Page 16 of Bonded and Betrayed
“Being the newest beta in the inner circle will give you the perfect opportunity to get closer to Monte,” Silas explains.
“Exactly. I’ll direct Monte to train you, and you can report back to us and track his movements through a few tech devices we’ll provide you,” I say, the plan forming in my mind already. We’ll need to head out to New York to check the alley again for any clues, and after that, we can visit Jasper to pick up everything we need. “I’ll text Monte to meet us here and give him the good news.”
I slip out my phone and send him a quick text, and quickly place the phone back in my pocket without reading the conversation from yesterday. There’s no way I’ll be able to keep up the facade that everything is alright between us if I read that. Best-case scenario, Monte has delusions of using our former relationship to his advantage and needs to be removed from his position. Worst-case scenario, he has something to do with my father’s death, and if I’m not careful, I could be next.
There’s an abrupt rap on the door, and Monte throws it open the next moment, not bothering to wait for an answer.
“Skylar, I—” Monte’s panicked words cut off as he looks around the boardroom, realizing we aren’t alone. He runs his hand through his tousled black curls and purses his lips.
“I have an important assignment for you, Monte.” I gesture for him to take a seat next to Seline.
“Whatever you need, Alpha Draven,” he murmurs, inclining his head slightly. I don’t miss the nearly imperceptible sneer he shoots towards Seline as he stalks past her, his muscles stiff and rigid.
Has he always been like this and I just missed it?
I shake my head in disbelief, working to keep the look of disgust off my face. The man before me is so vastly different from the memory of the boy I loved.
“Isabella has shown great bravery, skill, and loyalty in our fight with the Langley sleuth. She’s demonstrated the characteristics of a leader amongst her peers, and she possesses exactly what morals I need to help lead the pack,” I say. “As such, she’s just been promoted as a new member of my inner circle.”
Monte’s mouth flaps open, bewilderment clear in his expression.
“Usually, the inner circle votes—” Monte starts.
“I’ve made my decision.” I hold his gaze, pushing my power at him and letting my dominance forth until he bows his head.
“Of course, Alpha Draven,” he breathes. I don’t miss the note of incredulity in his tone and push down the sliver of guilt that creeps up my throat. I may need to keep him in my inner circle until we have our answers, but I’m done letting him think he can call the shots.
“I’m tasking you with getting our newest member up to date in her daily roles. She’ll be shadowing you for the next two weeks.” I clasp my hands on the table, my gaze hard and unyielding as he meets my eyes. “But if you’re not up for the task—”
“I’d be honored,” he blurts, cutting me off.
I work to keep the satisfied smile off my face, knowing just how to phrase it. While he might be insulted that I didn’t ask for his input, giving him the task of training Isabella will be seen as a badge of trust and honor to him.
“Perfect, then we can get started today,” I conclude, bracing my hands on the table and readying to stand.
“Can I speak with you for a moment?” Monte interjects, pulling me to a stop.
“Of course, Monte.” I smile, my cheeks aching as I force the expression, and settle back into my seat. This is honestly the last thing I want to be doing right now, but it needs to be done. “Isabella, Silas can get you started and show you to Monte’s office.”
“Of course.” Silas grins and walks to the door.
“Welcome to the team, Isabella.” My smile is genuine as I turn to face her. “I know you’ll do amazing.”
“Thank you, Alpha Draven.” She stands to give me a deep bow, tears glistening in her eyes as she looks up at me. “I won’t let you down.”
Silas holds the door open, ushering Isabella outside and down the hall.
Seline gives me a wary look and pauses by the open door, her gaze flitting from Monte back to me.
“You can go ahead and wait in my office for me, Seline,” I say, giving her a reassuring smile as a plan unfolds in my mind. I need some distance from Monte, and I need to get to the bottom of this video and whoever really killed my father. He needs a false sense of security, and with me gone from the manor, he’s more likely to slip up, not knowing Isabella will be watching him.
“We might be a while,” Monte says, his smile implying volumes more than his words do. My fingers twitch, begging to slap him across his smug, lying face.
“We won’t,” I say, nodding to Seline.
“I’ll see you soon, Sky,” Seline says, completely ignoring Monte as she closes the door behind her.
Monte frowns down at the table in thought, clearly still caught off guard by the sudden news.
