Return to Seven Fountain

Temper Tantrum

Tom sat at his kitchen island, fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of black coffee as he replayed the day's events over and over in his mind. The fight between Duncan and Simoné was eating at him. The Beta was furious, storming off into the woods after being bested by his sister—a rare show of dominance on her part that seemed to disrupt the natural order of things. Tom's frown deepened as he took another sip, his brow furrowing with the weight of the implications. As the pack trainer, he was responsible for the unity and stability of Seven Fountain, and this new turn of events unsettled him.

Lost in thought, he didn't hear the front door slam shut or the angry footsteps storming into the house. Suddenly, his daughter Annette burst into the room, her cheeks flushed with anger, eyes blazing.

"That damn... UGH!" she spat, muttering profanities as she threw her bag onto the counter. "I swear, she's just doing it to taunt me!"

Tom snapped his head up, his brows knitting together in confusion as he took in her furious expression. "What are you going on about, Annette?"

Annette stopped, her face immediately shifting to a more innocent look, her anger momentarily concealed under a sweet facade. She leaned closer to him, her voice lowering to a pout. "Daddy, did you see the way that woman was practically drooling over Keenan? She's making a fool of herself, throwing herself at him like that. Poor Keenan does not even know which way to look."

Tom felt a pang of sympathy for his daughter, and his frown softened. Annette had always had her sights set on the Luna position, on being Keenan's mate, and he'd supported her every step of the way. She was ambitious and proud, qualities he admired—and he could see how Simoné's presence had thrown her dreams into doubt.

"Don't worry about her, sweetheart," he said softly, reaching over to pat her shoulder. "I'll take care of it. The Luna position will be yours. You don't need to worry."

Annette's lips curved into a satisfied smile, though he could see a flash of bitterness still in her eyes. She gave him a quick nod of thanks before storming off to her room, and Tom watched her go with a mixture of pride and determination. For Annette's sake, he needed to make sure Simoné didn't disrupt things further.

Tom finished his coffee in a single gulp, then stood up and strode out onto the front porch, pulling his phone from his pocket. He scrolled through his contacts until he found the name he was looking for and pressed the call button. The line rang a few times before a gravelly voice answered on the other end.

"Tom," Clint said, his voice rough but alert. "What's going on?"

"Alpha Clint," Tom greeted him, his tone steady and low. "We've got a little...situation in Seven Fountain."

"Oh?" Clint sounded intrigued, and Tom could almost picture the smirk playing on his lips. Clint, the Alpha of Mystic Hills, was known for his ruthless approach and thirst for control. Tom knew he could count on him to understand the complexity of the situation—and to appreciate the opportunity to gain leverage over Simoné.

"There was a fight today between Duncan and Simoné. She actually bested him, Clint. Forced him to submit. The boy's pride is shattered. And Simoné..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Let's just say, her strength and dominance have started raising eyebrows here. Keenan's been watching her closely, and that won't do. Not for my daughter Annette."

Clint's laugh echoed through the phone, a dark, amused sound. "Simoné, huh? Ever since the little incident at the party last night." His voice darkened with a hint of resentment. "She made a fool of me, forced me to bow. I haven't forgotten it."

Tom listened, knowing he'd struck the right chord. Clint had been humiliated in front of his pack and others at the party, his status briefly challenged by Simoné's unexpected power. It was clear that Clint had taken it personally, that his pride had been wounded by the defiant she-wolf.

Clint's voice dropped, colder and more calculating. "She'd make a fine addition to Mystic Hills, wouldn't she? Strong, resilient. I could use her. And I'd make sure she understands her place."

Tom nodded, glancing out into the woods, his thoughts already turning over the possibilities. "Exactly. If she stays here, it'll only bring more trouble. We need to handle this quietly, though. Keenan can't know what we're planning."

"Agreed," Clint replied, his voice thick with satisfaction. "There are ways to get her out without anyone realizing until it's too late. Wolfsbane could work, though it's a little...tricky."

Tom's mind raced through the logistics. "Or we could catch her on a run, hit her with a tranquilizer dart laced with silver. Then, once she's down, we put her in silver cuffs. She won't be able to shift, and it'll keep her compliant until we get her back to Mystic Hills."

Clint chuckled again, clearly pleased with the plan. "Once she's here, I have places she won't be able to reach anyone from—hidden dungeons, dark and far off, where even her mind links won't reach. She'll come around to the idea of staying with me. In time, she'll be useful... and maybe, with some patience, she'll be a little more... cooperative."

Tom swallowed, feeling a trace of unease coil within him. He'd known Simoné since she was a child, and while he respected her strength, he also recognized her stubbornness. But this wasn't about her; it was about Annette's future and the stability of the pack.

"Let's keep this between us," he said, his voice lowering to a hushed tone. "Timing is everything here. If Keenan suspects—"

"He won't," Clint cut in smoothly, his tone dripping with confidence. "Trust me. I'll handle my end. Just give me the signal when the moment's right, and we'll take care of the rest. She'll be out of your hair—and your daughter won't have anything to worry about."

Tom nodded, letting out a slow, measured breath. The plan was in motion now. Simoné's strength and influence could disrupt the entire hierarchy if they let it. But with Clint's help, they could ensure Annette's rightful place as Luna.

"Good," Clint added with a final chuckle, his voice filled with dark satisfaction. "Once she's here, she'll have more to worry about than challenging her brother. I'll see to it she understands her place."

Tom hung up, feeling the weight of his actions settle onto his shoulders as he stood alone on the porch. He glanced back at the house, thinking of Annette's face as she had spoken of Simoné, of her fury and the sting of jealousy that had marred her otherwise sweet expression.

Yes, he would make sure Simoné stayed out of the way. For Annette's sake, and for the pack's stability. He would do whatever it took.

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