Vera's POV
Keith's face twisted into a mask of pure scorn, a stark contrast to the cold control he'd shown moments before. "Do you think I'm a fool?" he bit out.
I was expecting the refusal. I've dealt with powerful, stubborn men my entire life who thought their might made them untouchable. My method is simple: I state my terms. I do not explain them. I do not justify my position. Their power, their pride, their threats are irrelevant against the authority I wield. I act, and they learn to comply.
But with these three… I had already broken protocol. I'd stopped my men from putting a silver round through the massive rogue's skull. I'd overruled the security council's recommendation for immediate, aggressive interrogation. I'd housed them in medical containment instead of high-security detention. I'd come here myself to parley, not sent an underling.
