will marry Nicolette.”
“Do you even fancy her?” Sanese asked me.
I chuckled. “I have seen her and yes, she stirs my cock.”
Sanese pouted a little, but didn’t add any more protest.
“I never made a move on her because she was Julie’s cook. She already hated the fact that I had two wives and fucked men. The last thing I needed was her being angry at me for fucking her cook,” I said.
“Well, that bitch’s days are numbered. Let’s get this show on the road, as they say, Sir,” Elliot said.
I nodded. “It is time for a regime change.”
The more I thought about being the Alpha, the more excited I became. I loved Royce, I really did. But Charlene was right, in order for me to rise, sacrifices had to be made. It was time to put this plan into motion.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
A Dish Served Cold
For weeks now, Elliot, Charlene, Sanese, and three of my sons had been spreading the delicate rumor that Royce was going to challenge Julie for the position of Alpha. Meanwhile, I had been gently and slyly coaxing Royce in that very direction. He was visiting me today, proud of the fact that he was going to be a father for the very first time.
“Do you have a name?” I asked as he lit his cigar, then my own.
He was grinning from ear-to-ear and nodded. “Patricia, after my mother if it’s a girl and Andrew, after my grandfather if it’s a boy.”
“I am so happy for you, my friend. I know the excitement you are feeling. Agnes must be beside herself,” I said, then took a puff of my cigar. The fact that Royce was about to become a father after all of these centuries was something I couldn’t let sway me.
He nodded. “She already has me getting the nursery ready. Deacon?” Royce leaned forward, staring me directly in my eyes.
“What?”
“I wanted to ask you, will you be my child’s godfather?”
I smiled. “I can’t think of a greater honor. Yes.”
“I felt the same way when you asked me to be the godfather to your boys. I think it’s only right that we keep it in the family,” Royce said.
“Honestly, I didn’t think you’d want me to be…” I paused for dramatic effect and shook my head, “Never mind.”
Royce frowned. “Why wouldn’t I want you to be my child’s Godfather?”
I sat back and sighed, then took another puff of my cigar. “I figured you’d want someone who… well, who the pack didn’t laugh at behind their back.”
The smile faded from Royce’s face at the mention of my status within the pack. Proving beyond any shadow of a doubt I may have had that I was an Omega of sorts in the pack. That wolves followed my orders because I was a Capo, but I didn’t have their respect. I needed to change that perception and I knew how.
“It is wrong how Julie has treated you, Deacon,” Royce said.
“That is only because she didn’t have the vision your father did. Connor was a real Alpha; he knew how to move our pack in the right direction. Julie… well, all she wants is power and Graham. Honestly, I don’t even know what her issues are with me.”
Royce sucked air in between his teeth and arched an eyebrow. “You’re not wrong. As for why she has a grievance with you, I can’t tell you. She’d never let me know considering how close we are.”
“She is a danger to us, you know that, right?” I asked him.
He only nodded, but didn’t add anything. “I should go. Agnes is expecting me to be home and to bring her some olives. My dear wife has the cravings.”
I laughed. “Something I know all too well. I can’t wait to tell Charlene and Sanese the great news.”
“Just keep it between the three of you. I’ll announce it to the pack at this feast Julie has planned to celebrate the newest members.” Royce rose from his chair.
“I almost don’t even want to attend,” I said, sulking a little.
“You should attend. Never let anyone weaken you, Deacon. You’ve come a long way from that ten-year-old boy you once were,” Royce said.
Ahh, yes… I had, and only once did I show my weakness. Never again. I nodded. “Very well, I’ll drink and be merry.”
Royce scoffed. “No one said you had to be merry.”
I laughed as I rose to walk him to the door. We hugged and I congratulated him again on his good news. I watched him drive away in his