Chapter 543
(Author’s POV)
“Ohhh~ …. gosh~ …. is he for real? A damned emergency meeting under this scorching, intense heat, ughhhh~ …. my skin might peel off any minute,” one of the clan leaders remarked, clearly irritated. His pale face was all red from the blistering sunlight.
“Blood Lunar clan’s leader, Shaun Hart, you are new in your role. So, I have some words of advice for you. Keep your voice lowered,” another Clan Leader growled at him. “The Vampire King has eyes and ears all over the place.” He sneakily pointed towards Jacob’s personal guards with eagle like eyes and a weightlifter like physique. And then the various cameras placed on every angle. “This is his way of punishing us,” he muttered.
“Punishment? What punishment? What crime did we commit, Night Fall’s clan leader Gleeson?” he asked, not understanding.
“He is pissed that none of us visited him when he was bedridden,” he answered, looking around. “Don’t give him more reasons to get upset, or else not just us but our clans will also suffer,” Tim Gleeson warned him. The auburn haired man had been a seasoned leader and had seen first hand how callous and ruthless Jacob could be. This sort of punishment, it could be passed as a method of discipline. It wasn’t even ten percent of what Jacob could do to them. So, he knew when to suck it up. He then changed the topic and asked, “What did you bring to offer him?”
“Our clan land is rich in rare oils and herbs. So, I brought those,” the one named Shaun answered. “What did you get, Leader Gleeson?”
“Night Fall Clan’s main business is related to tech, so I brought a custom made smart health ring,” Tim stated proudly.
“Your Majesty, my liege, I, Cynthia Taylor, leader of the Raven Shade Clan from the Northern Territory, greet you,” a pure white headed, pale skinned lady spoke. Her voice was respectful. Her crimson hued orbs were lowered; her right hand was placed on her heart. A perfect stance to greet her king.
Jacob’s lazy gaze roamed over her. “Clan Leader Taylor, you may rise.” He looked down on her from his throne, which was the only seat under the shaded area. The rest of them were arranged in such a manner that they faced the sun directly. For the vampire leader, it was pure torture.
Due to the short notice issued by the vampire king, some of them had travelled from far away, leaving their businesses unfinished. Quite a few of them hadn’t slept and were already irky. They were annoyed because of the day he chose, but none of them dared to disobey his command. All twenty three vampire clans’ leaders, including Jacob himself, were present.
Cynthia looked up and started, “My king, please accept this humble servant’s apology for not being able to come to ask for your health sooner. When my clan’s people and I first heard of the accident, we were shattered and wanted to come to you as soon as possible. But, because of the disturbance created by the shapeshifting bears near our territory, I couldn’t possibly leave my post. But seeing you restored to health brings immense relief to not just me but the entire vampire realm.”
“Hahhh~ …. would you look at her? Her buttering skills are so bad that it makes me cringe, yucksss~ ….” Shaun Hart said.
Tim elbowed him, gesturing for him to shut up, “Shaun Hart, that woman, Cynthia Taylor, isn’t the one to look down on. She is amongst the king’s faction. She is even closely related to Elder Silvia.” He filled in on the details.
“Leader Taylor~ …. are you just going to throw empty words towards his majesty? Where is your sincerity? As his loyal subject, didn’t you bring any offering with you?” Brian commented mockingly, swirling his vine glass.
Instead of getting offended, Cynthia smiled at him. She gave a curt bow in his direction and said, “Elder Tape, it’s good to see you too~ …. you didn’t let me complete my words.” She then shifted her attention back to Jacob and continued, “My liege, I have brought an exquisite gift for you.”
“Interesting~ …. what is it?” Jacob asked, though he wasn’t really interested at all.
“It’s on the way, your majesty. Once it arrives, I will present it to you,” Cynthia replied.
Catherine couldn’t help but scoff, “Too much sass for bluffing. I hope your tribute comes before this meeting ends, Leader Taylor.”
“It surely will,” Cynthia replied as calm as a cucumber. She glanced in Chris’s direction, who was standing behind Jacob, for a fraction of a second. Then stepped back and joined Silvia Silver. The next clan leader in line went ahead to pay his tribute.
Brian, with clear excitement, mumbled to Catherine, “Elder Richards, congratulations. Today’s the day; history will remember forever. Finally, what we have been waiting for~ … is going to be achieved. By the way~ …. you came late. What happened?”
Glancing in Fabian’s direction, she answered, “Went to visit the girl who has riled up someone like Denver. You mentioned she is involved with the mutt as well, hmm?”
“Yeah~ … she is,” Brian replied.
“But there was something that caught my eye~ …. That girl~ … what did you say her name was~ …” she asked.
“Myra, Myra Miracle~ ….” Brian told her.
“That Myra human, she isn’t a simple girl. She had Moon Shine Pack’s protective band on her wrist. The one which can only be accessed by the Lycan King and his Luna.” Catherine revealed.
Brian was stunned to hear that. He quickly queried, “She had the Lycan King’s backing? That girl?”
“Tell your man to keep a close eye on her. She might come in useful to keep that snake, Brooks, in check,” Catherine ordered, looking at Chris.
Chris, sensing her gaze, glanced her way and gave a stiff smile and curt bow.
_________________________
*SPLASH~~~ …*
“Urrrrghhhh~ …. arghhhh~ ….” low, painful grunts echoed inside a dark room as another bucket full of water deluged the old man.
“Garry Yates~ … it’s time to wake up,” a voice boomed.
Garry, letting out yet another aching grunt, slowly opened his eyes. His vision was initially blurry, but soon everything cleared up. His eyes darted around and settled on the familiar figure as he spoke, his voice weak and fragile, “What do you think you are doing, Al~aric Everes~ts?”
To Be Continued . . .