CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
Lucas stared at the half–empty bottle of whiskey on the coffee table. The rejection of the mate bond had left him in constant physical pain for days and Alcohol was the only thing that dulled it, even if just for moments
He lifted the bottle to his lips, but before he could take another swig, Clara snatched it away.X
“That’s enough,” she snapped, holding the bottle out of his reach. “Do you even know what day it is? How long you’ve been like this?“% Lucas bloodshot eyes narrowed as he tried to focus on her face. “Give it back,”
“No.” Clara set the whiskey on a shelf behind her. “You need to get a hold of yourself. The entire pack is talking. Lucas. You’re their Head Enforcer, yet you haven’t shown up to a single meeting in days?
“I don’t care,” he slumped back against the couch
“Well, you should,” Clara snapped, placing her tablet in front of him, “Look at this ”
Lucas squinted at the screen, trying to focus on the Wolf Net post. The anonymous post about Evelyn leaving him had thousands of comments now many supporting her decision to leave.
“People are taking her side,” Clara said, scrolling through the comments. “You’re losing control of the narrative. At this rate, you’ll be demoted from Head Enforcer. You’re neglecting your duties
Lucas slammed his fist on the desk. “I can’t be demoted! Do you have any idea what I went through to get that position??
“I know exactly what you did,” Clara replied coldly, her eyes glinting. “You killed the previous Head Enforcer and made it look like a rogue attack. That’s how the position became available. That’s how you filled it, with blood in your hands
Lucas stared at her in shock.”
“Don’t look so surprised,” Clara continued, perching on the edge of his desk. “I’ve always known. You didn’t choose that position just for the prestige. You know it’s the key to becoming Alpha. It’s at your fingertips, Lucas. Don’t throw it all away because some worthless female rejected you.”
Lucas leaned back in his chair “What do you suggest?
“The narrative is getting away from you. If you want to salvage your reputation and still become Alpha, you need to spin this differently. “And how exactly will you do that?“||
Clara’s smile widened. “I have my ways. But first, you need to pull yourself together. The council meeting is tomorrow, and make an appearance Show them you’re still in control.”
I need to
Lucas stood suddenly, swaying slightly before steadying himself. He punched the wall causing the plaster to Crack Evelyn. You’ll regret ever leaving me. How dare you leave me? Youll regret it. I’ll make sure of it
you m
“Good,” Clara stood to place a hand on his shoulder “Channel that anger, Use it. Soon, everything will be ours. We’ll be Alpha and Luna, with our baby as heir. We won’t let Evelyn get in our way. We’ll make her pay.
Before Lucas could respond, there was a knock at the door. Marcus, his advisor entered with a tablet in his hand
“Sir, we have a problem.” Marcus glanced nervously between Lucas and Clara 20
Lucas waved him in. “What did you find?“”
Marcus placed the folder on the table. “The council is considering other candidates for the Alpha position. There are three others who are more qualified, with stronger bloodlines and better leadership records.“8
“Who?” Lucas demanded.
Marcus flipped open the folder “Michael Stone from the Northern Region, Liam Edwards from the Eastern Territory, and-”
“And?” Clara prompted when Marcus hesitated.
Marcus cleared his throat. “And they’re seeking an alliance with Alpha King Dominic Blackwood”
The name sent a chill through the room. Dominic Blackwood, the most powerful Alpha in the country, perhaps even the world. A man whose mere nama inspired fear and respect.
“Dominic Blackwood?” Lucas repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. “What does he have to do with any of this?”
“The candidates believe his endorsement would guarantee them the Alpha position,” Marcus explained. “With his support, the council wouldn’t dare choose anyone else.”
Clare’s eyes lit up. Then we need his endorsement first”
Lucas laughed bitterly. “Are you insane? No one gets an audience with Dominic Blackwood. Some Alphas wait years just for a phone call. He’s untouchable
“Actually,” Marcus interjected, “our sources say he’s in Blackthorn territory right now. He’s been meeting with the heir of Blackthorn- apparently their parents were close friends.“!!
Lucas and Clara exchanged glances.
“If we could get into the good graces of the Blackthorn heir,” Marcus suggested, she might facilitate a meeting with the Alpha King.”
“Who is this heir?” Clara asked.
Marcus shook his head. “No one knows her identity. She’s been missing for years, but rumor has it she’s returned to claim her birthright“|
A slow smile spread across Clara’s face. Then we need to find her. If we can get to her before the others do, we can secure our position. Lucas stood up, suddenly energized. His mind was already formulating a plan. If he could secure an alliance with Dominic Blackwood before he committed to another pack…
—
“Pack your bags, Clara,” he announced, a dangerous smile spreading across his face. “We’re going to Blackthom
Clara’s eyes widened with excitement. “When do we leave?“.
Lucas glanced at the Wolf Net post one more time, at the comments supporting Evelyn, at the threat to everything he’d worked for
“Tonight
11:14 AM
