“Sure, but you’d have to raise them in the meantime, which will cost a lot in food, clothing, some level of education, and, of course, babysitters. I doubt it’ll be a smart investment in the long run.”
Adar had no clue how Jermon could keep his calm when Adar himself would love nothing more than to ram his fist in Kerry’s face.
“Hmm, excellent point.” Kerry sighed.
“Especially when you could have seven million tomorrow in exchange for the omegas you have…who, from what I understand, aren’t of much value to you anyway if they can’t produce viable eggs that lead to alpha heirs.”
“Omegas have no value, period,” Dempsey said.
Jermon spared him a glance. “Do you mind? I’m trying to have a conversation here.”
Oh gods, what was he doing? Was he trying to use that friction between Kerry and Dempsey? He had to have a reason for deliberately antagonizing Dempsey.
Dempsey scowled. “And he’s not the leader of our clan.”
“You’re not a clan,” Fallon pointed out.
“So we’ll start a new one, whatever.”
“You can’t. Not according to the Code,” Erwan said.
“Who the fuck cares about the Code?”
Erwan shrugged. “The remaining clans do, so you won’t get a seat at the Dragon Council.”
“Like we care.”
“We do care, actually,” Kerry said, sending Dempsey a dark look. “Our goal is to restore our clan…group to its former glory, including being part of the Dragon Council.”
Dempsey rose from the couch. “Says who? You’re not the one making decisions here.”
“Neither are you.” Kerry got up, too, and the two alphas stood opposite each other in a dick-measuring contest.
If it wasn’t perfect for their purposes, Adar would’ve been dismayed by the whole thing. These guys were clowns. How was anyone supposed to take them seriously?
“I have a question.” Erwan sounded almost bored, which had to cost him. “I know you were one of King Ennis’s knights, Kerry, but what’s your claim to the leadership based on, Dempsey?”
Oh, he was going for the jugular now, wasn’t he? And Kerry was reveling in this unexpected support. He crossed his arms and asked, “Yeah, Dempsey, whatisyour claim based on?”
“I’m the strongest alpha in our clan!” Dempsey all but shouted.
Adar saw his opportunity. “Based on what? In our packs, we determine that honor through a fight.”
Which was complete and utter BS, but Dempsey didn’t know that, now did he?
“Fighting who?” Dempsey said, standing a little taller. “Kerry?”
“I’m not fighting you,” Kerry said quickly.
“He doesn’t have to defend his claim,” Erwan said. “But you do. So why don’t you fight the strongest alpha in our pack?”
Dempsey frowned. “You? You want me to fight a white dragon?”
Erwan snorted. “I’m nowhere near the strongest, but that’s funny. No, Adar.” He motioned at Adar, who obediently stepped forward. “I’m assuming you have no problem fighting Dempsey, right, Adar?”
Praise the gods. “None at all.”
“Then that’s decided,” Erwan said easily. “Oh, and no magic, of course, since Adar is a wolf.”