NALEDI’S POV
I walked into a dimly lit room, led by Luka who seemed to be in a hurry.
I couldn’t tell if he was in a hurry to get to the meeting or in a hurry to get it over with.
Judging by how tightly he held me by the waist, I was willing to put my money on the latter. There and then, I started thinking up ways to get out of the mess I had created as soon as I got the valuable information I needed.
“Luka.” One of the men stood up with a stretched-out arm. “It’s been a while.”
Their shake was firm and familiar. “How has it been?” Luka asked and was met with a nod. “I reckon you are just flying into the state. I am sorry for the impromptu meeting.”
“I believe it is all for a good cause. Especially if it couldn’t wait till tomorrow, our actual meeting.” The man said. At this rate, I was dying to know his name. “Who is the beautiful woman you have by your side? A pet?”
I felt my blood boil in anger. It was decided. I hated whoever this man was.
“Forgive my manners, Nikolai. I was in a haste to get to the topic.” He took a seat and forced me to his lap. “Meet Amara Cordel. Our human billionaire.”
I didn’t like the way he introduced me, but I figured it worked nonetheless.
“A human billionaire.” The third person in the room who has been quiet all these while finally spoke. “Why is she seated on your lap then? I’d think she would be present at the event to actually invest.”
“Roman. Always a pleasure to have you join the meeting.” Luka said with a smile. “And to answer your question, that would have been the case, except she found me and took a liking to me.” He nuzzled at the nape of my neck, “I couldn’t put her out.”
“She is not meant to be here. Why is she here? We have a serious matter at hand, the last thing I need is you getting distracted because of a woman.” Roman snarled.
There and then, I decided I didn’t like him. And if the dirty looks he threw at me were anything to go by, he didn’t care about me too.
“If it’s any consolation, she is compelled. And if that doesn’t do, she will be killed anyway.” I felt his fangs scrape the skin of my neck. “But of course after I get hold of everything in her possession.”
“Are we good?” Luka asked after flat-out announcing my fate. And here I was, thinking he was taken by me. When there were no more reservations about my presence he continued. “Let’s get to business, shall we?”
“Why have you summoned us here?” Nikolai said.
I couldn’t help but feel the name was familiar. Where did I hear that name?
“We have a problem.” His tone turned grave. “I believe the Alpha of the Cosa Nostra is unto us. We need to proceed with the first batch of the shipping tonight.”
“We already established the American territory are too much of a risk.” Roman interjected. “It wouldn’t work. Not with such a drastic change of plans.”
“I think we should risk getting the first batch out, see how much money we make off them to determine if the business is indeed a gold mine.” Luka turned to Nikolai. “What do you think?”
“Unless you are ready to compel an entire airport into doing your bidding, this is not feasible. And the Yakuza pack have been notified of receiving their goods tomorrow.” Roman gritted, “The last thing we need is getting on their bad side.”
“The Yakuza pack would never be upset about getting their girls earlier than usual.” Luka said, “I think the problem will be when they end up receiving nothing as arranged.”
My heart turned cold. What in the world were these men shipping?
“And all these because of Caellum Morello?” Nicolai said, taking a sip of his drink. “I thought you had him under leash.”
“I thought so too, but judging from our latest interaction, I think we should make our move now. I just need you both to be on board and everything will be settled.”
“If you insist we make our move tonight, then by all means, get it done.” Roman got up, “Next time, a text would suffice seeing you had no plans of deliberation. Saves us both the time and stress of coming to this darned club in the middle of the night.”
Luka smiled, “Don’t be grumpy. You know my reservations about discussing and making important decisions over the phone. You never know who’s listening.”
Nicolai got up, “Keep me posted on the state of things.” He finished his glass. “Good thing you have going on here, I’m tempted to replicate such in my territory.”
I knew a proud smirk when I saw one. “I don’t see what’s stopping you,” Luka answered, relaxing on the cushion. “Take it from the source, it’s the perfect investment.”
“I reckon.” Nicolai’s eyes summed through my form. “Free food, cash cow and the perfect spot for meetings. I’m jealous.”
Before Luka could muster another word, the suited man from before returned with a panicked look on his face. “We are being attacked! The club is on fire. You need to leave now!”
I got on my feet, wondering what the hell was going on. In that brief moment, I felt it. My werewolf side returned to me slowly. I felt my strength and power return to me in bits.
Luka sniffed the air, and his eyes turned cold. Like one in a haste, he turned me around and spoke so fast I barely heard him. “You will run out of here without a glance back and forget we ever met.” His eyes dilated as he spoke to me.
He was trying to compel me. I couldn’t afford to slip up on the facade I had built all night. Without a second thought, I ran out of the room, relieved to be out of their midst.
When I saw the huge fire that ravished the place, that relief disappeared, what remained was dread and anxiety about how to get out unscathed.
“My lady!” I heard a familiar voice say to me from the right. I turned around and met the eyes of Korah standing amid the chaos and beckoning on me.
Never had I ever felt so excited to see a person in my entire life.