Chris shook his head, though his expression remained tense. "Not necessarily; it could be soone funding this operation is using the council’s resources—whether they know it or not."
Damien cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "If the council is involved, or even if soone’s using their resources without their knowledge, this is bigger than I thought. And more dangerous."
Chris nodded, his voice tight. "Exactly. We can’t accuse the council without proof. If we do, it’ll be seen as a direct challenge to their authority. And if they are involved... well, we know how ruthless they can be."
Damien exhaled sharply, his mind racing with possibilities and plans.
The structure of power in the werewolf realm was a delicate balance between the Alpha King and the werewolf council that had been established centuries ago. While most packs operated with their own local rules and leadership, the supernatural realm at large was governed by one part monarchy and one part parliant.
The Alpha King, his grandfather before him and soon to be Damien himself, held the highest seat of power. But that throne was never absolute. The Council, a body of leaders made up of Alphas from the most powerful and influential packs, worked with the throne.
The Council and the King were supposed to keep each other in check, preventing either side from tipping the balance of power too far. Like a monarchy with a parliant, their coexistence ensured that no one force could dominate.
"Why would they go after Annie?" Damien mused aloud. "She’s been in hiding for years. What do they gain from attacking her now?"
Chris shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe it’s not about her specifically. Maybe it’s about you. Or they’re trying to send a ssage."
"To ," Damien said quietly, his eyes narrowing.
"That’s what I’m starting to think," Chris admitted. "You’re the Alpha prince. If soone wants to destabilise your pack or your rule, going after Annie could be the way to do it."
Damien clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "If they’re willing to hire rcenaries and use the council’s resources, they’re playing a dangerous ga."
Chris nodded. "For now, I’ll keep digging into that hotel. Maybe we’ll find sothing that connects the dots."
"Keep posted on everything you find," Damien said firmly.
The sound of soft giggles caught his attention. He glanced over towards the living room, where Emily and Annie were sitting on the couch, heads close together, laughing about sothing they clearly found hilarious. It wasn’t just the laughter that drew his focus, though—it was the light in Annie’s eyes, the way her face glowed with joy as she playfully nudged Emily, the tension in her shoulders completely gone.
For a mont, Damien just watched, his gaze softening as he took in the scene. Annie looked so carefree, so happy. He hadn’t seen her like this before.
Chris noticed the change in Damien’s expression. "You’ve never seen her laugh like that before, have you?"
Damien shook his head, his voice quieter than usual. "No, I haven’t. She looks... truly happy here."
Chris followed his gaze, watching the two won still chuckling about whatever joke they were sharing.
Damien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She doesn’t laugh like that with ."
Chris looked at him carefully. "Is there trouble between you two?"
Damien gave a small nod. "It’s more complicated than just trouble. Annie doesn’t trust , not completely. I think she’s still holding onto everything that’s happened between us—everything I did before."
Chris shifted, turning to face Damien more fully. "Well, let’s be honest, man. You did manipulate her into living with you. You weren’t exactly transparent about everything."
Damien’s brow furrowed, and he crossed his arms defensively. "I did what I had to do to protect her and Ryan. She wasn’t going to co willingly. You know that."
Chris nodded, but his tone remained even. "Yeah, I know. But that doesn’t change the fact that she feels trapped. You can’t force soone into your life and expect everything to just magically fall into place."
Damien exhaled slowly, looking back at Annie. "I just thought... that once we were together, she’d co to see how much I care about her. But every ti we talk, it’s like there’s this wall between us. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to break through it."
"You can’t force her into a relationship, Damien. It doesn’t work like that. Annie’s been through a lot, and you can’t expect her to just get over that past hurt overnight."
Damien’s jaw clenched slightly, frustration bubbling up. "I’m trying, Chris. But it’s hard when she keeps at arm’s length."
"Look, I know you care about her. But Annie’s not just going to forget everything that’s happened because you’ve decided you’re ready to be with her. She’s been raising Ryan on her own, away from all this pack business, for years. She’s lived a life where she’s had to fend for herself and for him. That’s not sothing you can undo with a few kind gestures."
Damien frowned, his mind racing as Chris’s words sank in. He knew his beta was right, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
Chris continued, his tone softening. "You’ve got to stop thinking like an Alpha when it cos to Annie. You’re used to leading and making decisions for others. But she’s not part of your pack. Not yet, anyway. She’s her own person. Give her the space to co to you when she’s ready."
Damien nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to Annie, who was now wiping a tear from her eye from laughing so hard.
"Don’t try to rush it. Trust takes ti, and if you really care about her, you’ll give her the ti she needs."
Damien’s shoulders relaxed a little as he took in Chris’s advice. Maybe he had been too focused on trying to control everything. Maybe what Annie needed wasn’t for him to be the Alpha or the protector—but for him to just be there, giving her the room to heal.
"You are right, Chris." Damien muttered. But there were few things he could do to win her trust. Damien walked inside towards Annie. Annie and Emily both beca quiet when they saw him approaching. Though a small smirk still remained on their lips.
Annie looked up at him expectantly.
"Annie, it’s ti." Damien said softly, extending his hand towards her.
Reviews
All reviews (0)