'Damon?', Talia called through their private mind-link. 'What makes you say that I'm a good Alpha?'
'I never saw this sphere before, but I heard stories about how it changes color. Not glowing, only changing color, yet you made it glow like a disco ball.' Damon noticed the shock on the Guardian's face when he pulled Talia's hand away from the device. Why did he stop her? Damon had a feeling it was related to the request for Talia to stay behind after the meeting. But Damon didn't want her to worry about that now. 'You have no idea how proud I am that you are mine, kitten.'
Talia's breath hitched when Damon's emotions flooded into her through their mate bond. There was an endless amount of love and acceptance and everything good that exists in this world. She suppressed her desire to jump on him and hold on until the end of time.
Alphas Robert and Patrick both smiled while taking their tokens.
"Why are you so giddy?", Alpha Edward asked Alpha Robert dryly. "You lost."
Alpha Robert paused. "Not exactly. Rick and I didn't want any part in this bet, so we agreed to cover for each other."
It took Alpha Edward a moment to understand. "You placed bets on opposite sides on purpose."
"That's right.", Alpha Patrick said. "Since I lost, Rob will write off my debt so we both get to keep our money. Maybe a million dollars for you is something to play with, but for us, that's a lot of money."
"You will still need to kneel and apologize.", Alpha Richard said victoriously like that didn't apply to him.
"Unfortunately, that's true.", Alpha Robert confirmed. "But I will do that while thinking how it was worth it because it will enable my pack members a better life. What about you? Was it worth it to provoke the strongest Alpha of the next generation?"
"What makes you think she is the strongest?", Alpha Edward asked.
Alpha Robert shook his head in disapproval. "You should know a thing or two about that sphere. Did you ever hear about it reacting in such a way? How long is she an Alpha? A few months, at most. Imagine what will happen in a few years. Her potential is unlimited." He inched closer and spoke in a lower voice, "And didn't you notice how all youngsters are standing behind her? That should give you a clue who is in charge there."
Alpha Edward's face darkened. He was right. In their society, it's disgraceful to stand behind someone who is weaker, but more importantly, did he just lose a vote? Sure, Alpha Robert didn't say that he will support him, but Alpha Edward saw both Alphas Robert and Patrick wavering and he was confident that they will give in when it counts, however, after this, his confidence dwindled.
"You can't be serious about this greenhorn posing a threat.", Alpha Edward said to Alpha Robert.
"Oh, he is serious.", Alpha Patrick responded from the side. "And let me tell you now for everyone to hear, if you drag us again into your games, our two packs will cut off all collaboration with you."
Normally, Alpha Patrick wouldn't dare to speak to Alpha Edward like that, but he was pissed that the latter agreed to this ridiculous bet in a way that forced everyone to participate. Alphas Patrick and Robert were planning to stay neutral until the last minute, and they had no idea that they would be forced to choose before the meeting even started!
Alpha Edward gritted his teeth. How dares this small Alpha talk to him like equals? His annoyance rose when he realized that he probably lost two votes, and if he lost them, it means that Damon got them. Damn it!
Alpha Richard raised his hand, to get everyone's attention. "Now that this was settled, we can go to the meeting."
"Not so fast!", Meg snapped. "Did you forget that you just lost a bet?"
Alpha Richard frowned at Meg. "We have one week to pay."
Meg lifted her chin smugly. "And you have one minute to get on your knees."
Alpha Richard's face fell, and he turned to Talia. "Is that really necessary?"
Talia tilted her head. "If it was me on the losing side, would you forgive me that I lost?"
Alpha Richard opened his mouth to protest, but Alpha Edward cut him off with, "Let's be done with this."
Alpha Richard was flabbergasted. "You… You… are going through with it?" Alphas don't apologize and they don't bow to anyone. That's what makes them Alphas. If anyone finds out about this, they will be laughing stocks!
"Alpha Richard!", Talia called. "If you are trying to wiggle out of this simple act of apologizing, I can only assume that you will go to great lengths to avoid paying the one million dollars you lost here."
Alpha Edward wanted to give him a good beating. Was Alpha Richard such an idiot that he didn't realize their current situation? There were now six Guardians in the room, all of them looking at them sternly, and there were Talia and four other Alphas by her side, all waiting for them to make the wrong move.
"Let's do it quickly so we can move onto the meeting.", Alpha Edward squeezed through his teeth.
Alpha Edward balled his hands into fists as he went down on his knees in slow motion. Somehow, it was a much easier thing to do in his mind as his body was refusing to cooperate. His wolf protested the submission, but Alpha Edward pushed him to the back of his mind. Stupid beast! If he acts out, they might lose much more than just some dignity.
One by one, six Alphas were on their knees, mumbling apologies for doubting Talia.
"That doesn't sound very sincere.", Meg said from the side.
Talia waved her hand, indicating to Meg to let it go. "This is how far their sincerity goes. Take a note that we won't be collaborating with these six in the future." If not for shaking Alpha Edward's position in the eyes of his cronies, Talia wouldn't bother with these apologies. She was confident that they would jump at her throat if they only had a chance, and she was not wrong. The malicious intent rising from those six was tangible.
'CLICK!'
A sound was heard on Talia's left, and she turned to see that Maddox took a photo.
"This needs to be commemorated.", Maddox said with a grin and showed the screen of his phone that had six Alphas kneeling in front of Talia.
Alpha Edward gritted his teeth. "Was that necessary?"
Maddox shrugged and stuffed the phone into the back pocket of his pants.
'CLICK!'
A sound came from Talia's right. It was Alpha Cristian with his phone.
"I've got a better angle from here."
Maddox walked to Cristian with, "Let me see."
The six Alphas that were on the ground were close to exploding from anger. They were being treated like circus attractions! Alpha Edward and Alpha Richard blamed Talia, while the other four directed their anger at Alpha Edward. If he didn't drag them into this unnecessary trouble, they wouldn't be embarrassed.
