Puppet Strings

Puppet Strings
\-Hartman-

I sat in my secret chamber, legs crossed easy, waiting for the call that would seal Blake's downfall.

Phone buzzed sharp, an expected number flashing. Picked up quick, voice steady. "What's the situation report?" I asked, calm but expectations high.

"Alpha, the police officer played into our plans. Alpha Blake is now in police custody," George reported, voice clear over the line.

Satisfaction curled my lips slow. Perfect. "Good one, George. Stay close to every movement around this situation. We need to control everything," I ordered, tone firm.

"Yes, Alpha. I will do as you ordered," he replied soft, call ending swift. Plan worked smooth, Blake locked up, Harrison's hands tied tight with our fake evidence.

Now I could sit back, pull strings quiet from my comfort zone, every piece falling exact. Why Blake? His pack weakened, my territory grew, and Sofia's marriage sealed my line supreme.

Thoughts swirled calm, a smile lingering, when a gentle knock broke my focus. Who dares come here this late?

"Come in!" I called, turning toward the door, eyes narrowing. Sofia stepped in, face tight with worry.

"Sofia, what are you doing here this late?" I asked, concern clear in my voice, gaze softening on her.

"Blake has been arrested for murder. I believe you're behind it," she said, worry thick, her voice trembling slight.

My smile spread wide, stepping close to hold her shoulders gentle. "Why are you troubled about him?" I asked, searching her eyes.

"Dad, I'm worried. He's the one I want to marry, and now charged with numerous murders, how do we get him out?" Her voice cracked, anxious and troubled.

Poor girl, caught in my game but blind to its depth. "Relax, I'm doing this for you. I want you to understand that," I said calmly, my voice soothing.

She frowned, confused. "For me? How's that helping me?" she demanded, stepping back slight.

Time to lay it clear. "Firstly, the evidence we sent to the police was fake, all fabricated," I explained, watching her face shift.

"Oh, the video is fake? Then what's your plan, Dad?" she asked, relief creeping in, voice lighter.

"You'll show him care, support like he's never seen from you. Always assure him you'll get to the root of everything.

When the time is right, you'll be the Messiah who frees him from the police," I laid out, voice steady, plan clear.

Her eyes lit up, excitement mixing with calm. "Oh, that's great. I'm so relieved now!" she said, smile breaking through.

"So how long will this take?" she asked, eager now.

"As long as it takes to break his spirit, make him beg to be with you, see you and me as the only ones he can cling to," I explained, tone deliberate.

She hesitated, brow furrowing. "Must we go that far?" Confusion tinged her voice.

"You see, my dear, desperation brings a man like Blake to his knees. Without that, it's nearly impossible to win him," I said, guiding her gently.

She nodded slow, realization settling, agreement clear in her eyes.

"Don't worry, everything is for you and me. We will win over everyone and everything!" I said, reassuring smile wide, excitement sparking in my tone.

Her gratitude shone bright. "Thank you so much, Dad. I'll take my leave now!" she said, face glowing, turning to exit quick.

Immediately the door clicked shut, and I grabbed my phone fast, dialing one of my men.

"Keep a close eye on that Hunter girl. She shouldn't outsmart us. Report every move to me," I ordered, voice hard.

The call ended, I sat back in my chair, posture relaxed but mind racing. Blake cuffed, Harrison chasing ghosts, Sofia playing savior, my every move locked in.

★★★

\-Matilda-

I sat at the bus station near my house, legs crossed tight, staring at the ground, thoughts swirling fast over the past few months.

Everything spiraled wild, but Blake's arrest hit hardest, framed for murder, the one person who mattered most now locked away.

Why him? Tried thinking up ways to free him, mind racing through plans, but each one fell apart quick, none fitting right. Frustration burned deep, chest heavy with worry.

Maybe a good night's rest would clear my head, spark a solution. Stood up slow, deciding to head home, steps turning toward the short alley to my apartment.

Halfway in, something felt wrong. Alley was dark, too dark, usually bright at night with streetlights glowing steady.

My senses sharpened instantly, every nerve alert, feeling someone's presence close behind.

Who's there? Kept walking faster, steps echoing loud,I was ready to face whatever came.

I turned around quick to catch the follower, heart pounding sharp. "Ms. Lawson, good evening!" Inspector Harrison's voice came calm, his figure stepping forward slow.

I stood still, staring hard into his eyes, searching for his game. Why follow me now?

"Why are you following me?" I demanded, my tone unfriendly, no warmth given.

He raised hands slight, voice steady. "I parked my car and waited for you to clear your head. Decided to follow and talk."

Talk? Suspicion flared high. "What do you want to talk about?" I asked, stern gaze locked on his.

"I don't know how deep your connection is with Blake, but I want to advise you to move away from him," he said, his words heavy, more warning than advice.

My jaw tightened. Warning? "Stay away from him? I guess you're here to warn me, not advise me," I shot back, my voice firm.

His eyes narrowed slight. "You can call it that, because he's a sinking ship, and there's nothing saving him now." His words cut deep, but I stayed calm, hiding the storm inside.

Don't show weakness. He stepped closer, voice dropping. "And one more thing, it's dangerous walking alone at night, especially in an alley."

Danger? Him sneaking behind me felt worse. "No, the dangerous one is you, sneaking behind a woman at night and too blind to see the truth.

Blake is innocent, and I will prove it to you soon!" I said with determination and fury burning in my eyes, turning around quick to make my way to my apartment.