Wolf's Claim (The Royal Heir #3) - Jen L. Grey Page 0,25

hated how each one of us felt stressed at this moment.

Mona hurried to the car door as Tommy kept an extra eye out for anything out of place. I rushed into the car so the other three could climb in right after.

"Was it always like this when your dad ruled?" Louis asked as he brushed by me on the way to his normal seat in the back.

"Not as far as I can remember. His reign was expected, and it was mapped out seamlessly with little to no backlash." Dad had told me that growing up in the spotlight always helped the transition into the crown easier if done correctly. However, I didn't get to have that privilege. "Granted, there were things that came up, but nothing like this."

"It's even further proof that your uncle messed everything up." Ella sat next to Louis and placed her head on his shoulder. "It appears he didn't even do the job as needed."

Two men put our four bags into the back of the Suburban and then sealed it up. Mason's side door opened, and Mona began crawling through to the back.

"That went faster than expected." She sat in the back next to Ella and scanned our surroundings as Kassie and Tommy climbed into the car.

"It's only twenty minutes from here." Tommy shifted the car into DRIVE and merged with the traffic.

The sun was setting, and it hit me that it was slightly past six. "It's too late to try to schedule a meeting." I pulled my phone from my pocket and scrolled through my contacts. "I'm going to call them and schedule something for in the morning."

"Whatever we need to do." Mason nodded at me and reached over to brush his fingertips on my arm.

"Okay." I took a deep breath and pulled up Brent, the alpha for Atlanta, in my contacts and pressed CALL. The line rang, and I felt my stomach drop.

Right when I thought I'd be sent to voicemail, someone answered.

"Hello?" His voice was deep and strong.

"Brent, hi." I took a deep breath. I had to be tough. "This is Elena. Sorry for such short notice, but we've landed at the airport a few minutes ago and plan to stay a few days."

"Have you really?" His voice was laced with humor. "After almost three months, you've finally decided to grace us with your presence?"

He wasn't going to give me any slack. "I do apologize for the length of delay, but between our coronations, the holidays, and some other very pressing matters arising, this was our first opportunity."

"It's odd that you find time now." He huffed. "So are you demanding that I meet you now? Is that what this is about?"

He was direct. That, at least, showed where we stood with him. "Of course not. I figure you're just as busy as anyone. I was hoping we might meet for breakfast. Maybe you could come join us in the morning at the Four Seasons?"

"Only if we meet downstairs in the main restaurant." He chuckled.

He was dictating to me what we were going to do and seeing how far he could go. I should push back, but then he might refuse to meet at all. I had to choose my battles. "Fine. Does nine work for you?"

"I'll be there." He paused for a moment. "Good night." Then, the phone line went dead.

He's testing us already. Mason reached over and intertwined his fingers with mine. I don't like it.

Me neither. Only tomorrow would tell whether we had another enemy to add to our list.

Chapter Eight

We pulled up to a large building in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. There was a castle-like feel to the facade with five American flags on display, and it was attached to a huge, more modern building.

"Here we are," Tommy said as he pulled into the small, arch drive in front. "Let's get them inside so we can all get settled."

"On it." Kassie opened the door and began scanning the area, looking for any looming threat nearby. One of the workers immediately headed in her direction, and she pointed to the back of the car. The person nodded his head and made his way over to us.

Tommy opened the driver’s door and hurried to the back of the car, popping the trunk.

"Do you know where I should take the bags?" the hotel worker asked as he grabbed our luggage and put them on a cart that was nearby.

"The presidential suite." Tommy glanced in at Mona. "You guys can leave. Kassie gave