Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 43 - [K] Territorial Disputes, Near And Far

Chapter 43: Chapter 43 - [K] Territorial Disputes, Near And Far

My elbows sit on the table as my eyes harden. I lock my fingers together in front of me as I stare at Luca, who thankfully won’t ask too many questions when I am in a bad mood.

"Their additional comments about the event sound like a convenient excuse to continue pursuit. I am not having this precedent set in my territory."

"Then..."

"If they want to take the time to arrange a proper council meeting where the whole truth can be argued in front of the eyes of each pack representative, then I would possibly consider making a move. Tell them this."

"Understood."

A mate bond that did not sever properly was rare, but not unheard of. We’ve researched it.

Usually it indicated a lingering emotional attachment that could be dealt with at a therapist. Foolish men who pressured their mates into accepting a rejection.

Just to see if they would continue to refuse. Like resistance proved their love.

Even when so many pressured them in the first place to accept.

Honestly, I can see quite well why my... why Citra would hate our society. And I won’t have some werewolf still attached to her set a single step into my territory.

"The council won’t support their claim without evidence. I’d like to see them prove it. I’ll dismantle all the arguments myself after looking into the superstitions."

Luca nodded, but I could tell he was still concerned that I was taking such a stand. Telling him my reason isn’t going to make him feel better.

This is still a personal matter placed in front of the pack. Which is not the way I’ve been managing the Rimecoat... or my company.

"There’s something else. Victoria made noise at the Midnight Gathering."

Our social club, of sorts. A large place in the deep basement of the building for bored wolves to transform and play fight - or sometimes games of tag.

I sigh and lean back in the chair.

"That tends to happen more than once a week already. What is it this time?"

"About the number of unauthorized wolves in our territory. She seemed... unusually invested."

Standing and moving to the window, I look out over the city that belonged to me in more ways than one. My Great-Great-Great-Grandfather had been elected mayor of this place when it was just a town during the silver mining boom.

For over a hundred and fifty years, the Rimecoat pack has made our home here while remaining a part of human society. The Voss name has always carried significant weight because of this.

But some rely on their name, instead of their actions.

"Victoria Whitecrest does not have the authority to question what sort of visitors I allow into my territory. That task belongs to you."

Not ambitious, protected pack members with too much time on their hands to use it for creating good. The intercom buzzed its alert.

"Ms. Voss, Ms. Whitecrest is here again. She’s quite insistent about seeing you."

Claire’s voice came through it, showing how right I was.

I exchanged a look with Luca before moving back to my desk with deliberate calm, instead of starting a conversation worked up against her. After a count to ten...

"Send her in."

Victoria slipped in quickly. Designer heels clicked sharply against the hard flooring.

Auburn hair pulled back in a twist. Wearing a tailored dress that is intentionally more expensive than my suit.

"Kyrie. I’ve been trying to reach you."

"Victoria."

I stare back and watch her look toward Luca, irritated at his presence. She has long been upset that he refused to become her mate when they were younger.

"This discussion is a private matter."

As usual she tried to get him to leave.

"All of my matters are pack matters. My Beta should certainly be present."

She conceded with a tilt of her head, but also a sneer. Then she took a seat across from me without being invited.

This is why I cannot let myself be angry ahead of time. My wolf constantly wants to maul her for the displays of arrogance.

"There was an incident at Crystalline yesterday."

After the silence with me not engaging in her game stretched just long enough to become uncomfortable, she continued.

"A she-wolf wearing a Duskpaw braid was there."

"Is that unusual? Wolves pass through the city regularly."

Victoria leaned forward, with that smug look of having some upper hand.

"This one had your card. Your personal bank card."

"And?"

My nonchalance made her both frown and show her uncomfortability. It’s clear she knows she is taking a risk by provoking me.

"This woman was quite... confrontational. When questioned about her presence in our territory."

I finally allowed an edge to enter my voice. Or rather, I couldn’t stop it if I tried.

"By ’questioned,’ I assume you mean she was harassed while attempting to enjoy a spa treatment I’d sent her to?"

She drew back, ready to fight or flee. Of course, we both knew she would not get far if it came to that.

Calm came back to her - and a sharp smile tried to hide her discomfort. The woman knew I would not attack to kill over a matter like this.

She thought she knew - but not even I do.

The fur that sprouted on the back of my neck will not go down.

"I was merely performing my duty as a concerned member of this pack. Unknown wolves with suspicious backgrounds deserve scrutiny."

"Your duty."

"The safety of the pack-"

"Is my concern as Alpha."

I finished for her. She shrinks away and I know that I’m not doing a good job.

My eyes are probably showing, again. So I close them and count to ten.

"There are so many pressing matters requiring attention, but you constantly choose the ones I am meant to take care of. Then complain directly to me instead of informing my Beta. Or Claire."

"That human..."

"Is more useful than you have been to the pack."

The barbed truth made her flinch. Obsession with status was Victoria’s role as their primary werewolf in this generation.

But that should not be my problem - and I am growing close to my limit.

"My family has always prioritized this pack’s welfare. Unlike some who seem... distracted by outsiders."

The accusation hung in the air between all of us. I allowed myself the faintest smile, knowing this was as much about Luca as it was myself.

I rose from my chair, done with her.

"Noted. Leave."

She stood up, smoothing her dress with shaking hands. It didn’t make me happy to see her flinch when I rose.

I hated that they had to challenge me so much. That they think they know better or that I may have grown weaker.

A smirk when she reached the door let me know she wasn’t as done as me.

"She became very... friendly... with all the workers there. I thought you should know. What kind of person you’re supporting. Maybe you did?"

The door closed behind her with more force than necessary. I wait to ease my desire to chase her until the intercom buzzes twice.

Claire - letting me know she is fine and nothing has happened to her.

"So we’re still having her do that."

Luca’s voice was a little sad. However, the safety measure was necessary.

"Yes. We are."

I do not think any of my pack would murder someone. But there are a lot worse things that could happen.

"So you sent the rogue to Crystalline with your bank card?"

Without denying it, I nodded to my Beta. The question wasn’t whether Luca could figure anything out from the details.

It was if Victoria understood the true nature of my interest... or merely saw an opportunity to challenge my authority.

"Discreetly increase surveillance on the Whitecrest."

"Consider it arranged. And the other wolf? Can we talk about this?"

"Later. Claire will send footage soon."

I checked my watch. Board meetings and investor calls would fill my day, demanding the attention I don’t want to split.

The need to see exactly what happened between Victoria and Citra. I feel like I won’t be able to actually calm down until then.

No...

I won’t be able to feel any better until I see her in person again.