The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 405

Chapter 405

Third Person’s POV

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Outside the infirmary, Duke stood stiffly, as though he’d just chewed a mouthful of bitter herbs. The lines of his face were practically twisted in knots.

Just moments ago, he’d received a call from Alaric of the Ebonclaw Pack.

How the man had even gotten his number was beyond him, but the obsequious tone that rang through the receiver still echoed in his ears. It left a sour taste in his mouth.

The last time the Ebonclaw Pack tried to forge an alliance at a gathering-pushing their daughter into a mating arrangement with Lucien Duskgrave-it had already made Duke want to retch. Now, they had the gall to send women to “accompany” his Alpha to dinner?

Desperation wasn’t even a strong enough word. It was insanity.

Duke muttered under his breath, “They tortured their own daughter until she was half-dead, and now they want to curry favor? What a charming bunch.”

He glanced through the hospital window.

Inside, Riley sat quietly at a small table, spoon in hand, sipping soup like a ghost had finally allowed her peace. Across the room, Lucien lounged by the window sunlight casting a halo around his tall, sharp frame as he read.

The scene was… surprisingly serene.

Though Riley had fallen from grace, it was clear she was different from the rest of the Ebonclaw Pack. A single flower blooming from rotting soil. A rare one.

Duke felt a pang of sympathy. It wasn’t often the Stormridge Alpha Prince took a genuine interest in anyone-especially not someone with Riley’s history. That alone said enough.

—

Meanwhile, across town in first Mooncrest Healers Hall, Alaric Vale was fuming.

He hurled his communicator onto the bed, the device bouncing once before landing with a muted thud.

His face was so dark it could smother a fire.

“Father?” came a sweet, calculated voice.

Scarlett Vale, draped in cream silk, approached the bedside with practiced delicacy.

“Did Prince Lucien reject the offer again?” she asked with a tilt of her head.

Alaric clenched his fists.

“That arrogant bastard refuses everything. First, he declined the mating proposal with that useless girl Riley. Then, even after I invited him to a private feast-with handpicked companions, no less-he still turned me

down.”

His chest rose and fell in furious waves.

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10:11 Mon, Jan 5 G.

Chapter 405

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Scarlett frowned. “But I heard he has a reputation for indulgence… for enjoying she-wolves. Why would he refuse you twice?”

Alaric’s lip curled. “Maybe the rumors are wrong.”

Scarlett’s expression shifted subtly. Her gaze sharpened.

“Father… what if the gossip is false? What if Lucien Duskgrave doesn’t care for she-wolves at all?”

Alaric paused, considering. “It doesn’t matter. Whether he does or doesn’t-Duskgrave is the gatekeeper to the Eastern Ridge project. If we can’t secure his support the Ebonclaw Pack has no standing left in the Alpha Council.”

Scarlett’s eyes glinted.

“Then we change tactics,” she said smoothly. “I heard Matriarch Duskgrave is holding her birthday celebration in Northhaven next month. If we prepare an offering that touches her heart… we may yet forge a connection.”

Alaric’s brow lifted. “That’s… not a bad idea.”

“If we win over the Matriarch,” Scarlett continued, “Lucien will have no choice but to acknowledge the alliance. We just need to send a gift worthy of her attention.”

Alaric grimaced. “She’s the Matron of the oldest bloodline in the North. What could we possibly give that hasn’t already crossed her table?”

Scarlett gave a secretive smile. “If we understand her personal taste-what makes her heart move-we’ll find the answer. I want to go to Northhaven myself.”

“You want to scout her preferences?” Alaric asked, instanly reading her intention.

Scarlett nodded. “This project isn’t just about the Pack-is about our future. Once the elders see we’ve brought in Eastern Ridge, they’ll pressure your mate to elinquish her remaining shares. When that happens… the Ebonclaw Pack will be ours. Entirely.”

Alaric didn’t hesitate.

“Go,” he said. “You should lie low anyway. I’m sure Rona suspects you already.”

Scarlett’s expression darkened.

Yes. Ronan had interfered when his sister tried to accuse her. At first, she thought he was protecting her. Now, she saw it for what it was-he was trying to protect Riley.

He’d always liked that little runt, hadn’t he?

Even after everything.

Scarlett’s mouth twisted. “Ronan is only shielding her because he’s ashamed. Once Riley is proven innocent, he’ll look like a fool. And he knows it.”

But Scarlett had another reason for going to Northhave.

She wanted to see Lucien Duskgrave for herself.

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10:11 Mon, Jan 5

Chapter 405

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It had started that night at the auction.

She hadn’t meant to look. Hadn’t planned to. But the moment her gaze landed on Lucien Duskgrave across the room, every thought in her mind screeched to a hal

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