The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman novel Chapter 39

~Tamia~

The dinner party was more fun than I thought it would be.

Other than the time that Sylvester went to speak with Vino, he remained by my side all through.

People congratulated the six of us on our upcoming wedding, and I realised it was a big deal. It made me feel nervous.

When I married Leo, it was a tranquil event. Most people did not know. The Mountain pack was small then, and because of that, the activities in the pack were insignificant. We just had a small ceremony where we said our vows in the presence of a few pack members and went home. The celebration was small. We eventually rose to the top together and soon became a big deal in the east.

I knew my marriage with Sylvester would be different. It felt like it would be grand, making me a bit nervous.

I watched Theodore dote on Linda. He paid so much attention that I secretly wished Kyle could see her.

Dominic came to the party with Glenda, but they both seemed to be flirting with other people.

After the party, we retired to the room made available by Vino.

I did not want to stay the night. I wanted to return to the estate and sleep in our bed, but sleeping over was part of the party because we were supposed to have breakfast with the rest of the very important guests in the morning.

The Lawrence family were very wealthy, and I realised they were the fourth most powerful family in our world.

Vino's family was after Theodore's family in rank. I could understand why the council gave Vino a tough time because they expected so much from him.

When we entered the room allocated to us, I stepped out of my clothes and wore the nightgown I had brought. The staff had packed a casual outfit for breakfast and nightwear for us to wear in the Lawrence estate. The driver must have helped place our stuff in the room allocated to us.

"What is the matter?" I finally asked Sylvester, knowing something was troubling him, even though he did everything to hide it during the dinner.

He asked me to sit on his lap on the couch in the room, and I obliged.

He reached into my robe and touched my body with his hands. Feeling me, and I moaned gently.

"You should answer my question," I said, trying to get him to tell me what was troubling him.

He kissed my neck and sighed.

"People forged my signature and seal and sent an order to increase taxes in the west," he said, and I was stunned.

"That isn't the worst of it. A small pack by the border in the west could not pay, so someone sent a northern army to attack them. They also claimed the order came from my office. The painful part was that the alpha of this pack came to our engagement dinner and did not breathe a word to me. He must think I am a douchebag for throwing a party and inviting him after I ordered an attack on his people. Vino thinks someone close to me is trying to sabotage me," He confessed, and I turned a bit so I could see his face.

"Of course, he is right. Someone close to you wants to sabotage you. Do you think it is Dominic and that Larry guy?" I asked him, and he nodded.

"I believe so, but Vino does not think Dominic has the capacity," He said, and I shook my head.

"It is wrong to underestimate people," I said and paused, realising the implication of Vino's deduction.

"So, who does he think is behind this?" I asked, wondering what the head of the council was thinking.

"He says it might be Marcel or Theodore," he replied, and I stood up and shook my head.

"I hope you don't believe him," I said with horror, and Sylvester shook his head.

"Of course not, I do not believe him," he said, and I relaxed.

"Those men are your best friends, and they are loyal. They have nothing to gain from sabotaging you," I said, and he smiled.

"On the contrary, Tamia, they do. If the Volkov family fails, the lordship will fall on the Sidorovs, Marcel's family, followed by the Orlovs, Theodore's family and then the Lawrence, Vino's family," he said, and I nodded.

"I figured that out, but the truth is if that is his reason, then he is as much a suspect as Theodore and Marcel," I said, and Sylvester nodded.

I went to him and cupped his chin in my hand so he could look at me.

"Do not doubt those two. If you do, it will break your protection and the only defence you have. I know Vino wants to be your friend, but he has no right to point fingers. I think we should look at Dominic and Larry. But I must say, I doubt Dominic has the smarts for this, but we could never tell," I said, and he smiled at me and pulled me back on his lap.

"The council asked Vino to invite me to the council hall for a question and answer session," he said and tickled me, and I giggled.

Then he stopped and breathed in my scent, resting his nose on the back of my neck.

"I want you to come with me," he said, and I turned to look at him and searched his eyes.