Chapter 108: Take Responsibility
"Love had turned a careful strategist into a man willing to gamble away kingdoms."
~ Rebel Beast
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"I’m sorry, but I cannot make such promises, President Callum," Maverick told him honestly.
Callum sighed. "Maverick—"
"There is only so much the beasts will tolerate from me. I can only push them so far before they snap. Unless, of course, you’re prepared to lose the only human the beasts are willing to tolerate."
Maverick deliberately threw the president’s own words back at him.
"But," he continued after a brief pause, "I’ll do everything within my power."
The relief that crossed Callum’s face was almost too subtle to notice, but Maverick caught it anyway. For all the authority the president projected, it was becoming increasingly obvious who this operation truly depended on.
"However," Maverick added, "I assume the human students will also be accompanying the excursion. It would give them an opportunity to see their families."
Callum shifted in his seat.
"I don’t think that’s wise. What if some of the girls refuse to return afterwards? Or worse, what if their parents refuse to let them? There are already activist groups gaining traction and demanding the Concordia Program be shut down. The last thing we need is to hand them more ammunition."
"That is your concern, not mine, Mr. President."
Maverick’s voice remained calm.
"You asked me to convince the princes and their subordinates to enter Nova City. I’m willing to do exactly that. The beast shifters may dislike the humans, but at least they’re familiar with the Concordia students. If they suspect the government has hidden motives, those students become the only leverage they trust."
He held Callum’s gaze. "Didn’t your behavioral analysts tell you that?"
President Callum fell silent. Maverick knew he had cornered him.
After a long heartbeat, the president finally spoke.
"Fine. I’ll raise the matter with Parliament and see what can be arranged—"
"No, Mr. President."
Maverick interrupted him.
"That is where you’re mistaken. This isn’t something to be discussed later. This is the agreement we’re making."
His gray, slit-like eyes never wavered.
"I’ll convince the beast shifters to enter human territory. I’ll negotiate their cooperation and oversee every aspect of the excursion right down to the itinerary."
He paused. "In return, the surviving human students accompany the trip and are permitted to visit their families."
Callum slowly worked his jaw. For the first time since the call began, Maverick felt the balance of power shift in his favor.
Or so he thought.
"Maverick Nightshade." A calculating smile spread across Callum’s face, the sort worn by businessmen moments before closing an exceptionally profitable deal.
"Are you telling me you’re willing to take responsibility for this entire excursion?"
Oh, shit.
Maverick recognized the trap the instant it snapped shut around him.
"So you’re assuring me," Callum continued, "that you’ll keep the beast shifters under control and that no human lives will be lost during the visit to Nova City?"
The office fell silent.
This was dangerous. His father, Asher, would’ve probably advised him against making promises he couldn’t guarantee.
But Aria was involved.
There was no way in hell Maverick would leave his mate behind while escorting the beasts through Nova City like honored guests, uncertain whether she’d still be alive when he returned.
He had also looked into Aria’s background.
Why wouldn’t he?
It turned out her mother had signed her into the Concordia Program without her knowledge or consent, which explained why her story had spread across the country so quickly.
That woman would have hell to answer for the day they met. Then again, had she not forced Aria into Bestiaris Academy, Maverick might never have found his mate.
He could have spent years searching. Or never found her at all. Everyone knew not every destined pair was fortunate enough to meet within a lifetime.
The point was, Aria loved her sister. Maverick intended to do everything within his power to reunite them while keeping Aria somewhere his protection—and his influence—could still reach her.
Pulling himself back to the conversation, Maverick answered, "Yes. I’ll ensure it."
"Good." Callum released a slow breath, looking as though an enormous burden had finally been lifted from his shoulders. "Then we have a deal. The surviving human students will accompany the excursion."
He was fucked. Maverick knew it. Thoroughly fucked.
Not only did he have to convince Rhydian Drakhar and Caelis Cobryn to enter Nova City, he also had to keep two apex predators under control while they were there. His other papa, Roman, would laugh himself senseless if he ever found out.
Callum shook his head with an amused smile. "You’re every bit as stubborn as your father, Maverick."
"I don’t hold a candle to that man, Mr. President," Maverick muttered under his breath.
His father was everything people claimed him to be. He certainly wouldn’t have walked into a political trap this easily.
Whether Callum heard him or not, he gave no indication.
"I’ll have my team prepare the agreements. They’ll be in contact shortly and assist you with whatever resources you need to make this mission successful. Enjoy your time at Bestiaris Academy, Maverick Nightshade."
The screen went black.
For several long moments, Maverick simply stared at the monitor before dragging a tired hand down his face.
"Congratulations," Dimitri said. "You’re toasted."
Maverick groaned and leaned back in his chair. "You really don’t have to remind me."
"Of course not." Dimitri smiled with exaggerated innocence. "I’m merely admiring the extraordinary lengths a man in love will go for his lovely mate... who still has absolutely no idea she’s his."
"Uncle Dimitri, please." There was genuine exhaustion in Maverick’s voice. He already had more than enough on his plate.
Dimitri sighed. Everything would’ve been much easier if Maverick simply accepted help.
Before either of them could continue, the doorbell rang. The two men exchanged a glance.
"Were we expecting anyone?" Maverick asked.
"Not that I’m aware of." Dimitri rose from his chair. "I’ll see who it is."
Maverick nodded before reaching for another report on his desk. It contained the latest records of students leaving and returning to the academy.
He already knew the report wasn’t entirely accurate.
Students from Houses Ophidian and Aetheris had long mastered the art of slipping beyond the academy grounds unnoticed. More importantly, most security personnel were far too intimidated to report the movements of Caelis Cobryn and Rhydian Drakhar.
Maverick usually let them.
Giving those two princes a reasonable amount of freedom was far wiser than provoking them into reminding everyone why apex predators were feared.
He was still reviewing the report when footsteps echoed back into the office. Looking up, he saw Dimitri returning and he wasn’t alone.
Maverick immediately recognized the young man standing beside him.
Venus.
Caelis Cobryn’s viper.