Chapter 132
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“Miss Thompson,” I replied, gesturing to the chair across from my desk. “I must admit, I’m surprised to see you back in my territory. What brings you here?”
Her green eyes flashed with annoyance. “As I’m sure you’re well aware.”
“Indeed.” I leaned back in my chair, studying her. “I’ve heard about your recent troubles. Quite the fall from grace.”
“False accusations,” she snapped, then visibly composed herself.
I raised an eyebrow, recalling the rumors I’d heard. “So you didn’t poison those she–wolves who rejected your brother? Didn’t embezzle from your family’s accounts?”
Her smile turned dangerous. “I never said that. I simply said not everyone believes it matters. “But I didn’t come here to discuss my personal problems. I came to offer you a solution to yours.”
“Our last partnership wasn’t exactly fruitful,” I reminded her.
“I underestimated her then,” Natalia admitted candidly. “And Alexander’s influence. I won’t make that mistake again.”
She leaned forward, her expression earnest. “I’m not here for games or half–measures this time, Alpha Foster. I’m here with a genuine proposal that could save your pack from financial ruin.”
“Your pack is bleeding money. Your allies have abandoned you.” She ticked off each point on her manicured fingers. “All because Alexander Blackwood has systematically destroyed your reputation and business connections.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” I said coldly.
She leaned forward, her green eyes gleaming with malice. “What if I told you I have access to resources that could save Silver Creek? Capital to invest, connections to rebuild, information that could restore your standing among the council packs?”
“Why would I trust you?” I said flatly.“You’re a disgraced wolf, abandoned by your own pack–and your father. What exactly do you have to offer?”
Natalia laughed–a musical sound at odds with the hatred burning in her eyes. “You think I’ve been sitting idle since my disgrace? I’ve been making new connections. Powerful ones.”
“I have a very… intimate relationship with Lucien Cross, Alpha of the Blackspire Pack in Eastern Europe. He’s looking to expand his influence into North American territories, and he needs local allies.”
I stiffened at the name. Lucien Cross was infamous in wolf circles–a ruthless Alpha who had consolidated power across multiple territories in Eastern Europe through methods that were whispered
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about but rarely openly discussed.
His pack’s legitimate business enterprises were vast, but rumors of their underground activities were even more extensive.
“Blackspire Pack,” I said slowly, testing the words. “They’re not exactly known for their ethical business practices.”
Natalia’s smile was sharp. “They’re known for getting results. And right now, can you really afford to be picky about where help comes from?”
She had a point. Silver Creek was weeks away from financial collapse. My options were disappearing daily.
“What exactly are you proposing?” I asked, curiosity overcoming caution.
“An alliance. Lucien provides the capital to keep Silver Creek afloat. His connections help rebuild your business empire. And in return, you provide him with legitimacy in North American wolf society–a foothold in this territory.”
For the first time in months, I felt a spark of hope. If what she was saying was true–if she truly had access to the resources she claimed–this could be the lifeline Silver Creek needed.
“And what do you want in return for this… generosity?” I asked, already suspecting the answer.
“Revenge,” she said simply. “On Alexander Blackwood and your former Luna. I want them destroyed. Not just financially or socially–I want them broken. ”
“Humiliated. I want to take everything from them, just as they took everything from us!
”
The darkness in her voice matched the void that had been growing in my own soul since Summer fled with Felix–a void that had only expanded when news reached me of my son’s death.
“And do you have a plan for achieving this vengeance?” I asked, leaning back in my chair. “Alexander Blackwood isn’t easily outsmarted.”
Natalia’s smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth in a predatory grin.
“As a matter of fact, I do. I have information about their upcoming binding ceremony. A vulnerability we can exploit. But I’ll need your help–and the resources of your pack–to make it work.”
I should have been suspicious. Should have questioned why she’d come to me instead of some other Alpha with a grudge against Blackwood. Should have wondered what this seemingly broken she–wolf was really after.
But the promise of salvation for my pack–and vengeance against those who had wronged me–was too tempting to resist.
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“Tell me more,” I said, gesturing for Sean to close the door, ensuring our privacy. “I’m all ears.”
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