Chapter 23: Severance Fee
Chapter 23: Severance Fee
(Scarlett’s POV)
My phone buzzed just as I inspected an ornate crystal vial of moonstone elixir. The surface shimmered faintly under the light, giving off an almost supernatural glow. Its price tag alone would’ve made most wolves hesitate. But not me. Not today.
I glanced at the phone screen. The name flashing made my pulse quicken slightly. Hunter Stone
I accepted the call without hesitation.
“Scarlett,” came his smooth, level voice on the other end. Calm, confident, and completely in control, as always, I’m pleased to inform you everything is finalized. You’re now the exclusive distributor for all medicinal supplies in the Northern territory under Shadow authority Congratulations.”
The corner of my mouth lifted slightly, even as I tried to keep my voice neutral. “You work fast
1 believe in efficiency, he replied. There was a pause, and then a faint chuckle. “The signed documents are already in your inbox. You find every seal in place, every clause crystal clear. Our merchants have also been instructed to prioritize your orders over anyone else’s, Effective immediately”
It was hard to keep the satisfaction from seeping into my tone. “Well, you certainly know how to make a statement.”
“As do you. His voice was layered, the faintest hint of amusement reaching my ears. “You’ve been busy, Scarlett. The market buzzes when someone purchases at your scale. Quite impressive.”
“Business is booming.” I replied, letting the edge of a smile creep into my
y words.
I’m sure it is.” He paused, his tone lowering slightly. “Enjoy the rest of your spree. And remember–every advantage matters.”
With that, the line clicked off. Typical Hunter–he always made his point and exited with precision.
Sliding my phone back into the hidden pocket of my jacket, I gestured to the merchant in front of me. “Bring out the rest of your collection. I want everything, especially anything related to neural recovery”
The wolf’s mouth hung open for just a moment before he scurried to comply. Moments later, silver antidotes, sacred moonstone elairs, and an assortment of ancient healing crystals were laid out before me. Their faint, radiant glows reflected in his eager eyes.
I wasn’t here to pick and choose. I was here to dominate.
11 take the lot,” I said lightly, waving at the glittering display as though deciding on sweets at a bakery.
The merchant gaped at me, his tail almost wagging at the sheer fortune he was about to make. Tentatively, he reached for the p***** terminal to
finalize the transaction,
And then it happened.
“That.. card was declined, the merchant stammered, blinking in shock as the alert flashed on his screen. “The Amber Pack’s resource fund is…
frozen?” His voice wavered, unsure of how I’d react to delivering such news.
My jaw didn’t tighten. My expression didn’t harden. Instead, I laughed. Quiet, cold, and sharp. Oh, Alexander, how predictable you’ve become.
pocket, pulling out a card far more significant–a sleek obsidian card emblazoned with the unmistakable crest of the Shadow
d into my p
I slid my hand
Organization,
“Use this instead,” I said smoothly, holding the card out casually.
The merchant’s eyes widened, and for good reason. He wasn’t just looking at a p***** method. He was looking at power.
“Yes, of course!” he cried, scrambling to finish the sale with renewed enthusiasm
The total flashed on his screen–an astronomical number large enough to make some Alphas tremble. But I didn’t blink. The card cleared the
transaction in an instant.
“Package all of this immediately, I instructed, giving the merchant a moment to bask in his newfound wealth.
He nodded so vigorously I thought his head might pop off. “Right away, Alpha Scarlett!”
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deal I knew Alexander’s pack was being notified. Every single dollar I spent, every tate resource pow in faster than wildfire.
my
I stepped to the side as the merchant’s assistants began carefully boxing up potions, antidotes, and elixirs. My phone buzzed again. This time, it
wasn’t Hunter or
unblocked the mindink to let Alexander’s presence banel in the a stor
stom. His anger was palpable–bot, hutous, and laced with disbelief
growled through our connection. Do you even understand what you’ve done?”
A smirk curled my lips. “Careful Alpha” | teased, deliberately keeping my tone light “You’re making it sound like robbed your whit
You emptied every supply chain in the Northern territory!” he roared, Mason’s fury lacing through his words,
I pretended to consider that “Oh, did 17 How careless of me. Although..” paused for effect, “it’s not like I planned to buy all this on your dime. You conveniently cut off that option”
“Don’t give me that!” be spat pressing harder. Do you realize the position you’ve put me in? Do you even care about the consequences?”
Consequences?” repeated, feigning confusion. “Oh, you mean like the severance fee you owe me for playing the perfect little Luna for three years? Consider this pIN FULL” My voice dropped into the ice I knew he despised
A deep growl rumbled from his end. “This isn’t amusing, Scarlett. That money was meant
ant to ensure your cooperation with the marking ceremony!”
I laughed sharply letting the sound echo through the bond. “Marking ceremony? You must be joking. No, Alexander. This isn’t a pre–wedding fund”
Just consider this compensation.”
“You’re stockpiling” he accused, his voice rising. “You’re planning-”
interrupted him coldly. Tm stocking up to ensure that when Grace’s precious health fails further, someone will ACTUALLY be equipped to deal with
The silence that followed my words was deafening. For just a moment, I wondered if he’d snapped the link entirely, but then I heard it. A low, guttural growl from Mason–no longer words, only primal frustration bleeding through
Without waiting for him to burst into another string of hollow threats, I severed the bond myself
|
Turning on my heel. I left the shop and headed directly back toward the healing center, where my staff had already begun preparing for the incoming
shipments
The hum of activity hit me like music the moment I stepped inside. My employees buzzed around–organizing space, unloading crates, and marveling
at the rare goods being delivered.
I watched as Claire, my human secretary, froze mid–step, her wide blue eyes moving across the stacks of boxes. She turned toward me slowly, her expression a mix of awe and confusion.
“Alpha Scarlett.” she said hesitantly. “Are all of these for us?”
“Of course,” I replied smoothly, striding across the space like it was a perfectly normal day.
“And the cost?” she pressed, h
her voice trembling s
slightly
I waved a dismissive hand. 7t’s paid for. No need to worry”
She nodded hesitantly, clearly overwhelmed but too loyal to press further
As my team laid out the stock in neat rows, I made a show of handing out small, basic healing potions to my employees as casual bonuses. They
gasped at the generosity and I could already hear the whispers forming amongst them..
I didn’t mind. Let the whispers travel back to Alexander. Let them talk about how i handed out wealth as casually as someone might toss
breadcrumbs
Eventually, the commotion settled, leaving me alone in the private sanctuary of my office
I slouched slightly into my chair, the adrenaline still buzzing faintly beneath my skin. The purchases, the confrontation with Alexander, the distribution
agreements—it had all gone exactly as planned.
I drummed my fingers against the wooden desk, half–tempted to call Emma and share the delicious details of Alexander’s meltdown. But before i
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Chapter 23 Severance Fee
could, the familiar vibration of my phone drew my attention.
Hunter.
Sliding my finger across the screen, I brought the phone to my ear.
But when the voice on the other end spoke, my heart didn’t just race–it stopped.
