Dumped Omega? Now Their Alpha King Begs at My Feet novel Chapter 54

Kai's POV

My private comm unit chimed. A single, soft tone. An encrypted text from Valerie's new device.

Jax, who was standing on the other side of my desk, raised an eyebrow. He knew that tone was reserved for my highest priority contacts.

I held up a hand to silence him and opened the message. It was just as direct and efficient as she was.

"Thank you for the Moonpetal. How did you find it?"

No pleasantries. No formal address. Just a simple thank you and a direct question. I found myself smiling.

"Is that her?" Jax asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

"It is," I said. I showed him the screen.

Jax read the message, his brow furrowed in concentration. "A direct question. She is testing your honesty, Alpha. A traditional response would be to be vague, to maintain an air of mystery."

"A traditional response would be a mistake," I said, taking the comm unit back. "She's not interested in mystery. She's interested in facts."

I typed back, choosing my words carefully. This was the opening I had been waiting for.

"My resources are extensive. It was a problem that needed a solution. I'm glad it reached you."

I hesitated for a second, then hit send. Now for the real move. I didn't wait for her to reply. I typed a second message immediately.

"That herb is only the beginning. I've located several pre-schism texts on True-Blood healing. They describe techniques and applications of the golden energy you possess. They are in my private collection."

I let that sink in. I knew her well enough to know that was a lure she couldn't possibly resist.

Finally, the screen lit up with her reply.

"I will await your formal invitation."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

I immediately called my assistant. "Prepare the formal invitation for Lady Valerie. The Summit. Sunset, in two days. Seal it with my personal sigil and send it immediately."

I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, a feeling of triumph washing over me. This was better than any corporate conquest.

This was a negotiation between equals. And I had just won the opening move.

I looked down at her last message on the screen, a small smile playing on my lips.