CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
Varick had always been clever. Holding his communicator, he swiftly typed a message and turned the screen toward Alpha Thorne, revealing an unsent draft. “I was preparing this the moment I noticed your absence.”

Thorne allowed a faint, controlled smile to appear, though inwardly he wondered how long Varick had considered him gullible. “I don’t want to be disturbed. I need rest,” he replied, his voice calm but carrying a subtle weight.

Varick felt the tension tighten his chest. To ease the moment, he offered, “I’ll prepare something for us to eat first.”

He knew Thorne could sleep for hours, and by the time the Alpha awoke, a meal would be ready. Cooking was hardly his favorite task, but it served as a convenient excuse to linger in the estate without arousing suspicion—a strategy he had successfully employed many times before.

“Whatever. I’ll rest first.” Thorne retreated to his cottage, activating the hidden cameras as he walked across the ironbark floor. A quick shower later, he sank into the bed, exhaustion immediately overwhelming him.

When he awoke, the mountain breeze had cooled the estate, carrying the savory aroma of steak and roasted vegetables from the Moonveil Pantry. Though it appeared homemade, Thorne recognized the professional touch—it was an intentional deception by Varick, who knew Thorne preferred preparing his own meals.

“You’re still here,” Thorne observed, noting Varick at the stove with his back turned. In reality, Varick had simply reheated the food, but the pretense was convincing.

“Do you want me to leave?” Varick asked, turning with a semblance of offense. The information he sought from Thorne was critical, and he could not risk a misstep.

“I thought you had work,” Thorne replied, checking his phone to glance at the live feed from the secret cameras. The estate’s general cameras were obvious, but these were expertly concealed. Seeing nothing alarming, he relaxed slightly.

“We haven’t even spoken yet,” Varick said, sliding a plate of steak and vegetables toward him. Thorne studied it, fully aware that the meal would not satisfy his refined tastes.

Thorne took a seat by the Obsidian Hearth Table, poured himself a glass of aged vodka, and set the plate at the center. His thoughts immediately drifted to Luna Celeste, her image vivid in his mind. Securing her safety had become a pressing priority, and he intended to bring her back to Duskwatch City once the chaos subsided.

If Varick had orchestrated this situation, Thorne already imagined the retribution he would mete out.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Varick prompted, holding another plate. Thorne casually turned on the television, focusing on the news rather than Varick’s presence.

“I’ll eat. I just crave a strong drink more,” Thorne said, sipping his whisky.

“Too many problems in the pack?” Varick asked, attempting casual conversation.

Thorne hesitated, measuring his words. He could not reveal too much, but his indifferent tone masked the depths of his concern. “Yes. Numerous issues,” he admitted.

“Do you need my assistance?” Varick pressed, eager to hear about the pack’s troubles and exploit them. Thorne reflected on how he had never shared these matters with Varick. With Kaelin gone, Varick was now trying to extract information directly from him.

“Seraphine is managing her responsibilities well,” Thorne said casually, eyes still glued to the television. Aurora lingered in his thoughts—perhaps she could aid in confirming Varick’s role in the recent disturbances.

“Better than Kaelin?” Varick asked, curiosity piqued. He chewed deliberately, each bite of reheated steak a calculated gesture, pretending hunger had delayed him while Thorne slept.

“I won’t compare. Each is unique,” Thorne responded coolly, savoring each bite slowly. The steak failed to satisfy him, but the vodka eased the disappointment.

“How is it?” Varick asked, nodding toward the meal. He had to maintain his pretense, knowing Thorne had caught him in previous deceptions.

“Terrible,” Thorne said plainly, his expression unreadable.

Varick feigned disappointment, then switched gears. “I appreciate your honesty. And… how is Luna Celeste?”

Thorne’s glare was enough to unnerve Varick, though the Alpha’s thoughts remained a mystery. Even with their proximity, Thorne’s emotions were a fortress. He reflected on Kaelin’s absence and the complications that brought.

“Should I say she’s fine? She is meant to endure,” Thorne replied bitterly, his face masking the ache of suppressed emotions. Ever since confessing his feelings to Luna Marcelline, denying them for duty or vengeance had left a lingering, painful void.

“So… you kept her in the Ironvault Chambers?” Varick pressed, attempting to probe further. Thorne noted Varick’s unusual fascination with Luna Celeste—it was curious, if unsettling.

If Varick truly loved her, Thorne thought, he would be powerless to harm her. The thought sparked a faint internal smirk; after confirmation, retribution would not be limited to Varick alone but could extend to his family. Tragically, Varick’s sister had already ended her life, leaving only his parents and ailing brother as potential collateral.

“What do you think?” Thorne asked, a glimmer of dark humor in his eyes, making Varick uneasy.

“Why choose Seraphine over Kaelin?” Varick swiftly diverted, attempting to discern Thorne’s thoughts. It was impossible—Thorne’s mental defenses were impenetrable.

Both Alphas locked eyes, the air thick with unspoken strategy, each trying to read the other while revealing nothing.