of the Four Aces but for her potential to be much more in the far future.”
A wave of relief washed over me.
I hadn't realized how much I was invested in the outcome.
I looked at Monique.
She let out a long breath and smiled. “I've got the votes.”
“You do.” Pride swelled in my chest. “Congratulations. You are now a probationary Friend of the Four Aces .”
She blinked. “Probationary?”
“You still have the Oath of Loyalty and the Blood Bond which will not be able to occur until after the final battle with my father.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “That's fine.”
“However, you will have an advisor to help you in the future. Take this extra time to figure out who that will be and Chen will assist with making it happen. You have a few weeks to decide and if you need more time that would be fine. But, while you're in the East get to know many of the officials in the palace and—”
“Oh no. I've got it.” Monique took out another card. “I already know who I want to advise me with future negotiations and meetings.”
Stunned, I blinked. “You do?”
“Yes. My understanding is that it should be a person that knows enough about the Four Aces and the Diamond Syndicate to help me.” She handed the card to Chen. “I believe this person has historically acted intelligently in dealings and conflicts.”
Who the fuck does she want?
Chen took the card, checked the names, and then wheezed as if he were about to have an asthma attack.
“What?” I eyed the card. “Who is it?”
She spoke for him, “Dimitri Ivanov.”
Chen looked at her. “Monique, Dima is not exactly the most-friendly person, and he can be. . .a lot to handle.”
“I think he would want to advise me.”
Duck snorted, “That's an understatement. He would love to advise you on tons of things like his cock going—”
“That’s enough.” Chen stuffed the index card in his pocket. “Dima has lots of ladies but he’s not exactly a lady’s man. The problem with Dima is that he is. . .”
She stared at him. “What?”
Chen frowned. “Odd.”
Duck shrugged. “Very odd.”
“That’s fine with me.” Monique smirked. “Please connect us, Chen.”
Goddamn it. Hopefully, Dima will stay out of this.
“Fine.” Chen nervously ran his fingers through his hair. “I believe this Council is done. Monique, I would appreciate your calling Banks or even Marcy—”
“Don’t call him that.” Monique scowled. “But I’ll call and have them back their men away from the mountain.”
“Perfect.” Chen gave a half bow. “Now, we can get you both to your date.”
Monique turned her view to me. “Date?”
“Date.” I gestured at that dress. “Now please put on a blue dress, Friend of the Four Aces. And make sure that dress is just as sexy as this white one.”
She gave a half-bow. “Yes, Mountain Master.”
My cock twitched in my pants.