Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Misdirection

Sylvia's POV

The next morning, I woke to an exquisite ache radiating through my entire body. Every muscle felt deliciously sore, a physical reminder of the night's passionate encounter.

Memories rushed back as I opened my eyes, causing me to momentarily stiffen beneath the sheets. Had I really slept with Caesar Conrad-the Supreme Alpha of all American wolf packs?

The thought sent a flutter of conflicting emotions through my chest. Even wolves knew better than to hunt too close to their own dens.

As my thoughts raced, the sound of running water in the bathroom abruptly stopped. Moments later, Caesar emerged, a hotel towel wrapped low around his hips. Water droplets traced tempting paths down his muscled chest and taut abdomen. The sight of him-tall, lean, powerful-sent an involuntary heat rushing to my face.

"You're awake," he observed, his voice as rich and dark as I remembered from the night before.

"I'm sorry about last night," I blurted out reflexively. "I had too much to drink."

Caesar paused, his penetrating eyes narrowing slightly. His expression cooled noticeably. "And?" The chill in his voice could have frozen fire.

I gathered my clothes from the floor, all too aware of the marks that covered my skin-evidence of his passionate possession. I didn't shy away from his gaze as I met those predatory eyes, forcing my lips into a casual smile.

"Morgana and I are still friends, so about last night... you don't mind keeping this between us, Alpha Caesar?" I deliberately made my tone languid, dismissive.

Perhaps I was being overly sensitive, but I could swear his expression grew even colder after I spoke.

He lit a cigarette, dark eyes lingering on me as smoke curled between us. Then, with deliberate casualness that didn't match the intensity in his gaze, he asked: "Do you treat all Alphas this way? Like that Zane, perhaps?"

His knowledge of Zane caught me off guard. How did he know about my history with the Stoneclaw Alpha? The question flashed through my mind, but outwardly I maintained my nonchalant smile.

"No, Alpha Caesar. It's just that... well, you had your fun too. Let's call it even, shall we?"

I winked playfully, though internally my wolf was whining with unease. Caesar Conrad was unlike any other Alpha I'd encountered-brilliant, accomplished, and famously untouchable. Like the cold moon hanging distant in the night sky, beautiful but impossible to reach.

What a mess I'd created.

Caesar tapped his cigarette, letting ash fall. He neither agreed nor disagreed with my suggestion. I noticed only the dangerous darkening of his eyes, the tightening of his jaw.

"Whatever," he replied coldly.

I exhaled in relief, quickly dressing myself before leaving the hotel. Once outside, I caught a taxi back to Frostfang Pack territory.

Zane's POV

I was halfway into the car when Chloe's fingers suddenly tightened on my sleeve, her knuckles whitening. I glanced down, annoyed-her nervous fidgeting was starting to grate.

"Zane," she murmured, biting her lip hard enough to redden it, "I think. I think I just saw Ms. Sylvia, over there."

My brow shot up. Sylvia? Here? The thought was absurd enough to make me scoff. "Sylvia? What in the hell would she be doing here?" This five-star hotel wasn't just expensive-it was exclusive. The kind of place where even mid-tier pack members needed an invitation. A rejected omega fresh out of college, with no family name or money to her name? She couldn't even afford the cheapest drink at the bar, let alone step foot through the lobby doors.

Chloe's voice softened."Maybe she still can't let you go. You know how she was-clingy, even after you ended things. Perhaps she heard you were meeting Alpha Caesar and. came to beg?"

Clingy. That was putting it mildly. I rolled my eyes, jaw tightening. Sylvia had always been too much-too eager, too hungry for a place in my life that she'd never earned. The scene she'd made at my birthday party still burned in my memory: her tear-streaked face, the way she'd shouted accusations like a common street brawler, embarrassing me in front of the entire pack. Now she was stalking me? Pathetic.

"Ignore her," I snapped, yanking my sleeve free. Let her linger in the shadows if she wanted-she'd get the message soon enough. I'd been more than generous with her, anyway. A nobody like Sylvia? She'd never have breathed the same air as me if I hadn't deigned to date her. A year of my time, gifts that cost more than her rent-she should be grateful, not chasing me like a lost puppy.

The irritation faded as quickly as it came, replaced by the cold focus Grandfather had drilled into me. I adjusted my tie, smoothing the fabric with precise fingers. "We've got more important things to worry about. The Vertex partnership."

Chloe nodded, her expression earnest. "Of course, Zane. You're right."

Good. At least someone knew how to prioritize. The Thorn Pack's decline was no secret-two years of shrinking profits, dwindling territory, whispers behind our backs that we were weakening. Without Vertex's backing, we'd be nothing. Less than nothing. And Alpha Caesar Conrad? Securing his favor could pull us from the grave. Grandfather had made that clear: Do whatever it takes.

But when we reached the conference floor, my gut twisted. The receptionist's smile was tight, rehearsed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Thorn. Alpha Caesar left ten minutes ago. His Beta is already en route to the airport."

Left? Just like that? I ground my teeth, forcing a calm I didn't feel. "No message? No rescheduled meeting?"

"Nothing, sir. He seemed. in a hurry."

I turned on my heel, fists clenched at my sides. Of course. Of course the most powerful Alpha in the country wouldn't wait around for me.

Chloe's hand slipped into mine, her touch soft. "Don't worry, Zane. Vertex is hosting that gala next week, remember? You'll have plenty of time to talk to him there. He'll see how valuable we are."

Her faith was almost sweet, if naive. I squeezed her hand, but my mind was already racing-what angle to take, what leverage to use. The gala wouldn't be easy. Every ambitious pack in the region would be there, all vying for Caesar's attention.

But I didn't have a choice.

I met her gaze, my voice sharp with resolve. "One way or another," I said, "I will get that partnership. Thorn Pack doesn't fall without a fight."

And if Sylvia thought she could waltz in here and distract me? She was sorely mistaken. Some people just didn't know when to stay in their lane.

Sylvia's POV

I had returned to Frostfang Pack territory where both Selene and my mother awaited.

Alpha Astra's expression remained impassive as she regarded me. "I warned you from the beginning that Alpha Zane was not to be trusted. The Thorn Pack has always been our adversary." Her voice was cool and matter-of-fact. "According to our agreement, you lost the bet. Tomorrow you'll begin work at Frostline Enterprises. After you're married and familiar with operations, I'll bring you to work directly under me. Your sister's health is fragile, so you'll need to shoulder more responsibility at Frostline."

I knew better than to argue with my mother's unwavering decisions. The only time in her life she'd ever compromised was when we made our wager three years ago.

I remained silent, but Selene suddenly laughed softly from beside my mother, her tone deliberately provocative. "Mother, Sylvia has just returned home, and Hugo is now my fiancé... who exactly do you plan for her to marry?"

Alpha Hugo Gray, the Alpha my mother had originally selected as my husband, had fallen for Selene at first sight and broken our engagement years ago.

Selene and I had never gotten along. As my mother's adopted daughter with chronic health issues, she'd always received the tenderness and indulgence that Astra never showed me. Selene's question was clearly intended to embarrass me.

Astra glanced at me, her tone dispassionate. "I'll arrange some suitable candidates for you to meet in the next few days."

Selene's lips curved upward in satisfaction.

My mother had always been calculatingly pragmatic. Any husband she selected for me would primarily serve our pack's interests, with little regard for my own preferences or happiness.

Still, I kept my expression neutral. "Mother, you promised that I could choose my own husband, even if the marriage itself wasn't negotiable."

My mother's brows furrowed in disapproval.