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.

fact that position was supposed to be Violet’s.

and ran a hand

Violet Purple was

"Then what changed?"

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

you picked me." Natalie nodded, tone dry. "Or

Jameson didn’t deny it.

isn’t insignificant," she said. "Unlike Violet, a nobody who got lucky clinging to the Cardinal Alphas, you come from

they

day, you’ll get what’s coming

blink. The children’s threats had long since stopped fazing

then turned and

going?" Jameson

fuck away from you,"

can’t do that. We

"I have classes."

said. "Your father’s

froze mid-step. Then turned

"You’re representing all of humanity now, Natalie. Get used to it." She brushed an invisible dust away

her usual

Twenty minutes later....

the car, entirely unbothered by the sight of Jameson standing beside it with her arms folded and a deep frown

remarked dryly, pointing

my problem. Now

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 a private meal with the President. How many principals could boast of

it involved playing chauffeur to a spoiled

and Jameson got in behind the wheel. The ride was tense, awkward, and quiet until Natalie decided to break the