Page 86 of You Will Obey

“Théoden.”

“Oh, I should have guessed by the snarl on your face,” he said with a little snicker.

I rolled my eyes, but answered. “What can I do for you?” I asked.

“Will you and Elijah be attending the funeral tonight for my sons?” he asked.

I didn't really want to, but both he and Ara, as well as Josef, attended the mass funeral I had for my dead pack members. And we all did the same for Josef and Kendrick, so I had to repay the gesture.

“Of course,” I said. “We’re just recruiting more wolves if they pass inspection. But Eli and I will be there.”

“Good. Now to discuss expectations of you,” Théoden said.

I let my head fall back as I sighed, then put my phone on mute. “Let me handle this asinine call in my office. I’ll join you later,” I told Eli.

He frowned. “No, Deacon. We make decisions together.”

“Are you sure you aren’t pissed about what I did?”

He shook his head. “Of course not. You were put in a spot and couldn't reach me. But you had pack backing and the risk you took paid off. Like every risk you’ve ever taken. However, when I can be there for you and with you… I don’t want to be shut out. Remember, the decisions you make are mine too even if I didn’t get to make them.”

I nodded, because there was no way I was going to argue with Eli on the matter. He was right. And since he knew my every dirty secret, he was truly my other half. I got back on the phone with Théoden. “Sure, let me just get to my office.”

“Very well,” Théoden said.

Again, I put him on mute until Eli and I were in my soundproof office with the door closed. I then put my phone on speaker. “All right. Eli is here too. What is it that you wanted to discuss with us?”

“Now that you have agreed to become our pack, that means that you must come when called. No calling Elliot to get out of your obligation,” Théoden said.

“We lost more wolves defending your territory than you bothered to send to help us defend ours, but yeah. Continue to act like I’m the one who broke the treaty first,” I snapped.

“Another thing, we’re not equals anymore, Deacon. I won’t be tolerating your snide comments. Let that be the last time you make them,” Théoden said in his measured voice.

“Asshole,” Elijah scoffed.

“Same goes for you, Elijah,” Théoden said.

“Is this the kind of shit you put Josef through?” I asked.

“He knows his place and you will learn it as well. For after what my Sire gave you, obedience is a small price to pay for what you’ve gained, I think. Perhaps if he’d been able to eat Alexander’s entire heart, instead of sharing it with you, his vampires would be even more powerful. It would be in your best interest to show gratitude.”

I looked at Elijah and fought the urge to say what I really wanted to say to the bloodsucking bastard. Elijah rolled his eyes, but the angry frown on his face mirrored my feelings. I took a deep breath to center myself, then replied. “Is that all?”

“I expect you to send wolves to our territory to stand guard and be on call in case we need to defend what’s ours again,” Théoden said.

I had to bite my tongue before I cussed him out. I walked away from the phone to look out of the window. Elijah came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waste. “You still did the right thing,” he whispered into my ear.

I reached behind me, slapping his ass as my way of thanking him for his support and validation. “How many of my wolves should I send to your seven territories now?”

“We’ve just acquired South Africa, Hawaii, and Toronto, all of which Ara will have to split with Kendrick. The good news is his dragons and wolves will be very close and can come to our aid, so you don’t need to send more than fifty to each... for now,” he said.

“A lot of talk about everyone coming to your aid. Can we count on you to do the same?” I asked.

“Well, now that you are our pack, Deacon, you have the full backing of Ara’s vampires if you should need them. However, you’re very fortunate that my other King, Kendrick, has made me the protector of your pack. I am obligated to come to your aid,” Théoden said. “In any case, we have a vested interest in making sure both of our wolf packs remain safe.”

“So, do I still have control of my pack?” I asked.

“To a point, yes.”