Chapter 9 : Disregard the Order Chapter 9 Dregard the Orden ( Graces POV ) The council hall of the Winters Pack had always caried a sense of power , but today there was an extra tension , thick like the heat of a storm I sat quietly ivmny usual place , deliberately leaning back in my seat , fetyring a fragile air . Beneath my calm exterior , I was anything but fragile . Behind my lowered lashes , Lassessed the room with care . Sarah , seated beside Marcus at the head of the table , was speaking in her usual commanding tone . Her words fell like hammers , breaking the silence harshly She hung up on me Just like that . As if I were nothing Barah slapped her hand against the oak table for emphasis , her pale face growing flushed with anget She didnt even hesitate , Sarah continued , rubbing her temple as if it pained her to admit . Scarletts belimior has grown out of control . She openly disregards the order of this pack I couldnt suppress the faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips , but I turned it into u soft cough , delicate and weak . All eyes shifted toward me or rather , toward the frail appearance I worked so carefully to maintains , Grace , are you alright ? Sarah asked quickly , her anger evaporating as an instant as she turned toward me . Her hand was warm and firm as the parted my back in comfort , Yes , Luna Sarah I murmured softly offering her a faint , grateful smile , Youre too kind to worry . Please , dont let me distract from whats important . Sarahs concern deepened . She kept her hand on my back no though I might collapse at any moment , her attention tom between me and the issues at hand . We must do something about Scarlett , she said , her tone sharp agahın . Daniel seated near the center of the table , seized the moment . His expression lit with malicious excitement as he leaned forward , his elbows resting on the polished surface of the table . We need to act immediately , he said , his voice enger . No more leniency . Revoke her access hunting grounds , sacred lands … everything Cut her off His suggestion hung in the air like bait , all eyes shifting toward Marcus for approval . I kept my gaan down , appearing quietly distressed , but latened Another cough escaped my lips , this one louder than before . Sarah Immediately turned back to me , her concern intensifying . Grace , are you sure youre alright ? Still weakly coughing , I nodded . Just a slight spell , I said , my voice barely a whisper . I hate to interrupt . I i Its this stress . Sarah said firmly . Its affecting your condition . You shouldnt have to endure this . She turned an almost accusatory glance toward Marcus remained silent , his hands resting heavily on the table . His jaw worked , his muted tension speaking volumes . But when Sarah continued , suggesting even more measures to kill Scarletts place in the pack inchaling severing financial support Marcus finally nodded his agreement . It needs to come to an end , Marcus said simply , his tone fem but devoid of emotion . I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my real reaction at bay Inside , I was thrilled Joy rippled through me , and for a brief moment , I could feel the mate bond connecting me and Alexander pushing stronger . His frustrations with Scarlett echoed lastly in the back of my mind . The connection only bolstered my confidence The wolfpack had no room for two Lunas , and soon , Scarletts place in it would be nothing but a memory . ( Scarletts POV ) The afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows of my healing center , lluninating the rows of meticulously labeled herbal jars lining the walls . The faint scent of lavender and fresh cut eucalyptus filled the room as I sealed the last of the jars in front of me Claire , my secretary , leaned into the room with her usual quiet presence Miss Winters she said , holding a clipboard close to her chest . The new shipment of wolfs bane just arrived . Make sure its placed in the secure vault and cataloged before the evening shift begins . I didnt look up asi jotted notes onto the clipboard , taking one last scan through the inventory list before handing it back to her Chapter 9 Disregard the Order Claire hesitated briefly before nodding and quickly leaving the room . It wasnt until I was alone that I allowed myself to pause , laying down my p and exhaling slowly . Sarahs phone call still lingered in my mind , though not for emotional reasons more tactical ones . Her threatening tone and domineering bravado hadnt fazed me in the slightest , but it did confirm just how far she was willing to go . Even as I stood in the middle of my healing center the one place that brought me calm , my mind couldnt ignore the growing attempts of the Winters Pack to suffocate me After signing off on the final contracts for the new shipment , I texted Emma : Silvermoon Tavern , 8 PM . Drinks on me . Driving to the neutral territory where the Silvermoon Tavern sat wasnt far , but it was far enough that the Winters territory faded in my rearview mirror . As I navigated the quiet streets , a flash of movement caught my attention from the side mirror . I glanced again and confirmed what Id already suspected the dark sedan had been following me for several blocks now A small chuckle escaped my lips as I refocused on the road . Graces lackeys . Amateur , I muttered under my breath . Driving beyond the well- trafficked main road , I veered down a sharp , unfamiliar turn . The sedan followed . They werent subtle or particularly skilled . Picking up speed , I led them through a series of narrow alleys and side streets where familiarity was scarce for outsiders . Cora , my wolf , watched with amusement . Theyre pathetic , she said inside my mind , her voice tinged with smugness . After two turns and one strategically placed U turn , they were gone . Just like that The worn leather seating of the Silvermoon Tavern was a welcome sight after the chaos of the day . Emma was already waiting at our corner booth with two glasses of bright amber Equid placed neatly between us. Her dark green sweater matched her vibrant eyes , which immediately flicked over my face as I slid into the seat across from her Rough day ? she asked , her tone half joking but her eyes sharp Lets just say Graces spies arent exactly subtle , I replied , smirking as I raised the glass to my lips . Didnt even take me five minutes to lose them . Shes getting desperate Emma leaned in closer , lowering her voice slightly . But thats not why Ive been dying to talk to you . I heard something … I took a sip , raising an eyebrow . Go on Hunter Stone she began , her tone weighty . The Beta of the Briar Pack . Word is , hes been sniffing around healing centers near neutral territories- more importantly , yours . I placed my glass down carefully before leaning back in my seat , adjusting my position . Its no rumor . Hes reached out about a potential business . arrangement . Emmas jaw dropped . Business arrangement ? Scarlett , thats not nothing . What does he want with your healing center ? Herbs , I said simply , though my tone betrayed just a hint of avoidance Emma wasnt convinced , her sharp eyes narrowing at my vague response . And nothing else ? No ulterior motives ? she pressed . The Briar Pack is resourceful , I replied smoothly . Theyre smart to go where theyll get the best supplies . Emmas sharp gaze analyzed every ery flick of my expression , and I knew she wasnt buying the veiled explanation . Theres something youre not telling me , she murmured , crossing her arms . What is it ? Instead of answering directly , I pulled out a small leather bound ledger from my bag and slid it across the table toward her . Take a look . Emma opened it , her eyes growing wider with every page she flipped . These are sales reports ? she asked . Detailed over the last fiscal year , I confirmed , savoring the look of stunned awe on her face . The healing center doesnt just cater to the Winters Pack . It never has Emmas mouth dropped open further . These numbers … Scarlett . this is Chapter 9 Disregard the Ouder Pack It never has . Emmas mouth dropped open further . These numbers Scarlett … this is … Its more than the Winters Packs entire annual revenue , I interrupted , smirking . I dont rely on them or Alexander . Havent for a long ti time . Emma sat back in her seat , her expression a mix of pride and shock . It took her a moment to find her voice again . The Shadow Clan , she said softly . realization dawning . Thats why youve been so untouchable . Youre tied to something much larger than the pack Theyre one of many , I said , easing into a more casual tone . Wolfs bane is in high demand , and I make sure were the best at what we do . Emma exhaled , still reeling . No wonder you dont care about Sarah cutting off your access . You dont need it . She shook her head in admitation before her tone shifted , curious again . But why bring Hunter Stone into the mix ? What does he want ? And why now ? The question hung in the air , but my response didnt come , Instead , I took another sip from my drink and simply said , Its complicated Emma wasnt satisfied with my answer , and I could see the follow up questions forming on her lips . Rather than let her press further , I decided to change the subject . Havent seen Hazel in a while , I said casually . Have you ? Hazel is our common friend , a brilliant healer . Emma blinked at the abrupt shift but finally went along with it . Hazel ? Oh , goddess , no . Its been weeks . She mentioned something about a research breakthrough , but I havent had time to check in I nodded , a small smile tugging at my lips . Shes brilliant . A shame we dont see her more often . with enchanted Seriously , Emma agreed . Her tense shoulders visibly relaxed as she leaned back in her seat . Have you heard how her experiments v hemlock are going ? No idea , I admitted with genuine curiosity . We should visit her soon . Im dying to know what shes cooking up . Emma laughed softly , the sound finally light after our heavier discussion . You , me , Hazel proper girls night . Just herbs and endless experiments . 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