The Pack's Daughter (Aysel and Magnus) novel Chapter 233

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**Midnight Letters by Daniel Crowe**

**Chapter 233**

In the quiet confines of the study, a circle of wolves returned, their heavy steps echoing with a palpable tension that hung in the air. Their expressions were etched with suspicion, each member acutely aware of the gravity of the situation unfolding before them.

The silence among the parties involved was deafening, a refusal to engage that rendered the whole affair a mere domestic dispute in the eyes of the pack. Yet, in the world of mated wolves, once claws were drawn, the Shadowbane bloodline would inevitably bear the brunt of the blame.

James’s gaze was fixed on Magnus Sanchez, a deep, somber intensity reflected in his eyes. “My daughter of Darkmoon has suffered harm while under the Shadowbane roof. Magnus, your pack owes us an explanation for this transgression.”

Magnus responded with a nonchalant huff, devoid of humor, the corner of his mouth twisting into a cold smile. “An explanation? How about divorce? Severing the bond? Stripping Ulric Sanchez of all his holdings—how does that sound to you?”

James felt a surge of anger rise within him, his voice sharp as he retorted, “Are you mocking us, Magnus?”

The thought of Ivy ever divorcing Ulric was absurd to everyone present. They all understood that such a notion was a distant fantasy.

Magnus’s wolf, Rafe, stirred restlessly beneath his skin, his gaze boring into James with a ferocity that left no room for doubt. “Then what is it that you truly desire?” he inquired, his tone laced with challenge.

James shifted uncomfortably, suddenly finding it difficult to maintain the intensity of Magnus’s alpha gaze. “Last time, Olivia approached you with a joint research proposal concerning advancements in artificial intelligence. The Shadowbane Pack boasts the continent’s leading R&D division. Darkmoon is prepared to shoulder a significant portion of the funding. We could form a mutually beneficial investment partnership.”

Magnus’s smile morphed into something sharp and predatory. “You really think Shadowbane is in need of a few coins from you?”

Beside him, Aysel let out a soft sigh, her graceful movements punctuating her words as she shook her head, her palm open in a gesture of disbelief. “Some wolves,” she murmured, “clearly wish to exploit the situation… while pretending to offer something in return.”

Magnus chuckled, the sound low and dismissive. “Nonsense, Aysel. Lord James is renowned for his integrity. How could he possibly be so greedy?”

James felt the heat of embarrassment wash over him, his cheeks flushing crimson as he fought to regain his composure.

But Magnus was relentless, cutting off any excuses before they could take shape. “Ulric’s mate. Ulric’s claws. If you seek compensation, you will have to extract it from Ulric himself. Attempting to pry a piece of Shadowbane to salvage his reputation? An exercise in futility.”

Despite their shared blood, he and Ulric were not wolves who cleaned up each other’s messes.

Turning his head slightly, Magnus addressed Ulva, who had been observing the conflict with an air of calm detachment. “You can also bring this matter before the Old Wolf,” he added.

Ulva inclined her head with quiet dignity, her presence a steadying force amidst the turmoil. “The Shadowbane Pack will provide Darkmoon with an answer,” she stated, her tone firm yet measured.