Chapter 7

• Liam ground his teeth in frustration as he waited for Shane to stumble into the dark corner where he lay in wait. The drug his pack member had slipped into his drink had already started to take effect. While Liam should have felt a sense of triumph that he was about to confront Shane, an unexplainable anger burned within him.
• "We've obtained information about the anonymous allies of Crimson," James said, emerging from the shadows.
• Liam grunted and nodded, but his focus remained fixed on the intoxicated Shane, who had clumsily bumped into another table, causing a commotion.
• "There's something else you should know," James spoke tentatively.
• Liam raised an eyebrow, briefly diverting his attention to James. "I can sense the worry in your voice. What's the problem?"
• "They have unanimously decided to kill you here. Our findings suggest that leaving Crimson alive would be a grave mistake," James explained.
• Liam chuckled, a smirk playing on his lips. "Then I won't sign the treaty tomorrow. But why are you concerned? Isn't this why we came here in the first place? It provides the perfect excuse to bring Crimson to its knees. What's even more intriguing is that we now possess information about our enemies and can easily hunt them down too."
• James audibly exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "I expected an outburst, Alpha."
• Liam smirked, his gaze still fixed on Shane. Suddenly, he understood the source of his rage. It infuriated him that he had to leave Nicole, especially after her mere presence and intoxicating scent had stirred him so deeply.
• He desired her, urgently and unreservedly. He couldn't wait to rid himself of this maddening obsession with her. With her mate and alpha fallen into his clutches, there was no way she wouldn't return home with him.
• Images of him thrusting into her on the wall, counter, his bedroom and everywhere flashed through his mind, making his cock twitch. He was going to fuck her brains out until he became tired of her and then he would be free from the curse.
• I already knew about the impending assassination," he casually remarked.
• "Interesting," James mused, stroking his beard.
• Liam had silently trailed Nicole, seeking an opportunity to isolate her, when he overheard discussions about his supposed assassination.
• It wasn't the first time someone had thrown a party for him while plotting his demise. To him, it had become all too familiar.
• "No magic involved. I discovered it while tracking his Luna. Look at the fearless villainous Alpha who was meant to kill me tonight. He seems rather preoccupied, making a fool of himself in front of his own people. How will he kill me now?" Liam jeered.
• James chuckled.
• "In that case, we should prepare for battle tonight. I'll gather the warriors and troops stationed at Crimson's borders. We'll strike once the party concludes."
• "No. Prepare them for tomorrow. This turn of events will change everything and give me an advantage in something I desire. Now, I am more determined to forcefully take his Luna and make him witness his pack's demise. And once I'm finished with her, I'll return her to him and destroy his pack," Liam declared.
• James stared at him, puzzled, then shrugged.
• "Whatever you say, Alpha."
• With that, James quietly left the room.
• Liam waited until the hall had emptied, and Shane was alone, murmuring to himself, before approaching him.
• "Isn't that the Great Alpha of the Dark Moon, Liam Hallows himself? The mighty beast whom all alphas fear," Shane slurred.
• Liam smiled smugly, like a predator eyeing its prey.
• "And you lead an impressive pack, Shane. I admire what you've accomplished here."
• Shane burst into laughter.
• "To what do I owe this pleasure? Liam, why are you really here? We all know you never show up without a purpose."
• Grinning, Liam took a seat beside him.
• "No werewolf is an island, Shane. As powerful as I am, I still need allies, and I seek an ally in Crimson. However, I'm curious because, despite Crimson's neutrality, it appears you sided with the pack I just destroyed. Rumors suggest you send troops, weapons, aid, even food to them."
• Shane's eyes widened in surprise.
• "W-what?" he stammered, fear seeping from his every pore, satisfying Liam.
• Liam laughed and patted his shoulder,
• "It's alright, buddy. Your reception to me and my crew has been wonderful, so I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I know you're not stupid."
• Shane gulped and nodded.
• "So, you're willing to sign the treaty tomorrow?"
• "Let's leave tomorrow for tomorrow. I'm here to discuss other matters with you. I see that you have a partner, and I'm curious because I thought we had similar tastes. You don't strike me as someone who would randomly choose a partner. Tell me about it,"
• Shane sighed with relief and slumped into his chair. He seemed to regain his composure, and a thought crossed his mind as his eyes scanned the room. He patted Liam's shoulder and said, "Let's find a more private place to talk. The walls have ears, and we don't want sensitive information falling into the wrong hands."
• Liam shrugged, allowing Shane to lead him to a secluded location, although he was aware it might be an ambush.
• As they walked in what appeared to be a companionable silence, Liam couldn't help but wonder what Shane was capable of. Would he poison him or launch a surprise attack? How did he plan to get rid of him?
• The moment Liam entered Shane's pack house, he noticed the overwhelmingly strong scent of Nicole. Her fragrance seemed to permeate every corner and room of the pack house, driving Liam's wolf wild.
• A low growl escaped Liam's lips. Thoughts of Nicole flooded his subconscious, making it difficult for him to think clearly.
• His wolf yearned to tear off Shane's head and search for Nicole to claim her as his own.
• Each step, each breath, every turn intensified his inner struggle.
• Shane continued talking about something, recounting the history of the Crimson Pack, but Liam could barely comprehend his words. In frustration, he ran his fingers through his hair and tugged at the ends.
• "Here we are," Shane slurred, pushing open the door to his study.
• "Interesting decor," Liam commented, observing the prominent use of redwood and oak in the study. At least Nicole's scent was less pronounced here.
• Shane's eyes gleamed with pride and triumph as he closed the door.
• "What would you like to drink?" Shane asked, stumbling towards the mini-bar.
• Liam shrugged, thinking to himself. So he's choosing poison.
• "Honestly, I'm not thirsty, but I'll have whatever you're having."
• Shane paused and turned around, a wry smile on his face.
• "Yeah, you're right. It's overrated. Please make yourself comfortable. You wanted to know about my Luna, right?"
• Liam nodded slowly and settled onto a comfortable sofa, while Shane took a seat at his desk.
• "It's a ridiculous story. I still can't believe it happened in the first place."
• "Oh, really?"
• Shane burst into laughter, slamming his fists on the desk.
• "That woman parades around as if she's a proper princess when she's not even Luna material."
• Liam's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, keeping his expression neutral.
• "She's not your mate?"
• "Hell no! My mate has to be way better than that! The moon goddess knows my taste. She wouldn't play such a cruel trick on me."
• "Oh?"
• Liam tilted his head, eyeing Shane with a perplexed expression. "So, let me get this straight. She believes you're her mate, but you don't reciprocate those feelings?" Liam asked, seeking clarification.
• Shane nodded. "That's correct. She thinks I'm her mate. I mean she feels a connection to me, but I don't feel the same way."
• Curiosity piqued, Liam inquired further. "How did this situation come about?"
• "The'bitch's parents are lone wolves and came to me for help in the past. I asked them to join Crimson, so whatever they owed me would be scrapped off, but they were stubborn as hell and promised to pay. Years went by and they couldn't pay. You know lone wolves are broke as hell and crazy. When the time I gave them expired, I came for my payment and those heartless people tossed their daughter to me in exchange for their freedom." Shane explained.
• Liam's mind raced as he processed Shane's explanation. Liam felt a pang in his heart as he considered the impact of such a betrayal on Nicole.
• "They were too proud to become my omegas, so they offered their daughter instead. She's bound to me until their debt is settled."
• Liam's curiosity persisted. "How much does she owe, and has she made any payments so far?"
• Shane scoffed. "It's not a substantial amount. If her parents had joined as omegas, they would have paid off the debt by now. But since Nicole is the Luna, she's exempt from working to repay it. As the Luna, everything she does is considered for the pack and doesn't count as repayment."
• Liam's eyebrows furrowed as he tried to comprehend the situation. "But if you're not her mate, how did she become the Luna?"
• Shane chuckled wryly. "That's the most irritating part. I brought her back here and performed the ceremonial marking to bind her to me as a submissive. After that, she proclaimed in front of the entire pack that I was her mate. They believed her, considering her words and the fact that I had brought her home. From that point on, the die was cast."
• Liam's mind churned with possibilities. "How can she repay her debt then?"
• Shane smirked confidently. "The bitch seems content with her role as Luna, and the pack adores her. But once I find my true mate, she'll go back to being my submissive and work to pay off what she owes. Alternatively, if her parents bring me the money they owe, I'll accept it upfront."
• Liam nodded subtly, masking his satisfaction. Unknown to Shane, he had unwittingly provided Liam with the shot he needed to bring him down. His plans to help Nicole were falling into place perfectly.
• After a few moments, Shane's body slumped. The drug had taken its full effect.
• Liam let out a sigh. If it weren't for his intentions regarding Nicole, he would have gladly torn Shane's heart out.
• Excusing himself shortly after, Liam retired to bed, his mind buzzing with strategies and his determination to protect Nicole.