Chapter 197
Evelyn’s POV
After confronting Marcia and closing that Chapter with Logan, I returned to Ravenshade with a strange sense of resolution.
I threw myself back into work at Evelink Biosciences the next morning, focusing on our Wolf Instinct Suppression Reversal project. The lab was my sanctuary. A place where problems had solutions and variables could be controlled.
Gary rushed up to me, looking flustered.
“Elder Seymour is here,” he said, lowering his voice. “He’s waiting in your office p>
My stomach tightened. Elder Seymour had invested heavily in our research, but his visits were never casual.
“Did he mention why he’s here p>
“Just said it was urgent,” Gary replied.
I shook my head. “I’ll see him. Can you prepare the latest progress report while I talk to him p>
When I entered my office, Elder Seymour stood by the window. He turned at the sound of the door, his face breaking into a smile.
“Evelyn,” he greeted, extending his hand. “You look well p>
“Elder Seymour,” I shook his hand firmly. “This is an unexpected pleasure. What brings you here p>
He settled into one of the chairs across from my desk. “I’ve been hearing rumors about your project’s success. Thought I’d come see for myself if they’re true p>
I sat down across from him, maintaining a professional smile. “We’ve made significant progress, yes p>
His eyes lit up. “So it works? The reversal process p>
“In controlled settings,” I explained. “It’s not perfect yet but the core concept is proven p>
Elder Seymour leaned back, unable to hide his excitement. “This is revolutionary, Evelyn. You’ve created a scientific solution where our traditions failed p>
“We’re still months away from wider trials,” I cautioned. “And at least a year from any kind of general availability p>
“But it works,” he repeated. “That’s what matters p>
I nodded, waiting for him to reveal his real purpose for visiting. Elder Seymour rarely engaged in small talk.
“Actually, Evelyn,” he said after a moment, his tone shifting. “While your project’s success is certainly worth celebrating, there’s another matter I wanted to discuss with you p>
There it was.
“I’m listening,” I said carefully.
“The Frostfang Pack has reached out to me regarding a medical issue.” Elder Seymour leaned forward. “Their former Alpha’s daughter has fallen gravely ill p>
I frowned slightly. “I’m sorry to hear that. “
“So they’ve heard about the Stellaris Moonbane Root we’ve been cultivating,” I guessed.
Elder Seymour’s eyebrows rose slightly. “You’re as sharp as ever. Yes, they’ve learned that you’ve successfully cultivated it in controlled environments p>
The Stellaris Moonbane Root was a rare alpine herb that grew naturally in only a handful of locations worldwide. What once was nearly impossible to obtain was now growing in our secure greenhouse facility.
“The Frostfang Alpha has requested access to your Stellaris Moonbane Root supply,” Elder Seymour continued. “They’re willing to pay generously, of course p>
I considered this request carefully. The extract was still in limited supply, even with our cultivation success.
“I’d need to know more about the case before committing our resources,” I said. “We have limited supply, even with cultivation p>
Elder Seymour’s expression grew more serious. “Evelyn, I should warn you. The new Frostfang Alpha isn’t known for his patience or diplomacy. Christian Drake has a… forceful reputation p>
The name sent a small chill down my spine. I’d heard whispers about Christian Drake since he took over as Alpha of the northern territory’s most powerful pack. Cold. Ruthless. Uncompromising.
“Are you suggesting he’d attempt to take the Stellaris Moonbane Root by force if I decline?” I asked bluntly.
“I’m suggesting that offering assistance now might prevent complications later,” Elder Seymour replied. “The Alpha Council already finds him difficult to work with p>
I understood what he wasn’t saying. Christian Drake wasn’t someone who took no for an answer, and unlike most pack leaders, he had the power and resources to back up his demands.
“I came to you first,” Elder Seymour added, “because I believe in mutually beneficial solutions. The Frostfang Pack could be a valuable ally, particularly as your research moves forward. Or they could become a significant obstacle p>
I nodded slowly, appreciating his honesty.
“I understand,” I said. “And I appreciate the warning. To be clear, I have no issue providing Stellaris Moonbane Root extract if it’s for legitimate medical need. I just need to verify the diagnosis and determine appropriate dosing p>
Relief flickered across Elder Seymour’s face. “That’s reasonable. I’ll convey your willingness to help, along with your requirements for medical information p>
“Thank you.” I paused, then asked, “Is there anything else I should know about Alpha Drake p>
Elder Seymour considered my question carefully. “He’s intelligent. Calculated. Not someone who makes threats lightly, but also not someone who needs to make them often. His reputation tends to precede him p>
I nodded, filing this information away. “I’ll have a preliminary supply of Stellaris Moonbane Root extract prepared while I await their medical files p>
“A wise approach,” Elder Seymour said, standing. “I knew I could count on your professional judgment, Evelyn p>
After seeing him out, I returned to my office and sank into my chair. The political side of pack relations was exhausting, especially when it intersected with my scientific work. But I couldn’t ignore the reality. As an Omega running a groundbreaking research facility, I needed powerful allies. And sometimes that meant making concessions.
I picked up my phone and called Gary.
“I need you to prepare a shipment of Stellaris Moonbane Root extract,” I told him. “And get in touch with Jackson. I want everything he can find on Christian Drake and the Frostfang Pack p>
“Are we in trouble?” Gary asked, concern in his voice.
I thought about Elder Seymour’s warning and the reputation of the northern Alpha.
“Not yet,” I replied. “But it’s better to be prepared than surprised p>
After hanging up, I stared out my office window at the mountains in the distance. Somewhere beyond those peaks lay the territory of the Frostfang Pack. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this request was just the beginning of something much more complicated.
In my experience, Alphas like him always had deeper motives. Especially when they reached out to someone like me.
The question was: what did he really want?