The lost mate
Chapter 78: The price of ambition

Chapter 78: The price of ambition

Blaze rose from his chair and took a few casual steps towards the window, looking out as though contemplating something grand. "You’ve always wanted power, haven’t you, Jackson? Real power. Liana can’t give that to you anymore. She’s losing her grip, you know that. Her son doesn’t follow her as he should. But me? I have resources and connections. Together, we could accomplish something far greater than watching your daughter chase after a prince who doesn’t want her."

Jackson’s gaze hardened. "What exactly are you proposing?"

Blaze turned, his smile widening. "A partnership. You align yourself with me, and I promise you, Jackson, we’ll take control of more than just a title. You’ll have what you’ve always wanted—real power, real influence. We won’t need to bow to Liana or any other Alpha."

Aligning with Blaze? That was dangerous ground. He knew Blaze’s reputation—ruthless, cunning, willing to tear apart anything in his path to get what he wanted.

Jackson stared Blaze down, weighing his options. "What’s in it for you?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.

Blaze laughed softly, as though the answer were obvious. "What’s in it for me is the same as what’s in it for you. Power, Jackson. I will be the next Alpha king, and you can be whatever you want."

"Alright, if I agree, what do you want from me ?" Jackson asked.

Blaze’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as Jackson leant forward, giving a slight indication that he might be considering the proposal.

He moved from the window, pacing with deliberate slowness as though enjoying the moment. "You’ve been part of Liana’s inner circle for years now—close enough to know her weaknesses. And I know you have them, too. Why is Liana cooperating with you? Does she know about your... aspirations? Or is this some underhanded game you’re playing behind her back?"

Jackson didn’t flinch, though Blaze’s words unsettled him.

Blaze must have sensed Jackson’s hesitation because he leant in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "What’s the matter, Jackson? Don’t tell me you’re still loyal to her. After all this time? Or is there something you’re not telling me?"

Jackson’s eyes flickered, and for a moment, the room seemed to tighten with tension. He weighed his next words carefully, knowing Blaze was trying to get under his skin.

"If you’re so confident Liana is losing her grip, why do you need my help ?" Jackson’s voice was calm, but there was an edge of warning in his words. "You’re playing a dangerous game, Blaze, and you don’t even know the full extent of it."

"Oh, come on, Jackson, just spill it out. You know she will lose."

"Your brother, Richard," Jackson said casually, "he’s been sick for years, hasn’t he? Ever wonder why?"

Blaze’s expression shifted, his features tightening. For the first time, the arrogance drained from his eyes, replaced with something darker. His voice was cold when he spoke. "What are you saying?"

Jackson gave a thin smile, though the atmosphere in the room had grown heavy. "You’re not the only one who knows how to keep secrets, Blaze. You should be careful who you cross. Some alliances aren’t as easily broken as you think."

The Alpha was silent for a long moment, but Jackson could see the rage brewing beneath the surface.

Finally, Blaze’s lip curled in a sneer. "Think about my offer, Jackson. And think carefully. Power is fleeting for those who don’t seize it when it’s offered."

With that, Blaze turned on his heel, heading towards the door. He paused for a moment before leaving, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Remember what I said. I’ll be waiting for your answer. But don’t take too long. You might regret it."

As Blaze left the room, tension lingered in the air. Jackson remained seated, staring at the door, his mind racing. There was no way he would ever trust Blaze.

Unknown to either of them, Nicky had been hiding in the hidden room behind Jackson’s office. She had overheard everything, her heart pounding in her chest as she processed the conversation. She’d heard every word, from Blaze’s dangerous proposition to Jackson’s cryptic warning about Alpha Richard.

And now, with this new information, Nicky knew she had to be careful—very careful. She slipped out of the hidden room as quietly as possible, her heart hammering in her chest.

************************************

Anne stepped through the front door of the packhouse with Damien by her side, her heart weighed down by the events at Heather’s home. But as they entered the grand hallway, the sight of Ryan running towards her immediately softened the burden she carried.

"Mommy!" Ryan shouted, his face lit up with excitement as he raced across the room. "Guess what? Grandma and I had the best day ever! We went to the park, and then we got ice cream, and—oh!—I even saw some birds building a nest!"

Anne knelt to scoop him into her arms. She kissed the top of his head, holding him close for a moment longer than usual. "That sounds like so much fun, sweetie. I’m glad you had a great day."

Ryan squirmed in her arms, eager to share every detail. "Grandma said maybe next time we can go to the big forest!"

Liana, who had been standing by the door with a soft smile on her face, chuckled lightly at Ryan’s excitement. Her smile was warm but restrained, as it often was. "I told him stories about wolves today," she said, turning to Anne. "He was quite fascinated."

Anne straightened up, still holding Ryan’s little hand as she looked at Liana. "Thank you for looking after him, Madam Luna. It means a lot to me."

Liana waved her hand dismissively, though there was a touch of warmth in her gaze. "There’s nothing to thank me for, Anne. He’s a delightful boy. He keeps the house lively."

"How are your human friends ?"

"Heather’s not well," Anne finally said, her voice low. "She’s... very sick. Cancer."

Liana’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. "I see," she said, her tone thoughtful. "And Damien has offered to help, I assume?"

Anne nodded. "Yes. He’s going to make sure she gets the best treatment. She didn’t want to tell anyone at first, but we insisted."

Liana gave a brief nod, her face composed. "That’s kind of Damien," she remarked, glancing at him with a slight smile. "He’s always been generous with those he cares about."

Damien, who had been standing silently besides Anne, placed a hand on her shoulder. "It’s the least we can do," he said simply.

"Now, on to other matters," Liana began.

"This weekend, there’s going to be an Alpha Ball. It’s one of our most prestigious events, as you might already know."

Anne’s heart sank slightly at the mention of the ball, her mind flashing back to the last time she had been at such a gathering. The memories weren’t pleasant. But she kept her face neutral, waiting for Liana to continue.

"I expect you and Damien to attend," Liana said, her eyes resting on Anne as though watching for her reaction. "You’re his mate, and it’s important that the pack sees you together. Especially now, given how things are progressing."

Anne swallowed hard. The Alpha Ball represented—status, tradition, expectations. And of course, there was Jessica. She had no doubt that the other she-wolf would be in attendance, and the thought of being compared to her again made Anne’s stomach twist.

"I understand," Anne replied, her voice steady though she felt anything but. "We’ll be there."

Damien squeezed her shoulder gently, as if sensing her unease. "It’ll be fine," he whispered to her.

Liana seemed satisfied with Anne’s response and nodded. "Good. It’s important for the pack to see unity and strength in its leadership, especially with so much at stake. There will be eyes on you, and I trust you’ll represent our family well."

Anne nodded.

Liana glanced at Ryan, who was now playing with a small toy on the floor.

"Enjoy your evening," she said, her voice more gentle now. "And don’t worry too much about Heather. We’ll do what we can."

With that, Liana turned and left the room, leaving Anne and Damien alone with Ryan.