CHAPTER 5 OLD CONFLICTS

Minerva's Pov "Dad, you have to listen to me. I know the reason I'm suggesting we don't host the meeting." I walked past my father and whirled around, stepping in his way. "Your reasons are less important than pack traditions." You speak like you don't understand wolf lore. If I didn't know better, I would easily assume you don't." When I stopped, my father made me walk past him. The meeting ended with my father agreeing that my family would host the State Summit in Silverline, and he countered every logical reason I had brought up in the meeting. We were heading back to his office, and I attempted to make him see my point of view. I was not avoiding the State Summit because of anything, but I was sure something would go wrong. My family resented Dominic and his father because of the tricks they played to keep the governorship position for themselves, and my hatred for Dominic was unmatched. The young man had the guts to do what he did, even after all we shared. While my parents might tolerate their feud, neither Dominic nor I could tolerate our presence in such a place. It was a sore hatred. I won't leave a place or an event because he was there. He had to go instead, because I have an ego and integrity to protect. My father attempted to walk past again, but I stepped in his way. "Dad?" "Tell me, Minerva. If we don't host the Summit in Silverline, what's in it for you?" I looked away, not meeting his gaze. I can't possibly tell him that I was trying to avoid Dominic. He would assume that I was beginning to think like my brother, whom he considered weak. "I simply think we should give the other pack a chance." "On what basis?" He quirked a brow. We could always find something, right? Something in the books, you know? There is a possibility that it could assist us in allowing the smaller groups to express themselves. "There is nothing to find, Minerva." He sent me a soft glare and breezed past me, and I turned around, my gaze following his retreating form, before I scrambled to catch up to him just as he arrived at his office. Before the door opened, one of his men pushed it open for him to walk in, and I joined the team. "Well," he said as he rounded his lavish oak desk and slumped into his seat. I believe it's time for us to commence our summit preparations. You all know the riddle. He turned towards the man who had suggested the media project. "Jason, you need to start reaching out to the media outlets." We need to get as many testimonies as possible." "Yes Sir." The man nodded, and my father followed suit, nodding more quickly as he pursed his lips. "Any other thing?" He met the gazes of everyone in the room except mine, and everyone shook their heads; then he continued, ending with a note of finality. "Let's get to work then." With a nod, the team that joined him in the office dispersed, some leaving alone, others going in groups. When no one else was in the office, I caught my father's gaze as his eyes met mine. "Dad." "You're so adamant about moving this thing." I cocked my head sideways. "They denied you the chance to become governor." "While I accept that I may not be on cordial terms with the Pendragons, I cannot allow a family feud to step in the way of trying to solve a core matter that is currently threatening our existence." "I can't stand the Pendragons!" I yelled, briefly closed my eyes, breathed, and continued. " I'm sorry, dad." "It's alright. I completely comprehend your emotions, yet this is the necessary action. As another idea came to mind, I nodded without saying a word. I might try to convince my mother. If I could persuade her that we couldn't host the summit, she would have to agree. "Minerva?" As I snapped back to reality, I looked up to meet my father's gaze, realizing he noticed I was lost in thoughts. "Penny, what are your thoughts?" "Nothing much." I shrugged. "I'm perfect." "Are you sure?" My dad shot me with a quirked brow, and I shrugged again. "Of course." "Alright then." He bent down and pulled his drawer open, pulling out an envelope and handing it to me. "Mr. Callagher wants us to grace his occasion, and while I'd love to do that, I'm so choked up. If you don't mind, could you represent me at that ball?" My gaze left his face to the letter his fingers clutched onto, his hand outstretched, and for a moment, I thought it wouldn't hurt to unwind a little. Back in school, I attended many parties and balls with human guests, and I realized they partied better than us. It wouldn't hurt to join them again. When I arrived at the ball, it was already in full swing, but I was pretty early. The speaker played waltz-worthy soft music, but there were not so many people on the dance floor, probably because people just arrived, I guessed. Weaving through the crowd, I saw Mr. Callagher greeting a group of people and walked over to join them. He turned to me as I approached. "Ah, look who we have here." A smile tugged at his lips, and his eyes shone brightly. "It is my honour to meet you, ir." I stretched my hand towards him, my lips twisting into a genuine smile. He took my hand and gave it a firm shake. "No, it is I who am honoured to meet you." He nodded, and I continued. "It is disheartening that my father couldn't make it, sir. He has a lot to plan for. While I am here in his place, I am also here for myself." I reassured him. "Of course, feel free." He nodded, grinning now. "I won't stop you from enjoying yourself the way you want to. I understand you must want to unwind too." Just as he plugged in a flute filled with a drink from a passing waiter and handed it to me, I gave him a slight grin. "Please enjoy yourself." I took the glass from him and had a sip, then nodded at him as he backed away. After Mr. Callagher had welcomed me and walked away, I glanced around and walked over to the group of two people I had noticed farther behind him. I don't remember how long I'd been enjoying the party, but I know it had been some time before I heard a name I so wished I never heard. "Dominic Pendragon!" And that is how we ended up facing each other, anger blazing in our eyes.