Chapter 74

It shouldn’t have surprised me when I read the headlines the following week after that fateful night at the Blue Moon Auction House. It was clear evidence that Cruz and Lorenzo’s plan had, undoubtedly, gone off without a single hitch.

‘The Alpha of Blue Moon has led his pack into hefty bankruptcy!’

‘Blue Moon Takes a Financial Fall!’

‘Younger brother steps up to save the day!’

The plan to lead Blue Moon into financial bankruptcy was utterly eaten up by the public, especially the press, and most certainly the Royal Family. According to the various news articles and stories, each one included a snippet of how horribly the pack’s personal finances had plummeted due to the Alpha’s poor judgment in spending.

Not many of the newspapers knew the specific details, although there were a few who came pretty close to knowing exactly what had gone down in that office at the auction house. My guess was that amongst the crowd of people that had unfortunately overheard a lot of what Cruz’s brother was yelling about had merely pieced the puzzle together.

Before anyone could possibly question the situation properly, it was far too late.

By order of the Royal Family, Cruz’s brother was removed from his long-reining title as Alpha of Blue Moon. Both my wolf and I were glad to see someone so immoral and disturbing be removed from such a position. However, I couldn’t help but feel partially indifferent.

“Trust me, love,” Lorenzo said with assurance. “It’s what needed to happen.”

From what he told me before, Cruz’s brother was no more than an unfortunate casualty in order to get to what we were really after.

“I know,” I sighed. I ran my hand through my hair and tossed the newspaper aside. “I just don’t like being the cause of someone’s downfall.”

Lorenzo offered me a smile and came around to rub my shoulders. “Cruz’s brother was clearly no saint. He was a crappy alpha who merely had the title based on inheritance.”

“Yes and now Cruz has been given the new title,” I stated.

I felt that because of this sudden boost in power, he was surely going to be harder to take down. Lorenzo, on the other hand, thought differently.

“He’s exactly where I want him.”

Lorenzo’s phone started to go off, causing my nerves to spike with anticipation. I’d hoped that it might have been Cruz who still owed us the information he’d promised to hand over.

Lorenzo’s brows furrowed. “It’s Cruz’s brother.” My eyes widened as he answered the call.

A low, disgruntled voice came shouting through the speaker.

"What do you think you're going to get out of my failure!?”

Lorenzo remained composed the whole time. “Exactly what I’ve been after this entire time,” he responded. Without another word, he ended the call.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

My nerves jumped at the sudden sound of someone knocking on the office door.

“Come in,” Lorenzo called.

One of the maids entered the office, holding a large envelope.

“Is that what I think it is?” I asked him.

“I believe so.” Lorenzo took the envelope and thanked the maid.

As soon as the two of us were left alone again, he swiftly opened it and dumped the contents out onto his desk. A majority of it was nothing but old newspaper clippings and photographs. Pictures of the first abducted girl...and one of my father.

“Lorenzo...” A terrible ache pierced my chest as I reached for the lone photo of my dad. Bitter tears spackled in the corners of my eyes. “What the hell is this?”

The information before us had seldom to do with the case in its current form but rather focused on the one that my father tried to work in court all those years ago.

“Look at this,” Lorenzo muttered. “There’s more.”

Based on the printed-out articles Cruz had specially selected, he’d also included the second instance where my father brought this same exact case back into court.

“This was when your father claimed to have actually had the evidence that would have incriminated the people behind these kidnappings. If I recall correctly, the case never made it to court a second time because the guy they were holding had somehow committed suicide while in prison.”

And then a short while later, my dad disappeared...

My voice came out strained and broken. “But why would he send us this?”

“Eleanor, why don’t you go lay down for a little while and rest,” he suggested softly. “Please, love. I know that this is upsetting you.”

Without argument, I left Lorenzo’s office with my hand pressed against my head and chest filled with sorrow.

[Lorenzo’s POV]

Lorenzo knew that something was clearly missing from all the papers Cruz had sent them. He was fuming, utterly laced with venom in his emotions. Not only had Cruz slacked out of handing in what was rightfully earned, but he’d also managed to upset his Luna in the midst of it all.

‘This motherfucker cheated us!’ his wolf snarled in anger.

He’d swiftly picked his phone back up and called Cruz. It rang twice before Cruz’s voice came through the line.

“I held up my end of the deal, no it’s your turn. I know there’s more to this pile of evidence than you handed over,” he gritted out.

Cruz sounded well-composed. “Well, hello to you too Lorenzo,” he chuckled. “Look, why can’t we just move on and forget about the case? The killings will stop and no more people have to get hurt,” he offered.

Lorenzo shook his head. “No. You and I both know that wouldn’t be possible. Give me the rest of the evidence.”

“You’re right there is another piece missing from the file I sent you. But I wasn’t sure that your Luna would have the heart to bear it.”

“I gave you what you wanted. Hand it over,” he demanded sharply.

A long pause went by. “...So be it. But I promise you, you may end up regretting it.”