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.

news too, and I know for a fact that position was supposed to be Violet’s.

dawning for a beat. Then Jameson sighed and ran a

Purple

"Then what changed?"

Griffin, the power dynamic shifted. We need someone neutral. Someone not

tone dry. "Or rather, went through my

Jameson didn’t deny it.

insignificant," she said. "Unlike Violet, a nobody who got lucky clinging to the Cardinal Alphas, you come from bloodlines that matter. When the fifth house is built, your family name will

closer until they were eye

get

long since stopped fazing

enough, then turned and began to

are you going?" Jameson called after

fuck away from you," Natalie

We

"I have classes."

them," Jameson said. "Your father’s waiting.

Then turned slowly. "The

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

with her usual

Twenty minutes later....

beside it with her arms folded and

Jameson remarked

problem. Now

bristled at the girl’s attitude. But there was nothing she could do. This was the small price she paid to hold the position she had today. Look at her, having

playing chauffeur to a spoiled princess, she’d do it. As long

The ride was tense, awkward, and quiet until Natalie decided to