Chapter 12
CARLYLE'’S POV.
THREE YEARS LATER.
The search for Sidonnie proved futile, a gnawing ache in my chest that refused to subside. Despite numerous
attempts to find her, she remained nowhere to be found, and the relentless search took its toll on my resolve
and ye faith | had that she will surely be found. Eventually, a reluctant acceptance settled in, and | found myself
redirecting the energy that once fueled the search for her into something else.
Returning to the hustle of my life as a businessman and the responsibilities that cwith being an Alpha, |
buried myself in the familiar rhythm of work.
The memories of Donnie lingered in the recesses of my mind, but | pushed them aside, compartmentalizing the
personal turmoil to maintain a semblance of control. The notion that | made a huge mistake never ceased to
leave my mind. It finds its way toat any free t| had. In such times, | would take a look at the peony
brooch the old lady gaveat the bar and caress it in my palm with the hope that one day, Ill find her
my mate.
As the weeks passed, the urgency of the search softened into a dull ache, blending seamlessly with the demands
of my dual life. The business world beca refuge foras it beca place where the echoes of
unanswered questions couldn't reach me.
“Carl,” Donald, my amiable Beta, strolled in with sfiles in his hand, his facial expression unsettling. We were
way closer than using honorifics for each other when we were alone.
“What is it, Don?” | responded to him fondly as | do usually.
“How many
many times will | tell you not to callthat?” He took a scat beside me.
“So, what's new?” | asked, knowing fully well that he cfor business updates.
“Of course, there are lot of new things and | bet you're going to find them interesting. As you know, our recent
market analysis indicates a potential for strategic expansion in the Partic County, close to the Servians. I've been
reviewing the reports and wanted to get your insights on this opportunity.” Donald began, and I listened with
rapt attention.
“Okay, the Partic market is growing very fast, and it aligns with our long-term goals. I've looked into the
economic trends, consumer behavior, and competition in the region. There's an evident gap in the market that
we could capitalize on. But what are the key factors that make this market appealing to us?”
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“Firstly, the economic growth in the county is outrunning many other parts involved in.
12:59 Fri, 1 Mart G.
Chapter 12
the business. There's a rising middle class with increasing purchasing power. This gives us a significant
opportunity for our products and services. Also, the demand for our niche is not being fully met by existing
competitors.”
“Indeed, it is Interesting. How about the regulatory environment? Are there any challenges we should be aware
of?”
“I looked into that as well. While there are sregulatory complexities, they are not insurmountable. With
proper legal counsel and a thorough understanding of local laws, we can navigate these challenges effectively.
I've already initiated talks with a reputable law firm in the region to ensure compliance.
“That's good. Thanks, Donald. | appreciate your thorough analysis. It shows how dedicated you are. So, before
we conclude, are there any potential risks or challenges you foresee?
“While the potential is high, the competition is also fierce. We need to stay agile and continuously adapt to the
evolving market conditions.”
“Alright then, in that case, let's schedule a follow-up meeting next week to finalize the strategy and allocate
resources. Let's make it happen.”
“At your service, Alpha.” He jokingly made a salute sign in our tradition, and | flashed a smile at him.
He bowed respectfully, and with a dignified departure, he approached the exit of the
room.
“One more thing, Carl.” He paused in his steps, returning to my side.
“What is it?”
“There's another pressing issue | forgot to bring up.” He announced.
“Okay, I'm all cars.”
“For sweeks now, there's this group of supernaturals sniffing around our turf, and it’s getting hairy. We need
to do something about it before things go awry.”
“Oh, seriously? What do they want?”
“Power, territory, who knows? We can’t just howl them away. We have to find out to know what to do next
“Who are they exactly? And why am | just hearing about this? It’s been weeks now and this is just getting to
me?”
“I'm sorry about the late information. | had to double check the facts before letting your
Chapter 12
know since you were busy doing other important things. About who they are, we're still investigating that. All |
can say is that they're very powerful and strong.”
“Fillin.” | ordered, and Donald dived into the tale.
got reports from the parading guards that whenever they wake up in the morning, they find a weird sign on the
border walks. At first, we took it to be nothing and wiped ite off but it didn’t stop there. One morning, that same
sign was drawn on the walls in the torture square. Then, | knew it wasn’t something | could overlook anymore.
Not long after that, expensive things that belonged to us began going missing and then, people.”
“Did you just say people?”
“Yes, | did. In total now, we have ten missing people. Three teenage pups and seven adult werewolves, each of
them are related to royalty in sway.”
| went silent for a while, ruminating on the information Donald just toldabout. Such incidents were the least
of what | wanted on my plate at that time.
“So, what's the plan, Carl?” Donald asked, breaking the lingering silence.
“First, we're going to send sof our guys to chat with them, see if we can work things out without much
damages. That way, we would find out more about them.”
“I did that already. My guys are working on it. But if that doesn’t work?”
“If talking fails, then we'll show our teeth. But that’s plan B. We have to try keeping things cool first. You know,
we don’t need anything that would tarnish our image in the market or anything that would slow down our
progress.”
“Got it, Alpha. What about the upcoming Mating Moon? We were prepping for that.” Donald queried. The mating
moon is like an annual celebration in my pack which gives every wolf a chance to find its mate. Literally, that's
how it's meant to be, but in the Moon Shade Pack, it goes beyond that.
“No worries, there's no cause for alarm. Mating Moon stays on track. We need our pack strong and united. Let
the moonlight do its thing.”
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“Alright, Alpha.”
“But wait, you mentioned a sign being drawn on the pack walls constantly, can | see a sample of it? A drawing
would do.”
Donald picked up a paper and did a quick sketch of the said symbol which turned out to be an emblem |
recognized.
“Is this the sign you're talking about?” | asked in surprise.
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“Yes, it is. Do you recognize it?”
“Of course, this is the Canthrastra emblem.”
“What's that?”
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“The Canthrastras are supernatural beings with the distinct features of werewolves, vampires, and sirens.”
“They're more like hybrids?”
“More than that. Their powers are way superior to that of hybrids.”
“I've once read about them. But what's the connection they have with us?” Donald asked.
“I have no idea. I'll need to find out.”
“But we can’t handle this alone. I've decided to meet with Alpha Rex from the
neighboring pack. We need allies, and he’s trustworthy.”
“Alpha Rex? That's a big move, Carl. Are the Canthrastras that scary?”
“Big problems need big solutions. They're very much scary. | shall brief you about them later. There's quite a
history dating back to decades.”
“Howls and claws, Carl. We'll hold the fort. Safe travels,” Donald said, bumping fists with mine.
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