Chapter 30 : Undercurrents and Siblings . Leslie's POV ( RoguePack - Western Border Headquarters ) - 6 036 Finished The affairs of the Western Border were even more complex than I had imagined - but also more rewarding . Each day was filled with decisions and unexpected challenges , leaving me no time to dwell on unpleasant people or events . Asphodel , too , seemed to enjoy the sensation of commanding from the center of power . She'd grown more composed , and our coordination had reached an even sharper synchronicity . Liam entered with a steaming cup of coffee in hand . " Governor , this is brewed to your preferred blend . It should help quickly restore your mental stamina . " " Thank you , Liam . " I took the cup , sipping once . Warmth spread through me . " Any new updates from Apex Industries ? " " No significant breakthroughs yet ," Liam reported . " Their core research facilities are heavily secured . Our intel team is still working to infiltrate . However , surface - level reports suggest they're seeking new investment partners to expand their research scale ." " Oh ? " A flicker of interest sparked in my eyes . " Keep digging . Report immediately if anything moves . " Just then , my personal phone buzzed . It was a secure transmission from my third brother , Carl . " Leslie ," came Carl's languid voice , " got a bit of fun news . That restless little pup from Crimson Moon , Slyvana - seems she's been using some underground contacts to hire paparazzi and info brokers . She's trying to dig up dirt on you . " I raised an eyebrow . Slyvana ? That idiot still hadn't learned her lesson ? " Let her try , " I said coolly . " She's just a stray dog now . She can't stir up anything worth caring about . Just make sure the hacking team keeps an eye out - I don't want anything truly disgusting leaking ." I couldn't muster any interest for such a low - level nuisance . Asphodel didn't even bother to open her eyes . Pathetic little fly . " Got it ," Carl chuckled . " But seriously , you've been getting a lot of attention lately . You're bound to attract jealous eyes . Just watch yourself . " " I know , Carl ." I was about to return to my reports when the office door opened again - and in walked my eldest brother , Thorbane . He was carrying an insulated food container that gave off a distinct , icy - sweet aroma unique to the frostfruit of the northern territories . 1/2 13:09 Mon , Sep 15 Chapter 30 Undercurrents and Siblings 36 Finished " You've been working too hard lately ," Thorbane said , setting the container on my desk . " Had the kitchen prepare some snow pear stew for you ." A warmth bloomed in my chest . Since I returned , Thorbane had taken meticulous care of me . Sometimes , he even felt more like a doting father than a brother . " Thank you ." I opened the container . The rich scent wafted out . " But big brother , you've been stopping by an awful lot lately . Isn't the Pack headquarters busy these days ? " I teased . Asphodel snickered quietly inside me . A rare flicker of awkwardness crossed Thorbane's handsome face . He coughed . " The Western Border is a strategic asset . It's only right that I check in ." " Oh ? Is that so ? " I deliberately dragged out the words . " I thought maybe ... big brother's intentions weren't entirely about business ? " Thorbane glared at me - but his look lacked bite . He quickly changed the subject . " I heard Tempest Pack is sending envoys soon to discuss border trade ? " " Mm . That's true . " I nodded , watching his carefully casual expression . My suspicions only grew stronger . " So ... who's leading the delegation ? Still their High Elder ? " I bit back a smile and shook my head . " Nope . This time , it's one of their Alpha heirs - Astrid ." Cough cough ! Thorbane choked on his own saliva . A noticeable blush rushed to his face - though he quickly covered it up with his usual cold mask . " Is that so ? Well ... very good . I'm busy , I'll take my leave now ." He practically fled the room . Watching his rare moment of flustered retreat , I finally burst into laughter . Asphodel was beside herself with joy as well . Looks like even my stoic iceberg of a brother might finally be seeing the first hints of spring . Now that was an unexpected delight . Send Gifts 128 名 ( !! ) 1 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!