Chapter 22 Stepping into Power
Leslie’s POV (RoguePack – Royal Court)
<b>36 </b>
+8 Pearls
“Well done, Carl.” I watched the poolside footage going viral across Crimson Moon Pack’s internalwork and the major public info tforms in Central City. The corners of my mouth lifted in satisfaction.
“Small matter.” Carl’szy voice came through them crystal. “You think a ce like Glory Hall doesn’t have hidden surveince? A little editing, and the truthys itself bare. Right now, the whole werewolf world knows Crimson Moon got yed by an Omega. Kirby’s probably turning green.”
Asphodel purred with pleasure inside me. <i>Serves </i><i>them </i><i>right</i><i>. </i><i>Let </i><i>them taste </i><i>what </i><i>it’s </i>like to be <i>humiliated </i>and <i>yed</i>.
“What did Father say?” I asked.
“He’s pleased with how you handled it. Said a Rogue princess should strike back swiftly and repay every slight in full.” Carl chuckled.
I smiled. That was just like Father–the ever–calcting King of Lycans.
“Oh, by the way, Leslie,” Carl’s tone grew a little more serious, “Father and Thorbane had a talk. They don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay cooped up in the Court anymore. It’s time for you to start handling some of the Pack’s affairs. They want to appoint you as Governor of the Western Border–overseeing our family’s business alliance on the west coast and several critical strategic territories. What do you think?”
Governor of the Western Border? That was practically cing one–third of RoguePack’s economic arteries and military strongholds in my hands. Their trust and support ran deeper than I expected.
“All right.” I didn’t hesitate. “Tell Father and Thorbane I won’t let them down.”
After three years of endurance, it was time for the werewolf world to meet the real Leslie Rogue.
Time passed like sand through my fingers–one month slipped by quietly. With Father Lars and Thorbane’s backing, I officially assumed the position of Rogue Pack’s Western Border Governor. The region was a crucial economic center and home to several strategic holdings. Its importance couldn’t be overstated.
But taking power wasn’t all smooth sailing. Inside the Pack, there were plenty who doubted or resented me–a “parachuted–in” female Alpha with a “tainted” past. They were used to dominant male Alphas giving orders. Whether I could handle the position remained to be seen.
…
<b>36 </b>
Chapter 22 Stepping into Power
I knew I had to prove myself with real strength–not just by bearing the name “Rogue.”
+8 Pearls
Thorbane assigned me one of his most reliable assistants, Liam, a steady and dependable Beta werewolf. He made things a lot easier. And Thorbane himself came to my study nearly every day, setting aside two hours to “guide” me throughplex Pack operations and power structures–though truthfully, it felt more like an anxious older brother hovering.
That day, after Liam finished his daily report, I stood by the massive floor–to–ceiling window, looking down at the vibrant nighttime cityscape beneath the Western Border headquarters. Asphodel stretched inside me, relishing the sensation of overseeing the whole game board.
Thorbane entered with two cups of herbal tea, fragrant and crisp.
“Still reading reports?” He handed me a cup.
“Yeah. The trade routes through the Western Border need reorganizing.” I took a sip.
He sat on the couch across from me, eyes briefly flicking to the stack of files in front of me, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. He said in a half–teasing, half–threatening tone, “I’m impressed you’re so diligent. I thought you’d ck off and I’d have to drag Father in to personally teach you.”
I instantly straightened up and red at him. “Don’t you dare.”
Father’s lessons were far harsher than Thorbane’s. I wasn’t going through that again.
Thorbane chuckled, then his expression turned serious. “Business. In a couple of days, Apex Industries is holding their fifth anniversary celebration. They’re nning to announce a new partnership involving their ‘Psionic Core‘ project, and they’ll be releasing some early investment shares. It’s a juicy opportunity, and a lot of Packs are eyeing it.”
My eyes lit up. Apex Industries‘ “Psionic Core” project! That was exactly the initiative I’d asked Liam to monitor. If I couldnd a leadership role in that venture, it would be a huge step forward for RoguePack’s future in tech development.
“I want it. I <i>have </i>to get that deal,” I said, energized,
“Not so fast,” Thorbane warned. “A lot of wolves want in on that. It’s going to be a fight. And I’ll be away handling urgent business up north during those days, so I won’t be able to go with you.” He paused. “But Carl should be back from overseas. He’ll be able to keep an eye on things.”
Carl’sing back? I perked up. “<i>Good</i>! I’ll go pick him up myself.” It had been ages since Ist saw that unpredictable, carefree brother of mine. Last I’d heard from him, he was at an international film festival on a livestream.
Thorbane sighed and checked the time. “Come on. Let’s get out of this office. I’m taking you to
Chapter 22 Stepping into Power
dinner. Moon Café’s new Snowfield Venison is supposed to be amazing”
<b>36 </b>
+8 Pearls
But the moment we stepped into the “Moonshadow” restaurant, my good mood instantly evaporated.
What a cursed coincidence.
On the far side of the dining hall–Belle and Slyvana. That repulsive mother–daughter pair.
Here. Now.
Send Gifts
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