Chapter 25
A Cold Reception in the Jackson Pack Territory
Zoe Jackson instructed his pack enforcers to subtly lessen surveillance on Benjamin and Adam. It wasn’t negligence; he was setting a trap, allowing them access while he prepared.
His wolf sensed the approaching conflict; this was a game of dominance, a test of their loyalty, and possibly a way to gauge their strength. His pack responded swiftly.
Zoe then informed Lanie’s parents, the Voss family elders, that Benjamin and Adam were en route to the Jackson territory.”
“What? After how they treated Lanie, they dare approach the Blood Bond ceremony?” Lanie’s mother seethed.
She’d once favored them, even considered them potential mates for her daughter. But their actions had endangered Lanie’s life! The agonizing memory of Qiana’s attack, and the fact that her childhood friends had prioritized a simple meal over her pup’s known allergy, ignited a burning rage within her. Even if it were a calculated move to force Lanie to confront her feelings, her mother would never tolerate their
presence.
She remained grateful that her father had arranged such a powerful blood bond for Lanie; Zoe Jackson was infinitely superior to Benjamin and Adam. He was dependable, fiercely loyal, and she knew him well, having known him since his puphood.
Lanie’s parents immediately relayed their displeasure to their associates within the elite circles of the Jackson pack. Their family held significant sway; their alliance with the Jacksons was even stronger.
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Other families, seeking favor, swiftly echoed their sentiments. Lanie’s parents forbade the pack guards from admitting Benjamin and Adam to the territory.
Benjamin and Adam arrived to a cold reception.
Lanie’s mental link, usually clear, was blocked; even trying different frequencies was futile. Benjamin managed to locate Lanie’s parents’ contact information through a distant relative.
He and Adam contacted them separately, attempting to explain.
“Uncle, this is Benjamin. I wish to…” apologize and explain our actions. The call was abruptly terminated before he could finish. Adam experienced the same. They tried different communication channels, all blocked.
They journeyed to Lanie’s family’s estate, hoping to see her.
They waited nearly a full day, but she didn’t appear.
As twilight descended, a black, modified transport vehicle pulled up. Benjamin spotted Lanie through the tinted window. Adam swiftly maneuvered their own vehicle, blocking the transport.
Benjamin’s guardian wolf surged with protective urgency.
“Lanie, get out. We need to talk,” Benjamin said, rapping on the vehicle’s window. His wolf growled, a low rumble of protective defiance.
Seeing them, Lanie frowned, fear for Zoe’s potential jealousy flickering.
She squeezed Zoe’s hand.
He smiled, his touch firm and reassuring, his wolf’s possessiveness clear.”Shall we depart?”
Before Benjamin and Adam could react, Zoe scooped Lanie into his arms in a powerful display of dominance, a bridal carry that sent a wave of heat across her cheeks as her feet left the ground. His wolf’s possessive claim was unmistakable. He’d insisted.
