Chapter 657 – Something to take care of
Alpha Jasper did not dare to lie when faced with Alpha King Voren Ashkael. The man’s reputation preceded him, and Jasper was not a fool.
"The truth is, our pack has been exposed." Jasper’s voice was low, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. "Not only the Lycans but one of their wizards have been able to enter."
He paused, his jaw tightening. "You and I both know they will only go back to train harder and come back better. They’re patient, methodical, vengeful, and they don’t forget."
"Is that all?" Voren asked, his gaze so piercing it made Jasper uneasy. The Alpha King’s eyes seemed to see through skin and bone, straight to the marrow of truth.
"Alpha King, between us and the Lycans, we are disadvantaged because they know more about us than we do about them." Jasper’s voice carried a note of frustration.
"We have no idea about their population. No idea about what their pack looks like. I only know it’s underground somewhere, and the exits and entrances are protected with black magic." He shook his head. "You shouldn’t blame me for fearing what might come to my pack, right? We’re blind, and they have night vision."
Voren was glad to have had this conversation with Jasper because at least he discovered something very important.
The Lycans built their packs underground, a revelation that explained exactly why no one could locate their whereabouts. They were hidden beneath the earth, invisible to the eyes of their enemies.
"You should have a solution in mind." Voren responded tactfully. If Jasper wanted his help, he wasn’t going to find the solution for him. That would make Jasper dependent on him in the future, and dependency bred weakness.
"Yes, I do." Jasper straightened, his voice gaining confidence. "Since the Lycans blend so well among humans but have also had access to this pack, we need the services of a shaman." He held up his hand, counting off the points.
"We have to increase the security system, and I don’t think our warriors are well equipped for magical battles." He met Voren’s gaze. "The Grimroot pack has two shamans now, so I was thinking you could loan us the services of either of them from time to time."
Voren nodded slowly, his mind already turning over the possibilities. It was in his plan to increase the security around the packs and find ways of uniting them.
With Jasper’s suggestion being in line with his plans, he found no reason to object. He was also glad that Jasper was genuinely thinking about the wellbeing of the pack, not just trying to save his own skin. It meant Voren would not have to worry so much about the Silver Moon Pack.
"I will arrange it," he finally said.
A sigh of relief escaped Jasper, his shoulders sagging with visible tension release. "You are nothing like the rumors say." A small, genuine smile curled the corner of his lips. "In my opinion, though you carry that fearful exterior, you care a lot about the wellbeing of others."
Voren did not respond, only attending to other matters. Then he remembered something important. The two shamans were here and could do a quick cleanse of this pack before they left.
He quickly mind linked the two of them at once, his thoughts sharp and commanding. ’I met a few Lycans and a wizard the last time I came here. Alpha Jaron has left with some of them, and though I have eyes on him, I want this pack fortified against black magic.’
It was Oriana who answered, her voice calm and assured. ’I felt it as soon as we stepped here, so we have been working on it. The wizard left a shadow anchor, a dark relic hidden in the territory that keeps a fragment of his soul tethered here, ensuring he can slip back through dimensions.’*
She paused, her voice assuring. ’Don’t worry. The cleansing is almost done. Once that’s gone, he can never have access unless he’s physically let in.’
Voren smiled. He had a formidable team after all. After relaying the information to Jasper, he asked again, his voice drifting to business. "How are the pack’s finances?"
Jasper lowered his head, shame coloring his features. "Not good, Alpha King." His voice was barely above a whisper. "My father made investments with the Lycans, but we haven’t received any returns. Either he has been duped, or the returns have been held in exchange for something." He shook his head. "He was in charge, so I couldn’t question him. However, I can turn things around with what I have in our coffers."
Voren took deep breaths, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. There was a lot more to do than he had anticipated. "You know what? Send me details of your pack’s businesses." His voice was firm. "I’ll send Damon over to help you with some investment options."
Yeah, Damon was also powerful in the human world, so Voren’s focus was on training him well in the werewolf community to assume greater responsibilities. The man had potential, and Voren intended to cultivate it.
Now that he thought about it, he would have to take over the leaders’ academy training to make his work easier. Then he had to train Corvine too. There was too much to do, too many plates spinning in the air.
After the dinner banquet, some Alphas were smiling and others scowling. The Alpha King was going to visit each pack, and they knew it wasn’t going to be good. Change was coming, and not everyone would survive it.
It was finally time for departure, and Voren was the last to enter the chopper. However, a message dropped on his phone, the vibration sharp against his palm.
’King Voren, Alpha Jaron went into a hotel in the outlands with those strange men. We can’t enter.’
Voren took deep breaths, his jaw tight with controlled fury. He informed his wife, his voice low. "There’s something I need to take care of." He met her gaze, his eyes carrying a silent apology. "The announcement of the pack leadership changes is now in your hands."