Calvin's POV
The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall grated on my nerves as I sifted through the endless paperwork littering my desk. Numbers, trade routes, inventory lists-all of it blurred together into meaningless scribbles. My mind wasn't here, couldn't be here, not when Kamrynn was still out there, somewhere. The gnawing frustration and helplessness had become a constant ache in my chest, and no amount of work could drown it out.
A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I straightened in my chair, my voice sharp and unwelcoming. "What?"
Franklin stepped in, his expression carefully neutral. He always wore that mask when dealing with me these days, likely to avoid triggering one of my outbursts. "Alpha," he greeted me with a respectful nod.
I wasted no time. "Do you have news?"
Franklin hesitated, the pause long enough to stoke my irritation. He knew better than to drag his feet, especially about this.
"Well?" I demanded, my tone harsher than I intended.
"No, sir," Franklin admitted finally, his shoulders stiffening. "There's been no sign of her."
A wave of frustration boiled over, and I slammed my fist against the desk. The sharp sound echoed in the room, rattling the papers. "Then why are you here? If there's no news, Franklin, why haven't you left yet?"
He didn't flinch, though I could see the tension in his jaw. Franklin wasn't the kind to wither under pressure, but he also knew better than to push me too far when I was in this state. Instead, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded piece of thick paper, stepping forward to place it on my desk.
"I came to give you this," he said calmly.
I eyed the paper, the fine embossing catching the dim light. "What is it?"
"It's an invitation," Franklin replied.
"An invitation?" I repeated, my irritation bubbling up again. "And why would that matter to me?"
"The Blue Bell Pack is hosting a celebration," he said, his tone even, though I could see a flicker of something in his eyes.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "And why exactly is that our problem? We've never had any dealings with the Blue Bell Pack. They're practically on the other side of the continent-two days away by car, no less."
Franklin's lips thinned, and he rolled his eyes-a bold move that caught me off guard. "Get your head out of your ass, Calvin, and think for once."
The audacity of his words made my muscles tense. "Careful, Franklin," I warned, my voice low and dangerous. "You're walking a very thin line."
He exhaled slowly, clearly weighing his next words. "Am I? Because from where I'm standing, it seems like you're so caught up in your emotions, you're forgetting how to strategize."
My hands clenched into fists on the desk. "Explain," I said through gritted teeth.
Franklin gestured toward the invitation. "I acquired this during a trade for materials we needed. Precious materials, yes, but the invitation itself could be even more valuable."
I frowned, narrowing my eyes at him. "You wasted our limited resources on an invitation? Do you realize how dire things are for us? Every trade counts, Franklin."
"I do realize it, Alpha," he said firmly. "And that's exactly why I made the trade. Think about it-this invitation gives us safe passage into Blue Bell territory. They don't know about our situation, about the curse that's lingering over our heads. They don't know how desperate we are. We need to take advantage before the news reaches them as well."
His words sank in, but I wasn't ready to concede just yet. "And you think that's worth sacrificing our resources?"
"I do," Franklin said, his confidence unwavering. "Because if you attend this celebration, it gives us an opportunity to form connections. You can speak directly to their Alpha, he'll accord you respect and give you an audience if nothing else. You can negotiate, and potentially trade for food, supplies-resources we need to survive."
I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the desk as I studied him. "You're saying we could use this as a way to gain support without revealing our vulnerabilities?"
"Exactly."
I stared at him for a moment, the tension in my body easing slightly. The logic was sound, and I couldn't deny that it was a clever move. "That's... smart. I didn't see it at first, but you're right." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I apologize for dismissing you earlier."
Franklin offered a small, understanding smile. "You've had a lot on your plate, Calvin. I don't blame you for being short-tempered."
"Still," I said, my tone softening, "you've proven yourself invaluable again, Franklin. Thank you."
He inclined his head. "So, will you attend the celebration?"
I exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. "Kamrynn is my priority. Finding her, finding our child-it's all I can think about." My voice faltered, but I forced myself to continue. "But I can't ignore the state of the Pack. Our survival has to come first. If this gives us a chance to secure what we need, I have to take it."
Franklin's relief was evident. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll begin making preparations for your departure immediately."
"Good," I said. "Make sure everything is in order. I don't want any delays."
"Understood, Alpha." Franklin stepped back, his posture as disciplined as ever. "Is there anything else you'll need?"
I shook my head. "No, just make it happen."
With that, he gave a respectful nod and turned to leave, the door clicking shut behind him.
For a moment, I sat in silence, staring at the now-empty room. The soft ticking of the clock filled the air, its rhythm steady and unrelenting.
I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes as exhaustion washed over me. My mind drifted, as it always did, to Kamrynn. Her face was vivid in my memory, every detail etched into my thoughts. The sound of her laugh, the warmth in her eyes, the way she used to hold me as if I were the only thing that mattered.
"Just wait for me, Kamrynn," I whispered, the words barely audible. "I'll find you and our child, no matter how long it takes. I'll make everything right. I promise."
The vow lingered in the still air, a silent promise I swore to keep, even if it cost me everything.