Return to Seven Fountain

Plotting

The sun hung low in the sky as Clint and his packmates made their way back to the Mystic Hills packhouse. The trip to the mall had started as a casual outing—just Clint, his Beta David, and his Gamma Tyron, enjoying a rare afternoon off—but it had quickly turned into something far more unexpected when they crossed paths with her. Simoné.

Clint had always known that one day he'd run into her again. But he hadn't expected it to be at a shopping mall on a random afternoon. Nor had he expected her to be with Chrisanne, the sister of his greatest rival, Alpha Keenan of the Seven Fountain pack.

Simoné had been Clint's high school obsession. More than just a crush—he'd wanted her with a fervor that hadn't dulled over the years. But Keenan had made sure to keep her at arm's length, guarding her like she was a precious jewel that only he was allowed to protect. That protective older brother act had always grated on Clint, and now that Simoné was back in town, that feeling of frustration had only intensified.

"I still can't believe you invited them all to the party," David said, breaking Clint's thoughts as they stepped into the packhouse. He glanced at Clint with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"You know I had to," Clint replied, shrugging off his leather jacket and tossing it onto the couch. "I couldn't exactly invite Simoné and leave Keenan and his entourage out. It would've raised suspicion."

Tyron let out a low chuckle, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, inviting Keenan. Great idea. What could possibly go wrong with that?"

Clint's jaw clenched at the sound of Keenan's name. The very thought of him made Clint's blood boil. For years, Keenan had acted like he was the only one worthy of Simoné's attention, and he'd made it his mission to keep Clint as far away from her as possible. It had worked back in high school—Clint had never had a real chance to get close to Simoné. But this time, things were going to be different.

"Keenan can come if he wants," Clint said, his voice low but full of resolve. "But he's not going to get in my way. Not this time."

David raised an eyebrow. "You think Keenan's just going to let you have a shot with Simoné? You know he'll be watching you like a hawk."

Clint's lips curled into a sly smile. "That's why I've got a plan."

Tyron groaned, dropping into a nearby chair. "Of course you do. And let me guess—it involves keeping Keenan distracted?"

Clint's grin widened. "Exactly. I'm going to make sure Keenan has his hands full at the party. He won't have time to worry about what Simoné and I are doing."

David sighed, crossing his arms. "And how exactly do you plan on distracting him? Keenan's not the type to be easily swayed."

Clint leaned back against the wall, his eyes gleaming with a spark of mischief. "Keenan might be a tough Alpha, but he's still a man. And I happen to know someone who's had a thing for him for years—my sister, Bianca."

Tyron's eyes widened. "Bianca? You're going to use your sister to keep Keenan distracted?"

Clint shrugged nonchalantly. "She's been after him forever. This is her chance. I'll make sure Keenan spends the entire night with Bianca, and in the meantime, I'll get Simoné alone."

David shook his head, his expression hardening. "Clint, this is a bad idea. Keenan's not stupid. He'll see through it."

Tyron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and using Bianca like that? She deserves better than being part of some scheme to keep Keenan out of the way."

Clint's smile faded slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not 'using' Bianca. She wants Keenan. She's been pining after him for years. I'm just giving her the opportunity she's been waiting for."

"Still," David said, his voice firm. "You're playing with fire. You know how protective Keenan is of Simoné. If he finds out what you're up to, things could get ugly."

Clint pushed off the wall, his expression darkening. "I'm not scared of Keenan. And I'm not going to let him keep me from Simoné any longer. He's had his chance to play the big brother. Now it's my turn. Besides you both heard what Tom reported this morning, she is a White Wolf! Do you know what that could been to our pack?"

David and Tyron exchanged a glance, both clearly uneasy with the plan, but neither of them dared push further. Having a White Wolf in their pack can make the pack stronger. Clint was their Alpha, and despite their reservations, they would follow him. That was the way of the pack.

"Fine," Tyron said after a long pause. "But don't expect us to get involved in your little game. We'll be at the party, but we're not part of whatever you're planning."

Clint gave a curt nod. "I don't need you to get involved. Just make sure their Beta, Gamma and Delta is occupied and make sure the night goes smoothly and leave Keenan to me."

David let out a quiet sigh. "I still think this is a bad idea. But you're the Alpha. Just... don't do anything reckless."

Clint's grin returned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Don't worry. I've got this under control."

The tension in the room lingered as David and Tyron made their way upstairs to their rooms, leaving Clint alone in the living room. He stared at the empty space, his mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow night.

Simoné. The memory of her from earlier that day was burned into his mind. She had changed since high school—matured, grown even more beautiful, and to top it all she turned out to be a powerful White Wolf. Her confidence had caught him off guard, and the way her blue eyes had met his had stirred something deep inside him. He wanted her more than ever, and now that she was back, he wasn't going to let anything, or anyone stand in his way.

But Keenan... Keenan was the one obstacle that could ruin everything. Clint had seen the look in Keenan's eyes when it came to Simoné, even back in high school. It wasn't just brotherly protectiveness—there was something deeper there, something territorial. But Keenan wasn't her mate. If he had been, Clint would have known. No, Keenan was just trying to control her, and Clint wasn't going to let him do that any longer.

Bianca would keep Keenan busy. Clint was sure of it. She had always been head over heels for him, and once Keenan had a taste of what Bianca had to offer, he wouldn't be thinking about Simoné anymore. At least, not for the night.

With Keenan distracted, Clint would finally have his chance. He would get Simoné alone, and once he did, he'd make sure she saw him for who he was—the Alpha who had been waiting for her all this time.

Tomorrow night, everything would change.