Father–Daughter Wager
+25 BONUS
Father–Daughter Wager
(Harrison’s POV)
I stared at my daughter in disbelief. The audacity of Amber never ceased to amaze me. She stood before me, chin raised in defiance, those amber eyes- so like mine–glittering with determination.
“Nine percent of territorial rights?” I scoffed, leaning back in my leather chair. “Have you lost your mind?”
Amber didn’t flinch. “It’s a fair exchange for bringing the future Alpha King into our family alliance.
“Fair?” My voice rose despite my attempts to control it. “Victoria has dedicated her entire life to this pack, and she only holds ten percent of the territorial rights!”
Asmirk played at the corners of Amber’s lips. “And what exactly has Victoria contributed to earn that ten percent? Besides being your favorite?”
I slammed my palm against the desk. “Watch your tone.”
“Think about what I’m offering,” Amber continued, unperturbed by my display of anger. “As Dominic’s Luna, I would secure the Chase Pack’s position as the most favored supporters throughout the Northern Territory.”
“If you could become his Luna,” I emphasized. “Which you won’t.
Amber straightened her shoulders. “I’m willing to bet Howling Avenue on it.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. Howling Avenue–the prime shopping street in Silvercrest City, a legacy of our ancestors, and the most valuable property in the Chase family holdings. My mother had left it entirely to Amber, a decision that had enraged me for years.
“You would risk Howling Avenue?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice.
“I’m that confident,” she replied simply.
My fingers instinctively reached for the moonlight crystal paperweight on my desk, a nervous habit I’d developed over years of difficult pack negotiations. The cool stone centered me as memories flooded back.
The Chase Pack had once been among the first wealthy werewolf families to establish territory in Silvercrest. Over generations, our influence had waned while others–particularly the Blackwoods–had risen. My mother, Eleanor, had fought desperately to save what remained of our legacy, making painful sacrifices and difficult decisions.
Including leaving Howling Avenue to Amber.
“You know nothing of our history,” I muttered, more to myself than to her.
“I know enough,” Amber replied. “I know that Howling Avenue is worth far more than nine percent of territorial rights.”
She was right, and that was what made the offer so tempting. If Amber somehow managed to secure Dominic Blackwood as her mate, the Chase Pack would gain immensely in status and influence. If she failed–which I was certain she would–I would finally control Howling Avenue and solve the pack’s financial difficulties in one stroke.
“Even if I agreed,” I said carefully, “what makes you think you can succeed where Victoria failed?”
Amber’s eyes narrowed. “Victoria failed because Dominic has no interest in her. He does have interest in me.”
“Based on what? Your ridiculous public displays?”
“Based on the fact that we’re already married.”
I nearly choked. “What did you say?”
Amber smiled, a predatory baring of teeth that reminded me uncomfortably of my mother. “You heard me. But of course, I have no proof to offer you right now. So the bet stands.”
Father–Daughter Wager
+25 BONUS
My mind raced. She had to be bluffing. Dominic Blackwood, heir to the Alpha King, married to my wayward daughter? Impossible. And yet… if there was even a slight chance she was telling the truth…
“I need to think,” I said, turning to look out the window at the Chase Pack grounds below.
“There’s nothing to think about,” Amber pressed. “Either you accept my wager, or I’ll break our alliance with the Blackwood Pack myself.”
I whirled back to face her. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.” Her amber eyes held mine, unflinching. “And one more condition–if Victoria’s territorial rights increase in the future, mine must increase accordingly.”
My temper flared. “You’ve contributed nothing to this pack! Victoria has worked tirelessly while you’ve been off playing with your cameras!”
“Is that why you favor her so much?” Amber tilted her head, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Or is it because she’s actually your illegitimate daughter?” 1)
“What?” I growled, feeling my wolf stir with rage.
“It’s curious, isn’t it?” Amber continued. “An adopted daughter allowed to use the Chase surname? Most unusual, unless there’s some blood connection we’re not discussing.”
Ifought to control my breathing, to push down the fury threatening to overwhelm me. “You know nothing about Victoria’s adoption.”
“Perhaps not,” Amber conceded with a shrug. “But others might start asking questions if I mention my suspicions.”
It was blackmail, pure and simple. And yet, I couldn’t afford to call her bluff. Not with the pack’s reputation already damaged by her broken engagement to Ethan.
“Fine,” I snarled. “We have a deal. Nine percent if you become Dominic’s Luna. Howling Avenue if you fail.”
- Amber extended her hand. “Shall we shake on it, Father?”
I took her hand, squeezing perhaps harder than necessary. “You’ll regret this, Amber.”
Her smile never wavered. “We’ll see.”
(Victoria’s POV)
I paced the living room, glancing repeatedly at the ceiling as if I could see through it to Harrison’s study where Amber had disappeared with my father nearly thirty minutes ago.
“Sit down, Victoria,” Melanie sighed from the sofa. “Your restlessness is giving me a headache.”
I forced myself to take a seat beside my adoptive mother, though every nerve in my body screamed to go upstairs and interrupt whatever Amber was saying to Harrison. After Amber’s accusation in the kitchen about my interest in Dominic Blackwood, I needed to explain.
Henry had left to answer a phone call shortly after Amber and Harrison went upstairs, leaving me alone with Melanie. I’d tried to follow him, desperate to clarify the situation, but Melanie had called me back.
“Is it true?” she asked now, her voice deceptively casual. “Have you been pursuing Dominic Blackwood?”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “Of course not. Amber is lying, as usual.”
“Then why did Felix Peter mention gifts sent to Dominic’s office?
I swallowed hard. “I sent one gift basket. For business purposes. The Chase Pack has several joint ventures with Shadowpeak Enterprises.”
2/4
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Father–Daughter Wager
Melanie studied me with narrowed eyes. “Victoria, you know how feel about dishonesty.”
“I’m not being dishonest,” I insisted, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue.
+25 BONUS
The truth was far more humiliating. I had indeed tried to catch Dominic’s attention, not just with gifts but with carefully orchestrated “accidental” meetings at social events. Each attempt had been met with polite indifference at best, outright rejection at worst.
At the Moonlight Club’s New Year celebration, I’d gathered my courage and approached him directly. His response still burned in my memory.
“Ms. Chase,” he’d said, his blue eyes cold as ice, “your persistences becoming tiresome. I have no interest in pursuing any relationship with you, personal or professional. Please respect that and direct your attentions elsewhere.”
The rejection had been public enough that several nearby werewolves had heard, their pitying glances following me as I retreated in shame.
And now Amber–who had never shown the slightest interest in pack affairs, who had embarrassed us all with her broken engagement to Ethan–was somehow receiving Dominic’s attention with her outrageous public displays.
“I don’t understand what he sees in her,” I muttered, forgetting Melanie’s presence for a moment.
“So there is something between them,” Melanie pounced on my slip.
Isighed in frustration. “I don’t know. Amber claims there is.”
Melanie’s lips thinned. “That girl has always been trouble. Just like her grandmother.”
I nodded in agreement, though internally I was seething. Despite my years of dedicated service to the pack, of playing the perfect daughter to Melanie and Harrison, Amber effortlessly commanded attention wherever she went.
“She’s going to ruin everything,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.
Melanie patted my hand. “We won’t let her.”
An uncomfortable silence fell between us, broken only by the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. I could feel Melanie’s gaze on me, more scrutinizing than usual.
“Victoria,” she said finally, her voice strangely hesitant, “about what Amber said before she went upstairs…”
My blood ran cold. Before heading to Harrison’s study, Amber had paused beside Melanie, leaning down to whisper something in her ear. I hadn’t heard the words, but Melanie’s shocked expression had told me everything I needed to know.
“You can’t believe anything Amber says,” I said quickly. “She’s just trying to cause trouble.”
“She said she saw you with Henry,” Melanie continued, her eyes never leaving my face. “In his room, while he was sleeping.”
I forced a laugh. “That’s ridiculous! Henry is my brother!”
“Adopted brother,” Melanie corrected, and something in her tone made my skin crawl.
“Mother, please,” I said, reaching for her hand. “Amber is playing with you. She knows how much you love Henry, and she’s trying to upset you.”
Melanie withdrew her hand from mine. “She mentioned Sophia’s miscarriage.”
The room suddenly felt airless. Sophia Reed, Henry’s ex–mate, had lost their unborn pup after walking in on… No. I couldn’t think about that now.
“Another of Amber’s cruel fabrications,” I said, but my voice lacked conviction.
Melanie stood abruptly. “I think I’ll check on Henry.”
Father–Daughter Wager
As she left the room, I felt the comfortable favor I’d enjoyed for of Amber’s calculated words.
clenched my fists, hatred burning in my chest. Somehow, som
Father–Daughter Wager
+25 BONUS
As she left the room, I felt the comfortable favor I’d enjoyed for years suddenly shift beneath my feet like quicksand. All because of Amber’s calculated words.
fclenched my fists, hatred burning in my chest. Somehow, someway, I would make Amber pay for this.
