Throwing his weight

Damien

The boardroom was buzzing with energy, a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air as the senior members of our pack’s business elite gathered around the long table. 

The Sol Group’s proposed collaboration was the biggest project our territory had seen in decades, and it promised to bring massive development to our pack. The chance to modernize our infrastructure, build state-of-the-art real estate, and put our pack on the map as a major player in the global economy was within our grasp.

I glanced around the room, my gaze settling on the faces of the board members—most of them eager, ready to move forward with the deal. But one face stood out, as it always did. Elder Marcus. He sat back in his chair, arms crossed, an impenetrable expression on his face. 

“This collaboration with The Sol Group is our chance to push forward,” I began, addressing the room. “Their expertise in real estate development is unmatched, and this partnership will bring jobs, investment, and prosperity to our people. I see no reason to delay any further.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but Marcus remained silent, his gaze fixed on me with that same unreadable expression. Finally, he leaned forward, clearing his throat.

“With all due respect, Alpha Damian,” he began, his voice measured, “I believe this is a premature decision. Real estate development, while lucrative, should not be our primary focus at this time. We have other pressing concerns that require our attention—concerns that could directly impact the safety and well-being of our pack.”

I suppressed the urge to punch something. Or him. This wasn’t the first time Marcus had attempted to block a decision I made, and I doubted it would be the last. This is a project I have been working on for months.

“Elder Marcus,” I addressed him, forcing a smile. “I understand your concerns, but we’ve discussed these issues at length. The rogues have been quiet for months, and our defenses are stronger than ever. This project isn’t just about profit; it’s about securing the future of our pack. The Sol Group is offering us a rare opportunity, and we’d be foolish to pass it up.”

“Foolish?” Marcus’s voice rose, his eyes narrowing as he glared at me. “What’s foolish, Damian, is rushing into a deal without considering the long-term consequences.”

The muscles in my mouth twitched but I controlled myself.

“Long-term consequences?” I questioned, wondering if this man derives immense pleasure in opposing me everytime. “You are saying you have better ideas for this project?”

That seemed to annoy him.

“Have you forgotten who held this pack together when you were off chasing ghosts?” he said through clenched teeth. “I kept this pack thriving, and I did it without needing the help of outsiders. We’ve survived just fine without The Sol Group.”

The tension in the room thickened, and I could feel the eyes of the other board members darting back and forth between us.

“I haven’t forgotten, Elder Marcus,” I replied, my voice cold and controlled. “I respect the work you did in my absence.”

“Then you should also respect my opinion on this issue,” he said, smiling to himself. “We can survive just fine without another pack’s help.”

‘That man is a pr*ck!’ Adol muttered in my head. I forced a smile on my face. He thinks he’s smart but I remembered how easily I deceived him on the day Lyra disappeared.

When he came charging to my study that day asking for his daughter, I told him I was going to the border to look for her. Meanwhile I went there and dealt with the rogues that wanted to penetrate my borders.

“But Elder Marcus,” I gave him a patronizing smile. “Times have changed. We can’t keep clinging to the past. This collaboration is about growth, progress and development. Our pack deserves to be more than just being survivors.”

Marcus opened his mouth to retort, but just then, his assistant, a wiry man named Garret, leaned down and whispered something in his ear. Marcus’s expression flickered, his eyes widened and then narrowed again as he absorbed whatever information was being conveyed. Without another word, he excused himself and followed Garret out of the room.

I watched him closely and it seemed as if I heard him say Lyra? I didn’t hear the words but as I was watching his assistant, his mouth formed the words - Lyra. It might be my imagination but I mindlinked my beta to try and see if he can overhear their discussion. He nodded, knowing what to do.

‘That man is up to no good,’ Adol said and I agree with him.

I watched him go, my mind racing with possibilities. What news could have been so urgent that Marcus would leave in the middle of such an important meeting? 

‘He’s planning something,” Adol said. ‘And it is not something good.’

‘Well, Rowan is on it,’ I replied to my wolf.

My instincts told me it was something significant, but I pushed the thought aside and refocused on the task at hand. The rest of the board was still waiting for my lead.

“Let’s move forward,” I said, my voice firm. “I propose we finalize the terms of the agreement with The Sol Group. We can’t afford to let this opportunity slip through our fingers.”

The board members nodded in agreement, and we resumed our discussion, hammering out the final details of the deal. But even as we talked strategy and numbers, my thoughts kept drifting back to Marcus and his sudden departure.

Soon my beta came back and told me through mindlink, what he heard.

‘They were rounding up when I got to them but I heard the last few sentences. Here’s what Elder Marcus told his assistant: Tell that bastard son of mine to take care of her. Let him prove his usefulness to me for once.’

‘What?’ I mind linked back to Rowan and he shrugged. 

This got me worried. Who is the ‘her’ they are taking care of? But wait. Elder Marcus has another child? A son?