The devil Moondancer

Accepting

*Jack*

I saunter toward Beck, who seems innocently unaware of the turmoil roiling through me. The man is either a fool or as skilled at playing cards as I am. “It’s been a little more than fourteen years since you approached me with the news that I had an anonymous benefactor. That’s the only reason I bother to make an appearance tonight. Was my benefactor the Alpha of Silverpine?”

While it makes absolutely no sense, that explanation is the only one I can come up with to explain this lunacy.

“I serve at the pleasure of many alphas and gentlemen of considerable wealth, Mr. Moondancer. Your benefactor wished to remain anonymous, and so he shall.” He says.

“Are you saying he wasn’t Silverpine?” I ask.

His face remains unreadable, “I’m saying until your benefactor gives me leave to reveal his wishes, I will hold his confidence to the best of my ability.”

“What if I beat you to a bloody pulp? I suspect you would find your ability isn’t what you think it is.” I grumble.

Beck has the audacity to grin as though he is slightly amused. I don’t like being made sport of, or worse, having my bluffs called. Swearing beneath my breath, I sweep my hand over the will and ledgers. “This makes no sense.”

“Is it important that it does?” He asks.

“It’s important I understand why a man I spoke to on only a few occasions deemed it appropriate to give me so much for doing so little.” I say.

“Being guardian of a future Alpha of a High pack is a grave, serious, and important task, Mr. Moondancer. Don’t underestimate the power of your influence or the amount of work required to ensure the young Alpha becomes a man who can reach his potential.” He says very seriously.

I laugh harshly. “Blast it all, man, that’s my point exactly. The Luna is correct. I am the last person who should serve as guardian and protector of her son. I abhor the High packs, especially the alphas.”

“That’s unfortunate, especially as they are largely responsible for your unprecedented success. The Alpha felt differently regarding your qualifications for guiding his son into manhood. However, he also understood you cannot be forced to do that which you have no desire to do. You have twenty-four hours to give me your decision. At the end of that time, if you have not agreed to the terms and conditions of the will as presented to you this evening, your opportunity to gain all of this… and the final item… will have passed and the second will shall be brought into play.” He says.

“You speak as though this is an elaborate game.” I mumble.

Beck smiles knowingly. “Who am I to judge?”

I glance around the room. I have only ever seen more books in Claybourne’s library. If I read one book every day for as long as I live, I would never get to them all. The leather-bound books alone are worth a fortune.

I return my attention to the man sitting calmly at the desk. Nothing seems to unsettle him. He is a man who takes his power from those he serves. “In the second will, what does he leave to the widow?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.” He shakes his head.

“Damn it, man, at least tell me if it favors her more than the first.” Which I had thought were pitiful leavings to a faithful mate, truth be told. Even for the hoyden who had been traipsing along behind me.

“What does it matter?” Beck asks.

I rub my thumb along the line of my jaw. I won’t let the keys to a kingdom far grander than anything I presently own slip through my fingers. I pick up the leather-bound ledger that Beck gave me earlier and bestow upon him the infamous cocky grin for which I am so well known.

“How do I signify that I accept the terms of the will?”