Chapter 19 : Forest Bloom

2781 Words
Seasons changed once more. Five years had drifted by in the blink of an eye. Supernatural creatures mingled more with humans, their behaviour almost similar to that of the mortals. The businesses owned by shifter packs had soared, leading a few shifters to appear on the list of Forbes. Among them were the Tiger shifters, Wolf shifters, Serpentines, as well as a few Vampires. Major cities were claimed and divided between twelve Kings. The Alpha King of Divine Blood pack, Xander Eric King, allocated a few cities that were under his jurisdiction to the six major packs that fell under his protection. They were the Silver Star pack, the Golden Arc pack, the Lush Oak pack, the Fiery Sea pack, the Blue Blood pack, and the Black Jade pack. Each of the packs monopolised industries that catered to their field of expertise. Auburn was known as the city that never slept. Among the largest cities inhabited by wolf shifters, it was alive with energy as nightfall blanketed its towering skyscrapers. High-end stores pulled down the shutters and locked their gates, while the crowds in markets, malls, and amusement parks had just begun to thicken. Neon lights flickered and danced, reflecting off the glistening pavement slick from an earlier rain. The central market buzzed with activity, vendors hawking their goods beneath the electric glow of colorful signs. Clubs throbbed with bass, their doors flung open to the throngs of young people who spilled into the streets, dressed in vibrant clothing that shimmered under the city’s pulsating lights. It was a scene of controlled chaos—an urban jungle where humans and wolf shifters mingled, the former blissfully unaware of the powerful beings who shared their city. Auburn was a metropolis divided into six districts, each governed by the most powerful packs in the Alpha King's kingdom. To the north, the Silver Star pack maintained a watchful grip; to the south, the Blue Blood pack held sway. The east was ruled by the Black Jade pack, while the west belonged to the Fiery Sea pack. At the heart of it all lay the Golden Arc pack, pulsing with life and power. The borders were secured by the Lush Oak pack, who were ever vigilant against external threats although they preferred a lifestyle of agriculture. Despite the undercurrents that surged and raged between the packs, they had an unspoken agreement on their roles, forming alliances where necessary. Together, these packs maintained a fragile truce under the Alpha King’s protection, their power balanced by mutual respect and the tribute they paid every six months. The Golden Arc pack was in charge of protection and regulation. They provided security services, private bodyguards, trained soldiers, assassins, and other such services that required a person's peak physiological fitness. The pack was also in charge of wards and patrols to defend the city against foes that existed within or outside the borders. The Silver Star pack spread it's claws in business, tyranting over the humans with their arrogance. Their aggression while dealing with contracts and negotiations was legendary, with the latest Alpha's abilities towering over his ancestors. The Blue Bloods held onto their namesake, providing the kingdom with apt and decisive politicians, who strives for the development of the kingdom regardless of personal feuds. Despite frequent complaints of snobbish behaviour and judgement that they directed at those who weren't one of them, they preferred using their pens rather than their claws. Lush Oak pack was the largest provider of fresh produce, their focus on the fields that ran for miles around the borders, right before reaching the woods that housed the wolf shifters' territories. Research into better methods of cultivation was their priority. The Black Jade pack had shockingly stumbled into a dozen undiscovered mines in their yearning for riches and jewels. Their luck was impeccable, leading them to monopolise the jewel industry, as well as provide financial aid. If course, the interest was to die for. Literally. The Fiery Sea pack, contrary to their names, were the calmest and most educated of them all. With their intellect, they provided education to the young shifters within the kingdom, as well as a few outer students with the approval of the Alpha King. What had started decades ago to maintain their finances in the human realm, soon led to success under the efforts of each successor. These six packs stood at each other's throats, smiling amiably on the surface while keeping tabs on each other. And despite the city Auburn, among others, being ruled by these hot blooded but just packs, a secret force had taken over the underworld dealings of all the cities in the continent. In the midst of this sprawling city, one building stood out even among the skyscrapers: Greyson Corp., a towering testament to dominance and power. The massive structure, over fifty floors tall, was an architectural marvel of steel and glass, its sleek lines exuding an air of arrogance and elegance. Even at this late hour, the entrance was crowded with adults in crisp suits and polished leather shoes, their faces set in expressions of determination and confidence as they hustled in and out of the building. On the fifty-ninth floor, right below the topmost floor of Greyson Corp., the atmosphere was far from the chaotic energy below. Here, the mood was tense, the air thick with apprehension and dread. The halls were lit up with embedded lights, ones that made the empty corridors brighter than they would be in broad daylight. The floor was dedicated entirely to business—meeting rooms and conference halls partitioned by soundproof walls, each equipped with the latest technology. The largest conference room, at the end of a long hallway, was dimly lit, the shadows cast by the overhead lights seeming to close in around the occupants. It was the only room that was currently filled, although the occupation was a harbinger of perspiration. At the head of the long, polished table sat Alpha Drew Greyson, his presence commanding and fearsome. Known as a ruthless CEO, he beheld a striking figure—tall, with dark hair combed back in a way that highlighted the sharp angles of his face. His lips were curled into a smirk, the kind that was characteristic on a normal day. But tonight, there was nothing reassuring about his expression. His deep blue eyes, cold and calculating, flicked over the directors seated around the table, each of them fidgeting in their seats under his withering gaze. Sweat beaded on their brows despite the efficient air conditioning, and the leather recliners that usually offered comfort now felt stiff and unyielding. “Explain to me,” Drew’s voice cut through the silence like a blade, low and menacing, “how it is that a plan meant to secure the future of this company is riddled with so many... convenient oversights.” He was met with silence. Drew glared at each person in the room and they immediately averted their gazes, guilt evident on their features. None of them spoke up. "I had forgotten how many illiterates we have among the directors, all for the sake of our family relations. Maybe I should tell my father to shove his propriety deep within the woods, so the company will regain its efficiency again." Fury and humiliation speared through the gathered shifters. Drew could almost hear the protests and snarks that shot through their minds and entered the pack bond. But they restrained themselves, well aware that their Alpha would hear their thoughts through it. One of the directors, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, cleared his throat nervously. “Alpha Greyson, you must have misunderstood us. There were some unforeseen challenges in the market, and we had to make adjustments...” “Adjustments?” Drew’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it held a dangerous edge. “Do not insult my intelligence, Logan. These ‘adjustments’ you speak of are nothing more than opportunities for you and your colleagues to fill your pockets at the company’s expense.” Another director, a woman with a steely demeanor, tried to interject. “Alpha, if I may, we were acting in the best interest of the company. The market is volatile, and unpredictable, and-” Drew’s eyes snapped to her, and she stuttered into silence, her words dying on her lips. He leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the table, the tension in the room notching up with each passing second. “I do not tolerate deceit,” Drew said, his tone icy. “You think you can exploit my company, my pack, and get away with it? Lady Grotger, you are bold, but gravely mistaken.” He tilted his head slightly to the two men standing by the door, his movements barely perceptible. “Remove them,” he ordered calmly. "Logan, the Groters, Charity, Henrick, and the Coldhewns. They have twenty minutes to grab their belongings, and twenty hours to disappear forever." The directors protested, rising from their seats, panic flashing in their eyes. “Alpha Greyson, please, let’s discuss this-” “There is nothing to discuss,” Drew interrupted, his voice laced with finality. “Your shares will be transferred to my name, and you will leave this company. Now.” The enforcers moved swiftly, grabbing the directors by their arms and dragging them toward the door. The remaining employees watched in stunned silence, their fear palpable as they witnessed the brutal efficiency with which Drew dealt with betrayal. One of the remaining directors, a younger man with wide eyes, couldn’t help but speak up, his voice trembling. “Alpha, is this really necessary? They’ve been with the company for years, decades-” Drew’s gaze turned to him, his eyes glowing with a dangerous light. “Do you question my decision, Bennett?” “N-no, Alpha,” Bennett stammered, shrinking back in his seat. “Of course not.” “Good,” Drew replied, his voice dropping to a low growl. “I am being more than civil. Had we been outside this room, I would not have been so kind.” The room fell into an oppressive silence as Drew leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the remaining employees. “Remember this: loyalty to the pack, to this company, is non-negotiable. If you cannot understand that, you have no place here.” The employees nodded frantically, murmuring their agreement. “Of course, Alpha Greyson. We’re with you all the way.” Drew’s smirk returned, though it did little to alleviate the tension. “Then prove it. We have work to do, and I expect nothing less than excellence.” As the meeting adjourned, the employees filed out of the room, their hearts pounding in their chests. Drew remained seated, his thoughts already on the next challenge, the next obstacle to overcome. He was a man of few words, but those who served under him knew that his silence was more terrifying than any outburst. He was the Alpha—a leader, a protector, and a ruthless enforcer of order. And under his rule, Greyson Corp. would continue to thrive, just as the pack had under his leadership. It had been five years since he'd been crowned as the Alpha, four since he took over the family business. Silver Star pack had never achieved his milestones in the last century, what he had achieved in these few years. The shadows deepened as Drew walked to the window, the city of Auburn stretching out below him like a vast, glittering web. The lights from the skyscrapers and the bustling streets reflected off the glass, painting his sharp features in shades of silver and gold. The city was alive, pulsing with energy, but his thoughts were far from the night’s revelry. A knock on the door broke through his thoughts. Turning his head to the side, Drew spoke, his voice calm. "Enter." The door opened silently, and Marcus Greene, Drew’s trusted advisor and Beta, stepped into the room. He was a tall man with a muscular build, with dark skin and silvered hair. His expression was controlled, but free from the complete dominance exerted by the Alpha, as he had witnessed the young Alpha's growth. Drew turned, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Marcus. “Report,” he ordered, his tone clipped and to the point. Marcus nodded. "The situation among the packs remains stable, though tensions are simmering in some areas. The Lush Oak pack has seen a rise in rogue activity along their borders, especially since they've sent most warriors to the cities for training. Golden Arc pack have sent aid and they’re handling it, but the increase is noticeable. Blue Blood in the south has been consolidating their resources, preparing for a possible expansion of their business interests into human territories.” Drew listened intently, his expression unreadable. “Continue.” “The Black Jade pack in the east is maintaining their usual activities, though there’s been some unrest among the younger wolves. They’re agitating for more freedom, especially with the Alpha King’s recent orders on exploitation of ores.” Marcus paused, hesitating slightly before moving on to the next report. “Speaking of the Alpha King, there’s been an interesting development. He has resummoned the Travellers.” At this, Drew’s gaze sharpened. “The Travellers?” His tone was laced with mild curiosity, though he kept his emotions tightly controlled. “What does he intend to do?” Marcus's expression was serious. “The Travellers are dispatched to perform important tasks. If the Alpha King has resummoned them, it could indicate that he’s anticipating some significant threat to the kingdom. The last time they were summoned in such a manner was during the Great War, and their presence was pivotal in protecting the realm.” Drew leaned back slightly, processing the information. “If the Travelers are returning, it means the King is preparing for something... or someone. We’ll need to keep a closer watch on any movements from the royal court.” Marcus nodded in agreement. “Yes, Alpha. I’ve already instructed our sources to keep us informed of any further developments. So far, one of my sources at Divine Blood pack has mentioned the arrival of a magical anomaly. That may be the cause of the unrest.” “They have a high affinity with enchantments. Perhaps there isn't any real threat. Good,” Drew replied, his interest faded. “What else?” Marcus glanced at his notes before continuing. “There’s news about Alpha Redhart. He recently led multiple packs into uncharted territories in pursuit of rogue wolves. The operation was successful, and they’ve returned with hostages.” Drew’s expression darkened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. “Alpha Redhart… He’s been causing inconveniences for us in ways that are hard to reprimand. His pack’s movements are becoming more unpredictable, and they’re stepping into territories where they don’t belong. He might very well be aiming to take precedence over our pack before the King.” Marcus shrugged, his demeanor more relaxed. “Redhart is headstrong, that much is clear. But it’s impressive that he managed to gain the favor of the Ruling Circle of the Golden Arc pack. They accepted him after years of waiting for their true Alpha to return. That alone speaks to his influence and ability.” Drew’s gaze flicked toward Marcus, a faint, cynical smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Loyalty is a fickle thing, Marcus. The Ruling Circle’s loyalty was always conditional. It seems they were more eager for power and leadership than they were for their lost Alpha.” Marcus nodded, though he could sense the undercurrent of disdain in Drew’s words. “Indeed, Alpha. I will continue to monitor their activities.” “Ensure that you do,” Drew replied, his voice returning to its usual cold detachment. “What else?” Marcus quickly relayed a few more details about the ongoing operations and the current state of Greyson Corp. before concluding his report. “That’s all for now, Alpha.” Drew nodded, dismissing Marcus with a simple gesture. “You may go.” As Marcus left the room, Drew turned back to the window, his mind already moving to the next challenge. The city lights flickered below, a reminder of the vast power he held in his grasp. But power was never static. During the annual feast that would take place in a few months, he intended to break the tie shared by the Silver Star pack with the Golden Arc pack, and make his pack the fiercest under the Alpha King's territory.
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