Chapter 194: Family Politics and Hidden Motives
Chapter 194: Family Politics and Hidden Motives
(Aria’s POV)
“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice carrying genuine concern.
“Much better, thank you,” I replied, my hand instinctively moving to my belly where the pup was growing stronger each day. “Marcus, I can’t thank you enough for what you did on the island. You saved my life.”
Marcus waved away my gratitude with a dismissive gesture. “Don’t mention it. Besides, Dominic has already compensated me generously for my assistance.”
I frowned slightly, my wolf stirring with curiosity. “Compensated you?”
“It’s all handled,” Marcus said smoothly. “Just business arrangements between allies.”
After Marcus left, I turned to Dominic with questioning eyes. “What did he mean about compensation?”
Dominic’s silver–gray eyes met mine, his expression calm and measured. “I offered his family an opportunity to rebuild their business operations in the Northern Territory.”
“In exchange for what?” I pressed, my pregnant wolf sensing there was more to this arrangement.
“His expertise in the European werewolf markets,” Dominic explained, his powerful Alpha presence radiating confidence. “It’s a mutually beneficial collaboration. He gets a fresh start, and I get access to expanded
business networks.”
I nodded slowly, acknowledging my limitations in such complex negotiations. “I suppose I don’t understand these kinds of business dealings.”
“You don’t need to,” Dominic said gently, his cedar scent wrapping around me protectively. “That’s what I’m
here for.”
Several days passed in peaceful recovery. Dr. Nathan Lewis had cleared me for discharge, and I was looking forward to returning to our home in Moon Valley Residences. The trauma of Crystal Island was beginning to fade, replaced by gratitude for my survival and excitement about our growing family.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I called out, expecting to see Dominic returning with my discharge papers.
Instead, an elegant woman in her fifties entered the room. She had the distinctive Lewis family features – warm brown eyes and silver–streaked hair pulled back in a sophisticated bun. Her expensive clothing and confident bearing marked her as someone of status within the pack hierarchy.
“Aria, dear,” she said with a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m Patricia Lewis, your father’s
sister. I’ve been so worried about you.”
My wolf stirred uneasily at her approach. Something about her scent betrayed insincerity beneath her caring
words.
“Aunt Patricia,” I said politely, though I felt little warmth toward this stranger who claimed to be family.
“When I heard about your terrible ordeal with that madman Alexander,” she continued, settling into the chair
Chapter 194: Family Politics and Halden Mativen
beside my bed, “I simply had to come see you immediately.”
Her wolf’s scent carried calculated concern rather than genuine family affection. “Your parents have been beside themselves with worry. Michael especially he’s been blaming himself for not protecting you better.
“That’s not his fault,” I said firmly, my protective instincts flaring. “Alexander’s actions were his own choice.
“Of course, dear,” Patricia agreed quickly. “But you know how fathers are about their daughters. Especially when they’ve already lost a child once.”
The reminder of my k********g years ago made my pregnant wolf whimper softly. “I’m fine now. Dominic saved me.”
“Yes, your mate is quite remarkable,” Patricia sald, her tone carrying subtle evaluation. “Such a powerful Alpha, and so devoted to you.”
I waited for her to continue, sensing this visit had a purpose beyond family concern.
“Actually,” Patricia said, her voice taking on a more business–like tone, “I wanted to discuss something with you. It’s about a project investment opportunity I’ve been developing with your father.”
There it was the real reason for her visit. My enhanced senses picked up the shift in her wolf’s scent from feigned concern to eager anticipation.
“What kind of project?” I asked, though I was already losing interest.
“It’s a new healing center initiative,” Patricia explained, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “We’re looking to
expand Lewis family medical services throughout the Northern Territory. Michael’s expertise would be
invaluable.”
She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a confidential whisper. “Of course, having Dominic
Blackwood’s support would make the project much more viable. The Shadow Pack’s influence could open
many doors.”
My wolf bristled with indignation. This woman wasn’t here out of concern for my wellbeing – she was here to use my mate bond for her own business interest’s.
“I see,” I said coolly, my tone making it clear I understood her true motivations.
Patricia seemed oblivious to my growing displeasure. “I was hoping you might mention it to Dominic. Nothing
too direct, of course. Just… plant the seed, so to speak.”
“I’m not in the habit of manipulating my mate for business ventures,” I replied firmly, my pregnant wolf
radiating protective anger.
“Oh, I wouldn’t call it manipulation,” Patricia said with a laugh that sounded forced. “More like… family
collaboration. After all, we’re all pack now.”
Before I could respond, she stood up and smoothed her expensive skirt. “Well, I should let you rest. You’ve been through so much, poor dear.”
She moved toward the door, then paused and turned back. “Do think about what I said, Aria. Family should
support each other, don’t you think?”
After she left, I stared at the closed door with disappointment weighing heavily on my heart. This was my biological family – calculating, manipulative people who saw relationships as business opportunities.
< Chapter 194 Family Politics and Hidden Motives
My thoughts turned to Emily and David Summers, my adoptive parents who had loved me unconditionally. They had never expected anything from me except happiness and health. The contrast between their genuine affection and Patricia’s calculated approach was stark and painful.
My pregnant wolf whimpered with sadness at the realization that my birth family’s political nature was so different from the genuine love I’d known growing up.
When Dominic returned with my discharge papers, he immediately noticed my dejected expression. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his silver–gray eyes sharp with concern.
“I had a visitor,” I said with a sigh. “My aunt Patricia.”
Dominic’s expression darkened slightly. “Let me guess she wanted something.”
“Business opportunities,” I confirmed. “She was hoping I’d convince you to support some project of hers.”
“And you’re disappointed in your relatives,” Dominic said, his Alpha instincts reading my emotions easily.
“They’re so different from my adoptive parents,” I admitted. “Emily and David loved me without expecting anything in return. But these people… they see me as a tool for advancement.”
Dominic sat on the edge of my bed, his cedar scent wrapping around me comfortingly. “Not all of them are like that, Aria. Your brother Nathan is genuinely caring.”
“I know,” I said softly. “But it still hurts.”
“You don’t have to like them all,” Dominic said with a slight smile. “Family politics are always complicated in packs like ours.”
His teasing tone helped lift my spirits slightly. “Speaking of family politics, have you made any progress on investigating my k********g?”
Dominic’s expression grew serious. “It’s difficult after so many years. But I do have a suspicion.”
“About who?” I leaned forward, my wolf stirring with curiosity.
“Think about it,” Dominic said thoughtfully. “Who would have gained the most from your father not inheriting the head healer position?”
My mind raced through the Lewis family hierarchy. “Third Uncle Marcús?” I guessed, referring to one of my father’s older brothers who had always coveted the prestigious healing role.
“It’s merely a suspicion,” Dominic said carefully, his Alpha instincts telling him there was more to uncover. “But the timing is suspicious.”
“How can we prove it after all these years?” I asked.
Dominic’s silver–gray eyes gleamed with strategic intent. “Sometimes you have to create the right
circumstances to make people reveal themselves.”
“What do you mean?”
“We could create some evidence,” he suggested, his voice taking on a calculating tone. “Something that would flush out whoever was really responsible.”
I understood his implication immediately. “You want to bait them into exposing themselves.”
“Exactly,” Dominic confirmed. “We watch the show and see who takes the bait.”
3/4
