“It was a spare-of-the-moment thing. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting.” He lied.
Of course, he wanted to interrupt them. He wanted to see the look in Pharyi’s eyes as he walked in like he owned the place. “I’ll leave now.”
“We’re done. It was a quick meeting before our play day began. I’ll walk you out.” He offered.
“Why don’t you join us?” Pharyi declared, bringing the room to a standstill. Bone chilling tension hovered above them. “I’m sure you remember what a play day is.”
“Of course, I remember,” Deltta said. “I’m not in the council of alphas anymore. I’m sure that’s not allowed.”
Pharyi laughed, looking around the room for support.
Deltta followed his gaze. He spotted a few alphas nodding in agreement before Pharyi spoke - Gyry and Biwen.
Huh, he should have known; the two never liked him much.
“I’m sure we can make an exception. You’re not just anyone. You were once our alpha king.” He emphasized the last part with a brazen wave of his hands.
Deltta gritted his teeth. Fuck, he hated him.
“What do you say?”
Bring it on, Deltta thought, eager to wipe that smug smile off his face.
He held his excitement in check and closed the deal. “I haven’t been in the cage in a while, but I’m sure I can still hold my own."
“Excellent. You can go against me. I promise to go easy on you since it's been a while,” Pharyi laughed.
Deltta snapped.
Tarymn stepped in front of him, blocking his way.
“Don’t,” he whispered.
Deltta turned away and took a deep breath. The alphas filed out, leaving him with his brother and Tarymn. Maxus stared at him in confusion, but he didn’t ask the questions Deltta could see burning in his eyes. He wouldn’t tell him even if he asked. It was too dangerous.
“I don’t think going into the cage with him is a good idea,” Tarymn said.
“I think it's perfect. It's harmless fun. He invited me, remember?”
He couldn’t wait to get his hands on the bastard.
“Don’t jeopardize my investigation,” he warned in a harsh whisper, before walking out of the room.
“Whatever it is you’re doing, remember, I have to work with the damn bastard,” Maxus said.
“I know.” Deltta gave him an apologetic smile, before he followed Tarymn. “Don’t be mad.”
Tarymn snarled. “I should have known you'd do something like this. He’s not worth it, Deltta. Go home. I’ll make an excuse for you.”
“The fuck? You know what play day means. It’s about the hierarchy in the council of alphas. If I go home and you make an excuse for me, what do you think the alphas will think of me?”
“It’s not…” Tarymn began, but Deltta interrupted him with a shake of his head.
“It’s about that and more. Why are you even fighting to clear my name if this doesn’t matter? Do you think the alphas will respect me after I run home with my tail tugged between my legs? They already doubt my power because of what happened with Nylune.”
“You’re turning this into something it's not. Pharyi poisoned you. You didn’t lose control of yourself.”
“That’s not what they think.”