Terms of Surrender

Analyzing the Assistant: Tess

The interaction with Leon kept playing over in my mind. His apparent nervousness, the near-slip of his tongue, the obvious bow of his head. He wasn’t just a regular assistant. Werewolf or not, he was part of “the pack.” For humor’s sake, I decided to analyze Leon under the belief that he and Darian were truly supernatural creatures and not just suffering from the same shared delusions.

I flipped to my notes regarding pack hierarchy and wrote his name down. I tapped the page with the end of my pen, letting my mind work through his stutter. Be-uh…assistant. Beta. It made sense. Darian wouldn’t have trusted anyone besides his second-in-command with the task of restocking the kitchen while I was still present in the penthouse.

I thought about his demeanor. He was so easily deterred by my presence. He was also very apologetic, almost nervous. He apologized to me even though he was the one startled. He didn’t enforce compliance of any of Darian’s demands. He didn’t demand I return to the east wing. It was as if he already respected me as his Luna. That, or he’s simply too afraid of Darian. Either way, I could classify him as less hostile and someone I could potentially exploit.

The way Leon had treated me had me pondering the “Luna” title again. I pulled one of the books I’d retrieved across the desk, and began searching through its pages for anything that went into detail regarding the position. A lot of it was what I had already read. The Luna was responsible for pack harmony, counsel, and legitimacy. I started to realize, I hadn’t just been kidnapped for breeding, I was being forced into the role of a political figurehead required for Darian’s legitimate rule. Somehow, that was scarier.

My leverage felt even greater. If the pack needs me to be Luna, then they need me to appear competent, respected, and willing.

As the afternoon wore on, I maintained my vigil at the desk. I had to prepare for when Darian returned. I reviewed my audit notes, highlighting any consistency that looked like it might be pack related. I wasn’t going to let him just bully me into a position I didn’t ask for without knowing what I was getting myself into.

I tensed when I heard the elevator ding. This time, it was accompanied by the faint scent of spiced pomegranate and knew without a doubt that this time it was Darian. I remained at the desk, composed, my notebook side-by-side next to an open mythology book.

The smell was getting stronger, and I knew Darian was coming to find me. It didn’t take long before his tall, broad frame filled the doorway. I didn’t look up, nor did I greet him.

“You didn’t rest.” It’s not a question, but an accusation. His voice low, frustrated.

“You told me to eat. I ate,” I tell him simply. I can feel the tension and annoyance radiating off him long before I finally look up. Calmly, professionally, I start, “I met your assistant, Leon Starling, today. Your Beta, I assume? Is he aware of the full moon land acquisitions, or is he merely responsible for ensuring the Luna is properly nourished?”