Chapter 15

Marcus's perspective

The long corridor that led to my office was filled with the steady sound of my boots on the gleaming marble. Standing aloft in the center of the metropolis, the pack's skyscraper's glass façade reflected a warped, shimmering image of the mayhem inside. The structure served as the hub of our activities and was more than just a representation of strength. And it was a house of betrayal, lies, and secrets at the moment.

Alec, my beta, was waiting for me in the conference room, idly browsing through a tablet with his typical sour demeanor.

"Any good news?" Even though I already knew the answer, I inquired in a rough voice.

His face was stern as he looked up. "It depends on how you define "good." Some of the missing cash that you reported last week have been located. Offshore accounts and shell corporations are linked to fictitious consultation fees. There is someone syphoning money, and they are doing it very skillfully."

"Rogues?" Despite my instincts telling me differently, I asked.

Alec placed the tablet on the table and answered, "Unlikely." "This seems to be more human intervention. well-prepared, strategic, and acutely aware of our business practices."

Leaning back on the chair, I let the information to sink in. The only sound in the room was the slight hum of the city below, but my thoughts were racing. Whoever was responsible for this wasn't merely looking to get money; they were also testing us and looking for flaws. And everyone I cared about was at risk because of flaws in my pack and business.

Lily among them.

"How about the assaults close to the border?" I broke the silence by asking.

Alec's lips quirked. "It is becoming more often. and well-organized. These individuals aren't just renegades searching for scraps. They are being organized by someone."

Every time I tapped my fingers on the table, I was reminded of the delicate balance I was attempting to keep. "We must increase security. Increase the number of patrols by twofold. Additionally, remove any sensitive files off the internet—our network has already been infiltrated."

Alec stated, "I'm already on it." He paused, his eyes darting to me. "However, we cannot rule out the chance that this is internal, Marcus. These groups are being fed information by someone."

Even though it felt like swallowing glass, I nodded. Yes, there are enemies in the pack, but the thought that one of my own could be against us? That was more painful than I wanted to acknowledge.

That afternoon's meeting with the investors was equally heated. A combination of well-known faces greeted me as I walked into the boardroom: politicians, corporate titans, and one or two people who has been invited."

Senator McGinnis held out a hand and said, " Marcus," with his signature greasy grin. "A pleasure every time."

I carefully matched his hold as I shook his hand. "Senator."

The ensuing small chat was the standard dance of polite questions, subtle hints, and just enough flattery to add to the already heavy atmosphere. However, the actual games started as soon as we took our seats.

At the far end of the table, a man I didn't recognize leaned forward and stared at me with his piercing blue eyes. The way your pack blends in with the city is amazing. a harmonious fusion of modernism and heritage.

His voice was cool and organised, and it made me uneasy right away.

"Integration is crucial," I said calmly. "But upholding boundaries is also important."

The man answered with a faint smile, "Of course." "Delimitations. However, in the correct conditions, I suppose those may be... adaptable.

Without flinching, I maintained eye contact. "It depends on who is attempting to get past them."

McGinnis interrupted with an unnatural laugh. "Let's avoid becoming overly philosophical. Aren't we here to talk about partnerships that will benefit both parties?"

"Partnerships," I said, sounding harsher than I meant to. "How about we begin by addressing the financial irregularities that have been identified in the proposed contracts?"

There was a small lapse in the man's smile.

We danced about projections, figures, and hazy promises of reciprocal benefit for the next hour. However, the tension was evident beneath the surface. Every phrase and every glance seemed to fit into a bigger picture that I was still unable to perceive.

I went outside to get some fresh air after the meeting. I could see the city in front of me, a swirl of lights and sounds. Someone was pulling strings somewhere amid this confusion, and I couldn't get rid of the feeling that we were being tricked.

I was brought back to my consciousness as my phone chimed. Alec had sent out a notification—another lead, another rabbit hole to follow. I was about to ring him back when I noticed something.

I noticed her across the street beside a little café. Lily.

Her hair caught the gentle glow of the streetlights as she sat at an outdoor table. She listened with a mixture of humor and fatigue as Aiden sat next to her, describing something with his hands.

The weight of everything else vanished for a moment. I was reminded of the life we may have had when I saw her in this state. Even from a distance, Aiden's excitement was contagious due to his rapid growth. Lily, on the other hand, was as resilient as ever, bearing the consequences of her choices with a calm dignity that filled me with remorse.

I watched the shadow move across her face, though, and noticed how her smile wavered when she thought no one was watching. That look was familiar to me. She was worn out, cautious, and bearing the weight of the burdens I have attached to make her stay around.

I wanted to cross the street to meet them. However, what could I say that wouldn't come across as phony?

Rather, I turned aside and retreated into my proper place in the shadows at least for now.

I went over the data Alec sent me later that evening in my office. It became increasingly evident as we probed deeper that this was about more than just money. The shell corporations we had located were associated with a group that was well-known for using respectable enterprises to launder money. Our entire way of life would have been at jeopardy if they had snuck into my operations, not just the pack.

My focus was disrupted by a knock on the door. Alec came in, his face serious.

"Any updates?" I inquired.

He tossed a folder onto the desk and replied, "Yeah." "And you won't like it."

As I opened the folder and looked over its contents, I felt sick to my stomach. Deals pertaining to Lily's new business.

Even though I already knew the answer, I added, "Tell me this is a coincidence."

Alec gave a headshake. It's incredibly convenient if it is. Either someone is employing her to reach you, or her company has been hacked."

I clenched my jaw. "She doesn't know, does she?"

It doesn't appear to be. She will be caught in the crossfire, though, if we don't resolve this quickly.

My thoughts were racing as I gazed at the file. Lily had put a lot of effort into starting over and keeping Aiden safe. Bringing her back into this mess was the last thing I wanted to do. However, it might not be sufficient to keep her at a distance if these ties were as strong as they appeared.

"Continue digging," I responded at last. "Also, double the number of patrols near her home. secretly. "