Arlene's POV
Mr. Warner locks his gaze on mine, and something shifts inside me. For the first time since we met, I refuse to look away. Niall rises to the surface, showing him we're not backing down. He picked the worst possible moment to make me feel guilty about maintaining a relationship with my mother's closest friend and honoring her final wishes.
His nostrils flare with irritation, and he's the one who breaks eye contact first. The others around the room fidget uncomfortably in their chairs. Fine, maybe I lean on Shelly more than I should. Maybe she gets away with things others wouldn't. But this is her pack too.
Having a conversation with her about necessary changes is completely different from firing her outright or banishing her, even if the new position comes with better compensation.
"I didn't bring you all here to get lectured about my Beta choice. Mischa Dixon needs to be dealt with, and according to pack law, I'm supposed to kill her. I don't want to go that route."
