Chapter 10
Rachael's POV
I kept my gaze on Jessica, making sure to not show any sign of timidity. I needed her to see that I meant every word that came from my mouth and that I was someone to be feared.
She seemed to get the message as I saw her previously defiant look diminish to something a bit more submissive. Her countenance dropped; proof that she had resigned to the fact that I was in charge now.
"Fine." She let's out in total resignation, as she stood to her feet. "I'm sorry, Rachael. Are you happy now?"
I smiled, glad that I had gotten what I wanted, but I was in no way satisfied and I had to make her see that. "It's not enough, Jess. I need something more than this before I could let you go." I muttered, drawing closer to her.
"What could that be?" She asked slowly, surprised that I wanted more, but it was what I did next that would surprised her even more.
"A simple apology could never be enough to cover up for all the bullying and humiliation that you have been dishing out to me." I explained calmly. "Indeed, nothing can be enough to cover up for all of that but I do know one thing that could help a little, sweetie."
I swung my hand forcefully, landing a slap hard across her left cheek and she yelled in what was a combination of shock and immense pain. Then, I walked away from her without looking back at all.
As I walked away, I paid keen attention to know if she was going to follow behind. I knew that I had her all scared but pride could always make people forget what is at stake and I didn't want to be taken unawares, especially since I embarrassed her before everyone in the room.
I felt so powerful though. I was always on the receiving end of such beatings but there I was, dishing it out to someone else who wasn't even a maid. I was happy.
That felt really great, said Eliana to me very happily. We should slap people more, you know.
I sighed. She was getting carried away by the excitement she felt. Don't get too excited though. I warned her, knowing how dangerous it could be. But hey, I can't even deny it. You're right. It really did feel so good.
We both laughed as I walked out of the laundry room.
Jake's POV
While Rachael's request was a ridiculous one, I had to find a way to do it. I had seen a way to become the Alpha of the Pack and I knew I'd be stupid to let it pass me by. Not when I knew that I could do something about it.
I had thought about that request a thousand times, wondering if it was wise to meet my father for something like that. I weighed all the pros and cons and in the end, going to my father was my only choice.
I left my room and headed straight to my father's chambers to strike a deal with him. I knew him so well and understood how he reasoned. It was a hard task and knowing how much he wanted Rachael to suffer, it was never going to be easy to get him to do what I wanted; what she wanted. Yet, I had to believe that I could make him do it. All my hopes of succeeding him depended on that.
I got to his room and knocked on the door but there was no response. I wondered if he was having a nap or something and thought about going back to my room so I could check back later.
I didn't. I had gone too far to go back without getting what I wanted. I knew how tense I was just thinking about it and I was finally about to find out, what the result of my plea was going to be. It's either now, or never.
I knocked again, twice, and this time, I knocked harder than the previous time. "Who's there?" He called out from the insides of his room.
"It is I, father. Jake."
"Come in, son."
I pushed the door open and walked inside to see him seated on his bed and scratching his head. "Greetings, father." I said to him, bowing slightly.
I usually didn't do that except on occasions when I had a request to make to him. I needed to do everything in my power to get on his good side and whilst I knew he'd figure out that I was only trying to get him to do me a favour, at least.. he'd see that I was trying.
"What brings you to my room?" He asked.
"I'm here to make a request, Dad." He bared his hands so that I could go on and I nodded. "I want to ask that Rachael be promoted to the head of maids in the Pack."
There was silence in the room for a moment and then he suddenly burst out into laughter. He laughed so hard that he could barely control himself.
"That's a joke, right?" He asked, still laughing. "I mean, you can't possibly be asking for something like that. You're trying to pull my legs, aren't you?"
"No, dad. I'm dead serious. Please, grant me this favour. It'll mean a lot to me."
He shook his head and all the smiles on his face immediately vanished. "Your request isn't one that I can grant son. I can never allow it!" He said firmly.
"And just in case this is a scheme to get her to choose you as her mate, I'm not going to help you win the contest. You're going to have to do it on your own." He continued.
"I know you, father. I know that you wouldn't mind doing this for me." I confidently spoke. "You're only refusing my request because it's going to make Rachael's life better and you don't want that. But I want to tell you that it's never going to happen. Her life won't be any better. Maybe for a moment, but not for long. As soon as I win the contest, I'll bring everything back to the way that it should be. In fact, I'll ensure that she's placed in an even worse position."
He thought about it for a while but he still didn't look convinced. "I understand all that you have said but I still won't do it anyway. You just have to do it yourself. That's it."
"Dad, you are the king.. the alpha of crimson pack. I know you can do anything for the right price and I'm telling you now that I'll do just about anything if you choose to help me with this request now."
"Anything?" He asked, leaving his mouth open. As I expected, he was excited by that prospect. He was never a man that could change.
I nodded my head in affirmation.
"That word isn't a word that you should throw around with ease, my son," he laughed. "But if you do mean what you have just said, then I'm more than willing to help you out. I wouldn't mind at all. But you have to be sure that you'll do as you have said."
"Yes, father. I will do that." I affirmed, and he nodded.
"Then I would make the declaration. However, in no distant time from now, I will ask you to do something and you, my son.. will not be able to do otherwise."
I nodded. I didn't mind at all. All that mattered to me was to get Rachael to choose me so that I could pip Justin to become the Alpha of the Crimson Pack. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face after that. It'll be so cool!
My father took out a small knife which he normally kept beneath his pillow and with it, he made a small cut on his palm and then handed it over to me so I could do the same.
I did, and we shook hands. It signified the seal of an agreement between two people in the Pack.
"Now it is sealed. You owe me a favour, son." He said with a smirk on his face.