Chapter 260 The Business Masquerade


    Leslie’s POV


    81


    Finished


    Back at Bloodrock Estate, my only thought was to retreat to my room, put my notes in order from the meeting, and leave Kirby to Shane.


    But just as I stepped upstairs, Adler’s private call came through. He invited me to a private business g, saying hecked apanion.


    I was about to question why me when he calmly delivered a reason I couldn’t refuse: “I’ve uncovered a lead on your assassination attempt. Someone at tonight’s g is connected.”


    My heart clenched. “I’ll be there,” I said without hesitation.


    Without a proper gown on hand, I had to choose from the wardrobe Kirby had prepared for me. A ck silk dress caught my eye–simple, elegant, hugging my curves and making my skin glow in contrast. In the mirror, the reflection staring back carried the proud aura of a female Alpha.


    Satisfied, I picked up my bag and headed out, only to collide with Kirby emerging from his study.


    His gaze


    fell on me, darkening instantly, mint pheromones stirring as if he were about to speak.


    I kept my expression cool and cut him off before he could begin. “Adler says he found a lead on the assassination. I’m meeting him at the g. I’ll be backter.”


    At the word <i>assassination</i><i>, </i>Kirby’s face hardened. His pheromones surged, mint sharp and cold as a winter gale, wrapping me in Alpha protectiveness, heavy with unspoken fear.


    He pressed his lips together. “Be careful.”


    I nodded and left. Shane followed silently.


    At the g entrance, Shane opened the car door for me.


    Adler stood waiting. His dark suit was cut to perfection, his sandalwood pheromones calm, aloof, cloaked in noble mystery.


    He inclined his head. “Rest easy. No strangers inside.” The message was clear–the venue was


    secure.


    I smiled. Rogue Pack’s princess feared no danger, but with him nearby, the ground felt steadier beneath my feet.


    9:20 Thu, Sep 18 B…


    Chapter 260 The Business Masquerade


    :


    We entered the banquet hall, Shane falling back into the shadows as was his way.


    81


    Finished


    Music swelled from the orchestra, couples gliding across the dance floor. Perfume and the heady scents of countless Alphas filled the air, thick as war drums.


    A perfect stage for business–and for the undercurrents of the werewolf world.


    Whispers rose around us.


    “So Alpha Adler’s partner tonight is Leslie. Looks like his deal with Rogue Pack is unshakable.”


    “Forget it. He turned his back on Crimson Moon Pack and chose Rogue Pack himself. We don’t stand a chance.”


    “Unless… Adler and Leslie are—‘


    “Shh! Do you have a death wish?”


    I ignored them, my pinewood pheromones steady, unruffled.


    Adler clearly heard too. His sandalwood red sharp, a warning crackle of Alpha dominance that silenced the whispers instantly.


    He offered his arm. I slipped mine through with a perfect smile.


    The gesture was a wordless deration in the world of wolves–our cooperation was solid, untouchable.


    Not long after, three familiar Alphas approached with drinks in hand.


    I recognized them immediately: Taven of Central City’s Fang Pack, Gray of the Southern Wood Pack, and Andy of the Northern Silver Pack.


    I’d seen them once before, at Adler’s private gathering.


    Taven, a cigar dangling from his lips, swaggered easily. His eyes raked over me with a half- smile. “Alpha Adler, if I’d known you liked femalepany, I’d have brought my sister that night. She’s not as beautiful as Princess Leslie, but she’s not bad either.”


    Adler’s reply was cool as steel. “Good thing you didn’t.”


    The chill in his sandalwood scent cut through the air, leaving Taven momentarily dumbstruck.


    Send Gifts


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