Damien leant back in his chair, exhaling a long sigh of relief. "Well, the council’s finally off our backs," he said, glancing up at his Beta, Chris, who stood by the window. "Took so ti, but I managed to convince them we’re handling the situation here. They’ve agreed to give us space, at least for now."
"That’s good news," Chris replied, his gaze still fixed outside. "It’ll give us ti to deal with everything else."
Damien nodded, leaning forward, his expression turning serious. "Speaking of everything else... any reports on Blaze and Elara?"
Chris turned, his face hardening. "They’re still on the run. But from what I’ve gathered, Blaze has been eting up with old allies. He’s not the kind to lie low for long. If he’s gathering support, he’s planning sothing. And if I’m right, it won’t be anything small."
Damien’s brow furrowed as he considered the implications. "Would he be that foolish? Attacking us would only bring more trouble down on his head."
Chris’s eyes darkened, his voice low. "He’s dangerous, Damien. Unpredictable. Losing his position might have pushed him into a corner, and soone like Blaze? Corner wolves don’t retreat. They attack. If he sees an opportunity or even a grudge to settle, he’ll take it—no matter the risk."
Damien rubbed his temples, weighing the options. "We need to stay vigilant. Double the patrols along the borders, especially near the old alliance territories. If Blaze is desperate, he’ll co for us through the allies he thinks are still loyal."
Chris nodded, already making ntal notes. "Understood."
As Damien was about to shift the conversation, a thought struck him, and he looked up sharply. "By the way, why wasn’t the Thunderbolt pack invited to the mating ceremony?"
Chris hesitated, his gaze dropping slightly. "Actually, it was your mother. She stopped the invitation. Said she didn’t want them here."
Damien frowned, the ntion of his mother’s actions catching him off guard. "She blocked it?" he asked slowly, confusion lacing his tone. "But why?"
Chris shrugged, his expression wary. "I don’t know. She didn’t exactly explain. Just made sure the invite didn’t go out."
Damien’s mind raced as he tried to piece it together. His mother was many things, but she wasn’t one to break traditions without good reason. If she had chosen to keep the Thunderbolt Pack out of the mating ceremony, there had to be more behind it.
*********************************
The fluorescent lights in the doctor’s office humd faintly, casting a sterile glow over the room. Emily sat with Heather by her side, both won anxiously clutching their hands in their laps as they waited for the doctor to enter. Heather kept stealing glances at Emily, her eyes filled with quiet concern.
Finally, the door opened, and Dr. Walsh stepped in with a folder clutched to his chest. He offered them a soft smile, though it held a hint of weariness.
"Emily, Heather," he greeted, pulling up a chair. "I have so updates on your latest treatnt."
Emily straightened, holding her breath, as he began to speak. "The new treatnt seems to be taking effect," he said, his voice carefully asured. "It’s still early, but we’re seeing so response in the scans, though progress is... gradual."
Heather exhaled, part relief, part anxiety. She could feel Emily squeeze her hand, and she managed a small smile in return.
Dr. Walsh leant forward, his eyes serious but hopeful. "I’ll be honest, Heather. If the treatnt continues to work—even at this slower pace—there’s a chance we’ll see a reduction in the cancer by next month. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s promising."
Heather’s eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within her. "Thank you, Dr. Walsh," she whispered, her voice tight with emotion.
As they left the office, Emily felt lighter, a tentative sense of optimism filling her heart. The streets outside were bustling, and she felt grounded by Heather’s arm around her shoulders, lending her silent strength.
Just as they were nearing the car, Emily’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out, frowning slightly at the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen. Heather looked at her questioningly, and Emily shrugged.
"It’s probably just spam," she murmured, but sothing in her gut urged her to answer.
"Hello?" she said, holding the phone to her ear.
There was a brief pause, followed by a voice she didn’t recognise. It was a woman.
She could feel Heather’s curious gaze on her, but she was too focused on the mysterious woman’s voice on the other end.
"I wanted to et you," the woman’s voice continued, smooth but with a hint of urgency.
Emily frowned, her mind spinning with questions. "Who is this?" she asked sharply, her voice low. She felt Heather’s grip tighten on her arm, sensing the tension in her tone.
The woman hesitated for a mont before speaking again. "I can’t tell you over the phone, but it’s important, Emily. You need to hear this in person."
Emily’s suspicion flared. "I’m not eting anyone unless you tell exactly who you are," she said, keeping her voice steady but firm. The last thing she wanted was to get involved in sothing dangerous"
There was a pause, a brief silence, before the woman’s answer sent a chill down her spine. "I’m Elara."
Emily froze, her mouth slightly open as she processed the na. She had heard about her from Emily.
"Why would you want to talk to ? And how did you get myU number ?" Emily asked warily, glancing at Heather, who was watching her with growing concern.
"Well, I stole Anne’s phone. And I wanted to et you because I know who you are. I know Heather is Jennifer’s sister."
"Of course, you would know." Emily muttered. "What do you want ?"
There was a pause, then Elara said.
"I want to destroy Liana. That’s all I want."
"And what makes you think I will help you with that ?" Emily was getting annoyed.
"I don’t need your help; I just need to tell you the secrets that Liana has been hiding."
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