Chapter 49: Forced Submission
Chapter 49: Forced Submission
(Scarlett’s POV)
Claire burst through the door of my office, her steps hurried, her shoulders tense as if she carried the weight of a mountain. Her face was pinched with worry, and the clipboard in her hands shook slightly. I looked up from the order forms I had been reviewing and leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest.
“What is it, Claire? My voice was calm, steady but I could see the urgency in her wide blue eyes
She took a deep breath, clutching the clipboard as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded, “Scarlett, the Winter Pack
khas officially declared all
their resources off–limits to you,” she said, each word tumbling out in a rush. “Sacred healing grounds. Rare herbs. Everything. They’ve sanctioned you
completely.”
At first, I said nothing. I let the words settle in the air, weighing their significance. Slowly, a smirk crept across my lips.
is that so?” I finally said, a hint of amusement curling in my voice.
Claire blinked, clearly thrown off by my reaction. “Scarlett, this could make things difficult,” she said tentatively.
I shook my head, pushing back my chair and standing. Difficult? No, Claire. They’ve just proven how powerless they are.”
I stepped toward the large window that overlooked the healing center’s main floor. Outside, I could see the bustling activity of my staff unpacking shipment after shipment of the latest premium herbs and healing supplies. The crates stacked high glinted with labels of moonstone elbirs and
wolf–recovery serums so rare that entire packs would barter sacred grounds for even a vial
Through the large glass window, I also noticed two winter wolf guards watching from a distance, their gazes sharp as they took in every detail of my
operation
I gestured for Claire to come closer, pointing toward the scene outside. “Do you see that?” I asked her, my voice calm but firm.
She nodded hesitantly, following my gaze. “Yes, but-”
“They can block their resources. Ban me from their precious grounds. It doesn’t matter” I stepped closer to the glass, staring at the guards, who shifted uncomfortably under my gaze even from the distance. “Because I don’t need them. They don’t realize that I’m beyond their control now. Let them watch. Let them see what true independence looks like!
Claire’s expression shifted slowly, her worry melting into awe as she took in my confidence. I turned back to her and folded my arms.
“Has the latest shipment arrived intact?”
She nodded quickly. “Yes, everything is accounted for. The moonstone crystals, the rare healing salves… all of it”
“Good,” I said with a smile. “Then get back to organizing inventory. And make sure our most valuable herbs are displayed openly. Let them see exactly
what they can’t touch”
Claire hesitated for a moment, then bowed her head slightly before hurrying out to relay my
orders.
Outside the window, I watched as the winter wolves exchanged tense glances, their scrutiny of my operation growing sharper. I could feel the anger stirring in them. They were realizing that their sanctions meant nothing. And I loved it.
The air in the healing center shifted abruptly, the faint shimmer of our protective wards rippling like water s
struck by a pebble. I straightened from where I stood by the window, instantly aware of the arrival of a powerful presence.
Moments later, Nathan Blake stormed into the main hall, his tall figure cutting an imposing silhouette. His wolf energy radiated control, yet beneath it,
I sensed his agitation, his frustration barely contained.
“Scarlett,” he greeted curtly, his golden eyes locking onto mine
Behind him, half–dragged and half-pushed by his overwhelming Alpha dominance, was Sophie, trembling but trying to hold her head high. Her lips were tight, her expression a poorly crafted mask of defiance.
I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms over my chest. “Nathan Blake,” I said slowly, tilting my head slightly. To what do I owe this… unexpected visit?”
1/2
Chapter 49 Forced Submission
He exhaled sharply stepping aside to bring Sophie fully into view. “We’re here to settle this nonsense from the Territory Council meeting. Sophie has something to say to you”
allowed a small smile to tug at my lips and leaned back against the edge of my desk. Is that so?
Sophes eyes darted around the room, clearly uncomfortable. She had barely stepped over the threshold when her gaze landed on the towering stacks of healing crystals and rare herbs surrounding us. Her jaw dropped slightly
i murmured, her voice almost inaudible. She seemed to take a step back before catching herself
I waved a hand lazily “Go on, Sophie. I’m sure Nathan didn’t drag you all the way here for a sightseeing tour”
Her cheeks flushed with humiliation 1 didnt mean-”
Sophie Nathan’s voice boomed through the hall cutting her off. His Alpha power flooded the room, making the temperature drop slightly as everyone, including my staff, froze in their tracks.
Emma, standing near the supply shelves, crossed her arms with a satisfied smirk as she watched the scene unfold.
Nathan’s hard gaze bore into Sophie “You’ve already embarrassed the Blake Pack once with your insolence. Fix this, Now”
For a moment, it seemed like Sophie might outright refuse. But the weight of Nathan’s dominance bare down on her, forcing her shoulders to slump slightly.
Tm sorry” she finally said through gritted teeth.
Itted my head, a mock expression of confusion crossing my face. Tm sorry, what was that? I didn’t quite catch it.”
Sophie’s face flo
deeper shade of red. Tm sorry‘ she repeated, louder this time, though the bitterness in her tone was palpable
I tapped my fingers against the edge of the desk. “Hmm. That doesn’t sound very sincere.”
Nathan let out a low growl, his patience visibly snapping. His power surged, making Sophie’s legs tremble beneath her. “Dominate her, mindink het,
don’t care how you do n, he said to me harshly, just give your answer”
Sophie jerked upright as if struck. “Fine” she spat, her voice trembling. Im sorry for mocking you at the council gathering! And–She hesitated, her
pride visibly warning with Nathan’s command.
disrespecting your position she added reluctantly.
clapped my hands together slowly, a mirthless smile on my lips. “There. That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Before Nathan could pull her sway, her bravado flared back to life. “You think this makes you better than everyone? Just wait. Alexander is doing
everything possible to save Grace. You won’t win.”
leaned forward slightly narrowing my eyes at her. “Win?” My voice was soft, icy. “Oh, Sophie, this isn’t about winning. It’s about surviving. And
whether you like it or not, Alexander’s desperation to take what belongs to me only strengthens my position.”
Sophies defiance crumbled under the weight of my words. Her gaze flickered to the healing crystals stacked nearby, a visible reminder of the power
I saw the understanding dawn in her eyes–the realization that Grace’s survival hinged on me. On my forgiveness.
Nathan yanked her back abruptly, steering her toward the door. He said nothing more, but I felt his lingering energy, his silent acknowledgment that l had proven my position once again
Sophie tried one last attempt at defiance before leaving, throwing a final threat over her shoulder. “Don’t think you’re untouchable, Scarlett. Daniel will
ensure that your access to sacred grounds is permanently severed”
Nathan acted before il could, his power cutting through the air like a sharp blade. “Enough!” he snapped, his tone drenched in authority. “You’re lucky I’ve tolerated you this long”
I watched as the final remnants of Sophie’s bravado extinguished entirely Whenever Sophie glanced my way next, I could see the fear and resignation
in here
reyes.
As they left, I exhaled slowly, turning back to the window. The winter wolves were gone, their presence replaced by an unmistakable silence. The pack’s favorites–Grace and Alexander–were crumbling
They were mine now. At my mercy. And somehow, the thought didn’t feel satisfying enough yet.
