Gangsta Mate (A werewolf/gangster romance)

Michael

MICHAEL

“As much as tempting your offer for my own empire seems, Mr. Slade, I can’t help but question what does it hold for you? What do you benefit from it?” Jude leaned towards me, pulling the slut Lennox along with him, her purplish-red hair falling over her face. Hair I so much wanted to fist. Ignore her, Slade. You are here for business.

“Partnership. To build a Slade empire, you need a Slade. I am here.” I said, taking a sip from my drink. It was obvious how much the power-hungry Jude wanted to be like Warren Slade.

“So you need power, huh? You have the Slade Empire, what more do you need?” Jude smirked, his eyes looked insane than ever. The urge to shoot him was going stronger by each passing second. Especially with Lennox tucked in his side.

“I want to be feared as Michael Slade, not as Warren Slade’s son. Besides, I have half the empire, not the whole.” My younger brother, Marcus, had been given the other half.  “Also, I want to make it bigger than the whole empire ever was. Of course, your name won’t be lost. Everybody will learn to fear Judas Cross as well.” What a name, Judas Cross. He sounded more of a pastor than a gangster. His parents would have been classic. I tried to control my urge to smirk.

Jude’s eyes narrow as if he could hear me mentally insulting him. “Jude. It’s Jude, not Judas.” He said angrily. His tone hinted murder. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Lennox stiffen more than she already was. Was Jude gonna spank his anger out on her? My blood boiled. Shut up, Slade.

“Jude Cross.” I said casually.

“Besides, Michael, I don’t want to be any Queen of England. I don’t care for name, that would spread for itself. I want power.”  An almost hungry expression spread on his face. Don't kill him, don't kill him. In such an ambitious venture, someone equally powerful and dangerous was needed by my side. That made Jude an indispensable ally.

“That was what I meant by partnership.” I said, trying not to sound irritated.

“What kind of partnership?” Jude asked. It was evident Jude was seriously considering this. And why not, he would never be able to come as high as I offered alone. Jude started stroking Lennox’s straight hair with his hand around her back. Hands off, psycho. I clenched and unclenched my fists. Ignore her, she won’t ruin anything for you, there are a million more girls on this planet.

“Something like a 50-50. You will have direct control of your pack but any decision made involving any of my gang members would need my approval as well. Same goes other way round. Complete details will be discussed later in privacy. A stronger alliance would be suggested in future.”

“I strongly like what you are proposing, Mr. Slade. But I need total disclosure. If you learn something, I am liable to know it as well. I despise secrets and lies.” At end, Jude’s face scrunched in anger. Got it, no secret and lies. That mad man just took away some important rules of business. But Jude had worked out fine without them.

“Agreed. But, you should know, anything related to trafficking won’t be accepted. I hope we are clear.” I said, anticipation running through my veins. Trafficking was the forte of the Blood Claws pack.  Right now, they had pledged their fealty to Marcus Slade, and interrupting their business would call for a war, an opportunity Marcus would jump at. I wasn't ready for a war, considering, compared to Marcus's preparations, my pack would be like a twig against the winds. 

“You just got yourself a deal, Mr. Slade.” Jude extended his free hand, his excitement evident on his face. I shook his hand as a hard smile spread across my face. I glanced at Lennox, though her face was pale, she narrowed her eyes at me. Maybe she guessed what I planned for her. No one rejects me. Certainly not my mate.

Time for Michael Slade to reign.