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Chapter 31: Theo
“So, does it seem doable to you?” I ask Harmon.
“Yeah, I don’t see there being too many issues,” he replied, checking the blueprints in his hands. “We’ll want to start digging here first to ensure we can go deep enough without damaging the original foundation structure.”
“That was the plan I had laid out.” I confirmed. “I’m already putting a list together of employees to vet. How long do you think the project will take?”
“Maybe a month at the most,” Harmon said. “We’ll know better once we know what’s beneath here.”
We needed a less conspicuous way to access the cellar. I had thought about installing a private elevator from the Alpha’s wing, but there wasn’t a way to make that work without attracting attention and rumors. So, with Harmon’s help, we settled on renovating one of the houses next to the packhouse and tunneling over. We’ll turn the house into an office building with restricted access to the tunnel.
“Good,” I said. “I’ll let you know when we’re ready to move forward.” We headed for the cellar exit. “What did Malcolm want to speak with you about on Saturday?”
Harmon sighed heavily. “He’s been pressuring me to bring on a new -stonework company. I keep telling him we’re not interested. But even
if I wasn’t happy with the craftsmen we already have, the crew he wants us to go with is questionable at best.”
“Who does he want us to switch to?” I asked with concern.
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“It’s a group out of Shadow Claw territory,” he said knowingly. “The manager has some connection to a high–ranking pack member, and they’ve been trying to use their influence to build business.”
“By paying Malcolm to pressure his clientele to use them,” I guessed grimly.
Harmon nodded. “Seems so. However, I asked around, and he’s only approached companies that are handling pack projects.”
“Seriously?” That was suspicious. Pack projects could often mean higher budgets, but there was always competition from private developers. “Send me the information.”
“You’re not thinking about…”
“No, of course not,” I assured him. “I want to look into the company and see what they’re up to.”
I had just returned to my office to start preparations when my phone rang. I checked the ID and ground my teeth.
“Hello, Delta Charles,” I greeted.
Delta Charles Anderson was Malcolm and Julia’s uncle. I was expecting this call after what happened over the weekend. I would have contacted him first thing that morning, but I wanted to allow him the opportunity to reach out. Mostly because I was curious to see how Julia would spin the incident to get her way.
“Alpha Theo,” Charles replied. “I hope to find you well this morning.”
“I’m doing quite well,” I said happily. “I hope the same goes for you.”
“Well, I wish I could say that, Alpha,” he said. “I received your message requesting to speak with me. I’m assuming it concerns the
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altercation that occurred while my niece and nephew attended an event in your territory this weekend.”
“Crashed,” I interjected. “They crashed an event in my territory this weekend.”
“I see,” he continued. “However, I’m not sure that constitutes the poor treatment Julia received.”
“Ah, yes, that,” I said sternly. “I’m guessing she informed you of exactly what happened.”
“I understand that your mate is new to her position, Alpha, but our pack does not condone insulting guests, let alone having them manhandled and thrown out by security for defending themselves.”
I chuckled bitterly. “I’m afraid Julia neglected some vital information in her story. Well, actually,” I backtracked, “she has downright lied to you. So, Delta Charles, I’m wondering if your pack condones attacking another pack’s Luna. Because ours certainly does not. And if it wasn’t for my Luna being so forgiving – despite her inexperience, as you pointed out – your niece wouldn’t be safe at home right now.”
Charles was silent for a moment.
“Would you mind explaining?” he finally responded.
“After I turned down Julia’s inappropriate advances, yet again, she decided to insult my mate,” I said forcefully. “When Ayła stepped in to stop me from acting on my very justified anger, your niece not only continued to insult her but threw a drink at my Luna. I think you can agree that having security escort her out was the best outcome she could have hoped for.”
“He’s lying, Uncle,” I heard Julia’s voice in the background. “That bitch came after me.”
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“Quiet,” Charles snapped at her.
“Delta Charles,” I continued, emphasizing his title, “I have a banquet hall full of witnesses. Not that I need them.”
“Julia will issue a formal apology to your Luna immediately,” Charles said urgently.
“It’s too late for that, Charles,” I said. “She had an opportunity to accept accountability, and she is still choosing to slander and disrespect my Luna. She is no longer welcome in my territory. I suggest you think about having such a contemptuous employee representing your company. In fact, if you intend to continue to do business with me, Delta, I want her fired. She doesn’t belong in a position that exposes others to her depraved behavior.”
“Uncle, no,” Julia whined.
“Shut up,” Charles spat at her. “Get out.”
“Uncle…”
“Now,” he yelled. There was a pause and I heard the sound of a door slam. “Alpha, I understand you are upset, but think twice before you tell me how to run my company.”
“I’m not telling you how to run your company,” I retorted. “I’m telling you how to wrangle your family, Charles. Now, you can fire her and keep her away from my Lunce and my territory. Or I can reach out to Alpha Anthony and discuss a fitting punishment with him. And for the sake of transparency, this conversation is a courtesy thanks to my forgiving and kind–hearted mate, Charles. If I bring this to Alpha Anthony, I will have no problem relaying the punishment I think she deserves.”
“That won’t be necessary, Alpha,” Charles replied bitterly. “I will
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inform Julia of her termination shortly. Please accept my apologies for her behavior.”
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Chapter 32 Theo
