The road shifted from smooth concrete to a bumpy trail as we entered the Deadlands. As the car rattled through the ashen forest, I finally spotted the small clearing in front of us, along with another vehicle.
Catching my surprise, the director leaned over, "We sent a team ahead to secure the perimeter. Can't have those savages pull a fast one on us."
I nodded in understanding. All of the top leaders would be gathered in one place. If the werewolves wanted, they could use this as an opportunity to wipe them out in one swoop. However, as soon as the car parked, my body froze.
Just a few feet in front, I spotted Mason. He was dressed in his usual hunter uniform, holding his rifle.
Why is he here?
The calmness that I had spent all morning trying to achieve, shattered in a single moment.
Just ignore him. He's nothing to you.
But the moment I walked past him, he suddenly reached out and grabbed my hand. Caught off guard, I crashed into his broad chest.
"Esther, let's talk," he said, his voice too soft to trust.
I pulled away. "Talk? What's there to talk about?!" My voice shook, and I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my rapid heartbeat. "Even if you groveled on your knees, it wouldn't change the fact that you've been cheating on me for years! And last night, you made sure I understood exactly what that meant. So why the sudden charm today? Don't worry, Mason. I get it all too clearly."
"Esther, please. It was a mistake! Anna doesn't mean anything. I don't know what came over me last night. Let me take you out, make it up to you when you return."
"Mistake? Ha!" I laughed, unable to hold it in. "You know what, Mason? You're disgusting. You both are. Let's take a moment to make it official, we're through! So when I come back, I don't want to see your face ever again. Is that clear?"
"Babe, come on…" he murmured, his tone sickeningly sweet.
"Esther, come. The meeting is about to start!" the director called.
I walked off without another glance at Mason. We were done. Nothing he said or did could ever fix what he broke.
Just try winning me back, you narcissistic ass.
As I joined the director and the other leaders, movement caught my eye across the clearing. Four figures arrived on horseback. They dismounted as soon as they entered, and walked the rest of the way, meeting us in the center of the clearing.
Three of them looked older, about the same age as the director, but I knew that in reality, they must've been much older.
My gaze locked on the fourth. I studied him closely.
Is that the Alpha?
He was tall and powerfully built, reminding me of one of those bodybuilders who take steroids to build massive muscle. Except in his case, there probably wasn't a need for steroids.
His hair was cropped short, giving him the look of someone fresh out of the military.
Do werewolves even have a military?
When they arrived, the director stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "Elders, it's good to see you in good health. Thank you for taking steps toward peace between our kind. Together, we're moving toward a more peaceful world."
One of the Elders stepped forward, mirroring the director's bow. "Yes. Peace has been our goal for many generations."
His answer was short and to the point, making it seem like we were the ones at fault for not achieving peace earlier.
Monsters. Twisted liars.
I clenched my fist, forcing my expression to stay neutral. Slipping up now would sabotage the mission before it even began. Everyone was counting on me.
The director turned his attention to the muscular man. "You must be…"
"This is Beta Ronan, our Alpha's right hand. He'll be representing him today."
The director, along with the rest of us, visibly stiffened. We had all expected the Alpha himself to attend a meeting this rare and important.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Beta Ronan," the director said with a bow. "As we discussed in our correspondence, humanity is willing to learn your customs in hopes of fostering true understanding. That will be the foundation of lasting peace between us."
Beta Ronan stepped forward. "We accept your proposal, and hope that this exchange can indeed foster peace between our people."
The director smiled and glanced back at me. "Esther, step forward and introduce yourself to Beta Ronan and the Elders."
I swallowed my hatred and walked forward.
You can do this, Esther. It's all an act.
I bowed my head, forcing my expression to be calm and neutral. My eyes flicked over the intricate stitching of their garments, noting every crease and fold, searching for signs of rank or aggression. This was more than courtesy; it was strategy. One slip here could reveal everything I felt.
"It's my honor to meet you. My name is Esther Roen. I will do my best to learn of your ways and customs."
When I looked back up, I noticed that the Elder who spoke earlier was smiling at me. I quickly averted my gaze, afraid he might see the hatred buried behind my careful expression.
"Good. I'm satisfied with the ambassador you've chosen. It's the younger generations who will lead us into the future," he said before turning to me. "We welcome you to our lands, Esther."
I bowed my head again, keeping my eyes lowered. "Thank you, Elder."
The director walked over and stood beside me, "I know that Esther will be in good hands. We appreciate the opportunity to learn your ways."
He patted me on the back, signaling for me to join their side.
The Elder watched as I approached, then nodded to the director. "We'll be off now. We'll reconvene when it's time for Esther to return."
The leaders bowed with the director, but the werewolves didn't even acknowledge the gesture. Their backs were rigid as they strode toward the horses, and I felt a pulse of anger spike through me.
Savages! You think you're superior. Just wait, you'll see...