Chapter 12
12
Third Person’s POV
“Alpha Ulrik, you should budget better for your wedding–need a loan?” Adelaide’s taunt followed him.
Ulrik’s boots paused on the marble, then quickened.
He’d rather video–call Velda about cost–cutting than face her mocking silver–blue gaze.
Beata emerged from the kitchen. “If Alpha Ulrik really asks for money, would you lend it?”
Adelaide , massaging her aching jaw, replied, “Of course–at Wall Street rates. Due in full, with interest.”
“What if he doesn’t repay?”
“Then daily debt collectors it is. Bloodmoon isn’t going anywhere.”
She glanced toward the kitchen, where blueberry pancake aroma wafted. “But he’ll likely convince Velda to simplify the ceremony . ‘ Bloodclaw Medalist’s modest wedding‘ sounds like good PR.”
Adelaide suddenly eyed the glass jar on the counter. “Any ice cream left?”
“Half tubs of strawberry and vanilla,” Beata brightened. “I’ll get them. The Frostfang guards deserve some too–they’ve packed their suitcases in the garage, just waiting for Lycan Erasmus’s decree to head home.”
Beata’s gloom lifted.
“ Yep, just waiting on the Royal Pack’s orders. Though Ulrik might ask Velda’s parents to reduce the compensation. Velda’s
generosity will probably agree–she’s unlike other she–wolves, after all.”
Beata snorted. “A million–dollar compensation? Does she think Bloodmoon’s made of gold?”
Adelaide hadn’t told anyone yet about Lycan Erasmus’s upcoming decree nullifying her bond with Ulrik–except her Frostfang guards and Omegas.
Her only worry–Lycan Erasmus might never issue it.
If she was rejected or exiled, she’d lose access to Frostfang’s assets.
“But why the delay?‘
“Was Lycan Erasmus waiting until after their bonding ceremony?”
The thought was torture .
Beata’s ears pricked. “Tamara’s here , with encrypted audit books.”
“Let her in,” Adelaide said, smoothing the silk cuffs of her shirt. The silver moon–patterned cufflinks gleamed coldly under the
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+15 Bonus
floor lamp.
The handover should have happened days ago, but with one thing after another cropping up these past few days, it had been postponed.
Tamara, reluctant to take over the financial mess, entered.
As the mate of a Bloodmoon Alpha family member, she sympathized with Adelaide.
Simon insisted Velda would bring glory–how the Western Tribe’s surrender hinged on Velda’s heroics.
The royal pack elders remembered, which was why her merits secured the bonding decree.
Her merits secured the bonding decree, so Lycan Erasmus didn’t arrange otherwise.
Now , Lycan Erasmus was grooming young wolf generals; with Velda, the Tenar clan now boasted three rising stars.
Lycan Erasmus values this, especially with Adelaide, the Frostfang Alpha’s daughter, whose lineage has served the royal pack
with unmatched valor.
“Frostfang’s served the royal pack well, ” Adelaide said, sliding the ledger toward Tamara. “Here’s the current account balance.
Annual rents are itemized. This year’s income is spent–leaving $90k I loaned to the pack. I’m reclaiming it. Any issues?”
“Reclaiming? The account will be empty!” Tamara gasped.
“The Tenar family trusts should suffice,” Adelaide said. “The Royal Pack’s salary covers basics, especially with Alpha Ulrik’s
recent merits increasing his pay.”
“Why is Bloodmoon so strapped?” Tamara frowned.
She was not doubting Adelaide. Before Adelaide joined Bloodmoon, the pack was struggling .
The former Alpha disbanded and exiled some Omegas.
The guards and servants Adelaide brought with her? She funded them entirely .
Rosemary’s meds too–Adelaide’s the reason the pack’s still afloat.
Adelaide shrugged. “Not sure.”
She knew all too well. Rosemary’s chronic illness and costly herbs had drained the coffers.
Poor business decisions –abandoned ventures and sold shops– had squandered what little remained.
The only steady income was Ulrik’s royal salary.
Tamara, aware of Bloodmoon’s pre –existing financial struggles, hesitated . “Adelaide, I really can’t manage these accounts,” Tamara said, her voice laced with a headache. “Getting the Alpha family to chip in? It’s never easy.
Adelaide smiled. “No worries. Manage it temporarily. Once Velda bonds with Alpha Ulrik, she’ll be Luna–hand the responsibility
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to her then.”
Tamara relented, though noting Adelaide’s newfound firmness beneath her politeness.