Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Keep Your Enemies Closer

Victoria

"This isn’t debt, Mr. Garrett," I said coolly. "It’s an investment in our mutual security. Shadow Pack shares our northern border. Their interests align with ours in keeping that boundary secure."

"And what does Alpha Moretti get in return?" Garrett persisted, ignoring the warning looks from others at the table.

Before I could answer, Leo spoke for the first time since the meeting began, his voice like steel wrapped in velvet. "I get the continued prosperity of my mate’s ancestral pack, Mr. Garrett. I get the knowledge that my Luna’s family legacy remains intact." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Is that sufficient explanation for you?"

Garrett swallowed visibly but didn’t back down completely. "With respect, Alpha Moretti, we’ve all heard rumors about your business practices. Some might wonder if this is the first step toward absorbing Howlthorne into Shadow Pack."

A dangerous silence fell over the room. I could feel Leo’s anger building beside me, the air around him practically crackling with restrained aggression. Before he could respond, I placed my hand over his on the table—a gesture both intimate and restraining.

"Your concern for Howlthorne’s sovereignty is noted and appreciated, Garrett," I said, keeping my voice level. "But let me be absolutely clear: I am my father’s daughter before I am anyone’s mate. Howlthorne will remain independent under my leadership."

I stood, commanding the room’s attention. "That said, we would be fools to reject valuable alliances out of pride or suspicion. My father understood that isolation makes a pack vulnerable. Our partnership with Shadow Pack strengthens us both."

I turned back to the territory map, deliberately changing the subject. "The community center repairs in the main village should begin immediately as well. It’s important that pack members see visible progress—concrete evidence that leadership remains strong and effective despite Alpha Enzo’s temporary absence."

As I outlined the plans for the community center renovation, I noticed Garrett watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. When we moved on to discussing staffing issues, he surprised me by offering several practical suggestions for reorganizing departments that had been neglected under Enzo’s leadership.

By mid-morning, we’d worked through most of the critical issues. Jackson, who had been quiet but attentive throughout, finally spoke up.

"Alpha Victoria, given my current... condition," he gestured to his injured arm, "I’m not able to fulfill all my Beta duties effectively. The pack needs a fully functioning Beta, especially now."

I nodded, having anticipated this issue. "Do you have a recommendation for a temporary replacement while you heal?"

Jackson’s eyes flicked briefly toward Garrett before returning to me. "Garrett has the necessary experience and respect among the younger pack members. Despite his... concerns earlier, I believe he would serve effectively in the interim."

All eyes turned to Garrett, whose surprise was evident. He clearly hadn’t expected this endorsement from Jackson, who was known to be one of my father’s most loyal supporters.

"Would you be willing to step into that role temporarily, Mr. Garrett?" I asked, carefully keeping any trace of triumph from my voice. Having him working within the leadership structure rather than sowing dissent from outside would be valuable—and if he refused, he’d lose face before his peers.

Garrett hesitated, clearly caught off-guard by the offer. "I... I would need to consider—"

"Of course, this would give you the opportunity to address those concerns you mentioned more directly," I added smoothly. "Working alongside me, you’d have firsthand knowledge of all decisions affecting Howlthorne’s future."

After a moment, he squared his shoulders. "If Beta Jackson believes I can be of service to the pack in this capacity, I accept the temporary appointment."

"Excellent," I said with a genuine smile. "We’ll make the formal announcement this afternoon. I expect you to help smooth any lingering concerns among the younger members about our current leadership arrangement."

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