*****Erika''s POV*****


    "How could you two me me?" I was shocked. Why were they ming me? They did not even understand what was going on. How would they when it was not them being affected.


    "You said very wrong things, Rika. We''re your best friends and we would tell you the truth." Pa said.


    "What truth?! Do you guys know what I have gone through in the hands of Elder Grigshade at the meeting today? There is without doubt that the man wants me dead if possible, and then I find out that my own brother is doing business with such a man. What kind of business? You both just agreed now that he has never done that before. You both agreed that the character was unlike him. So why was this particr business different? Why?" I ranted.


    I was having enough on my te to want to add whatever my best friends were dishing right now. They said they hade to support and be with me, it was either they did that or they let me be.


    Why would they try to me me? For what? What had I done? What was my crime? Because I asked a question?


    "As much as we understand you, Rika, you still do not have the right to tell Jace what you did. When you asked him what kind of business, what was his response?" Paid a hand on my shoulder.


    "He said he would show me the documents as evidence. So I would see for myself." I begrudgingly replied.


    "What did you tell him?" This was from Kat. She seemed to be the most angry one over what I had done. Was she doing this because Jace was her mate? Or because she personally thought I had done wrong?


    "I said he should tell me himself." I might had overreacted there, but like I had asked before, who would me me? I had a pack to rule, my father''s legacy to continue. He entrusted me with these things and now I had to go through all these challenges, while he kept battling for his life.


    I had no idea if he would survive it. I had no idea to know if I would ever hear himugh again or be strict with Jace and I even though we were no longer young pups.


    "You should have just been patient. You sounded like you don''t trust him and anyone in his shoes would be angry. Jace has never nned evil against you and never will." Pa reasoned with me.


    Kat was not saying anything. I wondered what was going on in her mind, was she thinking ill of me at this point? Did she think I was not supposed to say the things I had said to Jace?


    I sighed. "I don''t know, P. I''m just so frustrated and tired."


    "How can you say that? You don''t have to be. Jace is your blood, you both are supposed to have each other''s backs right now." Pa advised. "Your dad would be disappointed to know that his children are fighting against each other instead ofing together to fight as one against the outside world. You''re the eldest, you should do better."


    "I''m doing my best." I was on the verge of another tears. I blinked my eyes to ward off the tears. Truly, if dad were to be alive he would be disappointed. He had always taught never to fight against each other especially when it concerns other people.


    That we were always supposed to find peace and draw strength from each other.


    "I know you''re doing your best. We know that, but you can do better. Emotions do not need to get the best of you."


    Kat was still quiet. What was going on in her head? Was there something she wanted to talk about that she was reluctant to?


    "But I felt he should have told me about any business especially between him and Elder Grigshade looked at her, my eyes pleading for understanding and support. "P that man hates me. He wants me out of the way for Jace to take over. Yes, I know Jace does not want the position but doing business with a man that hated his sister? How do you think that paints me?"


    "I understand. But do you think it''s possible he''s angry right now because his daughter Tasyra is still in your custody?" Pa asked.


    I had even forgotten about that girl being in my custody, she had actually done nothing wrong. I had no evidence to hold against her that she had sent that strange boy toe after me.


    "I have even forgotten that she is in my custody." I sighed in tiredness.


    "Maybe releasing her is one way to go." She advised.


    Pa was the only one acting concerned. Kat was just aloof and quite distant.


    "I''ll do that. About Jace''s business with Elder Grigshade, do you think I should stop him from associating with the man? It''s too risky, Pa. I can not risk being the Alpha and also allow my brother dine with the enemy as his business partner. If you were in my shoes, would you have allowed it?" I wanted to know but in every honesty, that did not seat well with me.


    Maybe I would have to stop Jace from going further in any business with Elder Grigshade. If he truly wanted to help dad and me, he.


    would stop it. He would cancer


    whatever business deal and stand by me to fight. I epi know he was with me and was ready to fight alongside me.


    If he continued being business partners with Elder Grigshade, it Eli be difficult to stand against my enemy and fight him.


    "You need to go meet Jace, you owe him an apology. He has done nothing but stand by you. Do the right thing." Kat finally spoke.


    I guess she was angry that I had spoken to her mate that way. I looked at Pa, she nodded. “Go find out what business it is. The evidence will your fears and help you decide what action to take next."


    "Alright." Encouraged by their words, I rummaged through my closet, found a pair of grey shorts and ck tank top.


    d in them, I slipped my feet into my slip-ons to go find my brother. I climbed upstairs to his room.


    I noticed something was not quite right immediately I held the handle. I opened the room and gasped.