Chapter Two Hundred and Fifteen THANE.


    "Alpha Trent, it is nice to meet you again." I say with a smile that I hoped looked weing enough. Usually I don''t really bother with all the acts, but now... now I needed support. Most of the packs hated me. They believed in this crap about the ''new era''; it was only a matter of time before they chose to gang up against this pack-something I n on avoiding, and if this ''act'' would help, then I would go on with it.


    "I came as soon as you called. See, I know the attacks aren''t from this pack."


    "One person who finally has somemon sense."


    He chuckled at that. I poured him a ss of wine, passing it to him.


    "We are neighboring packs. If your soldiers had left for war, they would be spotted, and so I know those soldiers aren''t from this pack. But I believe many know that too." "They do?" I asked, as if I didn''t already know that.


    "Yes, but clearly they see a way to unseat you from the throne, and so they are willing to do anything. Though there are others who believe strongly that you are behind it all.''


    "I know that, and that''s why I need your help."


    "That''s a first." Trent said with a smile.


    "Don''t unt just yet. I want to make a deal. You neednds; I have them; all you need to do is convince as many as you can that I am not behind the whole... ordeal. Not very hard, is it?" "No. No it is not."


    "Good."


    "What if they don''t believe me, or in some cases, choose not to believe me?''


    "Then you''ve done your own part of the deal." I said, noticing the slight worry in his eyes, he tried to mask it but I saw right through him. "Seems too easy?" I question with a smirk. "A little too easy." He agreed.


    "Well, I have too many enemies; I am simply trying to make more friends."


    "What else do you want for thosends?"


    Well, he caught me. Trent was smart.


    "I do hope it doesn''te to that, but sooner thanter, these packs could merge to fight against this pack. I wouldn''t let ite to that, but just in case."


    T


    "You want my support."


    00


    Chapter Two Hundred and Fille


    "I know you have connections, and many would listen to you." "And if I refuse?" he questioned, and my gaze met his.


    "You won''t."


    I couldn''t stop thinking about Riley; every night I return to see her on our bed-the sight alone calms me. At that moment, I am willing to forget everything going wrong and focus on the beauty before me.


    Those months she was gone, I spent more time at work, dreading going back to that room; it


    nd reminded me too much of her. Riley didn''t even know that she added color to my very and colorless life.


    A week ago, I noticed something off about her when I returnedte that night. She seemed shaken. I had asked her if she was okay, but she gave the usual response of ''I''m alright, Thane'' followed by ''How was work? I had to talk to Axel to make sure; he said he had been with her until nighttime; he believed the reason she seemed shaken was due to her mother''s visit and the unexpected news might have had an impact on her, and maybe he was right. Still, I felt like there was more to that..


    My case of paranoia always grows worse when ites to Riley.


    Just then there was a knock on the door to my office. I wasn''t exactly expecting anyone.


    "The door is unlocked." I called out.


    I recognize that scent. I turned to face the visitor, she was thest person I expected to see. Standing before me was Prici, Axel''s very own mother.