Return to Seven Fountain

Bargaining Chip, or not.

Keenan was just processing his intense exchange with Simoné when Duncan's urgent mind link broke through his thoughts.

"Keenan, we have a problem. Rupert says he's taking Bianca with him, but Clint refuses. He's demanding something in return—either Simoné, or monetary compensation."

Keenan's gaze darkened instantly, fury igniting within him. He replied sharply to Duncan. "You stay with Simoné. Make sure she doesn't follow." And with that, he sprinted toward the hall, pushing through the brush with determination.

Moments later, Chrisanne's frantic voice filled Simoné's mind. "Simoné, you're not going to believe this. Clint is trying to keep Bianca—he's refusing to let her go with Rupert, and he even suggested that you... well, he hinted at a trade."

Simoné froze, her chest tightening in disbelief. With an explosion of anger, her wolf Shaney surged forward, barely contained, as Simoné sprinted out of the forest. She didn't make it far before Duncan intercepted her, his face lined with worry. "Simoné, you need to stay calm—Keenan is handling it."

"Get out of my way, Duncan," she growled, and without waiting for him to move, she shoved him aside with such force that he was flung ten meters, landing with a thud among the bushes.

Ignoring his protests, she stormed into the hall, her fury radiating through the room like a shockwave. Rupert stood tense and seething, Bianca's soft sobs clinging to him. Clint's smug expression turned to her, eyes glinting as he took her in.

"Ah, my dear Simoné. It's almost as if you were summoned," Clint sneered. "As you can see, we have a predicament. My sister, the Alpha female, has found her mate—your Gamma Rupert." Clint let his gaze linger on Rupert with disdain before continuing, "But she has an Alpha Female role here, and I'm not willing to let her go. Since your Gamma has refused to join my pack, I see only two viable options. So, I propose a trade for something of equal value." He paused, his eyes glinting with malicious delight. "You."

Simoné's fists clenched as Shaney tore through her control, rising like a wave. Beside her, Keenan stepped forward, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "Simone isn't a bargaining chip, Clint," Keenan growled, his voice laced with a cold, dangerous edge. "Push this, and you're starting a war."

Clint's grin only widened. "I'm open to discussing a monetary arrangement," he replied with feigned sweetness. "But I still favor the first option."

Clint's lips twisted into a cunning smile, unfazed.

Simoné's pulse was racing, but suddenly, a strange calm washed over her. Shaney seemed to settle within her, her voice echoing in Simoné's mind. "Let's deal with him. Invite him outside."

Without another word, Simoné met Clint's gaze with a cool resolve. "Fine, Clint. Let's have a private discussion, just you and me."

Clint's smile widened as he followed her into the moonlit courtyard. Keenan moved to follow, but Clint's warriors intercepted him, forming a wall around the Seven Fountain wolves. "This one's between Clint and Simoné," one of them muttered. Duncan, Chase, and Rupert stepped in, holding Keenan back as he struggled to break free, his green eyes blazing.

"Let me through," Keenan snarled, his voice thick with rage.

But Rupert held firm, his gaze steady. "Alpha, trust her."

Keenan's heart pounded as he watched them. Outside, Simoné faced Clint, her expression cold, every inch the powerful female wolf she was born to be. A grin spread across her face as the moonlight shimmered off her skin, and with a single step forward, she shifted into her white wolf form, Shaney's piercing blue eyes locking onto Clint.

Clint's eyes widened slightly in surprise, though his smugness remained as he shifted into his brown wolf, prowling forward.

But Shaney didn't move. Instead, she calmly sat back on her haunches, raising one paw in a mock inspection of her claws, an amused, bored expression on her face.

"Alpha Clint, you have one chance to walk away," she said loudly enough for him to hear. "I won't repeat myself, and I won't go easy on you."

Clint's hackles raised, and he growled low, circling her with an arrogant stance. Shaney let out a dismissive snort, tilting her head to the side, eyes half-lidded as she continued.

"Wrong decision, Alpha."

Her gaze hardened as she met his eyes directly, her own shifting to a blazing, unnatural red. Clint's body seized, his limbs freezing as a strangled yelp escaped him. He collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony under the pressure of Shaney's gaze, every breath filled with pain.

She released him briefly, and he gasped, trembling as she spoke. "Alpha Clint, are you prepared to let Bianca go without demanding a trade?"

He snarled weakly, still defiant as he shook his head. With a flicker of red in her gaze, Shaney poured her power into him once more, and he let out a tortured howl, blood trickling from his muzzle as he writhed helplessly on the ground.

Finally, Clint lifted a shaking paw, pleading silently. She released him, her voice even, almost casual.

"Are you willing to let Bianca go, with no further demands?"

Clint, barely able to lift his head, gave a weak nod, shifting back into his human form. Still clutching his bleeding nose, he spat the word, "Bitch, you will pay for this!" under his breath.

Keenan broke free from the warriors holding him back, his movements swift as he closed the distance and landed a punch squarely across Clint's jaw. Clint staggered back, clutching his face with a groan, but Keenan's focus had already shifted back to Simoné.

Simoné walking forward to nuzzle Bianca gently, then giving Rupert a reassuring nod. Rupert bowed his head in gratitude, guiding Bianca to the car. As Duncan limped past her, battered, he paused at Keenan, meeting his questioning gaze with respect.

"What can I say, my sister, is a white wolf," he said quietly, a note of pride in his voice.

Keenan clapped a hand on Duncan's shoulder, pride in his own eyes as he looked between them. Then he turned his gaze back to Simoné, who began walking toward the tree line. As she slipped into the shadows, Chrisanne's voice echoed in Keenan's mind.

"Shaney says she'll run back to the pack."

Keenan grinned, sending a reply. "Not without me."

With a smirk, he tossed his car keys to Duncan. "Take care of my baby," he said, and without hesitation, shifted into his powerful black wolf. His dark, muscular form cut through the moonlight as he took off, each powerful stride closing the distance between him and the flash of white that was Shaney, his fierce, Simoné.

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Well done Simoné for standing up for her pack mates. Please like and comment if you are enjoying the story. Would love to get your positive feedback.