Chapter 139
“Dr. Frostwhisper!” Serena jumped in. “Please join us. We’d be honored to have you at our table.
He turned to her with a curious expression. “And you are…?”
“Serena, Ms. Ravencroft’s personal assistant,‘ she replied smoothly, extending her hand with a professional smile. It’s truly a privilege to meet you, sir.”
One by one, the board members rose from their seats, each shaking Eldreth’s hand.
Someone pulled up a chair for him, placing it right beside mine.
“Dr. Frostwhisper, what an extraordinary coincidence,” gushed the board member across from me, the one who’d mentioned his birthday earlier. “Today happens to be my birthday, and meeting you is truly the best gift I could receive!
Eldreth’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “I’m afraid I’ve come empty–handed,” he replied with a warm chuckle. “However, I can offer something better than a gift–if you ever need medical assistance, I promise to personally attend to you. Consider it an IOU or insurance policy, whichever you prefer.”
The board member beamed. “With your guarantee, I might actually look forward to falling ill! At least I’d know I wouldn’t easily depart this world.”
Everyone at the table laughed, myself included. The whiskey had softened my usual reserve, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the moment despite my initial reluctance to attend the event.
Eldreth turned toward me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “So, how’s your ‘research‘ coming along?” He made air quotes with his fingers.
My heart skipped a beat. He was referring to the Lunaris Essence he’d given me. The board members exchanged confused glances, and panic fluttered in my chest. That was information I’d kept strictly confidential.
“Um… that…” I stuttered, clearing my throat awkwardly. “Well…”
Eldreth, noticing my discomfort, smoothly pivoted. I’m referring to her business research, of course,” he clarified with a wink to the others. “CEOs are always researching how to make their wallets fatter, aren’t they?”
The board members chuckled with visible relief, and I exhaled slowly, grateful for his quick thinking. The conversation shifted as they eagerly began consulting him about various family health concerns, from arthritis to seasonal allergies.
***
A moment later, the board members excused themselves to mingle with representatives from other Packs, leaving me alone with Eldreth. Serena had tactfully mentioned she needed to “check on something important” before disappearing with a knowing smile.
“I believe Dr. Frostwhisper wanted to discuss some research matters with you, boss,” she’d whisper
fore leaving
Now, with just the two of us at the table, I suddenly felt self–conscious about my slightly intoxicated state.
“I’ve had to abandon all my medical research,” I explained, trying to focus through the pleasant haze of alcohol. “Being CEO of Ravencroft Enterprises, doesn’t leave room for much else.”
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Chapter 139
Eldreth studied me with those penetrating eyes that seemed to see right through any facade. But you were such a brilliant
dreams?* student,” he said quietly. “What made you give up your
His question hit me like a punch to the gut. No one had asked me that in years–everyone had simply accepted my transition to corporate leadership as natural, given my family name.
“You can call me Eldreth,” he added, his voice softening.
I nearly choked on my drink. In wolf society, using first names without titles was reserved for family or intimate relationships. The fact that he’d offered this familiarity so casually shocked me.
“When I first saw you at the Moon Ring Council party,” Eldreth said thoughtfully, “I thought I’d meet that same Lysandra again tonight–curious, passionate about medicine, eager to learn. But when I arrived here, I found a different Lysandra.
“I should probably head home…” I murmured, suddenly feeling the full weight of the alcohol in my system as I attempted to stand. The floor seemed to tilt beneath me, and I grabbed the table edge for support. “Whoa. The floor’s being particularly uncooperative tonight…”
Eldreth rose smoothly, offering his arm. “Perhaps the floor needs a stern talking–to,” he suggested with gentle humor.
“Allow me to assist?”
His gallant gesture made me giggle despite myself. “Well, if you’re offering to discipline my floor, I suppose I can’t refuse.”
I took his arm, grateful for the support as we made our way toward the exit. Each step required concentration, and I found myself leaning more heavily against him than I’d intended.
“My driver should be outside,” I mumbled, fumbling with my phone.
Eldreth guided me through the club’s entrance and into the cool night air. The temperature change hit me like a splash of cold water, making me shiver slightly as I clung to his arm.
“Why did you come here today?” I asked suddenly, looking up at him.
His expression grew serious. “Partly. I came for a final courtesy visit. The business alliance between our Packs is ending
soon.”
“What? Why?” I frowned, trying to focus through my alcohol–induced haze. “Everything’s been going well, hasn’t it?”
“Long–term alliances create power imbalances between Packs,” he explained, helping me into the backseat of my car. “History shows they usually end in conflict.”
A wave of disappointment washed over me. More ancient Pack politics,” I sighed, slumping against the window. “Why can’t we just be friends without all the complications?”
Eldreth buckled my seatbelt with careful/movements, his expression gentle. “Regardless of alliances, my prom remains. My remedies are always available to you.”
o you
“After meeting with your brother tomorrow, I’ll be leaving,” he added, his voice low. “I hope our next meeting will be under
more relaxed circumstances.”
***
“You’re drunk!” Alaric exclaimed
as I stumbled through the front door, supported by one of our security guards.
2/3
Chapter 139
I tried to straighten up, putting on my most dignified expression. “I’m not drunk, I’m just… testing gravity, its workin
perfectly.”
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