Chapter Sixty

Roman Bancroft let himself be led through winding hallways by two bodyguards strapped up with a boatload of weapons. Ironically, he wasn’t allowed to have any weapons on him.
He was currently on his way to see Alpha King Anton Costin, the European Alpha King and a literal force of nature.
Getting an audience with Anton hadn’t been an easy task, and that was saying a lot considering that he was an Alpha King as well.
The bodyguards finally stopped in front of a huge mahogany door with metal door handles, they knocked thrice and then opened the door to usher him in.
Roman strode in confidently, his trench coat swishing behind him. He had a fat cigar between his long fingers but he was too antsy to take a puff.
The room he had been ushered into was a classically decorated home office. It was done in polished dark brown wood and smelled of dark spices.
Anton himself was seated behind the powerful desk, his back to the room. “Sit.” He said in a rough voice when Roman came close enough.
Roman did as he was directed, settling on one of the sofas in front of Anton’s table, the leather of the sofas were also dark brown to match the rest of the decor.
Silence fell, Anton not saying a single word again. He just left Roman to tensely sit while he stared at the wall.
When Roman least expected it, the Alpha King swiveled around. His dark eyes were piercing and intimidating although there were white streaks in his dark hair.
“Roman.” Anton said quietly, studying the young Alpha King seated across from him.
“Anton.” Roman returned the favor, manspreading on the sofa. Cowering away would only hurt his purpose and his reason for coming.
Anton snapped a finger and seemingly out of nowhere, a uniformed bodyguard showed up a heavy silver tray which held a bottle of vodka and an empty glass.
The gold hued drink was poured meticulously by the bodyguard before he bowed to Anton and walked off.
“I don’t suppose this is a courtesy call.” Anton spoke up after drinking down the entire glass in one go.
Roman shrugged, his pale blond hair slicked back. “It could be.” He said vaguely, taking a puff of his cigar.
“Say what is it you’re here for. We are both too busy to waste each other’s time.” Anton said with a wave of ringed fingers.
“I believe you have heard of Lukas’ engagement.” Roman did as was bid, his icy blue eyes turning shrewd.
Anton kept a careful mask on his face. “I have. Heard he found his fated mate, lucky son of a bitch.”
Roman’s eyebrows twitched, “I expected you to be more disgruntled about this. After all there were rumors flying around about Lukas and your daughter, Alina.”
Anton laughed heartily at this, his laughter was like his voice, rough and coarse. “You have it all wrong, Roman. If anything, you are a more popular match for her.” He said in measured tones, pouring himself another glass. “People say that you intend to mate her to merge your territory with mine.”
Roman didn’t bother to hide his scowl from his face. “They can be rest assured that that would never happen.” He said tartly, extinguishing his cigar and stowing it away.
Anton tipped his glass in a salute to Roman, “I know that, just like Lukas, you’re a diehard romantic that is also on the search for your fated mate.”
Roman tightened his jaw at this but said nothing more, diverting the conversation instead. “Are you also aware that she’s human?” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs.
Anton paused his act of drinking, a deep furrow between his gray-streaked brows. “I am.”
“And what do you think about that?”
“I didn’t take you to be the type to engage in petty gossip, Roman.” Anton said in a hard voice, a warning flashing in his dark eyes.
“On the contrary, it’s a genuine worry.” Roman said lightly.
“I don’t think you should be that worried about another werewolf’s mate. Is that all you have to say to me?” He leaned back on his chair, still holding his half empty glass of vodka.
Roman quickly backtracked, he had gotten too cocky and made a slip up. “You’re right. I do have something else to say though.” He added, conceding the win to Anton.
Anton’s curiosity was piqued, wondering what Roman had up his sleeve this time. “Go ahead.” He allowed.
“I’m certain you know about the little Rogue problem Lukas has on his hands.” He carefully said, intently studying Anton’s face for his reaction to his words.
“If I didn’t know better I’d say you have a grudge against Lukas, with the reports of him you keep turning in to me.” Was Anton’s humor-filled response. He remained stoic even after hearing such intense news, it only cemented Roman’s suspicions.
“Unfortunately, this is an issue that concerns us all.” He said self-righteously, straightening his shoulders.
Anton laughed heartily at this, so much so that he had to place down his glass on the table. “Playing hero doesn’t suit you, Roman.” He said sharply, a contrast to his hearty laughter from before.
Roman’s expression darkened but he held back his words.
Anton rose to his feet. “I’ll give you some advice, Roman, although I doubt you would listen.” He started to say. “Stay out of the Rogue situation in the American werewolf settlement.”
“So you admit to supporting how Lukas is handling it?” Roman countered, rising to his feet as well.
Anton remained unfazed. “Those are very bold words coming from the one who supplies said Rogues with weapons. Stick to that and stay out of this.” He concluded coldly, striding out.
Roman was stunned silent by this, he had underestimated Anton Costin and now he would pay dearly for it.
There was no use trying to find out how the Alpha King had gotten his information, he wouldn’t be the most powerful if his methods were easily deciphered.
Roman had come to him hoping to use a simpler method to achieve his plans. In other words, he intended to make Anton Costin do the dirty work for him.
He was well aware that that method had a very low chance of success but he didn’t expect to find out that Anton had more chess pieces than he did.
He would have to move quickly, there was no time to waste. Although he had a feeling that Anton wouldn’t interfere, he couldn’t help his sense of urgency.
Even if it meant that he had to get his hands dirty, he would get shit done; he had spent too long working on his plan for him to lose it all now.
The two bodyguards that had guided him in, came to get him again, their expressionless faces staring straight ahead as they waited for him to go with them.