4 ELDER ZAYA’S VISIT

"How much?" Alpha Lobo stood up and in anger. With the growl from his chest, Zeeb, Lawyer, Rowan, and Hunter all lower their necks in submission.

"One million dollars, Alpha," Lawyer Roman whispered, his remaining downcast.

Alpha Lobo's eyes burnt with anger, and while smiled in triumph.

"You need to pay the money to gain the shares, Alpha Lobo," I announced with enthusiasm.

Alpha Lobo stood up, walked over, and leaned on the desk. "CEO Lucian, you seem not to want me to own any shares in the Due Corporation. I thought this was just business and nothing personal."

"Business is business. Why would you want to own shares in the Due Corporation, anyway? You already have shares in all the companies in Alaska." 

His back threatened and, in an assertive voice, responded. "Everything in Alaska is under my control.," 

I laughed and responded, "You wish, Due Corporation belongs to the Freki's. That will never change." 

"Your father always said you were foolish," Alpha Lobo snickered.

"I will accept your compliment, "I chuckled.

It was not the reaction he was expecting at all hence his raised eyebrows told me I had surprised him again by how thick-skinned I was. 

"Eventually Lucian, you will bow to me Lucian Freki," He seethed

"Not in this lifetime," I spoke up. 

We stood staring at each other, eyes blazing. I could see Alpha Lobo's Wolf rising to the surface, but Freki just yawned and went back to sleep. 

It was the second time in minutes that I surprised him and he stared at me for a while before he left the office. I watched the way Hunter looked at me with hate while Lawyer Rowan looked like a puppy rushing out with a tail between his legs.

Once the door closed, Zeeb spoke up, "Lucian, you can't keep challenging him. People are bound to question it and those who hate him will try to realign themselves with you. If you don't want to become the Golden Pack Alpha's enemy, I suggest you stop." 

"I would never submit to that fool. You all tremble and cower when he speaks and I almost fell into his trap when he sent his cousin to seduce me. " shuddering at the memory. " The promise made to Pa that he would never have shares in the Due Corporation is one that I planned to keep. Round up all the shareholders for an urgent meeting tomorrow and let us settle the matter once and for all. " 

"Fine. But let me ask you, Lucian, your wolf is a born Alpha Wolf. Why are you reluctant?" 

"Because the Freki's agreement with the KODA council." 

"Nothing lasts forever. The Golden Pack members have been suffering for a long time while we watched helplessly. I am lucky to be under your protection, Lucian. It's difficult for the rest." Zeeb acknowledged. 

I nodded and sat down in a huff. 

"Call me if you need anything." He left my office in a solemn mood. Lost in deep thought, I was interrupted when Isla knocked on the door and entered. 

"CEO Lucian, Lady Zaya is here to see you. She does not have an appointment but insists on seeing you. She is a member of the KODA council and I don't have the will to turn her away," Isla pleaded.

I stood up in a hurry, surprising Isla as I yanked the door open and rushed to the reception area. Lady Zaya beamed when she saw me. "CEO Lucian, my sincere apologies for barging into your office without an appointment, "she said, as she slowly stood up. 

I smiled warmly at her and took her arm to guide her into my office. "Welcome Elder Zaya. You don't need an appointment to see me." 

My response made her beam with laughter as patted my hand. Isla stood at the door, mouth agape, since she had never seen me interested in anyone but myself. 

"Isla, this is Elder Zaya. She is welcome to see me at any time. Please prepare a cup of tea for her." 

"Welcome Elder Zaya. I will prepare a cup of tea for you," Isla smiled politely. 

"Thank you, child, " Madam Zaya responded as we entered my office. Walking over to the couch, she sat down and I followed suit. 

"To what do I owe this pleasure? " I started the conversation, eager to know why she visited me.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, child. I must say that you managed to surprise this old woman yesterday during the annual dinner for the Golden Shifter pack. I confess that I slept with so much excitement that I could not resist coming to see you today. " 

"Really?" I chuckled. " What had triggered this excitement? My eyes twinkled.

"I am here about that child of mine, Conri, who was exiled on the Chugach mountain. This old woman is not blind, and I saw the look you had on your face. You dared defy years of rebuke he had been going through and shamed those pack elders. With your powers, no one can question you," she nodded.

I blushed and tilted my head. "What do you need, Elder Zaya?" I went straight to the point.

"I want Conri's exile to end. "She said with sadness. "Yesterday, I saw a beam of hope when I looked into your eyes. Your defiance and firmness were welcoming." 

"You are right on time. I was planning to go up the mountains this weekend." I confessed.

"Good. You are a good child. Your father was always proud of you. He agreed to send you away to keep you safe from the Golden Pack madness. "She informed me. 

Isla knocked on the door and walked in, carrying a tray with a cup of tea. Placed it on the table and left. Elder Zaya removed a stone marble that was teal in color and handed it to me. 

"This is just in case that child of mine refuses to see you. Show him this. It should be the last resort. He can be stubborn and has been hurting for a long time," she whispered. 

"Don't you worry," I assured her. "I am determined to handle Conri Dolf."