Chapter 30: Undercurrents and Siblings.


    Leslie’s POV (RoguePack – Western Border Headquarters)


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    Finished


    The affairs of the Western Border were even moreplex than I had imagined–but also more rewarding. Each day was filled with decisions and unexpected challenges, leaving me no time to dwell on unpleasant people or events. Asphodel, too, seemed to enjoy the sensation ofmanding from the center of power. She’d grown moreposed, and our coordination had reached an even sharper synchronicity.


    Liam entered with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. “Governor, this is brewed to your preferred blend. It should help quickly restore your mental stamina.”


    “Thank you, Liam.” I took the cup, sipping once. Warmth spread through me. “Any new updates from Apex Industries?”


    “No significant breakthroughs yet,” Liam reported. “Their core research facilities are heavily secured. Our intel team is still working to infiltrate. However, surface–level reports suggest they’re seeking new investment partners to expand their research scale.”


    “Oh?” A flicker of interest sparked in my eyes. “Keep digging. Report immediately if anything


    moves.”


    Just then, my personal phone buzzed. It was a secure transmission from my third brother, Carl.


    “Leslie,” came Carl’snguid voice, “got a bit of fun news. That restless little pup from Crimson Moon, Slyvana–seems she’s been using some underground contacts to hire paparazzi and info brokers. She’s trying to dig up dirt on you.”


    I raised an eyebrow. Slyvana? That idiot still hadn’t learned her lesson?


    “Let her try,” I said coolly. “She’s just a stray dog now. She can’t stir up anything worth caring about. Just make sure the hacking team keeps an eye out–I don’t want anything truly disgusting leaking.”


    I couldn’t muster any interest for such a low–level nuisance. Asphodel didn’t even bother to open her eyes. <i>Pathetic </i><i>little </i><i>fly</i>.


    “Got it,” Carl chuckled. “But seriously, you’ve been getting a lot of attentiontely. You’re bound to attract jealous eyes. Just watch yourself.”


    “I know, Carl.”


    I was about to return to my reports when the office door opened again—and in walked my eldest brother, Thorbane. He was carrying an insted food container that gave off a distinct, icy–sweet aroma unique to the frostfruit of the northern territories.


    13:09 Mon, <b>Sep </b>15


    Chapter 30 Undercurrents and Siblings


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    Finished


    “You’ve been working too hardtely,” Thorbane said, setting the container on my desk. “Had the kitchen prepare some snow pear stew for you.”


    A warmth bloomed in my chest. Since I returned, Thorbane had taken meticulous care of me. Sometimes, he even felt more like a doting father than a brother.


    “Thank you.” I opened the container. The rich scent wafted out. “But big brother, you’ve been stopping by an awful lottely. Isn’t the Pack headquarters busy these days?” I teased.


    Asphodel snickered quietly inside me.


    A rare flicker of awkwardness crossed Thorbane’s handsome face. He coughed. “The Western Border is a strategic asset. It’s only right that I check in.”


    “Oh? Is that so?” I deliberately dragged out the words. “I thought maybe… big brother’s intentions weren’t entirely about business?”


    Thorbane red at me–but his lookcked bite. He quickly changed the subject. “I heard Tempest Pack is sending envoys soon to discuss border trade?”


    “Mm. That’s true.” I nodded, watching his carefully casual expression. My suspicions only grew


    stronger.


    “So… who’s leading the delegation? Still their High Elder?”


    I bit back a smile and shook my head. “Nope. This time, it’s one of their Alpha heirs–Astrid.”


    Cough <i>cough</i><i>! </i>Thorbane choked on his own saliva. A noticeable blush rushed to his face–though he quickly covered it up with his usual cold mask. “Is that so? Well… very good. I’m busy, I’ll take my leave now.”


    He practically fled the room.


    Watching his rare moment of flustered retreat, I finally burst intoughter. Asphodel was beside herself with joy as well.


    Looks like even my stoic iceberg of a brother might finally be seeing the first hints of spring.


    Now that was an unexpected delight.


    Send <b>Gifts </b>


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