Chapter 73: Chapter 73 Dangerous Alliance
Victoria
I drifted between consciousness and dreams, lulled by the steady rhythm of Leo’s breathing through the phone. We hadn’t ended our call last night.
The intimacy of falling asleep to the sound of his breathing had made me feel protected, even with miles separating us.
The gentle vibration of my phone against my cheek finally woke me. Leo’s husky morning voice rumbled through the speaker.
"Good morning, little wolf. Did you sleep well?"
I smiled, stretching languorously in the bed that had once belonged to my father. "Better than I expected. Your snoring is surprisingly soothing."
"I don’t snore," he growled, though I could hear the smile in his voice.
"How would you know? You’re asleep when it happens."
His low chuckle sent pleasant shivers down my spine. "Get dressed. I’m sending Tiny to bring you to Devil’s Lair for a security briefing at 9:00."
I sat up abruptly. "Devil’s Lair? Your nightclub?"
"It’s more than a nightclub, Victoria."
"Let me guess—secret underground fight club? Vampire speakeasy? Werewolf bowling alley?"
"Always so sassy in the mornings," Leo remarked dryly. "Devil’s Lair is Shadow Pack’s intelligence hub and operational headquarters. The nightclub is just our public face."
I blinked in surprise. "You’ve been running a supernatural CIA out of a nightclub all this time?"
"We prefer to think of it as a community service with excellent cocktails," he replied smoothly. "Wear something professional. You’ll be meeting with other pack representatives."
My stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation. "This is official Alpha business, then?"
"Yes. As acting Alpha of Howlthorne Pack, your presence is required." His tone softened. "And I need you by my side for this, Victoria."
The simple admission made my heart swell. "I’ll be ready."
After a quick shower, I dressed in slim black pants and an emerald silk blouse that complemented my eyes. I pulled my hair into a sleek ponytail and applied minimal makeup—just enough to look polished but not trying too hard.
When I descended the stairs, Lilith was waiting in the foyer, sipping coffee.
"Morning, Alpha," she said with a small smile. "You look ready for battle."
I adjusted my silver wolf pendant—the one Leo had given me. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only to someone who knows what to look for." She handed me a travel mug of coffee. "Jackson’s handling training today, and Rosa has the supply chains under control. I’ve drafted daily security reports for your approval when you return."
I accepted the coffee gratefully. "Thank you, Lilith. I didn’t expect—"
"That I’d be competent?" she finished with a raised eyebrow.
"That you’d be so supportive," I corrected gently. "It means more than you know."
A horn sounded outside—Tiny’s massive SUV pulling into the drive.
"Good luck," Lilith said. "Remember, you’re not just representing yourself now. You’re the voice of Howlthorne Pack."
The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders as I walked outside to meet Tiny. His enormous frame dwarfed the driver’s seat as he got out to open the passenger door for me.
"Morning,Luna Victoria," he greeted, using the term that made my cheeks heat.
"Just Victoria is fine, Tiny," I reminded him, climbing into the vehicle.
His dark eyes crinkled with amusement. "Whatever you say,Luna."
The drive to Devil’s Lair took us through the wealthier part of town, where modern architecture blended with old-growth forest.
"Not what I expected," I commented as Tiny led me to a private entrance at the rear of the building.
"That’s the point," he replied, pressing his palm to a biometric scanner disguised as an ordinary doorknob. "Best security is the kind no one notices."
The door slid open silently, revealing not the dark, thumping interior of a nightclub, but a sleek, modern office space. Staff in professional attire moved purposefully between glass-walled offices, some carrying tablets, others engaged in quiet conversation. If I hadn’t known better, I might have thought I’d walked into a high-end tech company.
Tiny noticed my surprise. "The club’s upstairs. This is where the real work happens."
He guided me through the main floor, where curious eyes followed our progress. I felt the weight of their assessment—judging my bloodline, my worthiness to stand among them. I lifted my chin, channeling the confidence Leo always seemed to exude effortlessly.
We reached an elevator at the back of the space. Tiny pressed his palm to another scanner, and the doors opened.
"Alpha’s waiting in the war room," he said, stepping aside to let me enter first.
The elevator descended smoothly, opening to reveal a space that looked like a cross between a luxury boardroom and a military command center. Screens covered one wall, displaying maps, surveillance footage, and data streams. A massive table of polished black wood dominated the center of the room.
Leo stood at the head of the table, deep in conversation with a man I recognized as Carson, the Gamma who had shown such disdain for me when we first met. When Leo saw me, his expression softened imperceptibly, a look meant only for me.
"Victoria," he said, his voice a caress even as he maintained a professional demeanor. "Thank you for coming."
I approached the table, aware of Carson’s evaluating gaze. "Alpha Moretti," I replied formally, playing my part in this public setting.
Leo’s eyes darkened at my use of his title, a reaction I filed away for later exploration.
" Gamma Carson."
Carson inclined his head, his posture noticeably more respectful than during our previous encounter. "Alpha Howlthorne. It’s an honor to have you join us."
I couldn’t resist. "No comments about my blood today, Carson?"
A flush colored his neck, but he met my gaze steadily. "I follow strength, Alpha Howlthorne. You’ve proven yours beyond question."
"Convenient evolution in your thinking," I observed, taking the seat Leo indicated to his right—the position of highest honor.
"Not evolution," Carson replied calmly. "Evidence-based reassessment. Your actions at the forest boundary demonstrated both power and control that many pure-bloods would envy."
Leo’s lips quirked. "Carson is many things, Victoria, but a flatterer isn’t one of them. His compliments are as rare as they are genuine."
I softened slightly. "Then I’ll accept it in the spirit offered. What’s the situation?"
Leo nodded to Carson, who touched a control on the table. The screens shifted to display a map of the northern territories, with various pack boundaries clearly marked.
"We’ve been monitoring unusual movements among several packs since Enzo’s abduction," Carson began. "Marcus Grimwood’s territory shows increased activity here, here, and here." He indicated three points on the map. "Supply convoys, warrior training, reinforced perimeter guards."
"He’s preparing for war," I murmured.
Leo’s expression was grim. "Yes, but not just with us. Look at the pattern of his reinforcements. He’s expecting attacks from multiple directions."
I studied the map, recalling my limited geography lessons of werewolf territories. "The eastern boundary faces River Valley Pack territory. Why would he fortify against them? They’re historically neutral."
"That’s the anomaly," Carson agreed. "Our intelligence suggests River Valley has been building forces of their own. Unusual weapons shipments arrived last week. Training exercises have increased threefold."
Leo leaned forward, his powerful forearms resting on the table. "Marcus is either expecting a betrayal from a supposed ally, or—"
"Or they’re working together and preparing for something bigger," I finished, the realization chilling me. "A coordinated attack against multiple targets."
"Precisely." Leo’s eyes met mine with grim approval. "Marcus has always been ambitious, but he lacks the resources for a major territorial expansion. With allies, though..."
"He could reshape the entire northern alliance," I concluded. "Starting with eliminating you and consolidating our territories."