Elena’s POV
Damien maintained his poker face perfectly, not betraying even a flicker of emotion. A subtle nod in my direction told he had everything under control.
"What’s the exact amount you claim to owe him?" Damien’s voice carried authority.
"Twenty-five thousand dollars," Xander replied without hesitation.
Martha leaned forward, her tone almost pleading. "If you help us settle this debt, we’ll disappear from your lives permanently." The promise hung in the air, though I sensed the manipulation beneath her words. She understood her sons wanted nothing to do with them, yet here she was, attempting to extract a fortune.
"I need ti to verify this claim before making any decisions," Damien stated firmly.
Xander’s voice beca sharp. "Why can’t you just hand over the money so we can pay Alpha Marcus?"
"Because I don’t believe a word of your story. I’ll contact Marcus directly to confirm whether this debt exists. Until then, stay away from this property unless I specifically summon you."
Martha’s face fell slightly. "Could we at least finish our al?"
Damien’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Fine."
The remainder of dinner passed in suffocating silence. Every clink of silverware against plates seed amplified in the tension-filled dining room. The mont we cleared our plates, I excused myself, unable to tolerate another second in their presence.
Upstairs in my bedroom, I let the hot shower wash away the stress of the evening. The steam helped clear my head as I processed everything that had transpired. After drying off and changing into comfortable clothes, I settled at my desk to tackle howork assignnts.
A knock interrupted my concentration.
"Co in," I called out.
Martha appeared in my doorway, uninvited and unwelco.
"Mind if we have a conversation?" she asked.
"There’s nothing for us to discuss. I’m swamped with schoolwork," I replied curtly.
"I can tell. Word travels fast around here about you starting college today."
My spine stiffened. "Have you been keeping tabs on ?"
"Not at all. Information spreads quickly in pack territories, even large ones. How did your first day go?"
"It went fine."
She entered my room without permission and perched on my bed. "Listen, I’m hoping you might help convince my sons to see reason."
"I stay completely out of pack politics. I’m rely a guest here, nothing more. Any issues you have need to go through proper channels to the Alpha."
Her eyes glead with curiosity. "Has Damien told you about the history between him and his father?"
"No, and frankly, I couldn’t care less about ancient pack drama."
"You’re certain you don’t want the details?"
"That’s exactly what I just told you, isn’t it?"
She studied my face carefully. "I suppose it is."
"I don’t know what ga you’re playing, but my allegiance belongs to Alpha Damien. You’re a complete stranger to . Please leave my room imdiately."
Her expression hardened, eyes narrowing dangerously, before she rose and stalked out.
I waited several minutes before venturing downstairs myself. Damien and Gage were deep in conversation in the living room. I gestured for them to follow quietly.
We crept through the kitchen and positioned ourselves by the back door. Xander and Martha stood outside, their voices carrying clearly through the night air as they prepared to leave.
"How did your attempt with the girl go?" Xander inquired.
"Complete failure. She made her position crystal clear - her loyalty belongs to Damien. Practically threw out of her room," Martha reported bitterly.
"What kind of hold do they have over this girl to guarantee such devotion?" I could hear the frustration in Xander’s voice.
"I have no idea. But whatever their thod, it’s incredibly effective."
"Don’t lose hope. We’ll discover another angle of attack. Every fortress has weak spots sowhere," Xander assured her before they disappeared into the darkness.
"What exactly are they plotting?" I whispered.
"Dad wants to reclaim control of the pack," Gage explained grimly.
"Didn’t you two settle this through combat already?"
"We did," Damien confird.
"Then legally, he has no grounds for a claim."
"He can still challenge to another fight if he wants to reassert his forr position."
"Promise you won’t trust him enough to turn your back. Sothing tells he won’t fight honorably."
"We’re already operating under that assumption," Gage assured .
"Smart approach."
"I’ll alert the pack mbers about Dad’s sches. Make sure my Beta and the council understand the situation fully," Damien decided.
"Excellent strategy. We can’t allow them to succeed with whatever manipulation they’re attempting. They already tested Elena and discovered that avenue was useless," Gage added.
Back in my room, I was settling into study mode when Damien knocked and entered, holding a small piece of paper.
"What’s this?" I asked, taking it from him.
"Contact information for the secure phone I arranged for your mother. That’s her new number."
"How did you manage that?"
"I have a connection in that territory. She relocated there after finding her mate and helps when possible. She’s agreed to monitor your mother’s safety."
Gratitude overwheld . "Thank you beyond words."
"Think nothing of it."
After Damien left, I concealed my caller identification and dialed the number he’d provided.
"Hello?"
"Mom, it’s really you?" My voice trembled with relief.
"Elena! Thank the Peak Goddess, I’ve been desperate to hear from you. Alpha Marcus has officially declared you dead."
"I’m not sure if he actually believes that or if he’s trying to force out of hiding."
"Don’t even consider returning. He’s been ransacking our trailer every few days, searching for any clue about your whereabouts. He keeps pressuring for information I don’t have."
"You genuinely don’t know anything, so that shouldn’t be a concern. Are you managing to take care of yourself?"
"I’m fine, don’t worry about ."
"I can’t help worrying. I don’t want you suffering consequences because of my escape."
"Elena, leaving that house was the best decision you ever made. Don’t you dare second-guess it now."
"I don’t regret it. I’m just concerned about your wellbeing."
"I understand completely." Suddenly, aggressive pounding echoed through the phone.
"What’s happening?"
"Alpha Marcus just arrived with his warriors. I have to disconnect and hide this phone imdiately."
"Stay safe, please."
The line went dead.
Anxiety crashed over like a tidal wave. I desperately wanted to call back, but not while Marcus was there searching for evidence. My stomach churned with worry for my mother’s safety.
Peak Goddess, please protect her.
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