Chapter 14
14
Third Person’s POV
Rosemary’s bedroom glowed with crimson light throughout the night.
When Ulrik announced his plan to reject and exile Adelaide, former Alpha Isaiah objected first. “Exiling her will make you a target
for public outrage–self–sabotage.”
Simon added, “Father’s right. Many wolves loyal to Adelaide’s father helped you earn your merits. Lose them, and your standing
crumbles . ”
“But she blackmailed me with my mother’s life!” Ulrik’s face darkened. “I won’t tolerate this!”
Rosemary, recovering from her illness, seethed at Adelaide’s “treachery.”
She rasped, “No–she must be exiled! Once gone, she won’t take a penny of Frostfang’s wealth.”
Ulrik frowned. “I’m not after her money-
“Why not?”
Rosemary clutched her aching chest. “If she’s exiled , her assets default to Bloodmoon. With that wealth, Digby’s services are assured. You’ve seen our empty coffers–we sold shops to fund your ceremonies!”
Isaiah urged, “Rosemary, focus–reputation or wealth? Choose wisely!”
Posemary’s face twisted in the lamplight. “Lycan Erasmus needs new wolf generals. Even if the council criticizes you, Lycan
Erasmus will only issue a slap on the wrist.”
Ulrik pressed, “I admit this is rash, but I can’t bear a selfish, jealous schemer as my Luna. I’ve decided that even if it means scandal, the Southern Tribes need aid. Alpha Lance’s stalled campaign cries for backup. If Velda and I deliver victory there-
His eyes ignited with fervor. The Southern Tribes war, dragging on for years, had claimed all Frostfang’s male Alphas.
Alpha Lance’s two–year stalemate offered no progress.
A victory under Ulrik and Velda’s leadership would honor Alpha Bentley and silence critics.
“I’ll endure the backlash temporarily,” he said. “Trust Velda and me –we’ll prove ourselves.”
Isaiah and Simon wavered .
Rosemary, triumphant, declared, “Then exile her! She nearly killed me out of jealousy–only the royal pack’s healer saved me
tonight.”
Greed coiled around Rosemary’s heart like a viper .
She forgot Adelaide’s year of devoted care, the public praise she’d showered on her as a model Luna.
“Her wealth stays,” she hissed. “Exile her to Frostfang’s ruins–let their scraps sustain her. We need her gold to secure Ulrik’s
+15 Bonus
future.”
Ulrik shook his head. “I won’t take her wealth.”
Rosemary, frantic , snarled, her wolfish fangs elongating beyond her control, venom dripping from their tips.
“Absolutely not! Not a penny leaves with her! Someone–fetch me that asset list now!”
Ulrik lunged to intercept. “Mother , please hear me I can’t.”
Rosemary, frantic, snarled, “Don’t be a fool! She used your mother as a bargaining chip!”
Ulrik stood firm. “A true Alpha doesn’t seize a mate’s pre–nuptial assets. Tomorrow, I’ll summon Adelaide’s clan elders and the
original bond officiant for the rejection ritual.”
“The officiant was Sidney Preston,” Isaiah frowned. “Airella’s cousin–Adelaide’s elder . ”
“Then we omit her,” Rosemary said .
Ulrik said, “I’m going out for a bit.”
“So late? Where to?” Simon asked.
“I’m patrolling the pack borders,” Ulrik replied.
He strode out, transforming mid–run into a silver–gray wolf, and headed straight for Velda’s home.
Knowing Velda despised cowards who bully she– wolves , he needed her to understand this wasn’t about Adelaide–it was about
justice.
A pebble tapped her window. Velda opened the door silently.
Her room, adorned with enemy fangs, bathed in dim light.
“Ulrik, what’s wrong ?”
The Freeman house was modest , with bedrooms flanking a narrow living room and a small yard out back.
Velda kept her voice low, wary of eavesdroppers.
He gripped her shoulders. “I’m rejecting Adelaide. I need your support.”
“Rejecting her? Why ? ”
“Luna Rosemary’s illness worsened . I called Digby, but he refused to come.”
“Is Luna Rosemary all right?” Velda asked urgently
“Stable now, thanks to the royal healer. But Digby’s herbs are the only cure. Adelaide hired him–Digby’s bound to her. She denies him access , he refuses treatment.”
2/3
Velda connected the dots instantly, “So she’s blackmailing you with your mother’s health to stop our bonding”