Chapter 15: Family Politics and Manipulations
Chapter 15: Family Politics and Manipulations
(Scarlett’s POV)
Morning light spilled into my kitchen through the half–open curtains. I let the warmth soak into me as I sipped black coffee and stared at my phone. My shoulders relaxed for the first time in what felt like days. But, of course, peace never lasted.
Buzz
I glanced at the screen Hazel’s name popped up in my notifications. Her text was short and to
the point, as always.
eading to Europe for an international werewolf medical conference, Have to catch the flight soon. Will update you if I find anything useful.”
I nodded to myself, setting the phone back down. Hazel was a constant reminder that some wolves still maintained quiet integrity. The world could use more like her. Before I could formulate a reply, that familiar tug of Emma’s presence brushed against my mind like a persistent knock,
Scarlett, you won’t believe what I just heard, Emma’s voice sounded excited–almost too excited for this early in the day.
I sighed, already knowing where this was heading. I let the connection deepen, pulling her into focus. Let me guess, more Grace drama?
There was a beat of silence before Emma’s surprise lit up the link. How did you know?
It doesn’t take a genius, Emma. Grace’s name comes with constant chaos. What is it this time? I asked dryly, leaning back against the kitchen
counter
Hazel told me last night, I continued before Emma could rattle off half–baked gossip. Her condition’s getting worse. Really worse.
Emma’s curiosity surged in the link, sharper and more alert now. How bad?
I clicked my tongue as I recalled Hazel’s summary. The silver poisoning… It’s spreading. Not just through her body, but deeper. It’s attacking her wolf.
There’s.. there’s a chance she could get stuck in human form.
The silence on Emma’s end stretched longer this time. Then came her mental gasp. That’s–Moon Goddess, Scarlett, that’s awful. Even for her.
Is it? I shot back, letting my wolf Cora swell behind the thought. Both Emma and I knew the answer. I didn’t need to elaborate. Karmic justice has a
strange way of balancing things out, don’t you think?
Emma hesitated, her tone conflicted. You’re not wrong, but… stuck in human form? That’s a curse worse than death for some wolves.
I couldn’t muster any sympathy. The harsh memory of rogue claws slashing across my side and the rights I’d spent trapped in bed flooded back like
bitter venom.
She orchestrated that attack, I reminded Emma coldly. Three years ago. She almost killed me. She let rogues put me through hell and then paraded
around like a saint while I was recovering.
Emma’s silence shifted. Now it carried understanding. Agreement. But then her tone grew serious again. This changes everything, Scarlett. You know what this means, don’t you?
Let me guess, I said dryly. The Northern Council will pressure Alexander and me to speed things up.
Emma sighed deeply into the e link. Exactly Grace is losing credibility by the second. She can’t be his Luna if she can’t even shift. All eyes will turn to
you to stabilize things..
Stabilize things? I repeated mockingly. I’m nothing but a political pawn in their eyes. They think controlling me will fix this mess. They’re in for
Surprise.
Still, Emma prodded, her maternal instinct shining through as always. Be careful, Scarlett. The Council plays dirty when they need to. Just watch your
back.
I always do, I said simply, and with that, I severed the link, returning to my morning coffee.
But my peace was short–lived. Another presence, stronger and more refined, fluttered against my mind. The energy
by was polite yet persistent, like a hand knocking on an already open door.
Victoria Amber.
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Family Politics and Manip.
sond mysed for what was sure to be
My dear Scarlett, Victoria began, her tone smooth
ilk, coring warmth that
xhausting mental encounter Gritting my teeth, reluctantly let her voice through
anything but genuine I hope I’m not interrupting your morning
Not at all Luna Victoria, said fatly, steering clear of any warmth in my tone. Her words camed the elegance of a Luna who had mastered
decades. I wasn’t about to play her game
Wonderful, she purred I was hoping you’d join me for lunch at the Amber mansion today I thought it would be lovely to catch up: I could prepare some of your favorite dishes. Remember those wolf delicacies you enjoyed when you first joined us?
nice touch–the careful play on nostalgia Victoria knew how to press just the right buttons. Too bad they didn’t work on me anymore.
Thank you for the invitation, I replied carefully But I have obligations at the healing center today
There Polite, formal unyielding. The subtle pause before her next words told me she wasn’t pleased.
Ch. Scarlett surely you can take a small break to join me? Her voice shifted slightly carrying a note of concern now. Especially with Grace’s
condition being so critical. The poor thing barely made it through the nigh!
Right on cue. Emotional manipulation twisted into a perfect weapon
I think about it, I said, though Cora growled her disapproval in the back of my mind.
Please do, dear, Victoris pressed After all, it’s been some time since we shared a proper conversation. Noon would be perfect.
I felt Emma lingering at the edge of my mindlink, eavesdropping silently. Face this head–on, she encouraged firmly Better to stop her games before
they start.
Cora sighed in exasperation. Fine. If they want to play, so will we
Пbe there at noon, I finally agreed, though I could feel my wolf sharpening her claws in annoyance.
Wonderful! Victoria’s satisfaction spilled through the link. I’m looking forward to it, my dear.
The moment her presence withdrew, my phone buzzed again. This time it was Alexander. I frowned, remembering rd unblocked his number to avoid the constant barrage of calls through our psychic link.
His name flashed on the screen like an unwanted reminder of everything I wanted to avoid. Reluctantly, I answered.
“What now?” I asked sharply
His voice came through heavy with exhaustion, “You said you’d join my mother for lunch.”
“And?” I shot back, already annoyed by his weariness. No doubt he’d spent the night glued to Grace’s bedside, wringing his hands while playing her
protector
11 pick you up at eleven–thirty he said firmly.
“No,” I replied immediately, my tone leaving no room for argument. I don’t
“I don’t need a chauffeur. I’m perfectly capable of driving myself”
“Scarlett,” his voice hardened, the edge of his Alpha authority creeping in. “You will let me”
” will do no such thing.” I interrupted coldly said I be there. That should be enough”
“Why do you always have to make things so difficult?” he snarled, his frustration leaking through the speaker.
“Why do you always have to control everything?” I countered without missing a beat.
The line went quiet for a moment. I could almost see him pacing wherever he was, running his hand through his hair as he tried to suppress Mason,
his wolf
“This isn’t a request,” he said finally, his tone low and warning
“And yet, I paused for effect, my voice dripping with mock politeness, it sounds like you’re begging”
The silence that followed was deafening. Then he exhaled sharply, an audible sign of retreat. “Fine. Noon”
“Glad we understand each other,” I said with a smirk, and I promptly hung up before he could argue further,
I set the phone down, my hand lingering on it for a moment. The day had barely begun, and the games were already in full swing.
Cora’s voice hummed in my mind, filled with disdain. They’re clinging to scraps of control. Let them watch as it all crumbles.
Chubler 15. Family Politics and Manp
A part of me agreed. Another part wanted to burn it all down before they could try to salvage anything
