27. Finley #2
“That’s a fucking lie if I’ve ever heard one. He literally works with shifters every day. The rat bastard knew exactly what he was doing.” Elias snarled through our minds.
I gifted the Senator with a reassuring smile. “It’s alright. We sometimes forget that warlocks are even considered part of the supernatural community. I’m afraid I don’t know any of your customs or rules myself, so you’ll have to forgive me if I cause any offense.”
The anger and indignation that came off this man told me I’d pissed him off.
Seeing that had been my intention, the smile on my face was genuine.
If these people thought I was just going to roll over and be a good little elf queen because I got invited to the party, they would realize quickly that wasn’t the case.
Granted, they wouldn’t be alive much longer, but what’s the harm in having some fun with them before they died?
As their lives ended, I wanted them to know who’d done it and why.
This queen wasn’t going to shrink away from the truth.
“That is one of the wonderful things about this gala is it brings so many of us together so we might be able to grow in our knowledge of other types of supernaturals,” Senator Edward explained.
“I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, and if you’d ever like to learn more about warlocks, I could offer you some books to expand your knowledge. ”
“I would offer you the same about elves, but it seems that the Senate has taken all our texts and put them under lock and key. Do you know by chance who I could talk to about getting those? I feel it’s only right for us to have them back,” I commented, flashing him a bright smile so he would never be sure if I meant it as an insult or not.
Edward’s jaw clenched and his hands flexed as if he wished he was strangling me with them. “You might want to talk to Senator Morwyn. She is the one in charge of our historical texts and other documents.”
“Bless you,” I said, placing my hand on his arm gently. “I truly appreciate that you’ve taken the time to speak with me when I know others are vying for your attention.”
The senator’s chest puffed up as I stroked his fragile little ego. “Yes, well, it seems you somehow got the wrong impression of us, and I wanted to ensure that we didn’t reinforce it. Enjoy the rest of the gala. Make sure to check out the finger food. It’s all divine.”
“How much longer do we need to keep up this act like we give a fuck?” Mason asked, yawning as he looked around the event space.
I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and shook my head. “Why don’t we do as he suggested and check out the food?”
“We need to make certain the important people are here,” I reminded them. “James should be arriving soon now that it’s dark out, but I haven’t seen the judge yet. Zander, have you seen your mother?”
“Yes, she’s sitting at their table next to my father with a bodyguard right behind her. I’ve never seen her look as miserable as she does now. He must be doing something awful to cause that kind of expression,” Zander shared.
“Oh, look, darling, your mother, we must go say hello,” I said aloud so others would hear and there would be no question as to why we were talking to her. “Besides, I haven’t had the chance to meet your father yet,” I added.
Zander gave me a tight smile as he took my hand and led me over.
“No matter what that man says, don’t believe a single word of it.
He is a master manipulator and gets anyone to give in and do what he wants.
He’s also an incredibly strong alpha, so be aware of that if he tries to pull that shit on you. ”
“Is he stronger than you?” I questioned.
He didn’t answer right away, almost as if he hadn’t really thought about it. “No, I’m stronger than he is when it comes to that. He is ruthless in a fight, always looking for your weakness, but sheer alpha energy, I could take him.”
“Then I’ll be just fine,” I assured him. “If I can ignore your orders, I think I’ll be alright to brush his off as well.”
Our conversation came to a halt as we stopped in front of a table where Morwyn was seated in a regal emerald green dress with her husband next to her, dressed just as smartly with a matching tie.
“Mother, Father, it’s good to see you,” Zander greeted, kissing his mother on the cheek and nodding to his father. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve come home, but I suppose that happens when you meet your mate so suddenly.”
Placing a hand on my lower back, Zander had me step just slightly in front of him, putting me closer to his mother. “Morwyn, it’s lovely to see you again. I must say that dress is stunning on you.”
Gareth snarled at me as I reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. With the contact, I was able to get snippets of what’s been happening to her and none of it was good. The fact she could sit here right now and not show just how cruel he’d been to her was a miracle.
“That’s Senator Vaughan to you, omega,” Gareth barked, trying to throw his weight around.
My smile was plastered on my face as I cocked my head.
“I’m so sorry, did you not hear? I thought with it being all over the news and wearing this silly thing on my head you might have caught on…
it’s queen to you,” I stated, letting my tone hold all the disgust I had for him out in that last bit.
“I’m not one of your wolves you can order around no matter what my rank is.
Elf first, wolf second, leaving you with no power over me whatsoever. ”
Gareth shot to his feet and got right up in my face. “Listen, you little elf bitch—”
“Say one more word and I will cause a scene the likes of which you have never experienced before,” Zander threatened. “I will not allow you to speak to my mate with such disrespect. Now, back off.”
With Zander right behind me and feeling him putting all his alpha energy behind his words, the only thing that kept me standing was his touch.
It was almost as if he was grounding me from the effect, but his father was forced back a step.
Gareth’s eyes widened as he realized what had just happened. Zander had out alpha’ed him.
“Boy,” he bit out. “You don’t know what you’re doing, but if you don’t back down, I will end you, son or no son. I won’t let you threaten me.”
“No, I think the one who doesn’t know what he’s doing is you,” Zander shot back. He reached out a hand to his mother, his expression softening slightly. “Come, Mother, I think you will find sitting at our table will be more enjoyable.”
The bodyguard started to follow, but Tabitha cut him off and shook her head. “As one of Senator Vaughan’s personal bodyguards, I’ll take it from here. You can go.”
The beta bared his teeth at her, but Zander cut him off. “Did you not hear her? She said for you to go.”
When the order slammed into the shifter, he whimpered, spinning on his feet and hurrying off.
“You’re playing with fire, Zander,” his father called after us. “Don’t come running to me when you get burned.”
I paused and looked back at him over my shoulder and talked in a low voice, knowing he could hear me. “Same goes for you. There will be no mercy found with us.”