False Expectations - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Gina's pov:
-"Don't throw me under the bus," I muttered, frustration evident in my voice. "I've tried everything I can think of to get close to him, but nothing works. You need to understand—Maximus is a different breed. He's cold, distant, and when he says something, he means it. He demands compliance, and if you don't give it to him, you'll see his wrath. He made it crystal clear the last time he told me to stay away. If I disobey, I'll lose my head—literally. I don't know what else I can do."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line before the voice responded, low and menacing. "You need to find a way to meet with him alone. Somewhere private, where no one can see. If Adelina catches you, that's the end of our plan. We need them separated, do you understand? They're stronger together than apart, and we cannot let that happen. Do whatever it takes."
I exhaled sharply, my heart pounding with a mixture of dread and determination. "I'll do my best, but there are no guarantees. You know how he is. He won't be manipulated easily."
The voice on the phone hardened, a coldness creeping into the words. "That answer is not acceptable. You know the stakes, and you know what's at risk. This isn't a negotiation. We need them apart. They're a threat to everything we've planned. You have to find a way. We're paying you more than enough for this job."
I felt a shiver run down my spine, the weight of the task pressing on me. I had no choice but to comply. If I didn't, the consequences would be too severe to even contemplate.
-"I promise, you'll hear from me soon. I'll get it done," I said, my voice strained but resolute.
-"I hope so," the voice replied, dripping with cold menace. "For your own sake, I hope you do.".
Maximus' pov:
-"I think we can call it a day for tonight! Most of our matters were solved. Let's celebrate it with a drink," Chris suggested, his enthusiasm evident as he leaned back in his chair.
-"Sorry, mate, I can't. I'm not available," I replied, the disappointment clear in my voice.
-"Oh, I see... You've got something with Adelina, huh? A romantic dinner with your mate is definitely more appealing than drinking in a bar with a lonely nut," he said with a playful smirk.
-"You, a lonely nut? Please, don't make me laugh! We all know your extracurricular activities..." I shot back, raising an eyebrow.
-"What can I say? I try to do my best!" Chris replied cockily, puffing out his chest in mock pride. "Now go, or you'll lose the girl," he teased.
-"I wish it were that simple. Elder Eric wants to discuss something important with me tonight. He arranged a meeting, and he'll be here any second," I said, a slight edge of concern creeping into my voice.
-"I suspect what he wants, and I'm glad I'm not in your shoes," Chris responded, shaking his head.
-"Thanks, pal. Always so encouraging..." I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
-"I'm sorry, man, but I just can't stand this Elder. I don't like any of them, to be honest. But Eric? That guy is a nightmare—so arrogant, so full of himself. I'd leave in a heartbeat if I were you," he said, chuckling to himself as he stood and headed for the door.
-"I feel you, man. I'm sick of them too. They always demand explanations, clarifications, like they've got nothing better to do. But unfortunately, I'm obligated to entertain his little 'requests'," I muttered under my breath, the irritation obvious.
As if on cue, the door knocked, and one of my guards entered to announce Eric's arrival. I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation. Sure enough, Eric didn't wait to be announced and strode into the room with all the arrogance of someone who thought the world revolved around him.
-"Good evening, Alpha, Beta. I'm so glad to see you both here tonight. Especially since it seems that you, Maximus, have outdone yourself this time. Congratulations!" Eric said, his voice dripping with arrogance. I clenched my jaw, trying to suppress my anger as Chris rolled his eyes behind him, clearly unimpressed.
-"Shit. Does he want me too? Guess I have a big mouth after all," Chris mind-linked me, his voice thick with sarcasm. I couldn't help but bite back a laugh at his comment.
-"Good evening, Eric," I greeted, trying to maintain composure. Chris followed with the same greeting, adding the word "Elder" as a sign of respect, though I could tell he wasn't enjoying it.
-"I must inform you, Eric, that I've had a very difficult day, and my time is limited," I continued. "So, since we're all here, let's get to the heart of it, shall we?"
-"Fine by me," he replied curtly, his face expressionless.
-"Alright then," I said, standing straighter. "What exactly brings you here tonight?" I asked directly, wanting to cut through the usual pomp and get to the point. I detested long-winded speeches and unnecessary details.
He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "Maximus, I've known you since you were a newborn. Your father and I grew up together—we were always like brothers. So, you understand, what I have to say is very difficult for me," Eric said in a more solemn tone.
-"Please, don't drag this out. Just tell me what you want," I interjected, irritation creeping into my voice.
-"I have a hard time understanding why you would allow and support this woman in making these absurd rules for our pack," he said, his voice now laced with disapproval.
I let out a sigh, restraining the frustration bubbling up. "Dear Eric, I respect and appreciate both your long-standing friendship with my father and the support you've given me over the years. But let me remind you—this woman, your Luna, has every right to make the rules she deems fit, especially when those rules are fairer and will improve the lives of many of our pack members."
His face hardened, his eyes narrowing as if the words stung. "Maximus, do you understand what is at stake here? Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment, son," he said, his tone taking on a more paternalistic edge.
-"Eric, I think you're overreacting," I responded, my voice steady despite the tension. "There's no reason to worry. For the past 15 years, I've proven that I run this pack with wisdom and logic. Do you agree with that, or did you come here to question my authority?"
He hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening, before answering. "No, by no means would I question your authority, Maximus. You know very well that I have been one of your staunchest supporters all these years."
-"Then why are you here?" I asked, staring him down, my eyes locking with his. "What are you trying to achieve with this conversation?"
Eric didn't flinch. "I believe there's absolutely no need to change the rules your father established. They've been in place for centuries and have worked just fine. I fail to see why they need to change now," he said firmly, his conviction clear.
-"Because they are obsolete," I replied, my voice steady and confident. "And they can't be applied in a modern society."
Eric let out a low, almost imperceptible sigh, then leaned in slightly, his gaze softening. "You know, son," he said, his voice taking on a patronizing tone, "you don't need to alter the rules that have been in place for centuries just to win over your mate. There are... other ways to do that." He paused, as if weighing his next words. "If you want, I can offer you some advice on that."
-"You're overstepping your bounds, Eric," I growled. My voice was cold, laced with authority. "I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation, but let me make one thing clear—this isn't about wooing my mate. Adelina loves and cares for me as much as I do for her. I support her because I truly believe her vision will improve the lives of our pack members. She's already earned their respect and support, and that is the mark of a true leader."
Eric scoffed, his expression tightening in frustration. "That's absolute nonsense, and you know it! You didn't have any issues enforcing these rules for years. So, tell me, what has changed now?"
-"Things do change over time," I countered, my voice sharp with finality. "People evolve, just as the rules governing them must. New needs arise, different mentalities develop. So tell me, why should we cling to rules that no longer reflect the lives and values of the pack today?"
His face turned a deep shade of red as his temper flared. "Honestly, I never thought I'd live to see a woman take you by the balls!" he spat.
My patience snapped. I stepped forward, a menacing edge to my tone. "Watch your mouth, old man. That's the third time you've crossed the line tonight. If I haven't thrown you into the dungeons yet, it's because I respect your years and the bond you shared with my father. But don't mistake my respect for weakness—I won't tolerate another insult."
His fists clenched, his voice shaking with fury. "Are you threatening me?"
I met his glare with unwavering intensity. "The hell I am. I'm your Alpha, and I won't tolerate any disobedience or disrespect—toward me or my Luna. For years, I've done nothing but strive for the good of this pack, and I won't let anyone—not even you—undermine that."
Eric slammed his hand against the table, his voice rising with agitation. "Do you know who you're speaking to, boy?"
I stared him down, unflinching. "Spare me your arrogance, Eric. I'm speaking to an elder whom I've respected and appreciated all these years. And you are speaking to your Alpha. Is that clear?"
He stepped back slightly, his eyes filled with contempt. "Is this your final word, Maximus?" he hissed.
-"Yes," I replied coldly.
Eric straightened his posture, his voice lowering but no less threatening. "Then I won't be held responsible for what happens next."
My eyes narrowed, danger flashing through them. "Should I take that as a threat?" I asked, my tone menacing.
-"Take it however you wish," he snapped, rising abruptly to his feet. I stood up too, closing the distance between us until we were mere inches apart, our breaths mingling as if preparing for a physical clash.
-"You wouldn't want to make me your enemy," he said, his voice quieter but filled with venom.
I smirked darkly, a low growl rumbling in my chest. "I have nothing to fear. By defying my authority, you've already made yourself my enemy. Reconsider your path, Eric, and everything will be forgotten."
He hesitated for a moment, gripping the door handle. "You've betrayed your friends and our traditions for the sake of a woman," he said bitterly. "I pity you." With that, he stormed out, the sound of the door slamming echoing through the room.
Eric's POV:
I stormed down the hallway, my blood boiling with fury. How dare he treat me like this? Who does he think he is?
-"Where have you been? I've been looking for you all afternoon," a voice barked behind me. I turned to see one of my closest confidants—one of the few I trusted in this wretched pack. His expression was sharp, but I had no patience for his tone.
-"I had a meeting with Maximus," I snapped.
-"A meeting? With Maximus? About what?" he asked, his brows furrowing.
-"I tried to make him see reason," I hissed, the memory of our confrontation reigniting my anger. "I told him the Luna's ridiculous rules would destroy the pack, but he refused to listen. Worse, he threatened me! Can you believe that? Me! He's completely lost his mind. It wasn't enough that he dragged this pathetic excuse for a Luna into our pack—ignoring her, cheating on her, and now parading her ideas around like gospel. No, now he wants to impose her idiocy on all of us. I've had enough. Maximus must be stopped."
My confidant smirked darkly, leaning closer. "Don't worry. His reign will end soon enough. We'll be rid of him once and for all."
I frowned, skepticism creeping into my voice. "How? Every day, he grows stronger, more untouchable."
His smirk widened into something more sinister. "There are more than enough people who want to see him fall, Eric. And those people—they've already banded together. They're a force now, working for a greater cause."
"What cause?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "To restore the old ways—the true ways of the werewolves. To establish dominance over all the weaker species. Vampires, witches, humans—they'll all bow before us. Maximus is in the way of that future. And once he's gone, we'll bring back the traditions that made us great. You'll see."
-"Alleluia!" I exclaimed, barely able to contain my astonishment. "I've been preaching this for years! But Maximus' father was too weak to enforce it. And now... finally, someone is bold enough to take action."
Leopold smirked, his arrogance palpable. "That's exactly why we're moving forward. This has been a long time coming."
I leaned in closer, my curiosity overwhelming me. "If I may ask... who are all these people? Are you with them?"
His eyes narrowed, his smirk deepening. "Of course, I am. What did you expect?"
Shock coursed through me. "But... but you're one of Maximus' most trusted advisors! You're part of his inner circle—his confidant!"
-"And that's precisely what makes me so valuable to the team," Leopold replied smugly.
A cold dread crept up my spine. "What will happen to you if he finds out about this? If he learns you've betrayed him?"
Leopold waved a dismissive hand, his confidence unwavering. "By the time he realizes what's happening, it'll be too late. He won't have the power to stop us."
I studied him carefully, my mind racing. "Who's behind all this? Who's orchestrating the plan?"
Leopold's smirk disappeared, replaced with a shrewd expression. "It's neither the right moment nor the right place to discuss that. What I can tell you is this: the man leading this movement is incredibly powerful. He comes from a family with influence that stretches far beyond this pack."
My heart thudded in my chest as the weight of his words sank in. "Why should we trust him?"
Leopold's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, each word dripping with conviction. "Because he's destined to rule. Soon, he'll be King of the world. Supporting him now puts us on the winning side of history."
I hesitated, my thoughts tangled in uncertainty. "What do you need from me?"
Leopold leaned back, his demeanor cool and composed. "Absolutely nothing... for now. When the time comes, we'll tell you exactly what's required of you. Until then, stay vigilant, keep your ears open, and wait for further instructions."
I nodded, though unease churned in my gut. The magnitude of what I'd stumbled into was far greater than I'd imagined.