DEREK
The phone clicked as the line disconnected.
I sat back in my chair, staring at nothing for a beat. That had been the fifth call this morning–same story as the others. A smiling denial, a deflection, or worse: radio silence. All tied to the Rogue Foundation permits.
You’d think someone was purposely trying to stall Elena’s progres
Which wouldn’t be surprising. There were plenty of old–guard wolves who didn’t want rogue rehabilitation to succeed. But still
it made me wonder who was behind the delays. Who had something to gain.
And why I was only now realizing how far out of the loop I’d Tallen
I mean, I knew I wasn’t officially part of the Foundation. But if I could smooth the way for her, I’d at least feel like I wasn’t standing in it.
I wasn’t sure if she’d welcome my help, so I did it on my own. Quietly.
I scrubbed a hand across my face.
The door opened behind me.
Joe stepped in, holding a folder, but I already knew the look on his face meant it wasn’t good.
“She called again,” he said.
I didn’t answer. Just waited.
“Twice this time. Left a message with Caroline. Asked for a sit–down.””
“No,” I said, voice flat. “I’ve already made myself clear.”
“She said it’s urgent.”
“It’s never urgent. It’s Cassandra.”
Joe nodded, dropping the folder on my desk. “So I’ll let her know you’re not interested.”
“Let her know she should stop trying to reach me entirely.”
Joe paused. “You sure you don’t even want to hear her out? It’s been months, and-
“Under no circumstances do I want to see Cassandra Laurent.”
Joe raised both eyebrows but didn’t argue. “Got it.”
“>
I waited until the door clicked shut again before standing and walking over to the window. The courtyard below was quiet, dew still clinging to the grass, the early morning light slanting across the eastern wall. A few young wolves were gathering for training.
I used to love mornings like this. The crisp air. The simplicity of routine. But now everything felt… off. Like the rhythm of my life had shifted and I was the only one still playing the old tune.
She showed up anyway.
was halfway through breakfast, coffee in hand, plate still warm, when I caught the unmistakable sound of heels clicking on the tile.
Then that voice.
Chapter 248
***+25 BONUS
“Derek
I didn’t even look up. “Caroline,” I growled.
“I’m sorry, sir. She insisted.”
I raised my head then and saw Cassandra walking into the dining Hall like she owned the place.
Black coat. Black dress. Hair in a sleek chignon. Effortless elegance calculated to the last detail.
“You’re not welcome here,” I said.
She didn’t stop. “You look well.”
“Get out.”
She finally came to a halt at the end of the table. “I didn’t come toght.”
“Then leave.”
She glanced toward Caroline, who hovered nervously near the doorway. “Could we have a moment?”
“I’d prefer we didn’t.”
Cassandra’s smile didn’t falter, but something in her eyes sharpened. “You owe me five minutes.‘
I stood. “I owe you nothing.”
17
She met my gaze evenly. “You may not have made me a blood oath all those years ago, but you do owe me an audience.”
My jaw clenched. “You’re really dragging that out again?”
“I saved your life.”
I said nothing.
“I saved you,” she pressed. “I carried you home. You wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t found you that day.’
“}
She was right. But I still wasn’t happy to see her. And I wasn’t happy with Caroline for breaking a direct order not to let that woman within a mile of my packhouse.
My grip tightened around my mug. “Why are you here, Cassandra?
She straightened her coat. “I have a business proposal. Nothing personal. Just one hour of your time. I’ll say what I need to say, and then I’ll leave you alone.”
My eyes narrowed.
She must have seen hesitation in my face, because she softened. “Just dinner. One meal, Derek. You listen, and then I’m gone.”
I didn’t answer right away. I didn’t want to reward her persistence. But some part of me needed to know what she was really
after.
