Chapter 37 Wolves in Silk and Stone


    The scandal surrounding Leiss simmered down after a few days.


    35


    Finished


    What began as a minor information war ended as a sessful counterattack–one that not only humiliated my enemies but also sent a very clear message inside Westview’s walls.


    The ambitious wolves who had once eyed me with doubt now greeted me with careful smiles and lowered gazes. Their schemes? On hold. Their whispers? Silenced.


    But of course, there are always a few who think themselves cleverer than they are.


    Rowan, the Beta I had publicly humiliated during the challenge, strolled into my office today with a grin stered across her face, holding a project proposal like it was a peace offering.


    “Governor,” she said sweetly, cing the file on my desk with all the humility she could fake. “This is a new proposal I’vee across. It’s from Bone Pack–they im to have discovered a high–purity moonstone vein. They’d like to coborate with Rogue Pack to develop it. I thought it was worth bringing to your attention.”


    I took the document and flipped through it quickly.


    The terms were undeniably tempting–almost too much so. The profit margins were skewed heavily in our favor. On the surface, it looked like a golden opportunity.


    But my instincts said otherwise.


    Asphodel growled low inside me, wary.


    I closed the file and looked up at Rowan, a smile tugging at my lips–one that didn’t reach my eyes. “Beta Rowan, I appreciate your effort.” I deliberately emphasized her title.


    She flinched just slightly, the smile on her face freezing for a heartbeat before she forced it back into ce. “It’s my duty to ease your burdens, Governor.”


    “Mm.” I nodded and set the folder aside. “In the future, please refer to me as ‘Governor‘ or ‘Governor of Rogue Pack‘ in formal settings. As for this project, it does sound promising—but before we invest anything, I want a full background check on Bone Pack. The most thorough report possible. Liam will follow up.”


    My tone was calm, but the authority beneath it was absolute.


    Rowan’s face twitched again. She understood exactly what I was doing–tightening my grip, sending a clear message.


    She bowed and excused herself.


    Chapter 37 Wolves in Silk and Stone


    The moment she stepped out, Astrid burst in like a thunderstorm.


    <b>35 </b>


    Finished


    “I heard the whole thing just now!” she scoffed. “That woman? She’s definitely up to something. Bone Pack? Please. That’s a scam if I ever heard one.”


    I smiled faintly. “I’ve already asked Liam to look into it.”


    “No need!” Astrid grinned and held up her own tablet like a trophy. “I already ran a search through the Tempest Pack intelwork. That so–called Bone Pack? Just a gang of Rogues cobbled together. No credibility whatsoever. And the moonstone vein? Already marked as depleted years ago–total junk. Rowan was trying to bait you into wasting resources so she could smear your name.”


    Just as I thought.


    A quiet chill rippled through me.


    Clearly, a single p wasn’t enough for someone like Rowan.


    As I weighed my next move, Astrid shoved her tablet in front of my face again.


    “What now?” I groaned, pushing the screen away.


    “Am’s in Westview! Let’s go find her!”


    The tablet showed Am’s grinning face. One of my oldest Alpha sisters—an ally from another Pack we’d known since our younger days.


    I hadn’t seen her in nearly three years. Our contact had all but stopped. But the bond? Still strong as ever.


    I smiled, warmth flickering <i>to </i>life in my chest. “Alright. Tonight.”


    Asphodel stirred gently inside me, stretching out with ease. It, too, felt the quiet joy in the presence of old, true pack bonds.


    For tonight–just one night–I could set aside the mantle of governor.


    I could simply be Leslie of Rogue Pack again.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts


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