Chapter 22: Graham refused to lend money
Chapter 22: Graham refused to lend money
(Olivia’s POV)
“Who asked for your help?” I sneered into the phone, my voice dripping with contempt. “Don’t flatter yourself, Graham. Even if you force it on me, I won’t take a penny from you. Using your money to redeem my mother’s moonstone bracelet would dirty her path in the afterlife.”
I could hear Graham’s sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line.
“Olivia, how can you be so vicious now?” His voice rose, a mixture of hurt and anger vibrating through the
connection.
“Huh, my vicious words are nothing compared to your vicious deeds,” I replied coldly before hanging up.
I tossed my phone onto the couch, fury coursing through my veins like wildfire. My hands trembled slightly as I paced across my living room.
A sense of foreboding settled heavily in my chest. If Graham knew about the bracelet, Bella would likely find out too. My half–sister had always coveted what was mine, taking pleasure in stealing anything I cherished. She would undoubtedly try to snatch the moonstone bracelet as well. I couldn’t–wouldn’t–let that happen. With only two days left before the auction, panic threatened to overwhelm me. Where could I possibly borrow such a large sum of money?
I forced myself to take several deep breaths, remembering my mother’s advice from childhood: “Stay composed in the face of adversity, little wolf. Clear minds find solutions where clouded ones see only problems.”
My wolf whined anxiously within me, sharing my distress. I walked to my workroom, where the almost–finished ceremonial gown for Madeline Shadowcrest’s birthday celebration hung on a mannequin. The exquisite fabric shimmered under the lights, traditional werewolf symbols subtly woven into the design. As I ran my fingers over the delicate embroidery, a daring idea sparked in my mind.
Cassius Shadowcrest.
He was undoubtedly the most influential Alpha I knew, and he certainly had the financial means to help me. But we barely knew each other, and our standing in pack hierarchy was vastly different.
Would such a bold request be perceived as lunacy by the powerful Shadowcrest Alpha?
After a brief internal debate, I resolved to try. The worst–case scenario was a humiliating rejection and a lost business opportunity with the Shadowcrest Pack. But if he agreed? The solution to my predicament would be within reach!
I realized I lacked Cassius Shadowcrest’s direct contact information. Pulling out my phone, I scrolled th my contacts until I found Russell Parker’s number.
“Miss Oasis,” Parker answered promptly. “How may I assist you?”
“Mr. Parker, I’ve finalized the design for Alpha Shadowcrest’s ceremonial attire,” I said, keeping my voice
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professional. “I need his approval before proceeding with any modifications.”
There was a brief pause before Parker responded. “I understand. You should go directly to Alpha
Shadowcrest’s company. I’ll text you the address.”
Minutes later, my phone pinged with a message containing an address and additional instructions: “You’ll find Alpha Shadowcrest across the street from this address. Someone will be there to greet you.”
I frowned at the cryptic message but thanked him and ended the call.
Thirty minutes later, I was driving toward the location, consulting my GPS. Something seemed off–according to the map, there was nothing but empty space across from the given address.
My suspicion about the secretive nature of Cassius Shadowcrest’s work deepened. The Shadowcrest Pack was known for their military connections, but just how classified was his business?
As I approached the destination, my jaw dropped at the sight of an unassuming gate bearing an imposing inscription: “Northern Territory Weapons Development Facility.”
It was a werewolf military compound–a high–security facility. No wonder it didn’t appear on public maps.
I pulled up to the security checkpoint, uncertainty making my palms sweat against the steering wheel. Before I could speak, a guard approached my vehicle.
The energy fluctuating off of him made it clear that he was a beta wolf and a member of Shadowcrest’s pack. His posture was alert, eyes scanning me with practiced efficiency.
“Name and business?” he asked, his tone professional but firm.
“Olivia Oasis. I’m here to see Alpha Shadowcrest regarding a design consultation,” I replied, trying to project confidence I didn’t entirely feel.
He nodded, checking a tablet in his hand. “ID, please.”
I handed over my driver’s license, watching as he verified my identity against whatever information he had. “You’re expected, Miss Oasis,” he finally said, returning my ID. “Drive through the electric gate and proceed to the tallest building at the end of the main road. Alpha Shadowcrest’s assistant is waiting for you there.” The gate slid open with a soft hum, and I drove through, following the pristine road toward a cluster of modern buildings.
I found the designated building easily–its sleek glass and steel structure towered over the others. As I parked and exited my car, I recognized the man waiting at the entrance.
It was Vincent Hayes, the Beta wolf who had reminded Cassius Shadowcrest about his departure during my previous visit to Shadowcrest Estate./
“Miss Oasis,” he greeted with a polite nod. “I’m Vincent Hayes, Alpha Shadowcrest’s personal assistant. Please follow me.”
Vincent guided me into the building, through several security checkpoints where my ID was scanned and my belongings examined.
“Alpha Shadowcrest is currently occupied with pack business,” Vincent explained as we approached an elevator. “You might have to wait a short while.”
“I understand,” I replied, stepping into the elevator beside him. “I apologize for the abruptness of my visit.”
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My wolf was tense beneath my skin, acutely aware of being in unfamiliar territory dominated by another pack’s scent.
“Not at all. Alpha Shadowcrest specifically instructed that you be accommodated whenever you reached out,”
Vincent said, pressing the button for the top floor.
The elevator ascended swiftly, opening to reveal a spacious and immaculate office area. Employees glanced up as we passed, greeting Vincent respectfully. I noticed how they subtly tilted their heads in submission, highlighting his high–ranking position within the Shadowcrest Pack hierarchy.
Vincent led me to a comfortable waiting area adjacent to what I assumed was Cassius Shadowcrest’s office.
“Please make yourself comfortable. I’ll inform you when Alpha Shadowcrest is available,” he said before departing.
The waiting room featured glass walls with partially open blinds, offering a glimpse into the adjacent office. Through the slats, I could see Cassius seated at his desk, his demeanor serious and imposing.
It was a stark contrast to his usual courteous self. His Alpha aura was palpable even through the glass, making my wolf instinctively want to submit.
The tense atmosphere in the office was evident in the rigid postures of those present. Three individuals stood opposite Cassius, their heads bowed in apparent apprehension, necks slightly exposed in wolf
submission.
I realized my timing was unfortunate–I was interrupting what seemed like an Alpha’s reprimand to subordinate pack members.
Taking advantage of the one–way view, I observed Cassius’s furrowed brows and stern expression as he spoke to the three individuals. His words were inaudible through the glass, but his displeasure was unmistakable.
Perhaps I should make an excuse and leave, I thought. This clearly wasn’t the best time to ask for a substantial loan.
Just as I was contemplating my retreat, Vincent entered the waiting room.
“Miss Oasis, Alpha Shadowcrest is free now,” he announced.
I startled, rising quickly from my seat. “Are you sure this is a good time? He seemed… occupied.”
Vincent’s expression remained neutral. “Alpha Shadowcrest wouldn’t have agreed to see you if it wasn’t convenient. He understands the difference between pack discipline and business matters.”
Leaving the waiting room, I encountered the three individuals exiting Cassius Shadowcrest’s office. They were wiping sweat from their foreheads, their wolves clearly distressed from the Alpha’s displeasure.
This encounter underscored Cassius’s authority and influence within the pack–a side of the Alpha I hadn’t witnessed before.
My apprehension grew as I followed Vincent into the office. The office was understated and grand, with floor–to–ceiling windows that took in the view of the compound.
Cassius rose from behind his imposing desk as we entered, his usual elegant and composed demeanor restored, though his Alpha presence remained unmistakable in the room.
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Chapter 22. Graham refus
“Miss Oasis, I apologize for the wait,” he said, his deep voice carrying across the space.
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