Chapter 71: A Tangled Web–1
Chapter 71: A Tangled Web
(Connor’s POV)
The night had stretched long, filled with reports and security briefings that demanded my full attention. As I finally left Rivers Pack Headquarters, the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders. The first
thing I wanted was to hear Olivia’s voice.
I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, leaning against my car as I waited for her to answer.
“Hello?” Her voice was soft, heavy with sleep.
“Did I wake you?” I asked, unable to keep the smile from my voice despite the exhaustion pulling at me.
“Mmm, I was waiting for your call,” she murmured, her words slightly slurred. “Just dozed off.”
I slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. “I’m sorry it’s so late. The situation with Jessica was…
complicated.”
“Is everything okay?” Concern sharpened her tone slightly.
“Nothing for you to worry about tonight,” I assured her, pulling onto the empty street. “I could come over if you want company.”
Her soft laugh warmed me from the inside. “You sound as tired as I feel. Get some rest, Con. I’ll see you
tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” I agreed, reluctant to end the call. “Sleep well, Liv.”
She hummed in response, her breathing already evening out. I kept the line open as I drove toward my private estate, finding comfort in the gentle rhythm of her breaths. My wolf, restless and agitated from the day’s events, gradually calmed at the sound.
Even from a distance, her presence soothed something primal within me. The knowledge that she was safe, warm in her bed, eased the tension that had built throughout the day.
I pulled into my driveway, still listening to her soft breathing through the phone. Only when I parked did I finally end the call, whispering a quiet goodnight she wouldn’t hear.
Raymond Brooks, my driver, was waiting as I approached the entrance. His usually stoic expression was
troubled.
“Alpha Rivers,” he greeted me with a slight bow. “Mr. Reeves has been calling repeatedly. He says it’s urgent.” My momentary peace evaporated instantly. “Put him through to my office line.”
I strode through the mansion, shrugging off my coat as I went. By the time I reached my office, the phone was already ringing.
“Dominic,” I answered, dropping into my chair. “What’s happened?”
“Two incidents, Alpha,” Dominic’s voice was tense. “Walter Jenkins committed suicide an hour ago by jumping from the roof of Harbor City Memorial Hospital.”
I frowned, the name immediately registering. “Jessica Sullivan’s father?”
1/2
< Chapter 71. A Tangled We
“Yes, sir. And there’s more. Martha Steele was found dead in her home from apparent wolfsbane poisoning
My grip tightened on the phone. “Gregory Steele’s mother.”
“Exactly. Both deaths occurred within hours of each other, both connected to our witnesses.”
My wolf surged forward, a growl rumbling in my chest. This wasn’t coincidence–this was cleanup. Someone was systematically eliminating everyone connected to Jessica Sullivan and Gregory Steele.
“I want full investigations on both deaths,” I ordered. “Security footage, toxicology reports, everything. And I want to know who visited them in the 48 hours before their deaths.”
“Already underway, Alpha.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, my mind racing. “This has Frederick Warner’s fingerprints all over it. He’s tying up loose ends.”
“That’s my assessment as well,” Dominic agreed. “Should we increase security on other potential targets?” “Yes. Double the detail on Olivia immediately,” I said, my wolf bristling at the thought of her in danger. “And I want a full report on your findings within five days.”
“Understood, Alpha.”
After ending the call, I sat in silence, staring at the wall. Frederick Warner was moving his pieces across the board with deadly precision. The question was: what was his ultimate goal?
Whatever it was, I would be ready.
(Olivia’s POV)
The persistent knocking dragged me from a deep sleep. I groaned, burying my face deeper into my pillow as I tried to ignore it. But the knocking continued, growing more insistent with each passing second.
“Go away,” I mumbled into my pillow, pulling the covers over my head.
The knocking paused briefly, then resumed with renewed vigor. With a frustrated growl, I threw back the covers and stomped to the door, not bothering to check my appearance.
I yanked the door open, ready to unleash my irritation on whoever had disturbed my sleep.
Ethan Grey stood in the hallway, immaculately dressed in a tailored suit, holding a paper bag that smelled of fresh pastries and coffee.
“Good morning, sunshine,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I brought breakfast.”
My inner wolf bristled with annoyance. After last night’s confrontation, he had the audacity to show up at my door as if nothing had happened?
“Are you serious right now?” I snapped, my amber eyes flashing with anger.
Comments
Watch Ads (0/20) >