Chapter 22 Chapter 0022
•NADIA•
The bed was empty when I woke up in the morning. I rolled my eyes at the thought that Mason had probably spent another night in his office.
The housekeepers were cleaning and preparing for an Alpha's meeting that would take place at the pack house in two days.
It had been busy ever since the elders announced that the meeting would be in our territory.
I stepped into his home office and closed the door behind me. But Mason didn't turn around.
"Did they tell you why?" he asked on the phone, pacing near the big window. "Call their beta and schedule a meeting with their alpha for tomorrow."
He swore under his breath when he got off the call. He turned to me and tried to hide the frustration in his eyes, but he couldn't.
"What happened?" I asked, walking toward him.
“They canceled it,” he answered. “Ten years of trade agreements with Blackwood Pack. Gone. They cited ‘unstable leadership’ and ‘recent internal conflicts’ as their reasons. They’re redirecting their lumber and grain shipments to Crimson Ridge instead.”
I placed my hand on his shoulder. “They are cowards,” I muttered. “They wait for any sign of weakness and then run. But Silvercrest is stronger than they think.”
He finally turned to face me. His eyes were dark with worry. “We depend on that lumber for our winter defenses. The grain was supposed to cover the shortfall from last year’s poor harvest. Without it, we will be stretched thin by spring. The pack won't survive.”
I kept my expression soft and sympathetic. “You will find a way. You always do. The elders will support you, and the pack will listen to you. This is just a temporary setback.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I am trying to hold everything together, Nadia. The border patrols are already stretched. And now this. If word spreads that Blackwood pulled out, other packs may follow. We can't afford to look weak.”
I moved closer and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You are not weak. You are the strongest Alpha this pack has ever had. They will see that. Give them time.”
He rested his forehead against mine for a moment. I could feel the tension in his body slowly easing. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” he murmured.
I smiled against his chest. “You would manage. But I am glad I am here."
I stepped back and smoothed his shirt collar. “You should rest for a little while. The pack needs you. I will handle the evening patrol briefing.”
He nodded slowly. “Thank you.”
I kissed him, then turned toward the door. “Everything will be all right,” I said over my shoulder. “Trust me.”
I left his office as satisfaction settled in my chest as I walked down the hallway.
Mason was struggling to maintain control, and every crack in his authority brought me one step closer to my goal.
Silvercrest had been built on lies and stolen power. Soon, the truth would surface, and when it did, I would be the one left standing.
I passed the kitchen on my way to the back porch, but I stopped when I caught a glimpse of someone.
Rowan was inside, standing on a stool in front of the counter. He was trying to reach for the freshly baked bread in the far corner of the counter.
He looked up when I entered. “Mama,” he blurted. “Kira said she would make me something, but she is busy with the laundry.”
I crossed my arms. “You know the rules, Rowan. Lunch is served at set times. You don't help yourself whenever you feel like it.”
His face fell. “But I am hungry.”
“Then you should've waited.” I walked over and took the plate from his hand. “Go to the training grounds. The other children are there working on their forms. You need to join them. Stop being lazy and stop complaining about being hungry all the time. Strength comes from discipline, not from sneaking food.”
He stared at the floor. “I am not lazy.”
“Then prove it,” I said. “Go now. I will have Kira bring you something after training.”
He climbed down from the stool slowly and wiped his hands on his shirt. “Okay.”
I watched him walk out of the kitchen with his head down. A small part of me felt nothing at his disappointment.
He was eleven years old now, old enough to learn that the world didn't revolve around his wants. He needed to be toughened.
He was as stupid as his father was, and I thanked the moon that I didn't get pregnant for Mason during the five years we were married.
I couldn't fathom the thought of my child being Rowan’s sibling. All my plans would be ruined if I had to birth a child who would have to compete for the Alpha title.
I wondered how worse he could've turned out if his mother was still around. The pack would've been cursed with a weak and spoiled heir.
But lucky for them, they'd have a stronger Alpha in a few months. Mason would lose all his power and have nothing once I was done with him.
I turned back to the counter and cleaned up the mess he had made. The bread was still warm. I broke off a piece and ate it slowly.
The kitchen staff had already left for their afternoon duties, so the room was quiet except for the distant sounds of the pack going about their day.
I thought about Mason again. He was in his office right now, probably staring at maps and trade ledgers, trying to replace what had been lost.
He wouldn't find one easily. Blackwood had been our main supplier for years. Without them, the pack would feel the strain soon enough.
Food shortages, delayed repairs, and restless warriors would build pressure on Mason until he cracked.
I finished the piece of bread and wiped my hands on a towel. Everything was moving according to plan.
When I finished watering the garden that Cassandra had left, my cell phone vibrated in my pocket.
"Yes?"
"Is this how you answer the phone to the man who is getting you back the pack that was stolen from your family?"
I blushed when I heard his voice, leaning away from the door in case someone would walk in and hear me on the phone.
"Thank you for what you've done for me, Ronan," I answered. "Mason is losing his mind over the trading deal. When he arranges a meeting with you, please accept so I'd be there when you turn him down."
He laughed. "I'll do anything for you, Nadia. Once this is over, you and I will merge our packs and lead together as mates. We will be unstoppable."
"That's true," I scoffed. "I will call you later, babe. Take care."
I hung up the call, slid my cell phone into my pocket, and walked to the door.