Chapter 0040
Violet
I recognized the name and rolled my eyes. Of course, Lucas got the sleaziest lawyers possible.
“You’re in violation of Alpha Lucas‘ rights as the acting Alpha of Darkmoon,” he said smoothly. “By cutting him off financially, you are disrupting the pack’s economic stability, a direct breach of the Alpha’s authority and-
I interrupted, a bitter laugh escaping me. “Mr. Alexander, I’m familiar with your tactics, so let’s skip the theatrics, shall we? You can’t violate a right that doesn’t exist. He has never had financial control over any Donovan or Darkmoon account.”
“My client-”
“As for your client’s financial woes,” I added sharply, “I find it interesting that he can’t afford to manage the pack but can somehow pay for your undoubtedly exorbitant fees. Perhaps you should speak to him about his priorities. Please direct all further communication to my legal team. You should already have their contact information, but in case you don’t, I’ll be sending it to you shortly.”
Without waiting for a response, I ended the call. It felt good to put him in his place.
I turned to see Sophia standing in the hallway, her eyes wide with surprise and something that looked like admiration.
“That was… impressive, Luna,” she said softly. There was no sarcasm, no hint of disbelief, just genuine awe.
A small, wry smile touched my lips. “Thank you.
I turned and caught sight of Theodore, watching me silently, his dark eyes searching my face as if seeing me in a new light. A few moments later, he strode into my office, his expression taut and troubled. He glanced at the proposal on my desk. I could sense his discontent even before he spoke, but I chose to ignore him, focusing instead on picking up with Sophia.
“Leave us, Sophia,” Theodore said.
Sophia flinched and scurried out, her eyes darting between Theodore and me.
Once we were alone, the tension in the air thickened. Theodore’s brow furrowed.
“When I struck this deal with you, I didn’t intend for you to try to rewrite Midnight’s culture.”
I crossed my arms defiantly, meeting his gaze with determination. “If Midnight’s culture requires women within its borders to have no control over their own destiny, then it’s not much of a culture at all, Theodore. It’s a prison.” He opened his mouth to retort, but I pressed on. “But it’s your pack. I can only make suggestions I think are beneficial..”
Theodore’s lips tightened into a line. “We’ll deal with your changes when we get back. The
Chapter 0040
preparations to go to the palace are done.”
I set my jaw at the almost condescending tone of his voice.
“Your tone makes it pretty clear that you’re not even going to consider it.”
+25 BONUS
He fell silent, his expression unreadable. That silence only fueled my irritation further, and I scoffed. I got to my feet, gliding past Theodore, avoiding even brushing against him. I walked ahead of Theodore the whole way back to his home, and I didn’t care. People glanced at us, whispering, but I paid them no heed. I could feel his discontent simmering behind me, but I didn’t care.
I got to the house and headed inside, leaving the door partially open for him to enter behind me and headed upstairs. He followed me and stood in the doorway while I packed.
“Aren’t you going to change?”
“No.”
He sighed. “Are you really going to pack nothing but suits?”
I grabbed my toiletry bag. “I doubt there’s a ball happening.”
“I expected you to pack something a little more.. suitable for the occasion,” he remarked his tone a mix of annoyance and disbelief.
I glanced at him and scoffed. “Palace rules dictate women have to wear dresses. They’re all dress suits: suitable.”
“You’re packed like you’re heading to a board meeting, not meeting your mate’s family. Don’t you want to look nice for me?”
“No,” I replied flatly. He flinched. “You spun that ridiculous story to your brother; don’t expect me to change who I am to suit your tastes and there’s no need to pretend that I’m anything more than a pawn in this game you’re playing.”
He frowned, stepping further into the room, his irritation palpable. “You’re being spiteful because of my reaction to your proposal. It’s dinner at the palace. Most women-”
“I’m not most women,” I said, meeting his gaze. “And it’s not spite. You manipulated this situation-”
“Owen-”
“–by telling him this ridiculous story without even talking to me about it first. You’ve made me a prop. I’m playing along as much as I can stomach.”
