Chapter 67: Chapter 67 I won’t let him down
Catherine ’s pov::
I walked into the grand hotel’s eting lounge, my confidence radiating with every step. As the Beta of Blood Moon Pack and second-in-command at
Group, I knew my worth. Damien had trusted
with this critical alliance negotiation, and I wouldn’t let him down.
"Catherine, make sure the background checks on Northern Pines Pack are thorough," Damien had instructed earlier. "If you think the alliance is viable, proceed, but don’t make any commitnts without proper verification."
The Northern Pines Pack had been gaining influence across international territories, and their Alpha, Peter Morrison, was in town specifically looking for powerful allies against the rogue wolf factions expanding from the north. This alliance would be crucial for both packs’ security and business interests.
But as I entered the eting room, my wolf bristled with irritation. Victoria Lancaster was already there, laughing with Peter as if they were old friends. The sweet scent of her wolf lingered in the air, making my nose wrinkle in distaste.
"So you must visit Crescent Dawn Pack headquarters personally next ti you’re in town, Alpha Morrison," she was saying, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders as she leaned forward with practiced charm. "I’d be happy to give you the full tour."
Peter nodded enthusiastically. "I’d be delighted. Just say when."
"Anyti that works for you," Victoria replied with a smile that made my skin crawl.
I cleared my throat loudly. "Alpha Morrison," I interrupted, extending my hand. "I’m Catherine Watson, Beta of Blood Moon Pack and Vice President of
Group. I’m sure you’re familiar with our pack’s reputation and strength across international territories."
I flashed a brilliant smile while deliberately positioning myself between him and Victoria. "Unlike so... lesser packs who send junior representatives to etings of this importance, our Alpha Damien Sterling has personally dispatched his second-in-command to discuss this alliance."
I cast a disparaging glance toward Victoria. "It seems rather disrespectful that Crescent Dawn would send soone of such... low rank to discuss matters of pack security. Where is William Lancaster? Or at least soone with authority to make decisions?"
Victoria’s sweet scent took on a sharp edge as her wolf clearly bristled at the insult. I could almost imagine her wolf’s hackles rising.
"In the wolf world, we pride ourselves on respectful competition," Victoria said, her voice deceptively soft but carrying an undercurrent that made my wolf suddenly wary. "Blood Moon’s approach of elevating themselves by denigrating others seems... primitive. Did your Alpha not teach you proper negotiation protocols?"
"I’m rely stating facts," I replied coolly. "Blood Moon Pack is objectively superior in strength and resources to Crescent Dawn. You, as a re pack secretary, should consider it an honor of eight lifetis to even be in the presence of an Alpha like Morrison."
Victoria fixed
with a calculating look that made
uncomfortable despite myself. "You hold secretaries in such low regard?"
Sothing in her tone should have warned , but I was too focused on winning this alliance to notice. "Alpha Morrison, I represent Blood Moon with full authority. Perhaps we should continue this discussion privately, without unnecessary distractions?"
Although Alpha Morrison’s face had hardened considerably, he maintained his diplomatic composure. The alliance with Blood Moon was too important to dismiss outright.
"Ms. Lancaster," he said carefully, "we’ve covered most of the groundwork. Perhaps we can finalize the details at another ti?"
Victoria rose gracefully, her posture impeccable. "Of course, Alpha Morrison. I look forward to our next eting."
I couldn’t help the smug smile that spread across my face as I watched her prepare to leave. A re secretary trying to negotiate with an Alpha? What had Crescent Dawn been thinking? This alliance was as good as secured for Blood Moon.
What I failed to notice was the knowing look that passed between Victoria and Alpha Morrison, or the slight shake of her head that seed to convey sothing beyond words. My wolf sensed sothing wasn’t right, but I ignored the warning, too caught up in my perceived victory.
As Victoria walked toward the door, I couldn’t resist one final barb: "Better luck next ti, secretary."
The Northern rogues were expanding their territory daily, and Blood Moon needed this alliance. Damien had entrusted
with this mission, and I wouldn’t fail him.
Victoria’s POV::
After leaving the eting, I found Kane waiting outside. His sharp eyes imdiately caught mine, his scent betraying his concern.
"Victoria, I just saw
Group’s representatives go in," Kane said, lowering his voice. "If
is competing for this project, our chances might be slim."
While Crescent Dawn Pack had a century of historical background and was indeed a very suitable alliance partner in terms of comprehensive strength, Blood Moon Pack’s
Group was an unstoppable rising star in the business world. Despite our prestigious bloodline and heritage, Damian Sterling had erged like a force of nature in the business realm, carving out his empire with ruthless efficiency. Many companies wanted to partner with
Group, making them formidable competitors.
Nora stirred restlessly within , reacting to the ntion of Damian before I could suppress her.
"We’ll be fine," I assured Kane, keeping my voice steady. "If this one falls through, there are plenty of other companies to partner with. I’ll still do more research on Morrison’s company."
I wasn’t sure what approach Katherine Watson had taken with Peter Morrison, but by that afternoon, he contacted
with a proposal—if Lancaster Group could compromise on pricing, cooperation was still possible. His tentative tone felt more like bait than negotiation, which made my wolf nervous.
The next morning, my phone rang with a call from my forr ntor’s brother.
"Victoria?" Matthew’s voice ca through the phone.
"Matthew, what’s wrong?" I kept my tone light, still embarrassed about our last eting and Damian’s territorial behavior.
"I rember you ntioning you’re working at Lancaster Group now, right?"
"Yes, that’s correct." Sothing in his voice put
on alert. "Is there a problem?"
Matthew hesitated before continuing: "It’s about Dominus Technology. Are you familiar with it?"
"Of course. It’s been quite popular lately—that international technology many companies have been implenting," I replied, feeling my wolf figuratively prick up her ears.
Matthew’s voice lowered. "My sister had
call you. She’s heard rumors that Dominus Technology has serious flaws. It’s likely to crash in the industry within days. If Lancaster Group is using it, you should stop imdiately."
I straightened. "That serious? Thank you, Matthew. Please thank your sister too. Fortunately, Lancaster hasn’t implented this technology yet."
"That’s good to hear. I’m not completely certain of the validity, but I wanted to warn you just in case."
"I appreciate it. This information could be crucial. I’ll have to treat you and your sister to dinner to properly thank you both."
After hanging up, I imdiately reached for the folder on my desk. While Lancaster Group hadn’t adopted Dominus Technology, I suddenly rembered sothing about Peter Morrison’s company. I flipped through the docunts until I found confirmation—Morrison’s company was indeed built on Dominus Technology.
If these rumors were true and the technology failed, any company associated with Morrison would suffer massive losses. The contract wasn’t signed yet, but this was definitely a risk we needed to consider.
According to Peter,
Group had offered a much higher bid than ours. Did Damian know about the potential technology failure? Katherine Watson was handling this project, and I wasn’t sure if she’d inford Damian. After all, an Alpha of his status couldn’t possibly personally oversee every project.
My fingers hovered over my phone, considering whether to call him. Nora pushed
forward, craving any excuse to connect with Damian’s wolf Arthur. Finally, I dialed his number.
He answered almost imdiately, his deep voice sending an unwelco shiver down my spine. "Hello?"
"It’s Victoria," I said, trying to sound casual despite Nora pacing excitedly within .
"I know," he replied, his tone slightly softer. Of course, after our... encounter, he would have saved my number.
I took a deep breath. "Do you have ti for dinner? My treat."
His low chuckle ca through the phone, full of amusent and sothing darker that made my wolf whimper. "What’s this, Miss Lancaster? Trying to bribe
again?"
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