Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 83: Happy Cooperation

Chapter 83: Happy Cooperation

The Gulfstream G650 touched down at Maiduguri International Airport at 3:50 PM local time, twenty minutes behind schedule. The afternoon sun bathed the tarmac in a golden glow, casting long shadows from the aircraft as it taxied to a stop.

As Eleanor descended from the aircraft, she pulled out her phone to contact her Bultungin Clan liaison. But before she could dial, two sharply dressed men in charcoal-grey suits and classic red ties approached with confident strides. They halted a few steps away, bowed politely, and greeted her.

"Welcome, Miss Raynor. Welcome to Nigeria."

Eleanor responded with equal respect. Placing her palm over her chest, she gave a slight bow... a traditional Werewolf custom when meeting influential elders or leaders.

"Thank you," she said warmly. "I hope my visit isn’t causing any inconvenience."

Both men chuckled lightly.

"Not at all," one of them said. "I am Edem Kachalla."

"And I am Taiwo Kachalla," added the other.

Eleanor nodded. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I am Eleanor Raynor."

Edem gestured toward a nearby helicopter, its blades spinning slowly as the engine idled. "Then let’s not waste time. Our Clan Head is waiting for you. That’s our ride."

She followed their lead toward the chopper, her expression calm but observant. Edem, walking slightly ahead, glanced back. "Aren’t your guards accompanying you?"

Eleanor offered a faint smile. "I’m fine. Let’s not keep your Clan Head waiting."

Edem and Taiwo exchanged a glance but said nothing more as they led her aboard.

Forty minutes later, the helicopter descended onto a private island in the middle of Lake Chad. As Eleanor stepped off, the lush greenery surrounding a grand palace immediately caught her attention. The air was thick with the scent of moisture and exotic flowers. She glanced around... judging by the treetop level and the breeze, they were on elevated land, likely a hill flattened to accommodate the palace structure.

"This way, Miss Raynor," Edem said, beckoning her forward.

She followed them into the palace. As soon as she stepped inside, her breath caught. The main hall was a stunning exhibition of wealth and craftsmanship.

Towering golden columns lined the walls, each encrusted with rare gemstones... emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. The marble floor shimmered beneath her feet, the surface inlaid with intricate patterns made of crystals. A dozen crystal chandeliers hung above, casting dazzling reflections in all directions.

At the far end, a golden throne rested atop a black marble dais, its frame sparkling with diamonds beneath a velvet covering embroidered with stars.

Seated on the throne was an old man with long grey hair draped over his shoulders. His icy blue eyes watched her calmly. He wore a wide, sleeveless white gown embroidered with metallic thread made of real gold, and beneath that, full-sleeved tunic and trousers.

He looked less like a clan leader and more like a king of old.

The two men accompanying her bowed from a respectful distance and stepped away, leaving Eleanor alone before the dais. She walked forward confidently, stopping about twenty feet from the throne. Again, she placed her palm on her chest and bowed respectfully.

"Junior Eleanor Raynor pays respect to Clan Head Bultungin."

The old man gave a faint nod. His deep voice resonated through the hall. "Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor, I am Ooduwa Bultungin Kachalla. Welcome to my humble abode."

Eleanor suppressed a chuckle. "Humble?" she thought, sneaking a glance at the extravagance around her. "If this is humble, what does luxury look like?"

Composing herself, she replied with practiced politeness. "Thank you, Elder. It’s an honour to meet the esteemed head of the Bultungin Clan."

She also took note that he’d used her full name, including her middle name. It didn’t surprise her. Someone of his influence likely had access to information even her own clan kept guarded.

Ooduwa slowly rose from his throne. He was tall... easily over six feet... and though age had lined his face, there was a commanding sharpness in his gaze that made Eleanor instinctively stand straighter.

"Time," he began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries, "is a river that only flows one way. In our youth, we leap into it headfirst... drunk with the thrill of the current, convinced we can ride it forever. We wage wars, chase dreams, build empires... all while believing the sun will never set on our strength."

His voice lowered, gaining intensity. "We see the world with fire in our veins. We believe time is loyal... stretching endlessly before us like a golden road. That is the curse of the long-lived... We think we have forever."

He took a step down the dais, each word resonating deeper. "But time doesn’t strike like a storm. It seeps... slowly, silently. It does not rob your strength, but your urgency. One day, you wake up and centuries are behind you. The empires you built are dust, and all the glory you chased... crumbles like sand in your hands."

He paused at the final step, looking directly at Eleanor. "When I was like you, I believed a thousand years meant a thousand chances. Now I know it just gives me more time to regret the ones I wasted."

A thick silence followed. Eleanor wasn’t sure what message lay behind his words. But for now, she decided to remain respectful.

"Thank you for your wisdom," she said softly.

Ooduwa studied her for a moment, then gave a short nod.

"I know you didn’t fly across continents just for pleasantries. Let us speak privately. Ask your guards to leave."

Eleanor instantly understood... he was referring to the shadow guards hidden in her surroundings.

"I understand," she replied without hesitation. "Guards, leave us."

Without a sound, her shadow guards vanished, melting into the walls like whispers in the wind.

The old man smiled. "The Raynor Clan is fortunate to have such loyal protectors. I’ve always admired your unity. Even scattered across the globe, the Werewolves maintain a powerful central command. We Hyenas... we struggle. Intelligence... we have, but unity?" He shook his head. "Our ancestors’ greed remains etched into our bones."

He took a step closer. "Now tell me, what is it that you truly seek?"

Eleanor answered directly. "I wish to establish a private economic zone in Nigeria. But you are the gatekeeper here. I need your blessing before I proceed."

Ooduwa chuckled. "You’re different from Fiona. She would have said, ’Guard my business and I’ll give you this.’ Straight to the point."

He continued, "Still, it’s all the same to us. But I like your approach. You speak with respect. So, let me offer you this... I want cooperation between our clans. A lasting one. I know the Raynors will always make money. And I want to ride that wave. What do you say?"

Eleanor didn’t hesitate. "I agree... if the terms serve my interests."

Ooduwa nodded approvingly. "Of course. My family controls much of West Africa. I want 10% share of all your future investments in any member country of the Economic Community of West African States. Naturally, I’ll contribute my shares to the initial capital. You handle the business; I’ll handle protection from external threats."

Eleanor pondered for a moment, then responded. "I accept. But this agreement is with me personally... not with the Raynor Clan. Additionally, I want full governmental support across ECOWAS nations and assistance in handling any complications I might face while operating in this region."

Ooduwa smiled and descended fully from the dais. Standing before her, he extended his hand. "Then we have a deal."

Eleanor took his hand in a firm shake. "Happy cooperation," she said.