Chapter 84
“Yes, she abandoned her family for her mate, who was a member of my pack. I didn’t know whose daughter she was when she was presented to me. Anyway, they both ran off together after robbing him and then me.” he tells me.
“He agreed to cover my debt if I returned her. But when I couldn’t, he filed for sole ownership over the contracts my father and he had shared for decades.”
“So you have no clue where they went together?” I ask him. He shakes his head. “I thought her parents were hiding her at first, trying to double dip to get her back and the payment. Until I went there.”
“I didn’t even know Jefferson had a daughter.” I muse aloud.
“Neither did I until I met her. It seems he kept her on a tight leash,” Rhett answers. I nod; most alphas try to covet their daughters, not wanting to make treaties and agreements with marriages, so I don’t say I blame him; he would have been doing it to protect her. Plus, given her status as his daughter, she would have had a target on her back. Being an Alpha’s daughter, too, he would have been none too thrilled to learn his daughter’s mate was a typical wolf.
Rhett leans back in his chair, the tension in his jaw easing for a moment. “Before we conclude, Soren, did my wedding invitation find its way to you? The ceremony is in two months.”
“Of course,” I reply. “It’s been received. I’ll be there.”
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Chapter 84
Inside, though, my thoughts churn with distaste. Rhett–this insufferable man who fancies himself a leader yet can’t manage his own pack’s finances. I loathe him, not for what he is now, but for how he pales in comparison to his father. That man was a true alpha, noble and commanding respect. effortlessly. Rhett is nothing but a shadow desperately trying to cast itself against the legacy left behind.
“Good, good,” Rhett nods, blissfully unaware of my internal contempt. “My mate will be excited to meet you.” I nod, wanting to end the call.
“If you’re finding it challenging to locate this thief and the alpha’s daughter, my resources are at your disposal if it ends this war between your packs.”
“Thank you, but no.” Rhett waves a dismissive hand. “I’ve got it handled. This doesn’t concern you. It’s an internal matter, and I will resolve it.”
“Very well,” I answer, though a part of me wishes to see this elusive pack member who has caused such a stir. A thief bold enough to steal from their own alpha might prove interesting, but to also steal the money he owed to her own father for their shared fines and the council is bizarre. But for now, I hold back, letting Rhett believe he holds all the cards. “Just know that the offer stands.”
I lean back in my chair. Fingers steepled in front of me as I observed Rhett through the screen.
“Rhett,” I begin, my voice measured and calm. “I understand the weight of the circumstances you find yourself under. And though I may not agree with the… methods you’ve employed thus far, I acknowledge the importance of your upcoming
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nuptials.”
He looks up, a glint of hope igniting in his eyes. It’s almost pitiful how eagerly he awaits my words, like a pup seeking approval.
“Given the significance of the event,” I continue, “and the longstanding ties between our packs, I will speak with the council, and they’ll speak with Alpha Jefferson to get the lift removed off the docks. He won’t hand those contracts back; I don’t blame him. So consider those contracts and deals as severed and now owned by Alpha Jefferson. But you’ll be allowed to operate. I’ll ensure you are granted grace for the debt repayment until after your wedding. This should give you ample time to resolve your internal issues and locate the thief, as well as give you enough time to sell the exports your company has in holding to someone new. Maybe if you locate his daughter, he’ll allow you to negotiate the initial contracts, but I won’t ask more of him. He paid the council for his part in that incident.”
“Really?” The word escapes him, laced with relief.
“Yes,” I affirm. “But make no mistake, Rhett. This is not a pardon, merely a postponement. The Council will expect their due, in full, once the celebrations have concluded. Do not see this as an opportunity to slacken your efforts.”
Chapter 5
Chapter 85
