57. Deacon

It"s funny how pain works. Just when you think you've hit rock bottom, the world collapses, and you fall again.

That's how the conversation at the treehouse felt.

I'd begged, on my fucking knees, for her to choose me.

Pathetic.

The thought of how that must have looked to her has me snarling.

I'm weak. I've always been weak. She has always been the thing that made me weak.

The fact that I'd wanted to comfort her in those moments only solidifies the insanity of the hold she has over me.

Had over me.

As soon as I left her standing there, I knew what had to be done—what should have been done years ago. My feet steer me there without thought. My wolf, exhausted from running, barely fights the path we take.

Time to finish what The Fates started.

I'm thankful that the packhouse is quiet at this hour. The night shift is already settled for sleep, the morning shift is out at their positions, and the swings are still asleep.

I hit the third floor and turn toward the Alpha's offices on the west side. He starts his day early to keep up with the East Coast packs. Without bothering to stop at his secretary's desk, I open his office door without knocking only to find it empty. That means he's already in a meeting with the council.

Pivoting, I turn to the conference room, again barging through the door without a knock. My Alpha's eyes flash to mine, irritation evident as he finishes his statement. I stand in the doorway, not bothering to sit; instead, I wait for him to finish.

"...to complete the transaction. Our transporter will meet at the rendezvous point," he says before addressing me. "I see your manners haven't improved in your time away." His signature sneer is on full display. "What do you want?"

"Release me from the pack," I state, my words firm, not asking a question but making a demand. A gasp from his left makes my eyes jump to Luca, confusion evident before understanding and pity take over.

He fucking knew.

At the realization, his words ring out loud in my memory from when he picked me up.

"Things have changed since you left, fratellino. Prepare yourself."

Luca's eyes drop to the table as Giovanni leans back in his chair. His hand comes to his chin, and his eyebrows drop.

"Now, why would I do that?" he asks, and I can't tell if he is confused or contemplating with his mask in place. No one else says a word.

"Because it's better than the alternative," I state, crossing my arms.

He smiles, dropping his hand to grab a pen from the table in front of him, buying time as he sends the mind-link message.

Giovanni: Hmmm, it's funny. It sounds a bit like you're threatening me. That wouldn't be wise, boy. We're in mixed company.

"Trust me, I don't need to be subtle to threaten you. You retain control of this pack simply because I allow you to. My wolf has been stronger than yours for years. You can let me go amicably, spin the story however you please, or I can publicly challenge you for your seat. The choice is yours," I finish speaking the words out loud, not playing his games.

"Then I suggest you do just that," he says, his posture casual and his face controlled as he sends a second message through our mind-link.

Giovanni: I did not get to my position without understanding people. You won't challenge me. You're too weak. Your wolf's strength may best my own, but your weakness exists because you care for your brother, sister, mother, and little girlfriend. I don't have to beat you to defeat you. I am stronger than they are. I'm willing to sacrifice them to hold my position, are you?

He sits there staring at me, the sick smile still in place. The ball is in my court. Every eye at the table is on me, waiting for my response. Luca, Frank, and Vincent all look worried. Lorenzo appears positively giddy at this turn of events.

Deacon: You would kill your legacy? Your oldest son? Your only daughter? Your wife?"

Giovanni: Without hesitation. I'm willing to do what it takes to lead. That's why you will never beat me. Now get out of my meeting. Your request is denied. Insult my hospitality again, and I will show you what real power looks like.

"You've never wanted me here. Why won't you let me go?" I say, my confidence wavering.

He laughs.

"I don't grant requests. I give orders. When I want you gone, you will be," he says out loud, waving his hand to dismiss me before turning to his Second to continue the meeting.

"The new transport team will…" Lorenzo starts before I interrupt him, no longer willing to back down to a man who has spent his life telling me I'm worthless.

"Giovanni Marlo, I challenge you for Alpha of the Northern Nevada Pack." The words leave my mouth with perfect clarity, and for the first time in my life, I see abject terror in my father"s eyes right before he covers it with fury.

Deacon: Come on, Dad. You can't back down in front of your loyal followers.

I send, taunting him.

Giovanni: Don't call me that, you filthy bastard. You will die for this.

He sends back as Luca and Frank both try to talk reason.

"He doesn't mean that," Luca says to Giovanni.

"Giovanni, you can't," Frank says, worry creasing his usually expressionless face.

I don't think I've ever heard my uncle speak against anything Giovanni has said.

Giovanni Marlo stands, lifting his hands to silence them. When they sit back, waiting for his response, he fixes his perfectly tailored suit jacket before locking his shifted eyes on mine.

"I accept your challenge. Midnight tonight. The pack will witness your treason, and I will finish doing what I should have done when your whore of a mother turned up pregnant with you." He exits the conference room with his statement, leaving me with the pack council. Everyone is speechless. Jaws open. Minds spinning.

What the fuck did I just do?