The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 319

“I understand,” I said.

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“Good,” he replied. “So you will now tell the why you are really here. You said you had a business proposal, but we both know that is bullshit. Our pack lands are separated by several different territories. If you intended to open any trade routes, you would have spoken to the Alphas in those packs first, before coming to me. Yet, here we are. What do you really want; little Laila? What are you after?”

Jason tensed even further beside me, his eyes never leaving Richard’s face. Yet if Richard noticed the tiger waiting to pounce, and surely he did, he pretended not to, keeping his gaze firmly on me.

Maybe I was the weak link here. Maybe he knew he could crack me first.

But I was also the one with business experience, and I knew solid business relationships depended on harsh truftis. A foundation of lies easily crumbled.

Knowing that, I made a quick decision.

I couldn’t expect Richard to tell the truth about the potential cure, if I lied about wanting it.

“Why are you here?” Richard continued. “What do you want?”

“The cure for wolfsbane,” I said.

Richard stilled this time. He blinked once, twice, and then, just as I braced myself for some kind of cutting remark, or for Jason to finally lunge and fight like he so clearly wanted, Richard threw his head back and laughed.

“Silly, girl,” he said. “There is no cure for wolfsbane.”

I watched him closely, noting the tightness in his eyes,

and the he laughed just a bit too harshly. Too forced.

I had been in more than enough business negotiations to know when I was being lied to.

Richard had likely meant to deter me with this reaction, but he had unwillingly done the opposite. Before, I had been unsure if a cure had even existed. Now, I knew, with absolute certainty, that not only did a cure exist, but Richard knew exactly where it was.

Convincing him to tell me where would be an entirely matter.

His laughter died, but his smile remained. It too seemed forced, but I was willing to play along if it kept Jason from attacking this man and starting a cross–pack war.

“I like you, Laila,” Richard said. “You are very bold. Why don’t you stay for a while? Yes, I insist. You must return for some of the events of the ceremony tomorrow.”

“That would be very kind, Alpha Richard,” I said.

He raised a hand and one of his servants came closer. “I will arrange it. Perhaps we will speak again.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” I said.

Richard nodded.

“Please move aside,” the servant said, gesturing for Jason and me to leave. “The Alpha has other visitors to attend to.” Outside, returning to the car, the Ambassador was practically hopping with excitement. “I can’t believe we have an invitation to one of the most exclusive pack celebrations of the year. I was nervous for a minute there, but only a minute. You are a true wonder, Laila.”

“He wanted the truth and I gave it to him,” I said.

“He wasn’t supposed to know who you are,” Jason said, still tense. “We have to abort this plan. We’ll go home and figure out

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something else

19

“There is nothing else,” Tsaid “This is our best shot to getting the cure.”

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