Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Forged In The Flames By Karima Sa’ad Usman

Chapter 86 After the Summit (Nikolas)

Everyone except Piotr and Miles left between five and six in the morning. Piotr chose to stay, while Miles stayed at Fredrick’s insistence, much to my annoyance. Fredrick’s words disgusted me, but I didn’t show it. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had affected me. After everyone left, I went to my office to take care of some unfinished tasks.

I was well aware that my Uncle had left Miles behind to spy on me and report back to him. He didn’t even try to hide his intentions, but it didn’t bother me. I was relaxed about it because I knew I was prepared for war.

Soon after I sat down, Piotr came to my office. He greeted me in his usual cheerful manner and sat on the couch. I laughed, not wanting to admit that I had missed him.

“You can pretend all you want, but I know you missed me,” he said, making himself comfortable on the couch.

“What’s the plan?” he asked, and I furrowed my brow, wondering what he was referring to.

“I mean, Riverhead is empty. You must be planning something,” he continued. I shook my head, unwilling to share my plans with him. Instead, I changed the subject and asked about his father.

“What happened yesterday? Your father opposed Fredrick,” I inquired. Piotr laughed in response.

“My father is tired of Fredrick’s nonsense and can see through his desperate attempts. Even some Hill alphas didn’t appreciate that he was willing to discredit you for a half-breed,” Piotr explained. I nodded, realizing that Fredrick had made a mistake by involving Miles in the situation.

“Anyway,” Piotr leaned forward, “There are two ways for you to claim the crown. Either Fredrick approves your coronation or you declare yourself King and go to war against anyone who opposes you. We both know

Fredrick will never give his approval,” he said, leaning closer.

“So, when are we going to war?” he asked with a smile, seemingly content with the idea of battle.

“You might be surprised at my calmness, but liberation has never been easy to achieve. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to achieve, all of which you have already spent and still are. I would lie if I said I want this to drag on, but the ball is in your court. You either wait for the bastard and hope he approves your coronation, or name yourself King and wait for him to oppose,” he said and stood up.

“I’ll leave you with that thought and head back to my room for a delicious meal. Just know that you have my support no matter what,” he assured me, sensing my discomfort.

we can go horse riding later,” he suggested, and I nodded. He clearly intended to have some fun in Forest

her room all night until everyone had left. It turns out she was trying to

note, and I recognised the handwriting immediately. It was the same

obligations to the family and taking

she was interrupted,

concerned me was that my mother was sending letters to my enemies,

her completely locked away in her room, restrained with silver bracelets. I want her closely monitored and guarded by werewolves and half-breeds,”

decision that had to be made. I couldn’t

mother’s infatuation with Gabriel, and it tempted me to object, but I decided to allow it. Perhaps it would provide her with closure for the rejection and help her move on, so

conceded, and Qusack

the way, I’m considering telling Gabriel about Gwen,” I revealed, and

would request to see him and expose the truth about his wife to mock him. It would have been disastrous. It’s best for Gabriel to process his shock and anger away from Fredrick and the battle. So, I plan to tell him this evening after we’re done with the

noticed you didn’t allow Ania to serve the other alphas. Is there a reason?” I asked, and he averted his gaze. I could tell he was possessive of her, though he probably

the two of you, I wouldn’t mind,” I reassured him, and he

to me simply because she couldn’t play chess. She told me she still doesn’t know how to play chess, and she only plays card games now,” he explained, and I realised that Ania had been deeply affected by

those women to me, but I wasn’t interested, and it had nothing to do with them being half-breeds; I was concentrated on my conquest. I was so close to taking Forest that I could not let myself slip. The same had affected Qusack, and now that he was ready to relax and settle, it had come back to bite

turn out this way, I would have kept her, Niko,”

father to bring disgrace upon them both. I had planned to end Gabriel’s bloodline and render his daughter useless. But look

knew that part,” he

Just don’t give up. Be yourself and develop an interest in card games. Chess is long and boring anyway,”

we do about your brother?” he asked, mentioning a sensitive topic that I wasn’t ready

Qusack, I have no idea. I don’t know how to handle him. He’ s a mystery to me. I can’t

I suppose you’ll find out when he sees you. He’s been insisting on speaking with you ever since your Uncle left,” he said, and I was surprised that Miles wanted to talk to me. I suspected it was because I had somehow dragged Lena into my feud with Fredrick. I wasn’t

for your Uncle, and he’s never been defeated. Be cautious when you have a conversation with him. He’s not as mild- mannered as he appears,” Qusack cautioned, and I nodded. I already had that information, but I appreciated Qusack’s effort to dig deeper. “I would like him to meet with Gabriel after I see him, So hold off on my mother,” I said, and he nodded in

moments later, Lisa arrived at my office carrying a tray of breakfast. She told me that Aliana had sent her. When I checked