Chapter 224
Skye’s POV
Logan smiled at Xavier’s question. ‘I’m here to discuss cooperation, not confrontation, Alpha King.”
The room fell into tense silence. I glanced at Adrian, whose jaw was set tight, eyes never leaving Logan.
“I simply want to collect my father’s ashes today and put this unfortunate business behind us,” Logan continued, his voice casual as if discussing the weather‘ rather than his father’s death. “As for the future, I propose that twenty percent of our hospital network’s profits be contributed to the Council, specifically for werewolf healthcare funding.”
When none of us immediately responded, Logan’s smile widened. His perfectly white teeth reminded me of a predator, despite his polished appearance.
“Of course, the exact percentage is negotiable,” he added smoothly. “Alpha Rodrigo pledged his entire fortune during the Ultimate Trial. His donation will establish the Werewolf Children’s Development Association. We plan to expand medical care access for young werewolves across all packs, particularly focusing on those with congenital conditions and those injured during early shifting attempts.”
Xavier cut him off with a sharp gesture. “Are you trying to bribe us, Alpha Logan?”
Logan raised an eyebrow, looking almost amused by the accusation. “I would never suggest something so crude, Alpha King.”
He adjusted his gold cufflinks, the movement deliberate and unhurried.
‘I’m proposing a partnership that benefits our entire community. Our healthcare network serves over sixty percent of werewolf populations nationwide. We’ve developed specialized treatments unique to our kind that human hospitals can’t provide.”
“And you expect us to just forget about your father’s crimes?” Adrian asked, his voice low and controlled, but I could sense the anger beneath.
“My father’s actions were his own,” Logan replied smoothly, not a hint of emotion crossing his face.
“His ethical lapses, while regrettable, don’t negate the valuable infrastructure he built. If you choose to make an enemy of my family, you’re essentially declaring war against more than half the packs in the country who depend on our medical services.”
He paused, making direct eye contact with Xavier.
“My father is dead. You’ve avenged your brother, Alpha King Xavier. Isn’t that enough?”
“You know about my brother?” Xavier stood up abruptly.
Logan nodded solemnly. “I advised my father against moving against Alpha Damon. He wouldn’t listen.” He sighed, looking genuinely regretful.
My father belonged to an older generation with different values. Please believe me when I say our generation is different. We can establish our own rules, forge better alliances.”
Logan extended his hand toward Xavier. “What do you say, Alpha King? Shall we build a better future together? One where werewolves don’t have to hide or fight amongst themselves? Where our children can grow up without the constant threat of territory wars?”
Xavier stared at the offered hand but made no move to take it. The tension in the room was palpable, almost suffocating.
Logan didn’t seem bothered by the rejection. He withdrew his hand, smiling pleasantly. “No matter. You have plenty of time to consider, Alpha King. My offer remains open.”
His phone chimed with a notification. Logan glanced at the screen and said, “It appears the cremation arrangements have been completed and can proceed. I should go now. I won’t take up any more of your valuable time.”
He nodded politely to each of us, his eyes lingering on me a moment longer than necessary, before turning and walking out with measured
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Chapter 224
steps.
Once the door closed behind him, I studied Xavier’s complicated expression. Only now did I fully realize that becoming Alpha King didn’t mean unlimited power or freedom to act as one pleased. Political realities and complex alliances created constraints even for the most powerful position in our world.
“What do we do now?” I asked, looking between Xavier and Adrian.
Xavier ran a hand through his hair, the gesture betraying his stress despite his composed face. “I’m returning to the Alpha King palace today. I’ll use my authority to launch a full investigation into the Thomas family’s medical companies.” He turned to Adrian and me. “You two should head back to Oasisborn‘ Pack first. This will likely be a long battle, and I need trusted allies managing things outside the capital.”
“That Alpha Logan isn’t nearly as friendly as he appears,” Adrian warned, his amber eyes serious. “Be careful. If you need anything, contact us immediately.”
“I will.” Xavier smiled.
For reasons I couldn’t fully explain, I felt deeply uneasy.
The next day, Adrian, Garrett, Beck and I packed our bags and flew back to Oasisborn Pack. During the flight, I scrolled through news headlines on my phone, each one making my stomach twist with unease:
Former Alpha King Thomas Commits Suicide in Prison Amid Organ Trafficking Allegations”
“Crescent Health Group Leadership Officially Transferred to Alpha Logan Thomas Following Father’s Death”
“Alpha King Xavier Orders Full Investigation of Crescent Health Group Practices”
“Medical Community in Turmoil: What Does Thomas’s Death Mean for Werewolf Healthcare?”
I showed Adrian the screen. “This revolution isn’t over, is it? It’s just beginning.”
“The real work starts now,” Adrian agreed, scrolling through more headlines. “Dismantling corrupt systems takes much longer than removing corrupt leaders.”
“Do you think Logan might have been involved in Thomas’s death?” I asked quietly. “Who else could easily access Alpha Thomas and kill him without raising suspicions? A son visiting his father wouldn’t trigger any alarms.”
Adrian’s expression turned thoughtful as he considered my question. “It’s certainly possible. The timing is convenient, happening before Thomas could implicate others or reveal the full extent of his operation.” He lowered his voice further. “But we have no evidence, and even if we did, it might be nearly impossible to bring him to justice with his connections and resources.”
I nodded, staring out the window at the clouds below us. The landscape of our world had changed dramatically in just a few weeks. New powers rising, old ones falling, and all of us caught in the shifting tides.
Adrian took my hand. “You’re thinking too much about this,” he said gently. “Right now, you only need to focus on our marking ceremony.”
Chapter Comments
Dawn Corfitzson
nothing but a cliffhanger, t.s
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