Chapter 7 Meeting For The Sol Group

Damien Lyra was supposed to be the only child of Marcus and his wife. But now I’m hearing there’s another child? Wait, he called him a bastard child. That means it's not his wife that gave birth to the boy. What a surprise! ‘You mean the man everyone is looking up to as a faithful husband is actually screwing another woman?’ Adol sneered in my head. I could hear the surprise in his voice. Everyone in our pack believed Elder Marcus was one of the few men who doesn’t look at another woman beside his wife. As an elder, they were supposed to be above board, leaving an impeccable life others will emulate. But once in a while, they slip up especially the male wolves and you see them messing with other women. They are always excused as it is not uncommon for males to go after women. But Elder Marcus had convinced everyone he was different. You can’t catch him talking to another woman besides his wife or daughter. Now, I’m hearing he had another child, a son for that matter. There’s a lot I don’t know about this man. And I intend to find out everything. It was another ten minutes before Marcus returned, his expression more guarded than ever. He took his seat and glanced around the room, his eyes lingering on me for just a moment longer than usual. “Well, Elder Marcus?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you ready to continue?” He hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Yes. You may proceed with the investment, Damian. I’ve reconsidered my position.” Surprise rippled through the room. Marcus never backed down so easily, and certainly not without putting up more of a fight. I studied his face, trying to read the subtle shifts in his expression, but he revealed nothing. “Thank you, Elder Marcus,” I said, masking my suspicion with a polite nod. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” He didn’t respond, his gaze flickering to his assistant, who stood by the door with a similarly guarded look. There was definitely something going on, but now wasn’t the time to press him. We had more important matters to finalize. As the meeting concluded, the board members began to file out, chatting among themselves about the details of the collaboration. I remained behind, gathering my papers, when Marcus approached me, his expression inscrutable. “Good work today, Alpha,” he said, his tone unusually neutral. “Thank you, Elder Marcus,” I replied, matching his tone. “I’m glad you came around. This project will benefit all of us.” He nodded, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something else—something that put me on edge. “Indeed. Just remember, Damian, that not all benefits are immediate. Some take time to reveal their true worth.” With that cryptic statement, he turned and left, Garret following close behind. “May I ask Elder,” I had to know. “What made you change your mind? You were hell bent on us not collaborating with the Sol Group.” He paused at the door and slowly turned to face me. “I thought about it and decided that maybe you are right. We cannot continue to be just survivors. We should begin to thrive,” he finished with a smile. ‘He’s lying,"Adol snorted. ‘I know,’ I replied. “I’m glad you could see things from my perspective,” I told him, watching him closely, hoping he would say more. I knew he wouldn’t tell me the truth but I was hoping he would say something that would give him away. “As they say, change is the only constant thing in life,” he added and motioned for his assistant. He stopped abruptly with his hand on the door handle and the door slightly ajar. “Let me know when the representatives from The Sol Group will be here for the contract signing. I would like to be present if you don’t mind.” ‘It’s a trap,’ Adol started pacing in my head. ‘Don’t invite him.’ ‘Don’t worry, Adol. I got this.’ “Sure, I don’t mind. I’ll let you know when it's happening.” He smiled in thanks and nodded. With that they left, leaving me alone in the boardroom. I watched them go, the unease in my gut growing stronger. Whatever Marcus was up to, it wasn’t good. But before I could dwell on it further, my phone buzzed with a message from Rowan, reminding me of our next meeting with The Sol Group’s representatives. I texted him back to continue with the preparations. I shook off the lingering doubts and headed out of the boardroom, forcing my mind back to the task at hand. Yet, as I walked back to my office, the nagging feeling that something was slipping out of my control refused to be silenced. I couldn’t shake the suspicion that Marcus’s sudden change of heart had something to do with the news Garret had whispered in his ear. And as much as I wanted to believe that everything was finally falling into place, I knew deep down that the real challenges were just beginning. I called a friend of mine, I need to get a hold of the situation before it turns bad. “Hello alpha,” he greeted as soon as he picked. “Hello Dane,” I greeted back. “I want you to shadow Garret. I want to know everywhere he goes, who he talks to, …everything he does.” “Do you mean Garret, Elder Marcus’ assistant?” he asked me. “That's the one. Follow him discreetly and report back anything you see.” “Got it, alpha.” Good. With this, I’ll be a step ahead of Marcus or at least I will be able to know whatever he is planning. I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. It was Rowan. “Rowan,” I answered as soon as I picked up. “The arrangement for the final meeting and contract signing has been finalized,” he told me. “That’s good to hear. When is it happening?” I asked him. “Next week Tuesday.” “I’ll be ready,” I replied. “Alpha Jaxon has confirmed that he will be available for this meeting.”