Chapter 159 GROWING
Clarence's POV
The office still smells like oil, metal, and old concrete. But it's mine.
The warehouse had been a shell when we took it. It was cold, empty, and forgotten. Now it's a compound. I have reinforced walls. I added wings and barracks. I have living quarters. Hell we even have a school room on the East side for the kids.
I have guards posted at every choke point. 500 souls under my roof. Now not all are warriors but I'm more than fine with that. Because we're expanding. We're growing. Kingdom's aren't built on swords alone.
I sit back in my chair at my desk. My boots propped casually on the edge. My fingers graze the the corners. Gregory leans up against the wall with his arms crossed. He's always quiet, but always watching.
Stephan stands near the table. He has his data pad in his hand. His jaw tight like he's itching for the next move. Across from us, sits Joseph Claude and Rocco.
Benjamin's former golden boys. Three of the best explosive experts I've ever seen. Not just bomb makers. Their engineers of chaos. They've learned from Benjamin when we were still united. When loyalty meant something different.
Joseph grins and it looks feral. "You wanted fireworks boss. We can do fireworks."
Rocco cracked his neck. His eyes are gleaming. "Are we talking scare tactic or statement?" Rocco asks as he wiggles his eyebrows.
"That depends on how creative you're feeling." I say, as a small smile creeps on my face.
Stephan clears his throat. "Before we get to theatrics. Spy's report."
He flicks the data pad and projects the information into the air. Norvil, Marvin, and Ravin. They are my shadows. My eyes inside the crown's pretty walls.
"They confirmed it. Two packs quietly aligned with us. They are small but disciplined. The others wouldn't budge. They are too loyal to the kings." Stephan says as I look at the information he just projected.
I wave a hand dismissively. "Loyalty fades when fear replaces comfort."
Gregory finally speaks. His voice is calm and deadly. "The crown is consolidating. Their training intensifies. They are preparing not celebrating."
I nod my head in his direction. "Good that means they're taking me seriously." Joseph chuckles. "As they should."
Claude leans forward. "We're sitting at 500 now. That includes families. You sure you want to keep expanding the compound instead of relocating?"
I tap the desk once. "This place is off grid. It's on neutral land. There's no pack borders. No laws. No crown's authority."
"Sounds like a kingdom to me." Rocco smirks.
"They've started calling me something." I say casually. "Oh" Stephan's lip twitches.
"They say the rogue king is back."
Joseph let out a low whistle. "Has a nice ring to it."
Gregory tilts his head slightly. "Kings don't hide." he says as he's testing me.
I nod my head in agreement. "No, they wait."
I moved to the map pinned across the far wall. The crown's land gleams in stark contrast to the dark space. Beyond is their territories, borders, and patrol routes.
"I watched Benjamin for years." I say quietly. "I watched how he planned. How he destabilized before he struck. I'm not rushing a throne just to sit on ashes." I say, as I keep my eyes on the map in front of me.
"So we watch. Build. We let them get comfortable some more." Stephan says as he smiles thinly.
"Exactly." I say. "But" I glanced back at Joseph, Claude, and Rocco. "We remind Benjamin that I still exist."
Joseph's grin turns downright wicked. "Oh Fuck! I love this part!"
Claude pulls up schematics midair. Light arrays, timed charges. Concussive sound bursts.
"Nonlethal mostly. Bright enough to blind. Loud enough to rattle bones. Scary enough to make parents grab their kids."
"And maybe knock a few guards on their asses if they're too close." Rocco adds as he's grinning from ear to ear.
"Send a message. Not a damn massacre." I chuckle as I shake my head at their eagerness.
"Benjamin's pack. We show them tonight that we're still here. That we haven't forgot and that we're still pissed." I say with finality as I flick my gaze between them all.
"You want him to know its you?" Gregory asks me as he arches one brow.
"Oh absolutely. Benjamin respects power. I want him standing in the dark, listening to the sky scream. Realizing I didn't disappear." I say as I can only imagine the look on his face after this display.
"Well then we will make the night unforgettable." Joseph says as he cracks his knuckles.
"They think the war ended. They think the crown has won." I smile, slow and dangerously.
"This is just a quiet part before the world remembers what chaos sounds like."
Tonight we remind Benjamin that I'm here. That we're here. And we're coming for him.