I Only Help My Wife
(Harrison’s POV)
I arrived at the A–zone parking lot of Shadowpeak Tower to find Henry squatting beside our car, smoking a cigarette. His posture was completely undignified for a member of the Chase Pack.
“Get up,” I snapped. “What are you doing sitting on the ground like some common rogue?”
Henry looked up at me with bloodshot eyes. “I’m hungry, Dad. And I’m pissed off about how that meeting went.”
I felt my irritation spike. “You’re embarrassing our family name.”
“Your elaborate plans backfired spectacularly,” Henry said, taking another drag. “I looked like a complete fool in front of the future Alpha King”
His words stung because they held truth. I had miscalculated Dominic’s response entirely.
“Why do you act so submissive toward Amber?” Henry continued. “She’s your own daughter, but now she’s mated to Dominic and you’re treating her like she’s above you.”
I struggled to find the right words. My previous attempts to appease Amber had been calculated moves to leverage her mate bond with Dominic for Chase Pack Headquarters‘ benefit.
But the guilt I felt stemmed from something deeper. Earlier this month, Amber had calmly enumerated my “ten great sins” against her, and each accusation had hit its mark.
“I had to endure watching Amber eat that pomegranate while Dominic lectured me,” Henry complained. “I haven’t even had breakfast.”
The mention of food made my own stomach growl. The stress of the morning had left me famished as well.
I sat down on the concrete beside my son. “Give me a cigarette.”
Henry handed me one with a surprised expression. We sat side–by–side in the parking garage, two defeated Chase Pack leaders.
“I kept the details from you because Dominic is too shrewd for your impulsive nature,” I said, trying to justify my secrecy.
Henry snorted. “Your cleverness only made you appear foolish, Dan ”
His words ignited my rage. I slapped him on the back of the head.
“This crisis at Lunar Heights Real Estate is your fault,” I snarled. “You bullied Amber, and now we’re facing Dominic’s wrath as
her mate.”
Henry rubbed his head but didn’t argue. He knew I was right.
I recalled the meeting with Dominic from an hour earlier. When I’d asked if he could help us, he’d agreed–but only if I offered sufficient leverage.
I’d started with a 3% profit share on future Chase Pack and Shadowpeak Enterprises projects. Dominic had dismissed it insignificant and irrelevant.
“Shadowpeak Enterprises will likely not collaborate with Chase Pack in the future,” he’d said coldly.
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Realizing I couldn’t outmaneuver him with subtle tactics, I’d asked directly what he wanted. I’d promised to give him anything I possessed
Dominic’s penetrating blue gaze had fixed on me. “Why do you believe I would help Lunar Heights Real Estate?”
I’d tried to appeal to him by mentioning Amber’s connection to the Chase Pack, hoping it would make the conversation more agreeable
I Only Help My Wife
His chilling laugh had indicated otherwise.
+25 BONUS
“Everyone knows you favor your adopted daughter Victoria,” he’d said. “You’ve given her more shares in Chase Pack Headquarters than your own blood daughter.”
His words had cut deep because they were true.
“Once you’re older, Victoria and Henry will conspire to remove Amber from pack leadership,” Dominic had continued. “I mated with Amber to cherish her, not to allow others to bully her.”
Then he’d revealed something that shocked me. “Oliver Hunter contacted me first due to our close relationship through Silvercrest Television.”
My blood had run cold.
“I gave Lunar Heights Real Estate a chance to rectify the issues with the substandard heating systems,” Dominic had explained. “If the company fully remedied the problem and protected the property owners‘ interests, Oliver would not publish the story.”
He’d paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
“But your men abducted Oliver and assaulted him. Despite the beating, he still sought my advice.”
I’d felt the ground shifting beneath my feet.
“Linstructed him to stand firm and fight against Lunar Heights Real Estate,” Dominic had said with satisfaction.
Dominic had continued his explanation, and each word had been like a dagger to my chest.
“Amber returned from Chase Pack Headquarters distraught and drunk on September 1st,” he’d said. “She cried all night after her visit.”
The memory of that day made me wince. I’d been particularly harsh with her about the territorial rights.
“You gave all the good things to Victoria instead of Amber,” Dominic had accused Henry directly. “You coerced Amber into breaking off your engagement with Naomi Warren, making her the villain.”
Henry had shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
“Amber is my mate,” Dominic had emphasized. “Bullying her is equivalent to disrespecting me as the future Alpha King.”
His voice had carried the weight of absolute authority.
“I’ve been preparing to seize Chase Pack’s projects for a year to avenge Amber,” he’d revealed. “But this crisis presented an unexpected opportunity.”
The calculated nature of his revenge had terrified me.
“Do you truly believe Henry wouldn’t conspire with Victoria to remove Amber from Chase Pack leadership?” he’d challenged.
I’d had no answer because I knew he was right.
“I only help my wife,” Dominic had stated firmly.
I’d realized then that he was demanding pack shares for Amber. The phone call from my secretary about Oliver preparing to leave Crescent Moon Hospital had forced my hand.
“How much do you want?” I’d asked desperately,
“Amber’s shares in Chase Pack Headquarters must equal Henry’s within two years,” Dominic had demanded.
The request had been staggering.
“Give all of Victoria’s shares to Amber,” he’d suggested. “Victoria will eventually mate with someone outside the pack. Her mate will covet Chase Pack’s territorial rights, causing future complications.”
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Only Help My Wife
+25 BONUS
I’d protested that Amber was also mated outside the pack.
“I wouldn’t be interested in Chase Pack,” Dominic had replied sarcastically. “It’s been mismanaged by you.”
His insult had stung, but I’d been in no position to argue.
Dominic had offered me a cup of moonlight tea, advising me to be more direct in the future.
“As long as Amber holds significant power in Chase Pack, I will not stand idly by if the pack faces problems,” he’d promised.
I’d finally understood. Amber was to be the “protected Luna” of Chase Pack, revered and defended by the future Alpha King.
(Amber’s POV)
I observed my father’s strange expression as he left Dominic’s office. Something significant had transpired between the two Alphas, but I could only guess at the details.
I entered Dominic’s executive suite to find him on the phone with Felix Peter. His voice was low and authoritative as he discussed business matters.
I quietly settled onto the leather sofa, noticing a plate of peeled pomegranates on his desk. The ruby–red seeds glistened under the office lights.
Remembering Dominic’s fondness for pomegranates, I waited for him to finish his call.
‘Borrowing flowers to offer Buddha?” Dominic teased when I offered him the plate.
His warm hand took mine, and I felt the familiar spark of our mate bond.
“We’re going to pick up reporter Oliver Hunter from Crescent Moon Hospital,” he said, leading me toward the door. “I want to introduce you to him.”
