Chapter 26

Norman’s POV

“I don't think I would be attending the party.”

“What!” I couldn't stop myself from gasping immediately when I heard what Riley said.

My initial reaction was a flare of irritation. The party was important, a carefully planned event designed to solidify my position and introduce Riley to the pack's elite. But I dismissed the immediate annoyance, forcing my voice to remain calm. "Riley, why not? What happened?"

A long silence stretched between us, punctuated only by the soft sounds of her breathing. I could almost feel her hesitation, her reluctance to explain. I waited patiently, my hand tightening around the phone. She was nervous, I could sense that.

Finally, she spoke, her voice barely a whisper. "The… the dress. The one you sent. It’s… it’s a little too revealing, Norman. I don't feel comfortable wearing it.”

My mind immediately conjured the image of the gown – a shimmering silk creation, designed to highlight her figure. It was certainly eye-catching, but I hadn't considered that she might feel uncomfortable in it. My focus had been on making a statement, on showcasing her to everyone in the party. I hadn’t considered her feelings. A prickle of guilt surfaced.

“Riley,” I said, my voice softening. “I understand. I didn’t consider…” I paused, searching for the right words. “I’ll tell you what. You can wear something else. We’ll go shopping tomorrow, and we'll find something perfect. Something that you feel confident and comfortable in.”

A sigh of relief escaped her lips. "Really?"

"Really," I reassured her. "This party is as much about you as it is about me. I want you to feel good, to feel confident. Don't worry about the dress. We'll find something else. And don't worry about not having a new gown. If you don't want this new gown, you could wear one of the dresses I got for you recently."

I could hear the tension easing from her voice. I pushed further, wanting to ensure her presence at the party. "I can't pick you up myself," I added, "I just finished an impromptu but urgent meeting with some stakeholders here in the company. It’s unavoidable, there are important details we needed to discuss.” I paused, checking to confirm if she was still with me. “I'm quite far from the mansion now, but don't worry, I'll be there. I'll be waiting for you. And I assure you, no one will make you feel out of place. I’ll be there by your side the whole time.”

I hear her breath a sigh of relief from her end before she responded. “Okay, Norman. I’ll come.”

"Good," I said, a wave of relief washing over me. "I'll see you later then." I ended the call and placed the phone back on the table.

I stepped out of the company, the cool evening air a welcome contrast to the conditioned atmosphere from within. As I reached my waiting car, a sudden, unease washed over me. My wolf, usually dormant and under control, stirred restlessly, sending a jolt of icy apprehension through me. Something was wrong, profoundly wrong. A prickling sensation on the back of my mind heightened my awareness. My senses sharpened, alert and fully at attention.

Before I could fully process the feeling, my phone rang. The caller ID showed Kane’s name, one of the key stakeholders I had met with earlier. My apprehension intensified. Why was Kane suddenly calling me?

I pressed the phone to my ears as I received the call.

“Prince Norman?” Kane’s voice was strained, raspy. The usual calm and controlled tone was replaced by something much more urgent, more desperate.

My stomach plummeted. “Kane, what’s wrong?”

A long, shuddering breath was the only reply I received for a moment. Then, his words hit me with the force of a physical blow. “They… they hit my car. From behind. It… it tumbled. Into the gorge.”

My mind reeled. The words hit me, and I felt the blood drain from my face. Kane's car… a gorge… The cold dread I’d felt moments before solidified into a terrifying certainty. This was no accident. This was an ambush. My wolf howled inside of me in fury, a scream of rage and terror.

This was more than a business deal gone sour. This was a deliberate attack, a targeted assault, and suddenly, the seemingly trivial discussion about Riley’s dress faded into insignificance. The calm exterior I had so carefully cultivated shattered, replaced by an icy, lethal resolve. I had to find out who did this, but first I needed to get to Kane.

“Drive!” I barked at the driver as I settled into the waiting car.

My hands clenched into fists, the phone slipping from my grasp as a wave of icy fury washed over me. Kane is one of my most trusted associates. And now, he had been attacked. This wasn't an accident; it was a calculated move, a deliberate attempt to harm, perhaps even eliminate, someone close to me.

The initial shock I felt earlier gave way to a cold, hard focus. I needed information, answers, and I needed them now. My mind raced, trying to connect the dots. The timing was too precise, the coincidence too convenient.

More than anything, I needed to get to Kane, assess his condition, and find out who was responsible. I needed to hear exactly what happened and assess what their next move will be. My wolf was already sensing a larger conflict and it was preparing for it.

I quickly re-established my composure, the icy rage fueling a terrifying calmness. No panic, no emotion; just cold, calculated strategy. I needed to get information before they could take further action.

Right now, I feel quite confused. The story feels like a game of Chess—confusing and sudden. I didn't envisage this happening. But, maybe it's time I play my own game of Chess.

With that, I cocked my head toward the driver from the backseat and barked another instruction. "Step on the gas, I need to play a fucking game of chess."