Chapter 9: Disregard the Order
Chapter 9 Dregard the Orden
(Grace’s POV)
The council hall of the Winters Pack had always caried a sense of power, but today there was an extra tension, thick like the heat of a storm I sat quietly ivmny usual place, deliberately leaning back in my seat, fetyring a fragile air. Beneath my calm exterior, I was anything but fragile. Behind my lowered lashes, Lassessed the room with care.
Sarah, seated beside Marcus at the head of the table, was speaking in her usual commanding tone. Her words fell like hammers, breaking the silence harshly “She hung up on me Just like that. As if I were nothing Barah slapped her hand against the oak table for emphasis, her pale face growing flushed with anget
“She didn’t even hesitate, Sarah continued, rubbing her temple as if it pained her to admit. “Scarlett’s belimior has grown out of control. She openly disregards the order of this pack
I couldn’t suppress the faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips, but I turned it into u soft cough, delicate and weak. All eyes shifted toward me–or rather, toward the frail appearance I worked so carefully to maintains,
“Grace, are you alright?” Sarah asked quickly, her anger evaporating as an instant as she turned toward me. Her hand was warm and firm as the
parted my back in comfort,
“Yes, Luna Sarah” I murmured softly offering her a faint, grateful smile, “You’re too kind to worry. Please, don’t let me distract from what’s important.”
Sarah’s concern deepened. She kept her hand on my back no though I might collapse at any moment, her attention tom between me and the issues
at hand. “We must do something about Scarlett, she said, her tone sharp agahın.
Daniel seated near the center of the table, seized the moment. His expression lit with malicious excitement as he leaned forward, his elbows resting
on the polished surface of the table. “We need to act immediately, he said, his voice enger. “No more leniency. Revoke her access–hunting grounds, sacred lands…everything Cut her off”
His suggestion hung in the air like bait, all eyes shifting toward Marcus for approval. I kept my gaan down, appearing quietly distressed, but latened
Another cough escaped my lips, this one louder than before. Sarah Immediately turned back to me, her concern intensifying. “Grace, are you sure
you’re alright?”
Still weakly coughing, I nodded. “Just a slight spell,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “I hate to interrupt.”
I i
“It’s this stress.” Sarah said firmly. “It’s affecting your condition. You shouldn’t have to endure this.” She turned an almost accusatory glance toward
Marcus remained silent, his hands resting heavily on the table. His jaw worked, his muted tension speaking volumes. But when Sarah continued, suggesting even more measures to kill Scarlett’s place in the pack–inchaling severing financial support–Marcus finally nodded his agreement.
“It needs to come to an end, Marcus said simply, his tone fem but devoid of emotion.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my real reaction at bay Inside, I was thrilled Joy rippled through me, and for a brief moment, I could feel the mate bond connecting me and Alexander pushing stronger. His frustrations with Scarlett echoed lastly in the back of my mind. The connection only bolstered my confidence
The wolfpack had no room for two Lunas, and soon, Scarlett’s place in it would be nothing but a memory.
(Scarlett’s POV)
The afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows of my healing center, lluninating the rows of meticulously labeled herbal jars lining the walls. The faint scent of lavender and fresh–cut eucalyptus filled the room as I sealed the last of the jars in front of me
Claire, my secretary, leaned into the room with her usual quiet presence “Miss Winters” she said, holding a clipboard close to her chest. “The new shipment of wolf’s bane just arrived.”
“Perfect. Make sure it’s placed in the secure vault and cataloged before the evening shift begins.” I didn’t look up asi jotted notes onto the clipboard,
taking one last scan through the inventory list before handing it back to her
Chapter 9 Disregard the Order
Claire hesitated briefly before nodding and quickly leaving the room. It wasn’t until I was alone that I allowed myself to pause, laying down my p
and exhaling slowly.
Sarah’s phone call still lingered in my mind, though not for emotional reasons–more tactical ones. Her threatening tone and domineering bravado hadn’t fazed me in the slightest, but it did confirm just how far she was willing to go.
Even as I stood in the middle of my healing center the one place that brought me calm, my mind couldn’t ignore the growing attempts of the Winters
Pack to suffocate me
After signing off on the final contracts for the new shipment, I texted Emma: Silvermoon Tavern, 8 PM. Drinks on me.
Driving to the neutral territory where the Silvermoon Tavern sat wasn’t far, but it was far enough that the Winters territory faded in my rearview mirror. As I navigated the quiet streets, a flash of movement caught my attention from the side mirror.
I glanced again and confirmed what I’d already suspected–the dark sedan had been following me for several blocks now
A small chuckle escaped my lips as I refocused on the road. “Grace’s lackeys. Amateur,” I muttered under my breath.
Driving beyond the well-trafficked main road, I veered down a sharp, unfamiliar turn. The sedan followed. They weren’t subtle–or particularly skilled.
Picking up speed, I led them through a series of narrow alleys and side streets where familiarity was scarce for outsiders. Cora, my wolf, watched
with amusement. They’re pathetic,” she said inside my mind, her voice tinged with smugness.
After two turns and one strategically placed U–turn, they were gone. Just like that
The worn leather seating of the Silvermoon Tavern was a welcome sight after the chaos of the day.
Emma was already waiting at our corner booth with two glasses of bright amber Equid placed neatly between us. Her dark green sweater matched her vibrant eyes, which immediately flicked over my face as I slid into the seat across from her
“Rough day?” she asked, her tone half joking but her eyes sharp
“Let’s just say Grace’s spies aren’t exactly subtle,” I replied, smirking as I raised the glass to my lips. “Didn’t even take me five minutes to lose them.”
“She’s getting desperate Emma leaned in closer, lowering her voice slightly. “But that’s not why I’ve been dying to talk to you. I heard something…
I took a sip, raising an eyebrow. “Go on
“Hunter Stone she began, her tone weighty. The Beta of the Briar Pack. Word is, he’s been sniffing around healing centers near neutral territories-
more importantly, yours.”
I placed my glass down carefully before leaning back in my seat, adjusting my position. “It’s no rumor. He’s reached out about a potential business.
arrangement.”
Emma’s jaw dropped. “Business arrangement? Scarlett, that’s not nothing. What does he want with your healing center?
“Herbs,” I said simply, though my tone betrayed just a hint of avoidance
Emma wasn’t convinced, her sharp eyes narrowing at my vague response. “And nothing else? No ulterior motives?” she pressed.
“The Briar Pack is resourceful,” I replied smoothly. “They’re smart to go where they’ll get the best supplies.”
Emma’s sharp gaze analyzed every
ery flick of my expression, and I knew she wasn’t buying the veiled explanation.
“There’s something you’re not telling me,” she murmured, crossing her arms. “What is it?”
Instead of answering directly, I pulled out a small leather–bound ledger from my bag and slid it across the table toward her. “Take a look.”
Emma opened it, her eyes growing wider with every page she flipped. “These are sales reports?” she asked.
“Detailed over the last fiscal year, I confirmed, savoring the look of stunned awe on her face. “The healing center doesn’t just cater to the Winters
Pack. It never has”
Emma’s mouth dropped open further. These numbers… Scarlett. this is
Chapter 9 Disregard the Ouder
Pack It never has.”
Emma’s mouth dropped open further. These numbers Scarlett… this is…”
“It’s more than the Winters Pack’s entire annual revenue, I interrupted, smirking. “I don’t rely on them–or Alexander. Haven’t for a long ti
time.
Emma sat back in her seat, her expression a mix of pride and shock. It took her a moment to find her voice again. “The Shadow Clan,” she said softly. realization dawning. “That’s why you’ve been so untouchable. You’re tied to something much larger than the pack”
“They’re one of many,” I said, easing into a more casual tone. “Wolf’s bane is in high demand, and I make sure we’re the best at what we do.“”
Emma exhaled, still reeling. “No wonder you don’t care about Sarah cutting off your access. You don’t need it.”
She shook her head in admitation before her tone shifted, curious again. “But why bring Hunter Stone into the mix? What does he want? And why now?”
The question hung in the air, but my response didn’t come,
Instead, I took another sip from my drink and simply said, “It’s complicated”
Emma wasn’t satisfied with my answer, and I could see the follow–up questions forming on her lips. Rather than let her press further, I decided to change the subject.
“Haven’t seen Hazel in a while,” I said casually. “Have you?”
Hazel is our common friend, a brilliant healer.
Emma blinked at the abrupt shift but finally went along with it. “Hazel? Oh, goddess, no. It’s been weeks. She mentioned something about a research breakthrough, but I haven’t had time to check in
I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “She’s brilliant. A shame we don’t see her more often.”
with enchanted
“Seriously,” Emma agreed. Her tense shoulders visibly relaxed as she leaned back in her seat. “Have you heard how her experiments v hemlock are going?”
“No idea,” I admitted with genuine curiosity. “We should visit her soon. I’m dying to know what she’s cooking up.”
Emma laughed softly, the sound finally light after our heavier discussion. “You, me, Hazel–proper girls‘ night. Just herbs and endless experiments.”
