Chapter 270

Chapter 270
Lester's POV

I stared at the massive screen in disbelief, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. The surveillance footage showed every intimate detail of Mira and Roy's encounter, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

How could this be the same Mira I knew?

When Mira had gotten involved with Lucas, I'd made excuses for her in my head. I'd convinced myself that Lucas must have used some underhanded tactics to coerce her, that she'd been forced into it against her will.

But what the fuck was this supposed to be?

I knew better than anyone that Roy and Mira had never even been alone together before tonight, let alone had any kind of romantic history. They'd barely exchanged more than polite greetings at pack gatherings.

Yet here she was, practically throwing herself at him like some common whore.

The sight of it made me sick to my stomach. I thought about everything I'd done for her over the years – all the times I'd defended her, all the sacrifices I'd made. Hell, I'd hurt my own brother and Elle repeatedly, all for someone who was apparently nothing more than a manipulative bitch.

If Elle hadn't said those words to me on the boat, I'd probably still be getting played like a fucking fool.

I turned to look at Brad, opening my mouth to apologize, but no words came out. The shame was too overwhelming.

Brad glanced at me sideways, taking in my conflicted expression. He knew exactly what I was thinking.

Without breaking eye contact, he tossed the remote control toward me. "Still holding onto your pride?"

I caught the remote but remained silent.

"It's been three days," Brad continued, his voice cutting. "Still refusing to swallow your ego?"

I felt my shoulders slump. "Sophia still won't see me..."

"Not seeing you is the smartest thing she could do right now," Brad said bluntly.

His words stung, but he wasn't finished.

"Your family cornered Sophia, demanded she leave you. What choice did she have but to comply? No matter how much you throw tantrums at your family, you're still the Frostclaw Pack's Alpha heir. But if the Frostclaw Pack decides to crush Sophia, she won't even be able to maintain her position as a regular Beta. What option did she have except to do as they said?"

I rarely heard Brad give long speeches like this, but when he did, every word hit like a hammer.

"You've already taken over the Rayne Group, so of course you can stand up to your family," I protested. "But I'm just an Alpha heir right now. Most of the Frostclaw Pack's power is still out of my hands... How else can I prove my determination except by doing this?"

Brad let out a harsh laugh. "No wonder Roy called you an idiot. You think this childish behavior proves your determination? You're only going to drive Sophia away faster!"

He stood up abruptly. "Whatever. I'm done wasting my time on you. Play your little games as long as you want."

My face went white at his dismissal.

Brad turned his attention back to the large screen, where Roy and Mira had moved to the bed.

The next second, the feed cut out.

"Roy probably removed his surveillance device," Brad mused aloud. "Can't say I blame him. We'll hear from him when he gets back."

I was barely paying attention to the screen anymore, too consumed with thoughts of Sophia.

"I won't let that bastard Sophia's dating get away with this!" I snarled.

Brad's voice dripped with sarcasm. "And how exactly do you plan to make him pay? Challenge him to single combat?"

He shook his head in mock sympathy. "I'm honestly heartbroken to have such a stupid friend."

I felt myself deflating further.

"Sophia won't fall for such a weak Alpha," Brad added coldly. "Think about that."

Brad stood up and stretched, then pressed the intercom button on the table. "Bring me a bottle of BACARDI."

Alex quickly delivered the bottle and two glasses.

I stared at Brad in surprise – BACARDI was seriously strong stuff.

Brad's Alpha aura suddenly exploded outward, powerful and commanding. His smile was cold and sharp as steel.

"Drink this," he said, his voice carrying the full weight of his authority, "then get your ass back to the Frostclaw Pack and reclaim everything that belongs to you."

The sheer force of his presence was overwhelming. When Brad unleashed his full Alpha power like this, every word carried incredible persuasive force and charisma.

"Once you control the entire Frostclaw Pack, do you think your family will still oppose whoever you choose to be with? Even if Sophia ends up with her date, so what? As long as you're powerful enough, everything that belongs to you will eventually return to your side."

Brad rarely spoke at length, but when he did, every sentence cut straight to the heart of the matter. Especially when his Alpha dominance was fully engaged – each word carried undeniable conviction.

Suddenly, I understood what he meant. Yes, if I became strong enough, I could protect everything I wanted to protect, just like Brad did.

I grabbed the glass and downed the BACARDI in one gulp. The liquor burned like fire from my stomach through my entire body.

I closed my eyes briefly, and when I opened them again, I'd reclaimed my Alpha resolve.

Brad's lips curved in a satisfied smirk.

I felt compelled to acknowledge what had just happened. "Damn, Brad. You really do have that effect on people, don't you?"

"What effect?" he asked, though his tone suggested he knew exactly what I meant.

"That ability to make people fall in line without even trying," I said, shaking my head.

Brad traced his finger along the rim of his glass. "It's not magic, Lester."

"Isn't it?" I challenged. "I've watched you do this to countless Alphas and Betas over the years. When you decide you want someone's loyalty, they just give it. No resistance, no questions asked."

"Because I'm the Wolf King," he said simply.

"Exactly. When you unleash that full Alpha dominance, controlling hearts becomes effortless for you." I paused, studying his expression. "Must be nice, having that kind of power over everyone."

Something flickered across Brad's face – too quick for me to read. "Not everyone."

Before I could ask what he meant, he downed his drink in one swift motion and set the glass down with deliberate precision.

"Enough philosophy," Brad said, his voice taking on that dangerous edge I knew so well. "We have more pressing matters to attend to."

He looked directly at me, refocusing entirely. "It's almost time for our real entertainment tonight."

His amber eyes gleamed with cold anticipation. "Mira Collins has been playing games for six years. Let's finally see what secrets she's been hiding."