Chapter 194: Chapter 194 Securing the Future
Draven’s POV
After Arthur and Clara left my office, I turned to my pack mates who remained for our meeting. I shared details about my conversation with Magnus from the Alpha Council.
"So we still have at least one more traitor hiding in our company," Ryan’s eyes narrowed. "Just when I thought we’d cleared out Howard’s influence."
"Magnus believes it’s someone inconspicuous," I explained. "Someone with access to multiple departments who observes more than they speak."
"Like a ghost," Kyle added,"That could be dozens of people."
I nodded grimly. "At least we have some good news. Arthur has agreed to join Thorne Enterprises as a consultant, and Clara will be returning from London to resume her position here."
"That’s fantastic!" Ryan’s face broke into a genuine smile. "We’ve been drowning here without Clara’s organizational skills."
"I needed to honor her desire to transfer to London after my father’s passing," I reminded him. "But it seems she can’t live without us either."
Kyle grinned. "Those two finding each other again after all these years,it’s like fate giving second chances."
"Speaking of good news," Ryan said, leaning forward in his chair, "Jace Monroe was transferred here. He’ll be working with Magnus on the Alpha Council. If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite him to our poker nights."
"You don’t even need to ask," Joseph spoke up immediately."Jace will be very welcome! As long as he doesn’t hit on Ava. And by the way, you promised to help me with her if I let Nina and Ruby go."
"Relax, Joseph," Ryan laughed. "We’ll help you. Besides, I think Jace was interested in Nina. He asked about her after the rescue operation."
"Oh?" My interest piqued. "When does he arrive?"
"Sunday, I think. Why?" Ryan asked.
I paused, sending a quick mind-link to Caroline.
Ha,ever since Caroline joined my pack,I can communicate with her instantly whenever I think of her. It’s such bliss being able to talk to my wife every day.
Her enthusiastic response made me smile.
"Ryan, can you call Jace for me?"
Ryan connected with Detective Monroe, and after exchanging pleasantries, passed his phone to me.
I thanked Jace profusely for his role in rescuing my son and explained that Caroline was excited about him joining our circle. Then I asked him to be my groomsman, pairing with Nina at the wedding. He accepted immediately, saying he’d arrive Friday to participate in what Ryan was calling my "last hunt" celebration—the wolf version of a bachelor party.
"That solves a problem driving Eleanor and me crazy," Kyle commented with obvious relief."Finding a partner for Nina at the ceremony. Elle insisted it was my responsibility to figure it out."
"Caroline was worried about that too," I admitted.
Ryan proceeded to update me on all the preparations for the engagement dinner. He’d arranged catering, decorations, and even a string quartet to provide ambient music. The house manager Carlos was coordinating all deliveries and services.Everything was ready for me to formally ask Caroline’s father for her hand in marriage.
Clara’s reminder about the jewelry prompted me to call the bank and schedule access to the safe deposit box containing my family’s heirloom rings. Kyle had also arranged a fitting at the tailor for my wedding attire.
Thinking of Howard still being at large, I realized we needed additional security measures at my pack house. I summoned Enforcer Bonfim to my office.
The older wolf entered with dignified . "Alpha," he greeted me with a respectful bow of his head.
"Bonfim, your leadership during Liam’s rescue operation was exemplary," I began. "I’ve been impressed with your work leading our pack’s enforcement division for years, but you truly proved yourself during this crisis."
The older wolf’s eyes showed appreciation, though his expression remained professional. "I was merely doing my duty to protect our pack’s young, Alpha."
"Which is precisely why I want to offer you a promotion," I continued. "I’d like you to oversee all security operations—both for the pack and for Thorne Enterprises."
His eyes widened slightly,the only indication of his surprise. "That’s quite an expansion of responsibilities, Alpha."
"With increased compensation to match,"I assured him."Starting with tonight’s dinner at the pack house.I need someone I can trust completely to coordinate security, especially with Howard still at large."
"Consider it done, Alpha," Bonfim nodded firmly. "I’ll assemble a team immediately and conduct a thorough sweep of the property."
"Perfect.I’d like you to call Mathias to head the residential security team," I suggested.
"The same Matias who served your father?" Bonfim asked.
"The very same. I understand he’s returned from Europe after taking advanced security training and working for some political figure."
Bonfim nodded approvingly. "An excellent choice. I’ll contact him immediately."
"One more thing," I added as Bonfim turned to leave. "This is more than just an family dinner. It’s the beginning of formally bringing Caroline into the pack as my Luna. The symbolism is important."
My enforcer’s expression softened slightly. "I understand completely, Alpha. Your mate’s safety will be our highest priority."
After Bonfim left, Ryan and I headed to the bank. The time of my appointment was approaching, and I couldn’t be late to retrieve the family heirlooms for tonight’s dinner.