Dangerous Deals

Dangerous Deals
Lucas paced back and forth across the Persian rug of his apartment, his jaw clenched. 

Liam sat stiffly at the head of the long mahogany dining table, his fingers drumming a restless beat. Graham stood by the window, staring outside with a scowl carved into his face.

Robert Hawthorne set down his worn leather briefcase on the table. 

His silver hair caught the flickering light as he slipped out of his wool coat and hung it carefully on the back of a chair. 

His presence was commanding even without the aura of power that came with being the top lawyer in the realm of high-ranking wolves.

“I just got back from meeting Alpha Dean,” Robert began, his smooth baritone quiet but firm. “He’s given me his full blessing to do whatever it takes to make sure none of you end up behind bars.”

Lucas let out a humorless laugh. 

“That’s comforting to hear, Robert. But in case you hadn’t noticed, we’re practically prisoners already. We can’t step outside without someone whispering that we’re violent brutes.”

Graham turned from the window, his dark eyes burning with barely restrained fury. 

“They don’t know what really happened. They don’t know Ethan deserved it.”

Robert pulled out a chair and sank into it with the practiced ease of a man used to tense negotiations. 

“That’s the problem, gentlemen. Perception is reality in a case like this. And right now, the entire campus—and half the High Moon Council—sees three young alphas who nearly killed another wolf.”

Liam’s fist slammed onto the table with a resounding crack. 

“We protected Lily. That bastard was cornering her. He’s been obsessed with her for months. If we hadn’t stepped in—”

“I know,” Robert interrupted gently, raising a placating hand. “I don’t doubt your intentions. But intentions don’t matter when the evidence is stacked against you.”

Graham’s lip curled. 

“What evidence? Our fists? Ethan’s bruises? Those can’t tell the whole story.”

Robert flipped open his briefcase and pulled out a thick folder stuffed with photos, police reports, and sworn statements. 

He slid it across the table toward the boys. 

“Unfortunately, that’s exactly what they tell. Ethan’s injuries are extensive. Multiple witnesses claim they saw you three attacking him unprovoked. Some of them have even told investigators they heard you threatening his life.”

“That’s a lie!” Lucas snapped, eyes flashing with his alpha aura for a split second. “We told him to stay away from Lily. That’s all.”

Robert closed his eyes, pressing his fingertips to his temples as though warding off a headache. 

“Yes, but it’s his word against yours. And right now, the High Moon Court is very eager to show it won’t tolerate violence from privileged alphas. If this goes to trial, you will be found guilty.”

Silence fell over the room like a shroud. The only sound was the crackling fire and the steady drip of water from the eaves outside. Liam broke it first, his voice low and bitter: 

“So what’s the plan, then? We surrender? Let Ethan win?”

Robert’s steel-blue eyes met each of theirs in turn. 

“No. The only real chance we have is to convince Ethan to drop the charges voluntarily. That’s the cleanest, safest solution.”

Lucas let out a bark of laughter, humorless and raw. 

“Convince him? You mean beg him. Apologize. Crawl on our bellies like cowards.”

Graham’s face hardened into stone. 

“I’ll die before I apologize to him.”

Liam’s expression matched his twin’s, cold and resolute. 

“He wants this. That’s why he provoked us. He wants Lily. He thinks if we’re gone, she will have no choice but to look his way.”

Robert rubbed his hands together as if trying to generate ideas through friction. 

“Yes, I suspect you’re right. Ethan wants you three removed from the picture. If he has you exiled or imprisoned, Lily’s protectors vanish.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed. 

“Then apologizing is out. Even if we did it, he would just humiliate us publicly—and still go through with the charges.”

Graham slammed his fist into the window frame with a dull thud. 

“So what’s the alternative? We can’t force him to drop it. He holds all the cards.”

Robert went quiet for a long moment. His gaze drifted to the dark hearth, his eyes distant, lips set in a thin line. Finally, he looked back at them, his voice hushed. 

“There… may be another way. But it’s not exactly… legal. Or ethical.”

Liam’s ears perked up. 

“What do you mean?”

Robert’s voice dropped almost to a whisper, as if the walls themselves might carry his words to Ethan’s ears. 

“What if you found something—anything—Ethan doesn’t want getting out? Something damning enough that he would rather drop the charges quietly than risk exposure.”

Lucas’s eyes gleamed with sudden, dangerous interest. 

“You’re talking about blackmail.”

Robert lifted his hands in mock innocence. 

“I would never recommend blackmail. But if certain information were to come to light… it could give Ethan a reason to reconsider.”

Graham’s entire body seemed to vibrate with new energy. 

“You’re saying we dig up dirt on him.”

Robert nodded gravely. 

“Precisely. But be careful. If this backfires, it will make your situation worse. Much worse.”

Liam looked between his brother and their friend, eyes sharp. 

“We’ve already got nothing left to lose. If this is the only way to protect Lily and ourselves… we’ll do it.”

Lucas smirked, a predator’s glint in his eyes. 

“Ethan started this. Let’s see how he likes it when the tables turn.”

Robert pushed his briefcase aside and leaned forward. His voice was low and deadly serious. 

“Then you would better be thorough. Anything illegal he’s done. Anyone he’s hurt. Records, messages, witness statements. Leave no stone unturned.”

Graham cracked his knuckles, a wolfish grin spreading across his face. 

“He will wish he never messed with us.”

Robert stood and pulled his coat back on, straightening the lapels as if steeling himself for what was to come. 

“I’ll coordinate with Alpha Dean and make sure he keeps the council distracted while you do your work. But remember—this must stay secret. If word gets out, even Alpha Dean’s influence won’t save you.”

Liam clasped Robert’s hand firmly. 

“Thank you. For not giving up on us.”

Robert’s eyes softened slightly as he met the young man’s gaze. 

“I believe in you boys. Just… don’t let your anger blind you. Be smart. Be quiet. And above all, don't get caught.”

As Robert’s footsteps echoed down the hall and the door clicked shut behind him, the apartment fell silent once more. 

But this silence was different. It was charged, alive with new purpose.

Lucas turned to the others, his voice hard as steel. 

“Let’s get to work.”