Athena

Chapter 6

"To start this meeting, I would like to ask you what initially made you agree to come here, other than Xavier's influence of course." He started, folding his hands on top of the table.

That's right, I forgot that these were Xavier's friends, his own personal allies that he made all on his own. Even I am curious as to how he managed that, but those are thoughts for a different time.

"Well, basically, the RA's numbers are growing and they're starting to get uncomfortably close us. They're interfering on supply runs and were somehow able to hack into our communications system."

"You are referring to the deaths of four of your members, correct?"

Mentioning it was like a jab to my heart. A reminder that I couldn't protect them the way I promised I would.

I felt my own emotions starting to stir inside me, disrupting the others that I've subdued, acting as a needle inching it's way closer to a balloon. I can handle it, I know I can, but it doesn't make my situation of controlling them any easier.

"Yes," I answered, managing to keep my body relaxed. "An alliance would ensure support during any kind of fight or dispute. While being here, I've taken notice of your numbers, they're impressive which is something we'd benefit from."

"And what of my benefits? It says here," He pulled out a sheet of paper from the folder before him, "you have forty-five aeteri in your facility. Fifteen that are teenagers, thirteen are children and only seventeen adults."

His tone was doubtful. Shaking his head he went on, "What makes you think you are in any position to expect an alliance when your numbers are small and more than half your people are underage?"

The way he asked wasn't forceful or demanding, his voice remained calm like he was genuinely curious as to why I'd take such a risk, but I know why I'm doing this and I wouldn't be here if I wasn't confident.

"Alpha, look at me." I stood, motioning to my relaxed posture, my calm demeanor, and my confident exterior. "I am not nervous, nor am I discouraged."

"I can see that," He muttered.

"Yes, my numbers aren't as big as yours, but what we lack in size, we make up in power. Sure, we only have seventeen adults, but you would only need up to four of them to come to your aid in battle. That's all it would take for you to win and you want to know why?"

He listened intently to my words, waiting for me to go on.

"Because the abilities we have are extensive, powerful and can be deadly to many. Yes, we have fifteen teenagers, but in a few years, those teenagers will be of age and the children won't stay children forever. Eventually, there will be a time when all of my people are experienced and ready to defend their family and by that time, our numbers will have most likely grown. So tell me, do you really want to risk not having us as an ally?"

I waited for his response. He was thinking, intensely. He knew that my words were true and that in no time at all, I would have one of the most powerful aeterian facilities in the region.

"I now see how an alliance with you would help me," I smirked when he said that. "But,"

The suspenseful atmosphere thickened as I waited for his next words.

"If you are as powerful as you say you are, am I right in assuming this must be more than just numbers against RA's?"

The question I was hoping he'd avoid just came to light, making me irritated. The wolves don't know about the special weapons the RA's have. Weapons that are deadly to the aeteri and also to werewolves. Withholding this information can cause tension between us, another problem I'd have to worry about, so I went with the truth.