CHAPTER 18%
Lucas stared at his half–empty whiskey glass, his fifth one that night. The past week had been nothing but frustration and dead ends. Clara sat across from him, absently scrolling through her phone with increasing frustration
“It’s gone,” she announced suddenly in anger. “Every single post about Evelyn, completely wiped from Wolf Net. Like they never existed.” Lucas frowned, leaning forward to look at her screen. “That’s impossible. Those posts were shared thousands of times
Clara shoved her phone toward him. “See for yourself. Even the original post exposing her has vanished. And there’s nothing in the news outlets either–not a single mention of her rejection of the mate bond.“I
“How is that possible?” Lucas growled, taking another swig of his drink. “We paid good money to make sure that story spread everywhere.
at the boutique? The one who
o do with that man who was with her a
Clara’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, “Do you think it has something to claimed to own the place? “Please,” Clara scoffed. “He was obviously just some employee she convinced to play along. There’s no way Evelyn could have connections to anyone with real influence.”
The bartender, who had been wiping glasses nearby, cleared his throat. “Forgive me for overhearing, but if you’re talking about content disappearing like that, there’s only one person in Blackthorn with that kind of influence.“}
“Who? Clara demanded,
“The Alpha King,” the bartender answered quietly. “Dominic Blackwood. Nothing happens in these territories without his knowledge or consent”
Lucas and Clara exchanged stunned glances.
Clara laughed. “You expect us to believe Evelyn somehow gained favor with the Alpha King? She can barely string two sentences together without stammering. She’d never even get close enough to meet him.
The bartender shrugged. “Just saying what I know”
As he walked away, Lucas and Clara exchanged glances.
“It can’t be,” Lucas muttered. “That’s ridiculous. It must be something else. Maybe the posts violated some territory policy
Clara sighed heavily. “Let’s forget about Evelyn, we have bigger problems. We’ve been here a week and haven’t made any progress finding the Blackthom heir. The other candidates are already making connections. Michael Stone apparently met with some distant cousin of the heir And Liam Edwards managed to get an invitation to the council meeting “X
“And what do we have? Nothing.” Lucas slammed his list on the table. “We need to find this heir before they announce their support for someone else.”
Clara finished his thought “And worst is no one knows what she looks like.
A sudden commotion from the other end of the bar caught their attention. Several patrons were gathering around the large TV screen mounted on the wall.
BREAKING NEWS: ALPHA KING DOMINIC BLACKWOOD W
WEDS BLACKTHORN HEIR IN SURPRISE CEREMONY!
“Turn it up!” someone shouted ||
The bartender increased the volume, and The reporter’s voice filled the bar: “in a surprise ceremony held at the Blackwood estate this morning, Alpha King Dominic Blackwood has married the long–lost heir to the Blackthom territory. The private ceremony was attended by pack leaders from across the country..
The camera cut to footage of a stunning blonde woman in an elegant white gown walked beside Dominic Blackwood, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm. They moved down what appeared to be the steps of a grand estate, surrounded by cheering pack members throwing rose petals.
“Oh my god,” Clara whispered, her eyes glued to the screen. “She’s gorgeous.7
Lucas stared at the blonde woman, taking in her striking green eyes and elegant features. There was something vaguely familiar about her, but he couldn’t place it
“She’s exactly what we need,” Clara murmured. “With her backing, we’d be unstoppable.”
The camera zoomed in on the couple as they shared a kiss that made the crowd erupt in cheers.
“Our chances just went from slim to none, Lucas muttered, downing the rest of his whiskey.
Clara grabbed his arm suddenly. “No, this could work in our favor. She’s married to the Alpha King now. If we can get to her, we get to him.” “And how exactly do we do that?” Lucas snapped. “We don’t even know where to find her.”
1 believe I can help with that
Lucas and Clara whirled around to find a young woman sliding into the seat next to them. She had vibrant red hair and mischievous eyes, dressed in expensive designer clothes.X
“Who the hell are you?” Lucas demanded.X
The woman extended her hand. “I’m the personal assistant to the Blackthom heir. And I couldn’t help overhearing that you’re interested in an audience with her
Clara narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You expect us to believe that? Where’s your proof?”
The woman reached into her jacket and pulled out an identification card with the Blackthorn crest. Tm authorized to speak on behalf of the heir in certain matters. And I know you’ve been searching for her“>
11:20 AM ct d
How
w can we meet her?” Lucas asked eagerly
The woman smiled. “Tomorrow, the heir is making her first public appearance since the wedding–a visit to the Blackthorn Orphanage She has a soft spot for children. Make a significant donation, show up, catch her attention. That could be your chance for a private audience.”
“Just like that?” Lucas asked skeptically.
“Just like that,” Mia confirmed. “Be there at noon, donation in hand. But don’t mention I tipped you off. The Alpha King is… protective
Lucas nodded slowly. “Well be there.”
She stood, smoothing her skirt. “Good. Don’t be late. And make sure that donation is impressive–the heir doesn’t waste time on small gestures”
Lucas quieted Clara with a look. “We’ll do it.”
She placed a business card on the table. “Call this number when you’ve made the donation.
As she turned to leave, Lucas called after her, “Wat! You never told us your name”
The woman paused. “Mia. My name is Mia
After she left, Clara grabbed Lucas’s arm excitedly. “Finally! This is our chance!
“If that woman is telling the truth Lucas cautioned.
“She had the official badge, Clara pointed out. “And what do we have to lose? We’re getting nowhere on our own.”
Lucas nodded. “You’re right. Tomorrow, we make our move. One generous donation and we’ll be in the heir’s good graces.”
As they left the bar, neither noticed Mia watching from her car across the street. She pulled out her phone and dialed “Eve? It’s done,” she whispered. “The idiots took the bait completely. They’re coming tomorrow.”
She listened for a moment, then let out a soft laugh.2
“Oh, they have no idea. Let the games begin.“2
