Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
The car stopped in front of the mansion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The cold slapped my face as the vehicle came to a stop.\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t speak throughout the entire drive, my mind was filled with the thoughts of the Alpha lord\u2019s proposal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I know how ambitious the Alpha lord is and he won\u2019t stop until he gets his hands on the nightshade pack, which I think is impossible.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They are a large pack with a strong army and resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I have to think carefully if I want to secure my pack and my people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before I got down, I turned to my beta.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRun a quiet check,\u201d I told my Beta. \u201cBe discreet about it, we don\u2019t want to alert James that we are running background checks behind his back\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He nodded immediately. \u201cOn Nightshade?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. Start there. Then trace who benefits if they fall.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know a lot of people will benefit if they fall,\u201d my beta said. \u201cThey are the largest pack after all\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBut why would they attack the three packs in the west, it doesn\u2019t make any sense\u201d I muttered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tapped my finger on the car, trying to understand what was going on.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMe too,\u201d Rowan chimed in. \u201cI have never heard about the Nightshade pack attacking anyone before, especially not a defenceless village pack like those in the West\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I pinched my temple.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, I remember what my father told me about the Nightshade pack a year before he stepped down as alpha and went on a trip or should I say world tour with my mother.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said the Nightshade pack doesn\u2019t go after other packs, but they don\u2019t back away from a fight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After the alpha of Nightshade suffered a tragedy years ago, he has become more determined to protect his people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think is the truth?\u201d I asked. \u201cIf the Western packs were attacked and the Nightshade pack wasn\u2019t behind it, then who?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI get a feeling that someone is framing them for something they didn\u2019t do\u201d Rowan reasoned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I glanced at him, then nodded, slightly agreeing with him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Nightshade pack is anything but a bully.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hope I\u2019m wrong, I can\u2019t afford to get into a bad situation with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the same time, I can\u2019t offend the alpha lord.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He\u2019s ruthless when he wants something and he doesn\u2019t care who gets hurt in the end.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A 62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I have something to say,\u201d Rowan drew my attention back. \u201cIt might seem weird but it\u2019s just a thought that occurred to me\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGo ahead with it.\u201d I said and he nodded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if the alpha lord is behind the attacks?\u201d Rowan asked glancingly at me. \u201cI mean think about it\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWho stands to gain the most if anything happens and the South falls? Alpha James Vance\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My brows knitted in confusion, I couldn\u2019t get what Rowan was aiming at.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would the alpha lord need to attack the western packs for any reason?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThink about it,\u201d Rowan urged. \u201cWe all know how much the alpha lord wants to own and rule the biggest pack in the country. When he succeeded in driving away that monster, Alpha lord Calculus, who was going after the packs trying to occupy and expand his territory, he thought he would own the biggest pack\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTurns out a lot of the terrorised territories chose to align with the Nightshade pack instead. Since they were victims of Alpha Calculus\u2019 evil ways, they helped them when they needed it the most\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI doubt the Nightshade pack will go after helpless and vulnerable packs\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is all speculation, Rowan\u201d I muttered once Rowan stopped talking. \u201cThere is no evidence to support this. Moreover, why would he ask for my help if he did the attacking?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wasn\u2019t asking for your help, Draven\u201d Rowan reminded. \u201cHe was presenting you with a side to choose from\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I fell silent thinking over his words, he wasn\u2019t wrong.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I\u2019m stuck now, between choosing sides.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Silence stretched between us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s better to align with the Nightshade, they are not evil like the alpha lord, who\u2019s clearly after power and riches\u201d Rowan advises and I raise my head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will decide after we find out exactly what\u2019s going on\u201d I said and got out of the car. \u201cKeep this between us, carry out the investigation as quickly as possible\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright Alpha,\u201d Rowan said and parked the car.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBut keep in mind, if the alpha lord moves,\u201d my Beta said carefully, \u201cothers will follow.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Which meant I had to decide fast.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If I refuse without a reason, I\u2019ll look weak in front of all the other northern pack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And if I accept, and step into a war, just like that, I\u2019d be endangering my people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I walked into the house, my mind still bugged by everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The omegas approached me to collect my jacket.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is the Luna?\u201d I asked, handing her my jacket.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s having dinner in the hall,\u201d the omega replied, lowering her gaze.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My thoughts drifted to Liora.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u0f21\u0f23\u0f0b\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
EL 55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
She\u2019d been too calm lately. She has stepped into Kaia\u2019s shoes, helping with running the pack\u2019s daily activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But lately, I noticed she has been too pleased with things going her way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I went to the hall to see my Luna, and she was happy to see me too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh darling, you came at the right time\u201d Liora excitedly said, and I sat down with her. \u201cWould you like a plate?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019m full,\u201d I refused, and truly I had a lot to drink at the party. I can\u2019t eat anymore. \u201cYou look happy, what\u2019s going on?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI have good news,\u201d Liora stopped eating and stared at me, smiling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me,\u201d for some reason I was eager for what she had to say.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSeraphine and I were just talking,\u201d she glanced over at the healer, who now frequently visits the pack mansion. \u201cShe confirmed it today. Our pup will be born in less than two months\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHoney, that\u2019s such good news,\u201d I stood up and kissed her lips. She kissed me right back. \u201cWhat do we need to do before he\u2019s born?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked at her, carefully studying her face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Liora was glowing heavily, I should have known our pup was ready to come out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Our pup, we are going to become parents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot to do, I can\u2019t think\u201d Liora said, she looked cute, acting like a confused mom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I nodded once. \u201cThen we don\u2019t have time to waste. Let\u2019s get started.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her eyes lifted to mine. \u201cThat\u2019s all you have to say?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
462\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I moved closer, lowering myself onto her. \u201cIt\u2019s not a small thing, Liora. Everything changes after the pup is born. We need to look after a little pup, we need to be prepared\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A faint smile curved her lips. \u201cYou\u2019re already thinking like a father.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLike an Alpha,\u201d I corrected.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t argue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot to do but first, let\u2019s make the baby a pathway\u201d Liora winked at me, and I understood what she meant. \u201cDon\u2019t you agree?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it safe?\u201d I asked, worried we might hurt the baby.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty safe, Seraphine said It helps with safe delivery\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be in our room,\u201d I said, getting up to leave. \u201cFinish dinner, I\u2019m waiting for you\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I was halfway up the stairs when Liora\u2019s voice floated after me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd oh, honey,\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stopped but didn\u2019t turn yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a letter for you,\u201d she said, coming closer. \u201cFrom Shadowclaw Pack.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
That made me turn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShadowclaw?\u201d I repeated. \u201cFrom Alpha Theo?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She nodded, holding out the letter. \u201cIt states he\u2019ll be arriving in two days.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two days.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I took the letter and skimmed through it as fast as I could.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was true, Alpha Theo was coming over in two days but why would he choose to come by himself?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Liora watched my face closely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s interesting,\u201d she said. \u201cA visit like this\u2026 it could be very good for us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I folded the letter slowly. \u201cOr very inconvenient.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She smiled, undeterred. \u201cI was thinking we should host him properly. A feast. Let\u2019s do something impressive. Let the other packs see we\u2019re united.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA feast,\u201d I repeated, studying her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d she said smoothly. \u201cTheo is young, but influential. If we welcome him well, it could strengthen future alliances.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 74\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t miss how quickly she\u2019d said future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen did the letter arrive?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis evening,\u201d she replied without hesitation. \u201cWhile you were out.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u00a0<\/p>\n
A\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t think to mention it earlier?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to wait until you were relaxed,\u201d she said, stepping closer, fingers brushing my arm. \u201cYou\u2019ve been tense lately.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked down at her hand. Then back at her face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTension keeps me alive,\u201d I said flatly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The smile on her lips disappeared for a second.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll decide how we receive Theo,\u201d I continued. \u201cNot you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her lips pressed together, but she recovered quickly. \u201cOf course. I only wanted to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d I said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Liora?\u201d I added without turning back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t afford unnecessary displays, and please no guests beyond what I approve.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Liora paused, looking at me intently. \u201c\u2026Understood.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
On one side, the alpha lord was trying to drag me into a war and on the other, a powerful pack like Shadowclaw was trying to align itself with mine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If things go well, the alpha lord won\u2019t be able to force me into a war anymore.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With Alpha Theo Ashford on my side, avoiding conflict with both the alpha lord and the Nightshade would be a piece of cake.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 74 Chapter 74\u00a0 Chapter 74\u00a0 :\u00a0 The car stopped in front of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27319"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27319\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}