Chapter 0363


    Karl


    “I have to say, Karl, I’m excited about this merger.”


    Richard, the Alpha from a neighboring pack, sits across from me at the conference table. Our Betas sit


    beside each of us, furiously scribbling down notes. Between the four of us is an array of papers: forms,


    contracts, written agreements, and multiple drafts of each.


    “As am I, Richard,” I say with a smile as I sign my name on the dotted line for what feels like the


    millionth time today. “I believe, with ourbined resources, both of our packs will benefit from the


    merging of this textile trade.”


    “Oh, absolutely,” Richard says, leaning back in his chair. He’s an older man with salt-and-pepper hair


    and a well-tailored Armani suit. “Mypany needs more workers, and your workers need room to


    expand.”


    “Of course, we’ll split everything fairly, just as it’s outlined in the contracts,” I say. “So long as we ensure


    a smooth and seamless transition…”


    As we delve deeper into the details, my phone buzzes on the table, and I nce at the screen to see


    Abby’s name shing.


    A mix of emotions washes over me, and for a moment, I hesitate. I know I should pick up, and I want to


    hear her voice, but I’m keenly aware of the watchful eyes around the table—especially Richard’s, who’s


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    awaiting my attention.


    Reluctantly, I decline the call and set my phone face down, silently apologizing to Abby. I can’t afford


    any more interruptions, especially after the disastrous meeting I hadst week.


    “Apologies for the interruption,” I say, directing my attention back to Richard. “Please continue.”


    Richard nods, his expression serious, and we resume our discussion. The negotiation is no easy task;


    there are still a lot of kinks to work out. But, after what feels like hours, we finally shake hands, sealing


    our agreement.


    “Thank you, Karl,” Richard says, offering a rare smile. “I believe this will be a prosperous partnership


    for both of our packs.”


    I return the smile, relief washing over me that the negotiations have ended on a positive note. “I agree,


    Richard. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”


    With the deal settled, I gather my papers and prepare to leave the conference room. Marcus turns to


    me with a reassuring smile as we walk down the hallway together.


    “Karl, your approval ratings are looking good,” Marcus says, his tone optimistic. “It’s a promising sign,


    especially with yours and Ethan’s campaign announcementsing up.”


    I nod, feeling a sense of satisfaction. “Good. That’s encouraging. Once we officially announce our


    campaigns in the next couple of weeks, I think I’ll be in a strong position.”


    Marcus nods in agreement. “Absolutely. I suggest we speak with Sarah, your election manager, about


    organizing some volunteering opportunities to help further boost your approval ratings before the


    campaign officiallyunches.”


    I consider Marcus’ suggestion. It’s a good idea, and it will also give me a chance to test Sarah’s


    abilities.


    “Set up a meeting with Sarah soon to discuss the details,” I say. “We need to maintain this momentum.”


    Marcus nods. “I’ll get right on it.”


    As I head toward my office, though, I finally remember Abby’s missed call. I pull out my phone, and


    there it is—the missed call notification.


    I feel a bit guilty. She’s going through a lot, and right now, I never know if something horrible has


    happened. I feel helpless being so far away from her, but it’s like she refuses to let me help.


    “I’ve got to make a call,” I say, ncing at Marcus.


    Marcus nods understandingly as I slip into the privacy of my office and shut the door behind me.


    I dial Abby''s number, the phone ringing in my hand as I wait anxiously for her to pick up. She answers


    after a few rings.


    “Karl?” she says, and I can immediately sense a hint of urgency in her voice.


    “Hey,” I reply. “I saw your call, but I was in a meeting. Is everything okay?”


    There’s a pause, and I can sense her hesitation. “Oh, um…” She pauses again before continuing. “It’s


    nothing. Just a, uh… butt dial.”


    I furrow my brow, not convinced by her dismissive tone. I’ve always been able to see right through her,


    and right now I can tell that she’s being hesitant about telling me something. “Abby, tell me,” I say, my


    voice growing stern. “Now.”


    She sighs softly, and I can tell that she’s debating whether to share whatever is bothering her. Finally,


    she speaks, her voice low and troubled. “Someone… someone threw a brick through my windowst


    night.”


    My heart clenches at her words. “What? Are you okay?”


    “I’m fine,” she replies a little too quickly, and I can sense her attempt to downy the situation. “It’s just


    that… the police officer who was supposed to be watching my apartment, he fell asleep on the job.


    They checked the dash cam footage on his car and found out it was just a local teenager being a punk,


    but still. It freaked me out.”


    Instantly, a wave of fury washes over me. I want to throttle that officer. “This is uneptable, Abby,” I


    growl. “That’s it. I want you out of that city. Now.”


    Abby hesitates again before speaking softly. “Me too,” she murmurs. “I just… I just don’t know what to


    do.”


    “I’m going to send Marcus to get you,” I reply instantly. “No ifs, ands, or buts. Got it? You’reing


    here.”


    She seems to nch at my words, and her voice wavers as she asks, “Are you… too busy toe


    and get me yourself?”


    I sigh. “I am busy, Abby, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want you here. Trust me, Marcus will be there in no


    time. Besides, you always got along, right?”


    “Abby, I don’t care,” I say. “Marcus will pull up out back. We’ll make it discreet. Once you get here, you


    won’t have anything to worry about. Okay?”


    “Okay.”


    “Good,” I say, noticing as another meeting notification pops up on myputer screen. “Marcus will be


    there in a few hours. Be ready by then.”


    We exchange a few more words before she hangs up, and I’m left with a mixture of emotions. New


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    I know I need to do something nice to make her feel wee, so as I’m rushing off to my next meeting,


    I call for my servants. I hand one of the servants my card along with a list of instructions.


    “Make it nice for her,” I say.


    “Sure thing,” the servant says as she takes the items. “We’ll be looking forward to seeing Abby.”


    I just hope that my duties don’t get in the way of seeing her.