Chapter 182: Chapter 182 Retribution
Draven’s POV
I entered the interrogation room of the pack house and was immediately struck by the number of wolves present. At the back of the room, several employees were sitting in chairs lined up in rows. I recognized each one—the directors of accounting, sales, operations, and administration.All of them had participated in Howard’s embezzlement scheme against Thorne Enterprises.
On the opposite side, in a chair by the table, sat the employee we had planned to use to catch the others.But with Liam and Caroline’s kidnapping, we’d been forced to accelerate our timeline.This wolf had made a stupid mistake—showing off a fancy lifestyle that didn’t match his job at the company. He was greedy and careless, always talking too much. His big mouth made him the weakest link in Howard’s group.
Besides these employees, Alpha Arthur and Alpha Gerald were present, along with three enforcers from Arthur’s team. Magnus, the head investigator from the Alpha Council who was looking into my parents’ death, stood nearby with his team of five other investigators.
"You called for me, Arthur?" I asked as I entered.
"Yes, Draven. We’re wrapping things up here, and I wanted your input on how to proceed," Arthur replied.
"Proceed with what, exactly?" I asked, feeling the fatigue of the past days weighing on me.
"Besides Howard, these four directors are up to their necks in this fraud, just like we thought. Plus twenty other pack members. They’re all here." Arthur put his hand firmly on the shoulder of the wolf sitting away from the others. "Mr. Reynold Perry here has decided to spill everything. As Alpha, you need to decide what happens to them. Magnus and the Council agree that whatever you decide goes."
I took a deep breath, Alaric growling with barely held back anger. These wolves hadn’t just stolen money,they’d stabbed our pack in the back.
"I want them to pay for everything they’ve done," I said, my voice dropping low and dangerous, making several wolves back away. "You’ve all been part of this pack for at least fifteen years. You didn’t just screw me over, but also my father who treated you like family. You turned on the people who took care of you and put every member of this pack at risk because of your greed."
"Alpha Draven, please,"Reynold began pleading. "I only got involved because my pup was sick. I needed money for treatments. After that, I couldn’t get out since they wouldn’t let me."
I stepped closer to him threateningly."And you thought stealing was easier than coming to your Alpha for help?"
I chuckled darkly. "You better have exceptional information to share, because we already know quite a bit. If what you offer isn’t valuable enough, forget any chance of mercy."
"I swear by the Moon Goddess, Alpha, my information will prove useful," Reynold whimpered, lowering his head submissively.
I nodded."Arthur, you can work out details with this one, but he’s removed from any position of authority within the pack. Demoted to omega status."
"Alpha, please, I want to make a deal too," Gilbert from accounting suddenly called out.
"Is that right, Gilbert?" I moved closer to him, my aura making him shrink back. "And what could you possibly know that Reynold doesn’t?"
"I know where Howard has gone," Gilbert blurted out.
In an instant, I was before him, gripping his collar until we were face to face.
"If you’re lying to me..." My eyes flashed dangerously.
"I’m not, Alpha! I swear it on my life!"
I released him with a shove."Arthur, keep this one here until we’ve verified his information. The rest can be taken to the holding cells."
"Of course, Draven,"Arthur nodded."My team will escort them.What about punishment?"
I addressed the room at large."Here’s my judgment as your Alpha—Those who cooperate fully and provide valuable information will be demoted within the pack hierarchy but can stay with their families. However, those who resist or lie will face execution or exile as rogues, which means no pack will ever accept them since all packs reject traitors."
A ripple of fear passed through the room. Being cast out as a rogue was often considered worse than death in our world.
"Magnus," I turned to the Council investigator, "I believe you’ll want to coordinate with Arthur about Howard’s connection to my parents’ accident?"
"Indeed," he replied. "I’ll need to speak with you about that as well. We’ve uncovered some disturbing evidence."
"We’ll talk after I’ve handled this situation," I promised. "For now, Arthur, please see that these traitors are processed. And keep Gilbert here,I want to hear what he knows immediately."
Arthur nodded and signaled to his enforcers, who began handcuffing the wolves in pairs before escorting them out. I watched them go, feeling a mixture of relief and bitter disappointment—relief that the corruption was being purged, disappointment that so many had betrayed our pack.
"What’s next, Arthur?" I asked once most had been removed. "We need to restructure the company and the pack’s leadership positions."
"Yes, we do. I need to finalize the audit and submit a formal report to the Alpha Council. Then you can begin restructuring both the business and pack," Arthur explained. "It will take time, but we’ll recover as much of the embezzled assets as possible."
"What about the clients who were diverted to Howard’s shell companies?" I asked.
"I’ve been thinking about that," Arthur replied thoughtfully. "The front companies will be dissolved. I suggest we arrange meetings with those clients as soon as possible to explain the situation. With your permission, I can make those arrangements."
"Do it," I agreed. "But keep your audit team in place for now. I may need them for what comes next." I had plans forming that would require their expertise.
"As you wish. " Arthur agreed. "In the meantime, I’ll contact your pack’s legal advisor to handle the formal aspects."
"It would be my pleasure to assist with compiling the evidence, Alpha Arthur," Ruby offered with a respectful nod.
"Arthur, my friend," Alpha Gerald, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "I’m impressed with how thoroughly you’ve handled this investigation. You’ve become one of the most skilled corporate fraud specialists I’ve ever encountered."
"You know what I went through when I was betrayed and nearly bankrupted," Arthur replied with a grateful smile. "I learned from that experience, and thanks to Caroline, who supported and encouraged me through it all. She recommended several courses that proved invaluable. She’s truly remarkable."
"Caroline is indeed special," Gerald agreed warmly. "Speaking of which, have she and Liam arrived safely, Draven? I’d like to see them."
"Yes, they’re here," I said, allowing myself a small smile. "I left them resting in my quarters. Please, feel free to visit them—I’m sure Caroline would appreciate seeing familiar faces right now."
When I returned to the main office with Magnus, Gilbert, and two enforcer wolves, dawn was already breaking. Everyone was still focused on locating Howard, who seemed to have vanished into thin air.