Alpha's Twins Chapter 97

I couldn't make heads or tails of what Adrian was getting at. I shot a quick look at Eric to see if he'd caught the meaning.

Eric's eyes had gone dark. I cleared my throat. "Alpha Wade, if you'll excuse us."

He nodded, picking up on the tension crackling between the two men as they locked eyes.

I hooked my arm through Eric's and pulled him aside. As we walked past Adrian, I glanced his way. He was watching me with that look—the one that told me his wheels were turning. I had no clue what was brewing in that scheming mind of his.

What the hell did he mean by "assistance" and "possession"? Was he talking about my brother's position? Eric was practically family. He'd never stab Jason in the back. So Adrian could worry about his own pack and stay out of ours.

"That guy's really pushing my buttons," Eric muttered, his hands balling into fists.

I took his hand and gave it a gentle pat. "Easy. He's doing it on purpose. If you give him the reaction he wants, you're just playing into his hands."

Eric sighed and looked at me. "If you want me to chill out, I will."

His words caught me off guard. I felt his palm settle over mine and looked down at our joined hands.

"Eric, I—"

"May I have your attention, please?"

The announcement over the speakers cut me off.

I realized what I'd been about to tell Eric. I shouldn't go there with him. It was just Jason's proposal. If I kept bringing it up, I might give Eric the wrong idea. So I bit my tongue and turned toward the stage.

"Please take your seats. We'll be starting the conference shortly."

Eric gestured toward the tables arranged near the stage.

Each table had a nameplate. Eric and I walked around until we spotted one marked 'Blue Blood Pack.'

Eric looked around for Damia and our managers, waving them over. They nodded and headed our way.

Eric pulled out my chair. I smiled at him as I sat down. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

He took the seat beside me while Damia settled on my other side.

The conference kicked off a few minutes later.

Alpha Wade and his secretary took the stage. He laid out his requirements on the projector—what he was asking from each pack.

"As you all know, my brother is the new Alpha of the Storm Forest Pack. I want to set him up with a solid deal before I step down as CEO—something that'll help him lead the pack smoothly. I want to see him succeed. Please give a warm welcome to our head Alpha, Seth Campbell."

The hall erupted in applause as Alpha Seth stepped onto the stage. He'd just arrived.

He looked to be in his early thirties—humble, down-to-earth. You could definitely see the family resemblance between the brothers.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for being here today. As the leader of this pack, I can promise that we'll never turn our backs on you, no matter who walks away with this deal. This is all about building friendships between packs."

More applause followed his speech. His beta motioned for him to take a seat at a nearby table.

I was on edge waiting for the announcement. This deal was huge for my career—I couldn't afford to lose it.

My eyes wandered from the stage after staring at it for what felt like forever.

I frowned when I spotted a table one row behind us on the right—the Crystal Blood Pack's table. That wasn't what bothered me, though. What got under my skin was their head Alpha staring right at me.

*What are you looking at, Adrian? What's going through that head of yours? I know you're cooking up something,* I thought, not breaking eye contact.

He didn't look away either, which only irritated me more. What did he want now?

My gaze shifted to the guy sitting next to him—Beta Patrick. He kept glancing between Adrian and me.

I looked away and focused back on the stage.

After Alpha Wade finished explaining his pack's situation, it was time for the big announcement.

My lips pressed together nervously. Eric squeezed my hand. "Don't sweat it. You've got this deal in the bag."

"I don't know. I've got a bad feeling."

"Relax, Natalia."

I took a deep breath and watched Alpha Wade. He smiled politely at all the tables, like he was saying everyone did great, but only one could win.

"And the deal goes to..." He paused, letting the tension build.

I squeezed my eyes shut and said a silent prayer. My parents and Jason were counting on me. They'd given me this huge responsibility when I wasn't even qualified for it. If I screwed this up, it would destroy their faith in me. Jason was probably banking on me to help grow the pack. I couldn't let him down.

I was lost in my worries when Alpha Wade continued, and my blood ran cold.

"The deal goes to the Crystal Blood Pack."

Eric's grip on my hand went slack. My mouth fell open. How was this possible?

"Alpha Adrian, would you please come to the stage?" Alpha Wade said.

Everyone burst into applause for the winning pack, especially for the winner.

Adrian stood up and headed for the stage. As he passed our table, he turned my way.

I looked up at him. He smirked at me before walking toward the stage, leaving me completely stunned.