Harrison’s Calculations
(Third–person’s POV)
Melanie Chase returned to the pack house with slumped shoulders and a defeated expression. The meeting with Amber had gone worse than expected, and now she had to face her mate with the bad news.
Harrison was waiting in his study, pacing anxiously. When he saw Melanie’s face, his expression darkened.
“She refused?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Melanie nodded, sinking into a chair. “It was a disaster. She threatened to call you about how I ‘insulted the future Alpha King’s mate.“”
Harrison’s face contorted with rage. He slammed his fist against the mahogany desk, causing a crack to form along its polished
surface.
“You were supposed to appeal to her as her mother!” he roared. “Not antagonize her further!”
“She brought up Victoria and Henry’s relationship,” Melanie defended weakly. “What was I supposed to do?”
Harrison ran his hands through his graying hair, “Reporter Hunter is being released from the hospital tomorrow. We’re running
out of time.”
The silver contamination scandal at Moonlight Heights Realty was threatening to destroy everything they’d built. If Hunter published his findings about the dangerous levels of silver in the building materials–toxic to werewolves–the Chase Pack would face lawsuits, financial ruin, and public humiliation.
“Did you at least speak with Iris?” Harrison asked, grasping at straws.
Melanie’s expression told him everything. “She refused to help. Said we deserve whatever consequences come our way.”
Harrison cursed under his breath. He dismissed Melanie with a wave of his hand, unable to look at her any longer.
Alone in his study, Harrison meticulously prepared for his call with Amber. He drafted potential conversations, practiced emotional appeals to their wolf pack bond, and rehearsed various approaches to gain her sympathy.
At 10 p.m., he finally dialed her number, his heart pounding with anticipation.
To his surprise, a deep, masculine voice answered.
“Harrison,” Dominic Blackwood’s calm tone came through the speaker. “Amber is asleep.”
Harrison’s words caught in his throat. “I… I need to speak with her about an urgent matter.”
“She’s resting in my arms,” Dominic replied, his voice quiet but firm. “I won’t wake her.”
Harrison swallowed hard, picturing his daughter curled up with the future Alpha King. It was both terrifying and promising–a powerful alliance that could save them, if only he could harness it.
“Come to Shadowpeak tomorrow morning at nine,” Dominic continued. “Bring Henry. We’ll discuss your situation then.”
Before Harrison could respond, the line went dead.
Harrison immediately called Henry to his study. His son arrived looking disheveled and anxious.
“Dominic Blackwood wants to meet with us tomorrow,” Harrison explained, unable to keep the excitement from his voice.” This could be our chance.”
Henry’s eyes widened. “Do you think Amber convinced him to help us?”
Harrison shook his head. “I don’t know. But we can’t waste this opportunity.”
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They discussed strategy late into the night, planning their approach to the powerful Alpha heir who now held their fate in his hands.
The next morning, Dominic’s office at Shadowpeak Tower was bathed in early sunlight. He stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, gazing out at the city below.
“Harrison and Henry will be here soon,” he informed Amber, who was lounging on the leather couch.
Amber looked up from her coffee, curiosity sparkling in her amber eyes. “Oh? What do they want?”
“Help with their Moonlight Heights crisis,” Dominic replied, his blue eyes calculating. “Would you like to join us? It concems your pack, after all.”
Amber’s lips curved into a smile. “I wouldn’t miss it. I want to see their faces when they realize they need to give me territory rights.”
She arrived early, settling comfortably on the leather couch. While Dominic worked at his desk, she played games on her cell phone, occasionally glancing up to admire his concentrated expression.
At 8:30 a.m., thirty minutes before the scheduled time, Harrison and Henry arrived. Their anxiety was palpable, their scents heavy with stress as they entered Dominic’s office.
Harrison’s eyes narrowed when he spotted Amber lounging casually in Dominic’s jacket, her legs stretched out on the couch.
“Amber,” Harrison said, his tone disapproving. “Show some respect in the future Alpha King’s office.”
Before Amber could retort, Dominic spoke, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of power.
“Amber is free to be herself in my domain, Harrison. I prefer her comfort to unnecessary formality.”
Harrison blinked, surprised by the protective response. He glanced between Dominic and Amber, marveling at his daughter’s ability to gain the favor of such a powerful wolf.
Amber smirked, her game forgotten as she observed her father’s discomfort. “Old Chase, stop being hypocritical. You see, your hypocrisy cost me the match.” Her amber eyes glittered with annoyance.
Dominic gestured for Harrison and Henry to sit, then poured moonlight tea for everyone. The aromatic steam rose from the delicate cups, filling the room with a calming scent.
“So,” Dominic began, his blue eyes calculating as he assessed their desperation. “How do you plan to resolve this crisis?” Harrison cleared his throat. “We were hoping to use your connections, particularly with Silvercrest Television. If you could persuade Hunter to delay his story about the silver contamination…”
Dominic’s expression remained impassive. He turned to Amber, surprising everyone in the room.
“What’s your opinion, Amber?” he asked, genuinely curious about his partner’s perspective.
Amber, who had been content to watch the exchange, straightened in her seat. She hadn’t expected to be consulted.
“I think they should let the story run,” she said after a moment’s consideration. “Take responsibility, offer compensation to affected residents, and turn it into a PR opportunity. Show the Chase Pack values transparency and the wellbeing of all werewolves.”
Henry scoffed. “That’s naive. The supernatural community would crucify us.”
Amber rolled her eyes. “Money solves most problems, brother. Proper compensation and a well–executed PR strategy would minimize the damage.”
Harrison leaned forward, his expression serious. “The risks are too great. Negative publicity could affect our standing with other packs, not to mention the financial implications.”
He turned to Dominic. “There’s also a strategic opportunity here. Silvercrest Television has been seeking broadcast rights for
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the upcoming Lunar Festival. We could leverage your influence for mutual benefit.”
Amber considered his words, understanding the practicality of their concerns. She didn’t push the argument further.
Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a pomegranate. brought this for you,” she said to Dominic, then added, “I was planning to take one to Lucas too.”
Dominic’s eyes softened slightly. “I like pomegranates. Save the biggest one for me.”
Their wolves exchanged playful energy beneath their skin, a subtle interaction that didn’t escape Harrison’s notice. “Why don’t you deliver Lucas’s pomegranate now?” Dominic suggested. “Felix can show you to his new office.” Amber nodded, rising gracefully. Her amber eyes lingered on Doric before she followed Felix Peter out of the room As soon as the door closed behind Amber, the atmosphere in the office changed dramatically. Dominic’s relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced by the cold, calculating presence of the Alpha heir.
“Now,” he said, his voice low and dangerous, “let’s discuss your true intentions, Harrison.”
The older wolf shifted uncomfortably under Dominic’s penetrating gaze.
“The silver contamination at Moonlight Heights–you knew about it, didn’t you?” Dominic continued. “You opted to avoid costly renovations, gambling that no one would discover the issue until after all units were sold.”
Harrison’s silence was confirmation enough.
“And your interest in Silvercrest Television isn’t just about suppressing Hunter’s story,” Dominic pressed. “You want leverage within the network for future business opportunities.”
Harrison cleared his throat, impressed despite himself by Dominic’s astute observations. “You understand business well,” he admitted.
Dominic’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Harrison, good calculation.”
He leaned forward, his blue eyes as icy as winter. “I can help you take the risk, depending on what chips you can offer?”
