Chapter 193: Chapter 193 Building the Inner Circle
Draven’s POV
The night before, I’d received a message from Alpha Council investigator Magnus informing me that Howard had not yet been found, that we needed to be on alert, and that as soon as possible, I should contact him. But I was with Caroline and let it go at that moment.However, this morning,I had already taken some precautionary measures.
I asked my Beta Ryan to send a team of six trusted warriors from our pack to my apartment,instructed to secure my family. It didn’t take long before Ryan’s handpicked men arrived, and he assured me that he had personally verified their backgrounds and loyalty to our pack.
I introduced the security team to everyone and instructed them not to let Liam out of their sight. I asked Caroline not to go anywhere without taking three of the men accompanying her, and she agreed without arguing. I headed to the company to handle some urgent matters, where I would also meet with the pack’s senior members. When I arrived at Thorne Enterprises, I immediately called Magnus, who responded quickly.
"Magnus, good morning. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner."
"No problem, Alpha Draven.I imagine you were exhausted."
"Very much so. But Howard seems to have extraordinary luck. Ryan told me he left the ranch just before your team arrived."
"I don’t think it’s luck, Alpha. I believe there’s still a traitor within your pack and company. Someone even Howard’s accomplices don’t know about. Howard knew we were coming."
My wolf Alaric growled inside me, agitated at the thought. "But that’s not possible. I’ve been surrounded by rats for years and still can’t purge my territory?" I said, feeling the weight of it all. "Do you have any idea who it might be?"
"No concrete leads yet. But look for someone who goes unnoticed. Someone who has access to multiple departments within your company. Someone observant who speaks little but sees much."
"I understand.I’ll find them. Once I identify this traitor, I’ll let you know immediately."
"Be careful, Alpha. Howard has already demonstrated he’s capable of anything to hurt you and your mate. One more thing – this Marcus character, he was Caroline’s ex-mate, correct?"
"Yes, about three years ago. They were together for several years until she discovered he was cheating with her cousin."
"Hmm. Quite the scoundrel. Well, he stated during interrogation that he’d known Howard for more than three years. Does your mate know anything about that connection?"
"I don’t believe so.She seemed genuinely shocked when she discovered his involvement in Liam’s kidnapping."
"That’s what I suspected, but I needed to ask. Speaking of your mate, when might I get her statement? She can come to the Council headquarters, or I can visit your territory, whichever you prefer."
"Could this wait until Monday, here at Thorne Enterprises?"
"Certainly. I’ll stop by Monday afternoon to speak with her. Alpha Draven, I’ll contact you immediately if we uncover anything new."
"Thank you, Magnus. My pack appreciates the Council’s assistance."
After ending the call with Magnus,I needed to contact Arthur to ask him to investigate who might still be working within the company to help Howard. I had told him to take a break until Monday, but he insisted he had a lot to do and would rather keep working. He quickly arrived at my office with Clara.
I explained the situation and emphasized that we needed to find the traitor quickly, as they were giving Howard a dangerous advantage. Arthur agreed and assured me he would begin the search immediately, conducting thorough background checks on every employee.
"Arthur, I trust your judgment completely," I said, leaning back in my chair."But there’s something else I wanted to discuss. You’ve proven yourself to be a remarkable auditor and an exceptional businessman.I’m impressed with the team you’ve assembled, and you’ve made a significant difference here. You’ve helped me address not only the fraud issue but many other operational problems."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
"That said, I want to offer you a permanent position as a consultant to Thorne Enterprises. My company has been infiltrated by Howard’s influence for years, and I need to surround myself with people I can trust while I purge these toxic elements. Would you consider joining us in a formal capacity?"
Arthur appeared genuinely surprised by my offer. "This is unexpected, Draven. I’m honored by your trust in me."
"The honor would be mine," I replied. "I’d also like to explore opportunities for long-term cooperation between our packs and businesses. The alliance would benefit us both."
Arthur’s expression shifted to one of regret. "While I’m truly grateful for your offer, I’ve actually been making plans to relocate to London."
"London?" I couldn’t hide my surprise.
"When I was young and foolish, I let Clara go," Arthur explained. "We both married others, built our lives. But my mate and I formally separated years ago, and Clara lost her husband. Now that we’ve found each other again..."
"So I’m thinking of moving to London to be closer to Clara, you know?!"
I nodded, understanding completely.
"No way! I don’t want you to go to London," Clara said quickly, which made Arthur look dejected.
"My daughters are grown now," Clara continued, "and the London branch of Thorne Enterprises is thriving. I’ve been considering requesting a transfer back to the main office, if you’d allow it."
Arthur’s face brightened at Clara’s words. He turned to me with renewed interest. "If Clara is returning to Harbor Bay, then perhaps we could reconsider your offer. A consulting position would allow me the flexibility to be with Clara while still contributing to Thorne Enterprises."
"That would be perfect," I said, genuinely pleased by this turn of events. "Clara, you’re welcome back anytime. Your experience and loyalty are invaluable to me."
As we discussed the details, the senior members of my pack began arriving for our scheduled meeting. I shared the good news about Arthur and Clara, which lifted everyone’s spirits. We continued talking until Clara and Arthur excused themselves, saying they had preparations to make.
As they were leaving, I confirmed they would be joining us for dinner that evening.
"We wouldn’t miss it for the world," Clara assured me with a warm smile as she reached the door. "Draven, don’t forget to pick up the ring and wedding bands from the jeweler today."
"How did you know about that?" I asked, astonished.
Clara’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "I’ve known you since you were a pup, Alpha. Some things never change." She blew me a kiss from the doorway, while Arthur smiled proudly beside her.