Chapter 15 : Family Politics and Manipulations Chapter 15 : Family Politics and Manipulations ( Scarletts POV ) Morning light spilled into my kitchen through the half open curtains . I let the warmth soak into me as I sipped black coffee and stared at my phone . My shoulders relaxed for the first time in what felt like days . But , of course , peace never lasted . Buzz I glanced at the screen Hazels name popped up in my notifications . Her text was short and to the point , as always . eading to Europe for an international werewolf medical conference , Have to catch the flight soon . Will update you if I find anything useful . I nodded to myself , setting the phone back down . Hazel was a constant reminder that some wolves still maintained quiet integrity . The world could use more like her . Before I could formulate a reply , that familiar tug of Emmas presence brushed against my mind like a persistent knock , Scarlett , you wont believe what I just heard , Emmas voice sounded excited almost too excited for this early in the day . I sighed , already knowing where this was heading . I let the connection deepen , pulling her into focus . Let me guess , more Grace drama ? There was a beat of silence before Emmas surprise lit up the link . How did you know ? It doesnt take a genius , Emma . Graces name comes with constant chaos . What is it this time ? I asked dryly , leaning back against the kitchen counter Hazel told me last night , I continued before Emma could rattle off half baked gossip . Her conditions getting worse . Really worse . Emmas curiosity surged in the link , sharper and more alert now . How bad ? I clicked my tongue as I recalled Hazels summary . The silver poisoning … Its spreading . Not just through her body , but deeper . Its attacking her wolf . theres a chance she could get stuck in human form . The silence on Emmas end stretched longer this time . Then came her mental gasp . Thats Moon Goddess , Scarlett , thats awful . Even for her . Is it ? I shot back , letting my wolf Cora swell behind the thought . Both Emma and I knew the answer . I didnt need to elaborate . Karmic justice has a strange way of balancing things out , dont you think ? Emma hesitated , her tone conflicted . Youre not wrong , but … stuck in human form ? Thats a curse worse than death for some wolves . I couldnt muster any sympathy . The harsh memory of rogue claws slashing across my side and the rights Id spent trapped in bed flooded back like bitter venom . She orchestrated that attack , I reminded Emma coldly . Three years ago . She almost killed me . She let rogues put me through hell and then paraded around like a saint while I was recovering . Emmas silence shifted . Now it carried understanding . Agreement . But then her tone grew serious again . This changes everything , Scarlett . You know what this means , dont you ? Let me guess , I said dryly . The Northern Council will pressure Alexander and me to speed things up . Emma sighed deeply into the e link . Exactly Grace is losing credibility by the second . She cant be his Luna if she cant even shift . All eyes will turn to you to stabilize things .. Stabilize things ? I repeated mockingly . Im nothing but a political pawn in their eyes . They think controlling me will fix this mess . Theyre in for Surprise . Still , Emma prodded , her maternal instinct shining through as always . Be careful , Scarlett . The Council plays dirty when they need to . Just watch your back . I always do , I said simply , and with that , I severed the link , returning to my morning coffee . But my peace was short lived . Another presence , stronger and more refined , fluttered against my mind . The energy by was polite yet persistent , like a hand knocking on an already open door . Victoria Amber . 1/3 Family Politics and Manip . sond mysed for what was sure to be My dear Scarlett , Victoria began , her tone smooth ilk , coring warmth that xhausting mental encounter Gritting my teeth , reluctantly let her voice through anything but genuine I hope Im not interrupting your morning Not at all Luna Victoria , said fatly , steering clear of any warmth in my tone . Her words camed the elegance of a Luna who had mastered decades . I wasnt about to play her game Wonderful , she purred I was hoping youd join me for lunch at the Amber mansion today I thought it would be lovely to catch up : I could prepare some of your favorite dishes . Remember those wolf delicacies you enjoyed when you first joined us ? nice touch the careful play on nostalgia Victoria knew how to press just the right buttons . Too bad they didnt work on me anymore . Thank you for the invitation , I replied carefully But I have obligations at the healing center today There Polite , formal unyielding . The subtle pause before her next words told me she wasnt pleased . Scarlett surely you can take a small break to join me ? Her voice shifted slightly carrying a note of concern now . Especially with Graces condition being so critical . The poor thing barely made it through the nigh ! Right on cue . Emotional manipulation twisted into a perfect weapon I think about it , I said , though Cora growled her disapproval in the back of my mind . Please do , dear , Victoris pressed After all , its been some time since we shared a proper conversation . Noon would be perfect . I felt Emma lingering at the edge of my mindlink , eavesdropping silently . Face this head on , she encouraged firmly Better to stop her games before they start . Cora sighed in exasperation . If they want to play , so will we Пbe there at noon , I finally agreed , though I could feel my wolf sharpening her claws in annoyance . Wonderful ! Victorias satisfaction spilled through the link . Im looking forward to it , my dear . The moment her presence withdrew , my phone buzzed again . This time it was Alexander . I frowned , remembering rd unblocked his number to avoid the constant barrage of calls through our psychic link . His name flashed on the screen like an unwanted reminder of everything I wanted to avoid . Reluctantly , I answered . What now ? I asked sharply His voice came through heavy with exhaustion , You said youd join my mother for lunch . And ? I shot back , already annoyed by his weariness . No doubt hed spent the night glued to Graces bedside , wringing his hands while playing her protector 11 pick you up at eleven thirty he said firmly . No , I replied immediately , my tone leaving no room for argument . I dont I dont need a chauffeur . Im perfectly capable of driving myself Scarlett , his voice hardened , the edge of his Alpha authority creeping in . You will let me will do no such thing . I interrupted coldly said I be there . That should be enough Why do you always have to make things so difficult ? he snarled , his frustration leaking through the speaker . Why do you always have to control everything ? I countered without missing a beat . The line went quiet for a moment . I could almost see him pacing wherever he was , running his hand through his hair as he tried to suppress Mason , his wolf This isnt a request , he said finally , his tone low and warning And yet , I paused for effect , my voice dripping with mock politeness , it sounds like youre begging The silence that followed was deafening . Then he exhaled sharply, an audible sign of retreat . Noon Glad we understand each other , I said with a smirk , and I promptly hung up before he could argue further , I set the phone down , my hand lingering on it for a moment . The day had barely begun , and the games were already in full swing . Coras voice hummed in my mind , filled with disdain . Theyre clinging to scraps of control . Let them watch as it all crumbles . Chubler 15. Family Politics and Manp A part of me agreed . Another part wanted to burn it all down before they could try to salvage anything Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. 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