Chapter 102
Matthew’s POV
Gured at the stack of reports on my desk. My concentration had been shot for weeks now, ever since lung left. Every time I tried to focus on work, my mind drifted to her wondering where she was, if she was safe, if she hated me. The questions never stopped.
A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts. Before I could respond, Joel burst through the door, his face flushed and breath coming in short bursts.
“Joel? Aren’t you supposed to be on leave with your wife?” I asked, surprised to see my Beta here when he should be at home with his wife who had just given birth to their first child,
“I was, but this couldn’t wait.” He said. “Clifflands sent messengers. They just passed through Emberhill Pack and they’re heading here. Xander said they’re claiming to be sent directly from the Alpha King.”
My stomach knotted. “How long?”
“An hour, maybe less.” Joel paced nervously.
“We’ve been waiting for this, haven’t we? Ever since he conquered Forestvale and took the Lunas as tributes.” I said.
“Are they officers?” I asked, Zephyx stirring restlessly inside me.
Joel nodded. “Xander said they’re fully armed. Like they’re ready for a fight if it comes to one.”
I leaned back in my chair, trying to make sense of it all. What more could Augustin Levenston want from me? He’d already taken everything. My mate, my dignity, my peace.
He already has her. What else is there to take?
“You should go home, Joel,” I said firmly. “If this turns ugly, there’s no reason for both of us to be involved.”
Joel’s expression hardened. “Not a chance. I’m not leaving you to face Clifflands people alone. This is all Quinn’s fault anyway. If he hadn’t allied with Kieran against Clifflands, they might have left us alone.”
I couldn’t argue with that. Quinn’s reckless decisions had put all of Forestvale at risk. But it was too late for blame now.
“Then we wait,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Zephyx, be ready, I told my wolf. He responded with a low growl in my mind.
An hour later, the Clifflands messengers arrived. I invited them into my office, maintaining every semblance of civility I could muster as they filed in. The leader, a tall man with sharp features and calculating eyes, sat across from me.
“Alpha Harrington,” he began, his voice clipped and formal. “I am Theron Caudill, Chief Executive Officer of the Clifflands Elder Council. I’ve been personally appointed and authorized by Alpha King Levenston.”
I nodded stiffly. “What brings you to Pineridge Pack?”
Theron straightened in his chair. “We are here on behalf of the Elder Council, in accordance with Alpha King Levenston’s
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Chapter 102
orders, to collect the Forestale development tax?
I blinked, genuinely confused, “What tax?*
With practiced efficiency, Theron removed a document from his briefcase and sild it across the desk. The Alpha King’s seat gleamed at the bottom, unmistakable.
“This tax,” he said, tapping the paper. As outlined in the document.
I scanned the page, my disbelief growing with each word. “And why exactly are we paying these taxes to Clifflands?”
Theron’s expression remained impassive. “These are standard taxes for territories under Alpha King Levenston’s jurisdiction. Forestvale was conquered by Clifflands, if you recall.
Theron stood. “I’m not here for discussions, Alpha Harrington. We’ll return in one week to collect the necessary funds. Have them ready.” He nodded curtly. “Good day.”
nothing but a tax document and simmering rage.
Before I could respond, they were gone, leaving me with
me after
Sands curled into fists. “First he takes my wife,
“Can you believe this?” I paced the length of my office after they left, now he wants our resources. How much is one man supposed to take?”
Joel looked troubled. “What are you going to do?”
my
I slammed my hand against the desk. “I’m calling a pack meeting. We’re not paying this so–called development tax to Clifflands. Kieran was right–Augustin is just another bully.”
“Matt,” Joel’s voice was careful. “Before you make any hasty decisions, maybe you should contact Alpha King Levenston directly. This could be a misunderstanding.”
I scoffed. “A misunderstanding with his seal on it?”
“Think about it,” Joel insisted. “When Kieran and Maddox attacked Clifflands territory, Alpha King Levenston didn’t retaliate against Forestvale. He could have taken that as excuse to destroy us all, but he didn’t. This tax… it feels off. Maybe the Elder Council is overstepping.”
I paused, considering his words. Could he be right?
san
“Call him,” Joel suggested. “Not a letter. A direct call. Then decide based on his response.”
My shoulders slumped. “You’re right. I’m being reactive. It’s just ” I swallowed hard. “Ever since Juno was taken, I feel like I’m walking through fog. Nothing is clear anymore.”
“I know,” Joel said softly. “That’s why you need to be extra careful now.”
I nodded. “Get me the contact information for Clifflands headquarters. We’ll call first thing tomorrow.”
As Joel left to gather the information, I collapsed into my chair, suddenly exhausted. I should be grateful that the executive officer Theron hadn’t decided to attack. From what I’d heard, Clifflands warriors were something else entirely— trained with silver to build resistance, disciplined beyond belief. If they’d come for a fight, I’m not sure we would have
stood a chance.
