Chapter 250

Chapter 250
Lucas

I sat in the Oval Office, waiting for the Human President to arrive.

The afternoon sunlight slanted through bulletproof glass windows, casting long shadows across the ancient oak desk that had witnessed countless decisions affecting millions of lives.

My fingers stroked the smooth wood grain and stared at the photo of the president on the table.

As the highest leader of the human world, he wielded immense power over werewolf destiny. He could order our extermination or sign peace treaties. The weight of that reality settled in my chest like a stone.

'He's just another man,' I reminded myself. 'A man with the authority to hunt us down or let us live in peace.'

I carried evidence that could destroy him—photographs that would end his career and possibly his life. I was prepared to use them. Whatever the cost, I would force him to cancel the chip tracking program. Our freedom wasn't negotiable.

The encrypted comm device in my ear buzzed softly. Grace's voice came through, clear and professional.

"Are you safely inside?" she asked.

I kept my voice low, though I knew the room was secure. "Yes, ensure the monitoring system continues showing the frozen footage."

"Already handled," Grace replied. "Signal interference will last twenty minutes."

As I waited, my thoughts drifted to my pack. If Grace and Archer reconciled, her departure would be a significant loss for Storm Ridge. We had ten core members now, growing steadily stronger each month.

Vivian and I had been discussing permanent settlement near the woodland we currently rented. We'd even approached the local landowner about possibly purchasing a section of the forest—it was perfectly secluded yet ideal for wolf activities. Though small compared to established packs like Black Pine, every member possessed unique skills, forming an elite force I was proud to lead.

"Target approaching," Grace's voice interrupted my thoughts. "He just finished speaking with an aide... aide has left... he's entering alone. Countdown five seconds... three seconds..."

"Understood. I'll take it from here," I murmured.

I heard him before I saw him—humming some popular tune as he entered, checking his watch. "Time is everything..." he muttered to himself.

I slowly swiveled the chair to face him directly. "Good afternoon, Mr. President."

He froze mid-step, his face draining of color as if he'd seen a ghost.

I raised a silver handgun and chambered a round with deliberate slowness. The soft click echoed in the suddenly silent room.

"I suggest you don't do anything rash," I said calmly. "My reaction speed far exceeds what you might imagine."

"W-what do you want? How did you get in here?" he stammered, instinctively taking a step back, but my cold stare pinned him in place.

"All I want is a conversation with you," I answered. "As for how I got in—that's another story." I stood and pushed his chair toward him. "Please, sit."

He hesitated, eyes darting to the emergency button at the edge of his desk.

"Don't count on anyone coming to your rescue," I said, my voice dropping lower. "If I were you, I'd cooperate." I paused, letting the tension build. "I believe you've already guessed what I am. I'm a werewolf, but I'm not Vortend Fenrith—he had planned to negotiate with you about the chip activation. I'm here to tell you that unless you're prepared to implant the same chips in every human, this plan will never be implemented."

The President attempted to appear tough. "That's not for you to decide—"

I cut him off sharply. "Isn't it? I could kill you right now and stage it as a suicide. Don't test my limits."

I reached into my inner pocket and tossed several high-definition photographs onto the desk in front of him. They clearly showed him engaged in secret transactions with two hunters—the same ones who had exposed themselves at the charity ball.

"These... where did you get these?" His voice was barely above a whisper, fear evident in every syllable.

"I've been watching you for much longer than you realize," I said, leaning closer. "I know what you had for dinner last night... roast beef with mashed potatoes... I know what color pajamas you sleep in... dark gray... I even know who you met with first thing this morning."

With each revelation, his face grew paler, the fear in his eyes more pronounced.

"So here's how this works," I continued, placing a document in front of him. "You will call an emergency press conference and announce this."

He quickly scanned the contents, his hands trembling. "You... but... what if I refuse?"

I propped my leg on the armrest of his chair, leaning down to press the gun against his carotid artery. "Then you die. I entered here without any obstacles, and I can find you again even after you increase security." I applied slightly more pressure with the barrel. "And once you refuse to comply with my demands, all evidence I have will be made public, just like that town council incident. Your political career will be utterly destroyed, and I'll come for you personally."

I paused, letting my words sink in. When I spoke again, my voice was ice cold. "You have three hours to call an emergency meeting with national broadcast... or prepare to be buried within twenty-four hours. We'll meet again soon, Mr. President."

I collected the photographs I'd thrown at him and backed away from his chair, moving toward the door.

"W-where are you going?" he asked, his voice nearly choking with fear.

I turned, a cold smile playing on my lips. "I told you—I can appear anywhere... just like those hunters you've been helping."

What I really wanted was to end his life right there. To watch the light fade from his eyes as he realized his power meant nothing in the face of death. But I needed him to publicly cancel the chip tracking program. Creating political chaos now wouldn't benefit any werewolf.

"I'll be watching you," I warned, pulling up my hood before silently slipping out of the Oval Office.

As I navigated through the hidden passage, my mind was already moving to the next priority. 'Now, I have a wedding to attend.'