Volkov's Mate

Chapter Nine: Hellevator

     Nikolai was not exactly sure what happened to resolve the Northern packs' conflict. He was too busy glaring at Emiliano throughout their session to pay attention. When called to vote he sided appropriately with a curt response to continue his visual assault on his mate's father. His imagination wandered every so often to the image of Emiliano's smug face being punched.
    When all was over and done with Nikolai rushed out of the conference room following Emiliano and the flood of other alphas out to the elevator. As they awaited, the urge of immediacy bubbled through Nikolai's blood. He needed to be coy about this, since Emiliano is less than enthused to having a private chat with Nikolai.
    The elevator doors dinged and spread open. Emiliano was the first to step on, Nikolai shoved his way through the crowd following him. He turned around growling a warning. The doors shut, and Nikolai flicked the switch to deactivate the lift before turning to Emiliano.
    "There is a camera in here,"Emiliano said gruffly. Nikolai raised an eyebrow unamused. Inhaling in an exasperated fashion he continued. "Come on Nikolai. What the hell do you want?"
    "You know."
    "I do not believe in your preposterous suggestion that my daughter, my underage daughter is your mate. I do not know what sort of disgusting game you're playing, or what assets my pack has to yours, for this shit to continue as it has. She cannot be your mate."
    "Oh but she is. She came to me, she found me after the gala... she stole away quite easily and sniffed me out. She came to me in heat. But of course you knew that or else you wouldn't have sent your sons to collect her," Nikolai said smugly. "So, we can be civil about this, or some inconvenient things are going to happen."
    In the deafening silence, NIkolai took an intimidating step forward, coaxing Emiliano. On the defense, Emiliano lashed out but Nikolai was quicker to act. He clasped his hands around Emiliano's neck and sunk his clawed nails deep, millimeters away from the vertebrae.
     "We need to come to an agreement."
     "You can't intimidate me. Both of us know I'm in no danger, especially with almost every alpha from all over the world in this building. So kill me if you don't get the information you're looking for. At your own risk of course."
     "Are you that stubborn? You'd rather die right now than give up your daughter to the her alpha mate?"
Emiliano stared coldly.
     "Do you know what kind of power my pack wields?" Nikolai could feel a surge of interest escape Emiliano's body. His wolf liked the thought of the power and land access he would acquire through Nikolai. It's rare that a wolf would allow others onto their land. The tension between the newcomers and alpha would be incredible. Multiply that by two alphas interacting with each other, a lot of tolerance would have to be practiced so their wolves do not fight for rights to the packland.
     "We can strike a deal. Twice a year your pack visits. Once just the unmated males and females, the other those who wish to enjoy running through miles of untamed wilderness. I know you live in a developed mountainous area. Must be difficult letting your wolves out with so many buildings, cameras, and humans."
Emiliano's eyes were practically glazed over. Nikolai knew he would be crazy to deny such a substantial offer. Apparently he was.
     "No, Nikolai," he sneered. "You and your offer can never match up to my daughter. She is not your mate."
     "Then what do you want!"
     "To get the out of this elevator," he said, ripping Nikolai's claws from out of his neck. Side stepping him, Emiliano reactivated the lift and stood with his back to Nikolai.
     "I will have what is mine. I will not prove anything to you. I do not have to. I gave you the chance to be smart about this and you denied my offer. I am prepared for a challenge, the question is if you are, Alpha Emiliano."
    The elevator doors opened up with a ding. Silently, Emiliano stepped out not bothering to heed Nikolai's words. Subduing his booking rage, Nikolai gripped the railing as he watched his now enemy swagger out of the building. Alpha Andrew walked by, he shared a knowing glance with his friend before shaking his head and beckoning Nikolai towards him.
"I assume that didn't go well."
"Oh fuck off wont you."