Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 153

Elder Riccio pov

Luna's answer catches me completely off guard. While I didn't expect more or less from her, I also didn't expect this exact thing.

I'm not one of the mouthier council members, so this far into the meeting, I haven't been on the receiving end of her, the Alpha's or their children's anger.

That, however, might change soon enough since the rest of the Elders are throwing glances my way, expecting me to say something.

Clearing my throat, I break the silence and slowly raise from my seat. Unlike the others, I don't see it as a sign of weakness to bow to Luna, quite the opposite. We're on their land, in their home, at their mercy, so the least thing I should do is show respect.

“Luna, may I point out that by killing the king, we automatically grant the young prince the throne and until there's an heir, we cannot execute the prince for his crimes?” I ask, catching everyone off guard.

I can see the disappointment on Elders faces and the shock on the pack leaders. Clearly, none of them expected me to say the words I just did.

Luna's face turns serious as she brings her hand to her chin and hums under her breath. “Yeah, I suppose you do have a point, Elder. Do you have a better offer? Keep in mind that I don't mind starting a war if that means we're getting what we want.”

I gulp and look around, but the Elders avert their gazes and leave me on my own. Should've expected this might happen, but like the fool I am, until the last second, I hoped they might have my back.

With a resigned sigh, I admit defeat. “No, Luna, unfortunately I don't have better ideas. I'm very adamant to avoid starting a war, the same as the other council Elders are, but we really don't have much to offer.”

“I like you,” she suddenly states. “Unlike the other pricks, you're very respectful and clearly know your place. If the war starts and we get to kill the council, I'm keeping you alive. You deserve as much. Can't say the same thing about the silent traitors who pretend to be your friends.”

Her words surely reassure me in a way but they also worry me at the same time. Making such a bold statement against the council is no small matter.

Some of the men around me, while they look uncomfortable and scared at this very moment, have many connections. Most could get a professional assassin on their side with a snap of their fingers.

I'm not sure what secrets Alpha and Luna of this pack are hiding, other than their mad sons, but they have to have something if they can threaten the council like this.

Again, I clear my throat to ground myself and focus on more important matters. “Thank you, Luna, it's very kind of you. However, I must remind you that while I have the utmost respect for you, your mate, children and your pack, threats like such can't be taken lightly. Obviously, we are nothing but guests in your home, but there will be a moment when we leave. There are many people who still support and respect the council.”

“You're a funny one,” she barks out a laugh. “I really like you. And your delusional speech, Goddess, it's worth millions.”

I don't feel like this meeting is bringing any benefit to either side, so I propose we leave it as it is, return home, discuss what we have spoken about and return tomorrow.

The offer doesn't please her at all. If anything, it only fuels her anger and brings the worst out of Luna.

She nearly leaps over the table, aiming her anger at one of the Elders who smirks at her.

Eventually, one of her creepy sons walks her out to have some fresh air while we discuss the last details with the Alpha.

At first, I take it as a good sign, given that we might have a bigger chance to reason with him. That hope, however, dies far too soon since it turns out the Alpha is way worse than his mate.

First, he uses every profanity in his dictionary to address us all, and just like his mate, keeps me out of his little speech. Then, he turns to me and grins, “you, however, I'm willing to reason with you. The only council member who still has his brain cells intact is you.”

I try to hide my smile. Honestly, the joke is funny and I wish I could laugh at it, if only a little bit.

“I'm more than ready to have a civilized discussion if we come to a reasonable solution. I'm certain you have way better things to do than to try to come to a conclusion with a bunch of old men,” I say with a visible smirk playing on my lips.

“Well,” he drags the word and leans back in his seat. “As you noticed, my mate isn't happy about the possibility of cutting this meeting short. You're right, we're as busy as we can be, so finding time in our schedules is rather tricky. I would prefer it, if we could come to any conclusion at all.”

“We can't offer the king's head, for reasons I already mentioned,” I offer, biting the inside of my cheek, wondering if I've gone too far with pushing my opinion.

Alpha nods in agreement. “Understandable. I wouldn't want that little prick to give you more trouble than he already has. But, I think I have an idea about how we can deal with this, and I have a feeling you might appreciate the lengths I'm going to find a compromise in this delicate situation.”

The secrecy behind his words piques my interest, so I quickly nod my head and even lean forward a little to show how eager I am to hear him out. “Please, do tell.” I add encouragement.

The corner of his mouth twitches as he mimics my action and leans his upper body forward. “I want his land. All of it.”