Enemies or mates?

Chapter 3

Ivy's pov

I shift uncomfortably in the backseat as I stare out the tinted windows of the SUV. Two of my finest warriors sit up front though they're not here for protection so much as to show off. Mark, my beta and Alex's father, sits next to me going over paper work. Normally on our way to treaty signing we would take a flight to wherever in was being held. However this year its being held Two state over and no one saw the point of taking a forty-five minute plane ride instead of driving for three hours. Only now is it starting to make sense as everyone in the car try's to remain calm after being coopt up.

As we draw nearer to the small palace we will be staying in we turn off the music and straighten out clothes. First rule of thumb when your dealing with many angry Alpha's and Vampire that are all aiming to make your life hell, look good and stay sharp. That's all i've been told to do as I exit the car with the polite assistance from my driver. He stay a couple paces back from me at all times as we enter the hotel. I grimace at the idea of him being beneath me since he practically brought me up in my father absents, but I don't look back or ask him to step forward.

Walking into the overly air-conditioned hotel, I come face to face with a room brimming with power, hatred, and tension. The room's quiet enough to hear a pin drop as I walk threw nodding my head at the people who bow. I don't bother reprimanding the people that don't because I don't really care even if it does cause my wolf  to flatten her ears. Some of the vampires look slightly confused but realization dawns on their face as their partners or assistance lean over to whisper in their ear.

I exit to the stairs as conversation starts up again. Mark who's been silent most of the trip, places a folder on the end of the bed. "This has all the papers that you packed and a few more that I would like you to look over. There is also a brief schedule in there though its not concrete. Unfortunately you have a disadvantage since you've never attended one of these signings so make sure to look it over. I took the liberty of making note about what you should expect and people you may find an interest in. Remember that while here your not going to make friends with everyone but be polite. If you have any questions let me know. I'll try to be htere at all times so your not caught up in something you don't understand. Do you have any questions?" He ask.

"I'm not a child Mark and even if this is my first time here, I have heard stories and my brother also briefed me on his experiences. I've already made a list of things I would like to discuss, and which people I need to discuss them with. I know ever face and name in the building and even some history on each person. I've also been communicating with the king briefly about things to make sure this runs smoothly. What else is there to do?"

His mouth drops open, " You've done all of that without me asking?"

I shrug my shoulders flopping on the bed. " I didn't want to come here with a disability. I needed to know what to expect and you've said so yourself this is a political event. Politics is all about knowing your enemy, and unfortunately that's what everyone here is to me until I can gain there trust. I've been working with my brother on how to present myself since I can no longer just stand there and look pretty or just call out order. "

"Well then I must apologies to you Ivy because I have to say I have been concerned about how this is going to go not because I doubt your leadership, but because I doubted your knowledge. I should've known you would look at every aspect and have a plan for anything that could possibly happen. "

I try not to let his words sting as I stand to give him a hug. He returns it and I breath in his after shave like I have so many times after bad days and even worst nights. When I pull away his eyes glimmer proudly making me smile.

"I'm sorry i'm being tough on you and have been when you really don't need it. You have to understand that I think of you as a daughter, and I just don't want you to be hurt. Your father would be very proud of the women you've become. I have no doubt about it. " I snort at his words. How could I not when my father was so old timey. A girl running the pack would send him into a frenzy. Mark doesn't acknowledge it as he leave the room with a soft click.