Page 67 of Coveted

Her breath caught in her throat as she starred wide-eyed at the people now focused on her. Her stomach lurched into her throat, threatening to embarrass her by emptying in front of them all.

“The second ship is the delivery of food for while the Council is here. Crates of fresh produce, perfectly preserved. Special treats, expensive ingredients, more than necessary for the expected Chancellors.”

Eyes moved back to Vax before looking past him. The first shipment was meant for the entire planet. Their population was small, and they’d only received half of what they should have. While that pile of crates was larger than the second, it was clear to see that the second pile was ridiculously large for a group that would number far less than even the population of the city.

“I’ve sent Leir to secure more food, and he’ll return as soon as he can, but it was Alana’s idea to give you the Council’s food.”

The gasp that went through the crowd was audible, Alana’s voiced right along with it. They quieted, everyone waiting for what Vax would say next. Alana turned to look up at him, trying to figure out why he was telling them it was her idea when all she’d told him was to inform them of the decision.

“The Council will be gathering for dinner in the Administration Building in two days. I plan to serve them the food they sent for you, and let them know I’ve closed the mines until I find out who’s behind the illegal mining that caused the accident. I won’t let them bully us and treat us as if we are expendable.”

The mood shifted, heads nodding, a few grim smiles flashing at them. Alana felt the tension in Vax’s muscles drain away and she realized he’d been worried about they way they’d gotten worked up as well, but he’d handled them perfectly.

“The Council doesn’t like me. They don’t want me in charge, because I refuse to bow to their demands. They’ve threatened to remove me as Chancellor before, and only the threat of the miners refusing to work stopped them.”

He paused again, taking a breath and lowering his voice further, as if he was confiding in a friend. Alana felt a pulse of pride at the way he was deescalating the situation, and she stood straighter at his side.

“With the mines closed and what I plan to do, it’s very likely they will give the position to another. They may even bring charges against me, but that’s not going to stop me from doing it.”

New murmurs began but Vax shook his head.

“I don’t want anyone else to get involved. They’ll be taking their anger out on anyone they can, and I won’t be able to protect you if I’m imprisoned. There can be no violence.”

He looked around as if he was trying to meet the eyes of each person in the crowd. The group in front of them had grown far beyond the original people waiting for the food, but he made a good effort to make them all feel included.

“The staff at the Administration Building will be dismissed as soon as all the Chancellors have arrived and are prepared for dinner. I expect the Council will dismiss the meeting and the Chancellors will leave early, but I need an oath from you all that there will be no violence. You will not put yourself in harms way when I’ve worked so hard to protect you.”

An edge of alpha command lanced his words. It wasn’t enough to compel obedience, especially not in the other alphas facing them, but it was enough to show he was serious. There were a few sullen expressions, but more looked relieved, and the majority nodded in agreement, calling out their promise. It wouldn’t guarantee things wouldn’t get out of hand if a situation popped up, but it went a long way to help.

“Come get the food, and we’ll bring more once the other ship is sorted. And don’t forget the mines still need their supplies, so this has to be shared.”

Vax stepped out of the way, waving to the further pile of crates. The people who’d come to collect the food for distribution took their hoverwagons and headed in that direction while the others who’d come because of the noise wandered off. A few stopped to say a few words to Vax, but most kept to themselves, walking with the purpose of people going to spread the news. It wouldn’t be long before the entire planet was aware of what would be happening during the Council meeting.

Varner approached as the last of the others left, having already spoken with the two groups loading produce crates onto their wagons. He seemed in a better mood than when they’d found him, but there as still a crease of worry between his brows.

“I’m not convinced this is the best way.”

Vax huffed, his arm tightening around Alana. He still hadn’t let her go, and she found herself enjoying the feel of him against her.

“This is the only way. Diplomacy doesn’t seem to get through their heads.”

Varner’s knobby brow arched as he eyed Vax.

“When have you ever been diplomatic?”

Vax raised his free hand to his chest, letting out a wounded sounded. Alana couldn’t swallow her scoff, and his gaze whipped down to her.

“Hey, I attempted to make an effort at being diplomatic. I asked nicely, and look what it got me.”

He pointed at the crates again and Varner sighed.

“True. I don’t faultyou.”

People were already making their way back across the landing field as Varner turned his attention to Vax again.

“I gave Captain Egrich permission to stay and clean out his hold, as long as he didn’t use any chemicals that might hurt the field. I’ll have people start sorting through what he brought to see what’s salvageable, and have them burn the rest.”

Alana perked up, tipping her head at his plan.

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