I’ve spent years working my way back into her life. I won’t destroy everything because of one worthless man.
I opened my eyes, a cold smile spreading across my face.
Economic sanctions will keep Darrell busy handling his pack’s crisis. He won’t have time to continue bothering Sable.
Two days later – Darrell’s POV
I sat at my office desk, the bruises from Caelan’s beating still visible on my face. Every attempt to focus on paperwork was interrupted by the throbbing pain in my chest.
The office door burst open without warning. David stormed in, chatching a stack of documente in his trembling hands.
Alpha! We have serious trouble!
I frowned at his panicked expression. “What’s going on? You look like you ve seen a ghovet.”
David put the papers onto my desk, pointing at the contents. “There majni allumer packs all refuse to renew their contracts with us.”
“What?” I shot to my feet, the sudden movement sending pain shooting through my impured riba. I gritted my teeth against the agony.
The office fell dead silent. I slowly sank back into my chair, my mind racing
‘These packs… they all made their decisions at the same time?”
“Yes, Alpha. Starting yesterday afternoon, within six hours, all three packs sent cancellation notices.” David swallowed hard. “They all cited strategic adjustments’ or partner reevaluation’ as reasons.”
My fists clenched until my knuckles turned white. This is absolutely not a coincidence. These three alliances form the foundation of our pack’s survival. Without them, we face economic collapse and territorial crisis. Only one person could simultaneously influence three Alphas to make such decisions.
“That bastard…” I growled under my breath.
“Alpha?” David asked cautiously.
“Nothing” I forced myself to remain calm. Even knowing Caelan orchestrated this, I can’t confront him directly. With my current strength, I’m no match for him.
Devid spoke tentatively. “Alpha, given our current situation, we must seek new pack alliances…”
I looked up, hope flickering in my eyes. “What do you suggest?”
I have contact in Blackwood territory who told me Rodrigo Crawford is actively seeking allies.” David lowered his voice. “Word is he wants to expand his influence and is actively courting various Alphas
Crawford. I rearched my memory for information about that name. The Crawford Pack Alpha?
Exactly. And I heard, David smiled mysteriously, his eldest daughter recently returned to the pack. Rodrigo plans to formally introduce her at his younger daughter’s birthday party in a few days.’
My eyes brightened. Any other newer?
Yes. David continued, “My contact says this daughter is getting engaged soon.
An idea was already forming in my mind. I nodded to David. ‘Good. I understand. You can go now.”
David was about to leave when I called out, “Wait
Alpha?
A vicious glint flashed in my eyes. ‘Contact all our informants. I want them to investigate everything about Caelan Blackwood.”
His Majesty?’ David seemed shocked. ‘We’re investigating the Lycan King?”
Everyone has secrets. Everyone has weaknesses.” I sneered coldly. “Even the so-called perfect king is no exception. I want to know every piece of dirt in his past, every shameful thing he’s ever done.”
Sable’s POV
Caelan had insisted on bringing me to the auction house today to select engagement jewelry. He’d explained that the finest pieces could only be found at exclusive auctions like this one, not in ordinary jewelry stores.
The building rose before us like a monument to wealth, its marble columns gleaming under the afternoon sun. His fingers intertwined with mine as we approached the entrance.
“Sorry, I need to take this call.” He squeezed my hand apologetically as his phone buzzed. “You go ahead and look around. Mark anything you like.”
He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, his lips warm against my skin. “I’ll be right behind you.”
I stepped through the heavy glass doors into the main hall. Crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across walls lined with priceless artifacts. Oil paintings in gilded frames watched over sculpture pedestals and glass display cases filled with jewelry that could buy small countries.
*Sable? What are you doing here?”
My spine stiffened at the familiar voice dripping with disdain. I turned slowly to find Darrell and Camila approaching arm-in-arm, both dressed like they’d coordinated their outfits for a magazine shoot.
Just perfect. These two again.
Darrell wore a deep navy suit with a tie that matched the pale blue of Camila’s silk dress perfectly. She clung to his arm like she was afraid he might escape, her body pressed so close they moved as one unit.
I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin slightly. “Isn’t it obvious? My voice carried cool dismissal.
Camila’s lips curled into a sneer. “Someone like you at an auction? Are you here to beg for scraps or just to embarrass yourself?”
Her grip tightened possessively on Darrell’s bicep. He shot her a sharp look. Camila caught his expression and immediately sealed her mouth shut.
Warm hands slipped around my waist from behind. I felt Caelan’s solid presence before I saw him, his familiar scent wrapping around me like a security blanket. His fingers found mine, lacing together with practiced ease.
Without hesitation, he turned me in his arms and kissed me. Heat bloomed across my cheeks as I melted against him.
I caught sight of their faces over Caelan’s shoulder – eyes wide with disbelief, jaws hanging open like they’d witnessed something impossible.
“Your… Your Majesty…” Darrell’s voice came out as a strangled whisper.
Camila nearly toppled over in her rush to curtsy, her silk dress pooling around her knees. “Your Majesty!”
Caelan ignored them. His attention remained focused entirely on me.
“Ready to go in?’ he asked. “The auction starts soon.”
Darrell’s POV
My hands clenched into fists as I watched them disappear into the auction hall. Rage burned hot and acidic in my chest, making it hard to breathe.
‘She’s just one of his mistresses,” I muttered, trying to convince myself. “He’s got dozens. She’s nothing special.
But even as I said it, I knew I was lying. The way he’d looked at her, kissed her in public without caring who saw… That wasn’t how you treated a casual fling
My feet started moving before I’d consciously decided to follow them. Camila’s heels clicked frantically on the marble as she hurried to keep up.
“Darrell, wait!” She grabbed my sleeve, breathing hard. Slow down!”
I spun around, barely registering her flushed face and slightly disheveled appearance.
Camila pressed a manicured hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath. “Remember why we’re here! You need to focus on buying something for Rodrigo’s daughter. Don’t let her distract you.”
The reminder hit like cold water. Right. The engagement gift for my potential partner’s daughter. This auction was supposed to be about securing that alliance.
“Of course I remember. I straightened my tie with sharp movements.
“Good.” Camila smoothed her hair back into place. “I’ll help you pick out the perfect piece. Something that shows you’re serious about the partnership.
I deliberately chose seats several rows behind Caelan and Sable, watching their every interaction.
Caelan would lean close to whisper something in her ear, his breath making her shiver. She’d tilt her head to rest against his shoulder like a contented cat. When the auctioneer described a particular piece, Caelan would study her face, reading her reactions like he was memorizing them.
She used to do that with me. Rest her head on my shoulder. Look at me like I was her whole world.
My hand moved unconsciously to cover my chest where a sharp ache had taken up permanent residence. Each breath felt labored, like my lungs had forgotten how to function properly.
Camila’s arm wound around mine in a possessive embrace. She pressed her lips to my cheek in what was supposed to be an affectionate gesture. The touch felt wrong, suffocating. I turned my head away from her kiss, jaw clenched tight.
“And now we have a truly exceptional piece,” the auctioneer’s voice boomed through the auction hall. “An eighteen-carat pink diamond necklace, crafted in Milan.”
My attention snapped back to the stage. The necklace lay displayed on black velvet like sleeping beauty waiting for a prince. Pink diamonds caught the spotlights, throwing scattered rose light across the room. Each stone was cut to perfection, arranged in delicate layers that would rest against a woman’s throat like flower petals.
My grip tightened around the bidding paddle. This was exactly what I’d been looking for.
“Opening bid is one million dollars,” the auctioneer announced. “Increments of five hundred thousand minimum.”
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply