Chapter 145 Perfect Plan
Jolie pov
"That's actually perfect." Phoenix pulls up security feeds from Celeste's intel. "You'll be inside the estate while we're monitoring from outside. You can gather intelligence on security weaknesses, guard rotations, which alphas are Council-sympathetic."
"And I can gauge my father's true relationship with Celeste." Gio adds quietly. "See if she was lying about seducing him or if he's actually under her influence."
"She wasn't lying about that part." Celeste's voice comes from the medical bay via comm. "I did seduce him very effectively. He's completely convinced I'm his perfect bride."
"Does he know you defected?" I ask.
"Not yet." She sounds nervous. "But he will soon. The Council will realize I gave you intelligence. They'll tell him I betrayed him. I'm sorry—I didn't think about how that would complicate things."
"It doesn't complicate anything." I decide. "It gives us leverage. If Father confronts me about your defection, I can offer a trade. Celeste's safety in exchange for something we need."
"Like what?" Ryder asks.
"Information." I'm thinking tactically now. "Father knows things about Council operations that even Celeste didn't have access to. Financial backing, political alliances, which traditional alphas are secretly supporting breeding programs."
"You think he'd trade that information to get Celeste back?" Gio looks skeptical.
"I think he'd trade anything to avoid looking weak in front of Council alphas." I correct. "If word spreads that his bride defected on their wedding night, his political standing collapses. He'll want to control that narrative."
"So we use that." Luna makes notes. "You attend the ceremony, make it clear you have Celeste under protection, offer to keep that quiet in exchange for intelligence about Council operations."
"That's blackmail." Phoenix points out.
"That's negotiation." I counter. "And it's better than the alternative—letting him save face while learning nothing useful."
"I can't decide if this plan is brilliant or insane." Knox observes.
"Both." Cass agrees. "Definitely both."
"When do we leave?" I check the time. "The ceremony starts in six hours. If we're bringing fifty wolves, we need to mobilize now."
"I'll make calls." Doc's voice comes through. "See how many rogues can arrive that quickly."
"I'll contact the allied packs." Luna heads for her communication setup. "Explain what we need."
"I'll coordinate transportation and positioning." Ryder moves to tactical maps. "Make sure we have clear exit routes and defensive positions."
"And I'll help you get ready." Celeste appears in the doorway for real this time, not just via comm. "You need to look like power, not anger. I can help with that."
"You sure?" I study her. "This is your court legalized wedding we're talking about, the ceremony you were supposed to star in."
"Exactly." Her smile is cold. "Which is why I know exactly how to help you steal the spotlight, let make the Moonfire Luna impossible to ignore."
Three hours later, I'm standing in front of the mirror again. But this time I look different.
Celeste helped me choose clothes—not tactical gear but formal wear that somehow looks more dangerous. Black dress with silver details that catch light like moonfire. Hair styled sleek and severe. Makeup dramatic but precise. The blessed silver jewelry Ryder gave me displayed prominently.
I look like a Luna. Not the scared girl from breakfast, a Luna who could destroy this entire estate and is choosing not to.
"Perfect." Celeste steps back, admiring her work. "You look like divine judgment waiting to happen."
"That's the goal." I turn to face her. "You sure you want to stay here? You could come with us to him."
"I'm not ready." She admits. "I spent years becoming what he wanted. I can't face him as what I'm trying to become at least not yet."
"Okay." I squeeze her hand. "Then you coordinate with Doc and help us from here."
"I can do that." She squeezes back. "And Jolie? Thank you. For giving me a choice, for letting me be useful instead of just protected."
"That's what pack does." I smile. "We help each other be who we're trying to become."
She leaves to join Doc in medical coordination as I take one last look at my reflection. Time to remind everyone why divine wolves aren't victims.
We are forces of nature.
And we're done being caged.
The convoy arrives at Nightshade Estate exactly thirty minutes before the ceremony begins. Seven vehicles carrying fifty-three wolves. Iron Fangs bikers, Redwood warriors, Silverpine guards, Nightrunner scouts, and two dozen rogues who answered Doc's call.
We don't hide our approach. We roar up the mountain road with engines loud and proud, announcing our presence.
By the time we reach the estate gates, guards are already scrambling. Dozens of Nightshade wolves pouring out to meet the threat.
Ryder steps forward, alpha authority radiating. "The Moonfire Luna and her security detail, here to attend Alpha Dominic's ceremony as invited guests."
"You weren't invited to bring an army." The head guard snarls.
"I was invited." I step up beside Ryder. "And I don't go anywhere without protection. Your alpha can accept my security detail or he can explain to every dignitary why the Moonfire Luna isn't attending his official wedding ceremony."
The guard hesitates, clearly not prepared for this scenario. "Let me speak to Alpha Dominic." He disappears inside.
We wait. Fifty-three wolves standing in perfect formation, showing no fear or uncertainty.
The guard returns five minutes later, looking unhappy."Alpha Dominic accepts your security detail." He says it like the words taste bitter. "But they stay outside the ceremony space. Only you and your mate are permitted inside."
"Agreed." I nod. "My security establishes perimeter positions. Ryder and I attend the ceremony. Everyone stays peaceful unless someone starts something."
"Unless someone starts something." The guard repeats, understanding the implicit threat.