Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Alpha Marcus Grimwood

Victoria

"Shadow Pack’s business is their own," I replied neutrally. "As is Howlthorne’s."

"Strange, then," Marcus continued, his remaining eye fixed on me with unnerving intensity, "that Alpha Moretti has been seen on Howlthorne territory with increasing frequency."

"The Northern packs have historically maintained cordial relations with various business entities," I deflected smoothly. "Even those with... colorful reputations."

Marcus leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "Is that what you’d call it? Cordial relations? I’ve heard it described in much more... intimate terms."

The insinuation hung in the air, and I felt Garrett stiffen behind me. I knew exactly what Marcus was doing—attempting to paint me as Leo’s puppet, a mere plaything being used to gain control of Howlthorne territory.

Before I could respond, Helena cut in sharply.

"I wasn’t aware we’d come here to discuss Victoria Howlthorne’s personal life, Marcus. Perhaps you’d like to share details of your own bedroom activities for equal scrutiny?"

Several Alphas chuckled, and Marcus leaned back, his expression unreadable but the dangerous glint in his eye unmistakable.

"My concern," he said, addressing the table rather than me directly, "is for the stability of the Northern Territory. A pack as significant as Howlthorne falling under outside influence disrupts the balance we’ve maintained for generations."

"An interesting concern," I replied, my voice cool, "coming from someone who’s been attempting to purchase Howlthorne debt notes from various creditors at premium prices."

The chamber fell silent as all eyes turned to Marcus, whose expression flickered momentarily before settling back into calculated neutrality.

"Business is business," he said dismissively. "Consolidating debt is simply good financial practice."

I smiled thinly. "As is tracking who’s trying to leverage financial pressure against your pack. My father taught me that particular lesson quite thoroughly."

Elder Maxwell cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should return to the formal agenda. There are border matters requiring our attention."

The meeting proceeded, moving through territory disputes, hunting rights, and human-werewolf interface policies. I participated actively, demonstrating knowledge of precedent and offering balanced perspectives that drew occasional nods of approval from Helena and even grudging acknowledgment from Bernard.

By the time Elder Maxwell called for a midday recess, I felt cautiously optimistic about my performance. As the Alphas filed out for refreshments, Helena lingered behind, approaching my chair.

"Walk with me," she said, not waiting for my response before heading toward the adjoining terrace.

Outside, with the crisp northern air filling our lungs, she turned to face me directly.

"You’re not what they expected," she said bluntly, her gray eyes assessing me.

"I’m rarely what anyone expects, Alpha Stone."

"Helena," she corrected. "Your father and I were allies for thirty years. He would be proud of how you handled yourself today."

I swallowed the unexpected emotion her words triggered. "Thank you... Helena."

"Don’t thank me yet," she warned, glancing around to ensure we weren’t overheard. "You’ve made an impression, but you’ve also made yourself a target. Marcus Grimwood has been systematically expanding his influence for years. Your resistance today only makes you more interesting to him."

"I’m aware of his interest," I replied carefully. "And its likely origins."

Helena’s eyes narrowed. "What do you know?"

"Enough to be dangerous," I admitted. "We have reason to believe Marcus was involved in my father’s death and possibly my brother’s disappearance."

She inhaled sharply. "Those are serious accusations, Victoria."

"Which is why I haven’t made them publicly. Yet."

"Howlthorne is committed to Northern Territory stability," I replied. "We’re prepared to contribute thirty percent of the implementation costs, despite representing only twenty percent of the affected territory."

Bernard whistled softly. "These are impressive systems. Where exactly is Howlthorne finding the capital for such investment?"

"Through the same sound financial management that built our pack’s wealth in the first place," I stated confidently. "The Howlthorne legacy fund remains robust despite my brother’s... irregular activities."

The council spent the next hour dissecting my proposal, asking pointed questions about implementation timelines, maintenance costs, and jurisdictional protocols. I answered each thoroughly, demonstrating the depth of preparation Leo and I had undertaken.

"This would effectively eliminate the need for any territorial reallocation," Elder Maxwell observed, looking pointedly at Kane.

"It would also create unprecedented interdependence among the Northern packs," Marcus noted, his tone making it unclear whether he considered this positive or negative.

"Interdependence is not weakness," I countered. "It’s evolution. The packs that thrive in the future will be those that recognize the strength in strategic alliance."

As the session concluded, I could feel the shift in the room—what had begun as skepticism about my leadership had evolved into cautious respect, at least from some quarters. Elder Maxwell called for a formal vote on my proposal, which passed with Helena’s strong support and Bernard’s surprising endorsement. Only Kane and Marcus opposed.

"The council recognizes Victoria Howlthorne as acting Alpha of Howlthorne Pack until such time as Alpha Enzo returns or is formally declared deceased," Elder Maxwell announced in closing, making official what had been contested at the day’s beginning. "The joint security initiative will commence within thirty days."

As the chamber emptied, Elder Maxwell approached me privately. "A moment of your time, Victoria?"

I nodded, signaling Garrett to give us privacy.

"You performed admirably today," the elder said, his voice low. "Your father would be proud—though perhaps concerned by your boldness."

"Thank you, Elder," I replied. "That means a great deal coming from you."

His expression grew grave. "I feel obligated to warn you—what happened in this chamber today is only the beginning. Marcus Grimwood has not give up."