Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 438: The Sycophant

They applauded her like she had won a prize, yet it didn’t feel like a win to her. Natalie knew she was a puppet dancing on someone’s strings. And she didn’t like it one bit.

The charade was over, which meant the cameras had stopped rolling, and Natalie waited right outside the hall for Jameson.

It wasn’t long before Jameson arrived, laughing politely at whatever the two board members beside her said. Even her laughter was airy and professional. Jameson was always the picture of poise.

Natalie didn’t care that she was with guests, she pushed off the wall and stepped directly into her path.

The board members were startled at her abrupt appearance, their brows drawn in confusion. Jameson, as expected, took charge of the situation.

"Isn’t that our new Alpha? Oh—wait, that’s what the wolves say, right?" Jameson chuckled stiffly. "For humans, we say ’President,’ don’t we?"

She looked far too pleased with herself for a line that landed like a wet sock. Natalie just stared at her, deadpan. She was not flattered, nor amused. And she didn’t even pretend to be.

"I get it," she said to the board members. "She’s still in shock. We didn’t tell her about the position until the last minute. I’d be rattled too if I—"

"Is this funny to you?" Natalie cut her off, unamused.

The board members looked deeply uncomfortable now sensing the tension between them. Jameson turned to them with a sweet smile. "Why don’t you two head ahead? I’ll catch up shortly."

They left without hesitation.

As soon as they were gone, Jameson focused on her.

"What’s the problem, Natalie, dear?" she asked, her tone suddenly flattering. "You did great out there. We even tailored the script to your taste. I don’t see anything wrong."

"Do you think I’m stupid?" Natalie hissed.

Jameson said nothing.

was supposed to be Violet’s. So tone

and ran a hand

Violet Purple was

"Then what changed?"

We need someone neutral. Someone not easily influenced by the wolves. Someone on

picked me." Natalie nodded, tone dry.

Jameson didn’t deny it.

come from bloodlines that matter. When the

until they were

you’ll get what’s coming to

children’s threats had long since stopped fazing her. These days, they sounded more like motivational

enough, then turned and began to

you going?"

fuck away from you,"

that. We have lunch

"I have classes."

said. "Your father’s waiting. And so is

froze mid-step. Then turned slowly. "The

nodded, already walking toward her. "You’re representing all of humanity now, Natalie. Get used to it." She brushed an invisible dust away from the girl’s shoulder. "We leave in my car. I expect you in ten minutes. Dress like the winner you

her with her usual superior

Twenty minutes later....

sauntered toward the car, entirely unbothered by the sight of Jameson standing beside

said ten," Jameson remarked dryly, pointing

my problem. Now

nothing she could do. This was the small price she paid to hold the position she had today. Look at her, having a

spoiled princess, she’d do it. As long as she

Jameson got in behind the wheel. The ride was tense,