Chapter 115
Kieran’s POV
Marcus walked into my office, his expression carrying a hint of curiosity mixed with tension. I looked up from the stack of reports I’d been pretending to read for the past hour, my mind too distracted to focus on anything important.
“Alpha Elton Riddick is here to see you,” he said.
I frowned, setting the papers aside. “Riddick? I thought our business with Dawnshere was concluded.”
“So did I,” Marcus shrugged. “He didn’t say what he wanted, just that it was important. He seems agitated though.”
“Great. More problems,” I muttered. “As if we don’t have enough on our plate already.”
The last thing I needed was another problem to solve. My head was already pounding with thoughts of Juno. The memory made my blood boil and Storm growl deep in my mind.
“Send him in,” I sighed, even though every part of me wanted to be left alone.
Marcus nodded and disappeared, returning moments later with Elton Riddick. The Alpha from Dawnshere walked in with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He looked tired, worn down by responsibilities and worries.
I plastered on a fake smile to avoid appearing rude. “Alpha Riddick.”
“Please, call me Elton,” he insisted, taking a seat across from me without waiting for an invitation.
He made himself comfortable, crossing one leg over the other as if we were old friends meeting for drinks rather than two Alphas with territories to run.
“What can I help you with, Elton?” I asked, not bothering with small talk. My patience was wearing thin these days.
“Last night, I was lying in bed thinking about how to improve conditions for my pack,” he began, with intensity in his eyes. “And I had an idea I wanted to discuss with you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why not take it to Levenston?”
Elton’s face darkened instantly, a flash of anger in his eyes. “I would never discuss my people with that bastard.”
“Did I come at a bad time?” he asked, noticing my discomfort.
Yes, you did. I wanted to say.
Instead, I shook my head and forced another smile. “Not at all. Please, tell me more about this idea of yours.”
The truth was, I couldn’t feel enthusiasm or joy about anything. Not with the Purplemoon ceremony only two months away. Not when I knew that if I didn’t act soon, Augustin would claim Juno as his own, and I’d have to kill him to get her back.
If she hasn’t already fallen in love with him.
The thought sent a stab of pain through my chest so sharp I had to suppress a wince.
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We need to act quickly. Storm growled in my mind, his voice a low rumble of impatience. She is OURS.
“Well,” Elton adjusted in his seat, his eyes drifting to the drink cabinet behind me. I deliberately didn’t offer him anything. I didn’t want to get up.
“Help yourself if you’d like a drink,” I said, gesturing toward the cabinet.
“Thank you.” Elton smiled, rising to pour himself a generous glass of brandy. He took a long sip before returning to his
seat.
“First, I want to thank you for the kindness you’ve already shown my people,” he began. “The supplies you sent were
essential.”
“The medicine especially,” he added, his voice lowering. “We had three pups with fever. Your antibiotics saved them.”
I nodded, remembering the shipment of food and medicines I’d arranged weeks ago when I heard about Dawnshere’s struggles.
“Any Alpha would have done the same,” I said, though we both knew that wasn’t true.
“What I’m hoping,” Elton continued, “is that my people might find work in your region. Nothing permanent–just part–time jobs in construction or your factories. And if things in Clifflands get worse…” His voice trailed off, his scent turning
anxious.
“You want a safe haven,” I finished for him.
“Yes.” His eyes met mine, filled with desperation. “I would give up my position as Alpha if it meant my people could live safely. They deserve better than what they have now.”
I couldn’t help but admire his dedication. Here was an Alpha willing to sacrifice everything for his pack—his status, his power, his identity.
“I wish I could help,” I said, genuinely regretful. “But Fireland is already densely populated. We couldn’t accommodate-
“I understand,” Elton interrupted, his smile fading. “You have your own people to worry about.”
“However,” I added quickly, “I’m planning to visit Alpha Matthew Harrington in Forestvale tomorrow.”
Elton’s eyes widened with surprise.
“Harrington? The one who lost his Luna to Levenston?” he asked.
“The very same,” I confirmed.
“Forestvale has land and work available,” I explained. “Your people could settle and work there. Matthew might even give you a territory to lead your pack.”
“You and Harrington are… friends?” Elton asked, clearly confused about our relationship.
I shook my head. “Acquaintances. I know Farestvale is dealing with its own problems with Clifflands, and they’ve lost people. They need workers.”
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And I need to convince Matthew to help me get Juno back.
“When do you plan to visit him?” Elton asked, hope creeping into his voice.
Tamorrow. I have an appointment,” I explained. “But you’ll need to make your own request to him. I’ll introduce you, but
the rest is on you.”
“Of course,” Elton nodded eagerly.
“We’ll leave at ten tomorrow morning. Pineridge Pack is only two hours from Willowbrook.”
“I’ll be here before eight, Elton promised, standing to leave. “Thank you, Alpha.”
As he walked out, I sank deeper into my chair. The thought of tomorrow’s visit filled me with dread. Matthew was my last hope of reaching Juno before it was too late.
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