Draven’s POV
The night before, I’d received a ssage from Alpha Council investigator Magnus informing that Howard had not yet been found, that we needed to be on alert, and that as soon as possible, I should contact him. But I was with Caroline and let it go at that mont.However, this morning,I had already taken so precautionary asures.
I asked my Beta Ryan to send a team of six trusted warriors from our pack to my apartnt,instructed to secure my family. It didn’t take long before Ryan’s handpicked n arrived, and he assured that he had personally verified their backgrounds and loyalty to our pack.
I introduced the security team to everyone and instructed them not to let Liam out of their sight. I asked Caroline not to go anywhere without taking three of the n accompanying her, and she agreed without arguing. I headed to the company to handle so urgent matters, where I would also et with the pack’s senior mbers. When I arrived at Thorne Enterprises, I imdiately called Magnus, who responded quickly.
"Magnus, good morning. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner."
"No problem, Alpha Draven.I imagine you were exhausted."
"Very much so. But Howard seems to have extraordinary luck. Ryan told he left the ranch just before your team arrived."
"I don’t think it’s luck, Alpha. I believe there’s still a traitor within your pack and company. Soone even Howard’s accomplices don’t know about. Howard knew we were coming."
My wolf Alaric growled inside , agitated at the thought. "But that’s not possible. I’ve been surrounded by rats for years and still can’t purge my territory?" I said, feeling the weight of it all. "Do you have any idea who it might be?"
"No concrete leads yet. But look for soone who goes unnoticed. Soone who has access to multiple departnts within your company. Soone observant who speaks little but sees much."
"I understand.I’ll find them. Once I identify this traitor, I’ll let you know imdiately."
"Be careful, Alpha. Howard has already demonstrated he’s capable of anything to hurt you and your mate. One more thing – this Marcus character, he was Caroline’s ex-mate, correct?"
"Yes, about three years ago. They were together for several years until she discovered he was cheating with her cousin."
"Hmm. Quite the scoundrel. Well, he stated during interrogation that he’d known Howard for more than three years. Does your mate know anything about that connection?"
"I don’t believe so.She seed genuinely shocked when she discovered his involvent in Liam’s kidnapping."
"That’s what I suspected, but I needed to ask. Speaking of your mate, when might I get her statent? She can co to the Council headquarters, or I can visit your territory, whichever you prefer."
"Could this wait until Monday, here at Thorne Enterprises?"
"Certainly. I’ll stop by Monday afternoon to speak with her. Alpha Draven, I’ll contact you imdiately if we uncover anything new."
"Thank you, Magnus. My pack appreciates the Council’s assistance."
After ending the call with Magnus,I needed to contact Arthur to ask him to investigate who might still be working within the company to help Howard. I had told him to take a break until Monday, but he insisted he had a lot to do and would rather keep working. He quickly arrived at my office with Clara.
I explained the situation and emphasized that we needed to find the traitor quickly, as they were giving Howard a dangerous advantage. Arthur agreed and assured he would begin the search imdiately, conducting thorough background checks on every employee.
"Arthur, I trust your judgnt completely," I said, leaning back in my chair."But there’s sothing else I wanted to discuss. You’ve proven yourself to be a remarkable auditor and an exceptional businessman.I’m impressed with the team you’ve assembled, and you’ve made a significant difference here. You’ve helped address not only the fraud issue but many other operational problems."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, waiting for to continue.
"That said, I want to offer you a permanent position as a consultant to Thorne Enterprises. My company has been infiltrated by Howard’s influence for years, and I need to surround myself with people I can trust while I purge these toxic elents. Would you consider joining us in a formal capacity?"
Arthur appeared genuinely surprised by my offer. "This is unexpected, Draven. I’m honored by your trust in ."
"The honor would be mine," I replied. "I’d also like to explore opportunities for long-term cooperation between our packs and businesses. The alliance would benefit us both."
Arthur’s expression shifted to one of regret. "While I’m truly grateful for your offer, I’ve actually been making plans to relocate to London."
"London?" I couldn’t hide my surprise.
"When I was young and foolish, I let Clara go," Arthur explained. "We both married others, built our lives. But my mate and I formally separated years ago, and Clara lost her husband. Now that we’ve found each other again..."
"So I’m thinking of moving to London to be closer to Clara, you know?!"
I nodded, understanding completely.
"No way! I don’t want you to go to London," Clara said quickly, which made Arthur look dejected.
"My daughters are grown now," Clara continued, "and the London branch of Thorne Enterprises is thriving. I’ve been considering requesting a transfer back to the main office, if you’d allow it."
Arthur’s face brightened at Clara’s words. He turned to with renewed interest. "If Clara is returning to Harbor Bay, then perhaps we could reconsider your offer. A consulting position would allow the flexibility to be with Clara while still contributing to Thorne Enterprises."
"That would be perfect," I said, genuinely pleased by this turn of events. "Clara, you’re welco back anyti. Your experience and loyalty are invaluable to ."
As we discussed the details, the senior mbers of my pack began arriving for our scheduled eting. I shared the good news about Arthur and Clara, which lifted everyone’s spirits. We continued talking until Clara and Arthur excused themselves, saying they had preparations to make.
As they were leaving, I confird they would be joining us for dinner that evening.
"We wouldn’t miss it for the world," Clara assured with a warm smile as she reached the door. "Draven, don’t forget to pick up the ring and wedding bands from the jeweler today."
"How did you know about that?" I asked, astonished.
Clara’s eyes twinkled with mischief. "I’ve known you since you were a pup, Alpha. So things never change." She blew a kiss from the doorway, while Arthur smiled proudly beside her.
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