Old Chase, Someone is Bullying Me
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Old Chase, Someone is Bullying Me
(Amber’s POV)
The morning light streamed through the windows of Moonlight Photography, highlighting the empty studio where my team had been prepped and waiting since 5:30 a.m. I checked my watch again–10:30 a.m. Four and a half hours late.
When Shannon finally strutted in with her entourage, I felt my fists itch a little and restrained my wolf claws. The over–the–top model was wearing much more expensive clothes than the last time we’d met, designer sunglasses perched on her perfect nose.
“You’re late,” I said, my voice clipped as I addressed Ryan rather than Shannon directly. “Is this deliberate disrespect?”
Shannon removed her sunglasses with a practiced flick of her wrist “Oh please, I told your people about the time change. We were out clubbing with Ryan last night.” She pointed a manicured finger at Paige, my best friend and Ryan’s fiancée. “Isn’t that right, sweetie?”
The atmosphere in the studio instantly tensed. I stood speechless, watching Paige’s face pale at the casual way Shannon
addressed her.
Jessica Carter, the associate editor of *Moonlight* magazine, nodded vigorously. “It’s true. My assistant must have forgotten to confirm the new time with you. These things happen.”
“These things happen?” I repeated, fury building inside me. Cora growled, and I had to focus to keep her contained. “Shannon, you have a reputation for being intentionally late. You still think you’re that hit model from back in the day? The one who crossed over from human fashion to paranormal circles?”
Shannon’s perfectly sculpted face tightened with anger.
“Let’s be honest,” I continued, unable to stop myself. “Your career has been propped up by male wolves. How many of your‘ opportunities‘ came through them rather than your own talent?”
Shannon’s eyes flashed dangerously. “You want to talk about relying on others? That’s rich coming from you.”
“What exactly are you implying?” I asked, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
“Everyone knows you’d be nothing without your connection to the Blackwoods,” she sneered. “Your little photography studio is just a hobby while you play at being important.”
I felt my control slipping, Cora pushing against my restraint. “Relying on my mate, Dominic Blackwood, is a legitimate choice for a Luna,” I said, my amber eyes glittering with barely contained rage. “Unlike relying on the intendeds of other she–wolves and trying to break up other people’s matings.”
Shannon took a step toward me, her own wolf clearly straining beneath her human facade. “You little-”
“Ladies!” Ryan intervened, physically stepping between us. “This is getting out of hand. Amber, please, can we just continue with the photoshoot? For the good of the pack alliance.”
I glanced at Paige, seeing the hurt in her eyes–not just from Shannon’s attitude, but from Ryan’s protective stance toward the model. My best friend remained silent, though, and that spoke volumes.
For a moment, I considered reaching out to Dominic through our mate bond. One word from me, and he would ensure Shannon never worked in Silvercrest City again. But no–I needed to handle this myself, in a way befitting the future Luna of the Blackwood Wolf Pack.
“Fine,” I said, reaching for my phone. “But I need to make a call first.”
I dialed my father’s number, putting the call on speaker. Harrison Chase was not a man who appreciated interruptions, especially during business hours.
“What?” came his gruff voice, clearly annoyed. Then, recognizing my number, his tone shifted slightly. “Amber? What trouble are you causing now?”
Old Chase, Someone is Bullying Me
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“Old Chase,” I said, using my childhood nickname for him, my voice deliberately soft and vulnerable. “Someone is bullying me.
11
“There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Who would dare bully the future Luna of the most powerful wolf pack in the
Northern Territory?”
I looked pointedly at Ryan while asking, “Father, are you Shannon Miles’s financial backer?”
Ryan’s face registered confusion at my sudden tactic. Shannon’s expression shifted from smugness to uncertainty.
“Because,” I continued, “Shannon’s backer must be a stupid Alpha. And of all the Alphas I know, only you fit that description.”
Ryan’s jaw dropped. Shannon’s agent made a choking sound.
“I have nothing to do with Shannon Miles,” my father replied, clearly bewildered by the conversation.
I nodded as if satisfied. “That’s good to hear. You should keep your eyes open when choosing which werewolves to support.” I glanced at Shannon, who was now staring daggers at me. “Some aren’t worth the investment.”
Then I smoothly pivoted the conversation. “By the way, about our earlier bet regarding my mating with Dominic–you promised me 9% territorial rights to the Chase pack.”
I could practically hear my father’s teeth grinding through the phone. “Yes, I remember.”
“Wonderful! I’ll visit your office tomorrow to discuss the details,” I said cheerfully. “Could you prepare some of that rare moonwort herbal tea? You know it’s my favorite.”
“Amber-” he started, his voice tight with controlled rage.
“Thanks, Father! Looking forward to it.” I ended the call before he could respond.
The studio remained silent as I turned to Shannon with a professional smile. “Now, shall we begin the shoot? I’m thinking we’ll go with a more… humble concept than originally planned.”
(Third–person’s POV)
Harrison Chase stared at his phone in disbelief. His daughter had just used him as a pawn in whatever game she was playing, His pack members watched cautiously as their Alpha’s expression cycled through confusion, anger, and finally, reluctant
admiration.
“That girl,” he muttered, shaking his head.
Henry Chase, Amber’s brother, followed Harrison out of the conference room where they’d been meeting. “What did Amber want this time?”
Harrison’s lips twitched. “I believe your sister just used me to intimidate someone. Quite effectively, I might add ”
He turned to his secretary, who was hovering nearby. “Gwen, hide anything valuable in my office before Amber’s visit
tomorrow.”
The secretary nodded, making a note.
“On second thought,” Harrison amended, “leave out that small moonstone bracelet. It might placate her.”
Henry frowned. “The bracelet? Victoria would prefer that. She’s returning to the pack house soon, by the way.”
Harrison’s expression shifted, becoming more calculating. “Speaking of Victoria, I’ve been considering potential mates for her. The Quinn Pack has several promising candidates, and an alliance would be beneficial.”
“What?” Henry’s face darkened with unexpected emotion. “You can’t just–Victoria should choose her own mate!”
“Should she?” Harrison asked mildly, noting his son’s reaction with interest. “Like you chose yours? We both know how well that turned out.”
Old Chase, Someone is Bullying Me
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Henry’s jaw tightened. “That’s different. Victoria deserves respect in finding her mate. She’s not a pawn in your pack politics.” Harrison patted his son’s shoulder contemptuously. “We’re all pawns, Henry. Some of us just play the game better than others.”
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