Chapter 17
SEVENTEEN
W hile Weston made the calls, Rook texted Clover back: Remember how you said your wards needed upgrading? Think we could expand that project? I’ll explain tomorrow.
Her response was immediate: That bad?
Let’s just say I’m really glad you’re on my side, little witch.
Bold of you to assume I’m on your side just because you’re making me dinner.
Is it working?
...maybe. Just don’t get all smug about it.
An hour later, Rook sat in his grandmother’s study with the pride’s most respected elders. Ilaria’s eyes blazed with fury as she examined the corrupted herbs. George and Luis, both former commanders and generals, exchanged grim looks.
“Hudson’s fingerprints are all over this,” George growled. “And Justus thinks he can use it to challenge your position.”
“Let them try.” Ilaria’s voice could have frozen fire. “My grandson is alpha not just by birth, but by right of blood and power. Anyone who questions that can answer to me. Hudson is stupid, and Justus knows he’s no alpha.”
“We’ll handle Justus and his supporters,” Luis promised, his aged face hardening with determination. “The old families respect tradition – they’ll listen when we remind them why the alpha bloodline matters.”
“Focus on the spa,” Ilaria told Rook. “Show them you can protect both the pride’s interests and the family business. We’ll deal with the political maneuvering.”
“And Hudson?” Banner asked.
“Watch him,” George advised. “Gather evidence. When you move against him, make it decisive.”
Rook nodded, his tiger settling slightly at having a plan. His phone buzzed one more time – another message from Clover: Don’t worry about the medicinal tinctures and scents. I’m already working on helping you through Weaver’s Botanicals. And whatever’s going on, remember you don’t have to handle it alone. I know some pretty effective hexes for people who deserve them.
Despite everything, his lips curved. His tiger practically purred.
“That smile,” Ilaria observed shrewdly. “The witch?”
“She’s offering to hex my enemies.”
“I really like Clover,” his grandmother declared. “Now go. Get your spa secured and your business protected. Let us old tigers remind everyone why challenging your claim as alpha is a very, very bad idea.”
As they left the study, Banner glanced at him. “You know this isn’t over.”
“No,” Rook agreed, thinking of corrupted herbs and whispered challenges. “But they’re about to learn why my father chose me as his heir. In business and in the pride.”
His phone lit up again: P.S. Poe says he knows some creative curses too. But he wants extra treats for those.
This time, Rook laughed out loud. Even in the middle of pride politics and business sabotage, she managed to make him smile. His tiger rumbled contentedly. Let Hudson and Justus plot – they had no idea what they were up against.
Especially once his little witch got involved.