Chapter 77 *

Chapter 77 Chapter 77
Angelina’s POV
When we walked out of the hotel, a Rolls-Royce pulled up to the curb. Black, polished to a mirror shine. A young guy in a driver's uniform got out and walked around to open the back door.
An older man stepped out.
He looked maybe late fifties, early sixties. Gray hair, perfectly combed. Expensive suit—not flashy, just quality. The kind you only notice if you know what to look for. He moved like someone used to being obeyed, but his expression was friendly.
He smiled at us. "Good morning. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Daniel tensed beside me. I could feel his uncertainty.
"My name is Franklin," the man continued. "I'm with Redmeadow Pack. I was hoping I could have a moment of your time, Miss...?"
"Aria," I said.
"Miss Aria." He nodded. "I understand you had quite an eventful evening yesterday."
I didn't say anything.
Franklin's smile didn't waver. "The situation with Creek Pack's Alpha—Cory. That was... unfortunate. But also quite impressive, if I may say so."
Daniel shifted his weight. "What do you want?"
Franklin turned to him, still polite. "Just a conversation. Nothing more." He looked back at me. "I realize this is sudden, but I'd very much like to speak with you. At my residence, if you're willing. Of course, you're both welcome."
The driver stepped forward slightly. "Redmeadow Pack has already taken care of the aftermath from last night. The witnesses have been... reminded of their discretion. The local authorities understand the situation. Creek Pack won't be causing any immediate problems."
Franklin nodded. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. We'd simply like to get to know you better, Miss Aria."
Daniel leaned toward me and whispered, "Redmeadow Pack controls Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. They're the biggest Pack in this region—probably the most powerful in the entire Northwest. They run cattle ranches, mining operations, real estate, casinos... everything. This guy Franklin? He's the former Alpha."
I looked at Franklin. He was still waiting patiently.
Daniel whispered again, more urgently. "We should go. Refusing them might cause problems we don't need."
I'd ruled forty-nine Packs in my previous life. Redmeadow Pack's territory was impressive by regional standards, but it was nothing compared to what I'd controlled as Angelina.
Still, there was no point in making enemies unnecessarily.
"Fine," I said. "Lead the way."
Franklin's smile widened. "Wonderful. Please, come with me."
We got into the Rolls-Royce. Daniel sat stiffly beside me, clearly nervous.
Franklin sat across from us, relaxed. "Thank you for agreeing to meet. I promise this won't take long."
The car started moving.
I looked out the window as we drove. The city streets gave way to countryside. Trees, open fields, mountains in the distance.
"Redmeadow Pack's estate is about twenty minutes from here," Franklin said. "It's quite peaceful. I think you'll find it pleasant."
Daniel was still tense. I could see him trying to figure out what Franklin wanted.
I just watched the scenery pass by.
After about fifteen minutes, we turned onto a private road. A massive gate opened as we approached. Two security guards nodded as we passed.
The driveway was long. Really long. We drove for another five minutes before the main building came into view.
Daniel muttered under his breath. "Holy shit."
I had to admit, it was impressive.
The estate sprawled across the landscape. Fountains, perfectly manicured gardens, a stable with horses in the distance. Everything was pristine. Behind it all, snow-capped mountains rose against the sky.
The main building was a massive lodge—rustic wood and stone, but clearly expensive. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the morning light.
Franklin noticed us looking. "Please don't mind our humble home. We try to keep things simple out here."
Daniel was staring like he'd never seen wealth before. Which wasn't true—his father ran the Blackwater Cartel. But this was different. Old money.
I compared it mentally to Riverbend Pack's headquarters from my previous life. Redmeadow Pack had money. But Riverbend Pack at its peak? That had been something else entirely.
The car stopped in front of the main entrance.
Franklin got out first. "Welcome to Redmeadow Estate."
We followed Franklin through the main doors.
The interior was just as impressive as the outside. High ceilings, wooden beams, a massive stone fireplace. Hunting trophies on the walls—elk, bear, mountain lion. Photos of the Pack's history hung in frames along the corridors.
Staff moved quietly through the halls. A few nodded respectfully to Franklin as we passed.
"The main lounge is this way," Franklin said, leading us deeper into the building.
We walked for about four or five minutes. Past a huge kitchen where people were preparing food. Through multiple hallways decorated with expensive furniture and artwork.
Daniel was looking around like a tourist. I kept my expression neutral.
Finally, we reached a large sitting room. Leather sofas arranged around a fireplace. More windows overlooking the mountains.
"Please, have a seat," Franklin said, gesturing to the sofas.
I walked over and sat down without hesitation. Like I'd been here a hundred times before.
Franklin noticed. His eyes flickered with something curiosity.
Daniel sat down more carefully, like he was afraid of breaking something.
Franklin was about to speak when we heard footsteps running down the hall.
"Grandpa! You're back!"
A blonde girl burst through the doorway.
I recognized her immediately. Savannah. The girl from last night's event.
She was still wearing heels despite the bandage wrapped around her ankle. Still moving too fast for someone who'd twisted it less than twenty-four hours ago.
She was running toward Franklin when she spotted me.
Her eyes went wide. "Oh my god! It's you!"
She changed direction mid-run and headed straight for me.
I stood up just in time. She grabbed my hand with both of hers.
"It's really you! The girl from last night who helped me!" She was practically bouncing with excitement. "I can't believe you're here! Did Grandpa invite you? That's so cool!"
Behind her, three young guys in expensive suits walked into the room. The same three who'd been following her around last night like lost puppies.
They saw me and stopped. Their expressions went from surprised to uncomfortable.
Franklin was smiling now. "Savannah, my dear, perhaps you should let our guest breathe."
Savannah finally let go of my hand but didn't step back. "Sorry, sorry! I'm just so happy to see you again! Thank you so much for helping me last night. You were so nice—"
"It's fine," I said.
She beamed at me. "What's your name? I never got to ask!"
"Aria."
"Aria! That's such a pretty name!" She grabbed my hand again. "I'm Savannah. But you probably figured that out already."
Franklin cleared his throat gently. "Savannah is my granddaughter."
"Really?" Savannah turned to him. "You invited Aria here? That's amazing! I wanted to thank her properly but she left before I could!"
She pulled me toward the sofa. "Come on, sit with me! I want to hear everything about you!"
I sat down. Savannah immediately sat right next to me, close enough that our shoulders almost touched.
The three guys stood awkwardly near the doorway. One of them looked like he wanted to say something but didn't dare.
Franklin took a seat across from us. "I must say, this is quite fortunate. I didn't realize you two had already met."
"It was fate!" Savannah said. "Aria saved me from falling flat on my face in front of everyone. She's like, my hero."
I didn't respond. Savannah didn't seem to mind. She kept talking. "You're so cool! And so pretty! Are you staying in Casper? How long are you here? Do you want to hang out sometime? Oh! Do you like shopping? We should go shopping!"
Franklin chuckled. "Savannah, perhaps let Aria answer one question before asking ten more."
Savannah laughed. "Sorry! I just get excited when I meet cool people."