Victory in the supernatural realm had solidified Xanthe and Lynam's bond within the pack, but back in the human realm, unseen threats began to brew. Alex, Lynam's estranged father, and Michelle, his cunning ex, were plotting to dismantle the couple's life together, their ignorance of the supernatural world leaving them blind to the full depth of Xanthe and Lynam's strength.
Michelle arrived at Alex's sprawling estate, her sleek designer dress emphasizing her confidence as she strolled into the grand study. Alex, seated behind his mahogany desk, didn't bother looking up from the documents spread before him.
"You're late," he said curtly, flipping a page.
"Fashionably," Michelle quipped, settling into a chair. "You didn't call me here for punctuality tips. What do you want?"
Alex leaned back, finally fixing his sharp gaze on her. "To destroy Lynam's marriage. Permanently."
Michelle raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "I'm listening."
Alex gestured to the papers on his desk. "Xanthe Redwood. A nobody before Lynam. She's siphoning his influence, alienating him from me, and dragging him into her world. I want her out. I assume you do too."
Michelle's lips curved into a sly smile. "More than you know. What's the plan?"
"We attack from two fronts," Alex said, his voice cold and calculated. "First, we tarnish Lynam's reputation in the business world. Plant doubts among his investors, force him into damage control. Second, we fracture their personal bond."
"And how do we do that?" Michelle asked.
Alex's smirk deepened. "That's where your talents come in. You're his past. Use it to convince Xanthe she's just a temporary placeholder
Michelle wasted no time putting the plan into action. She arranged a "coincidental" meeting with Xanthe at a gallery event, one where Xanthe was representing her pack's charity initiative.
Approaching her with feigned civility, Michelle smiled. "Xanthe! I've been meaning to speak with you. I think it's time we clear the air."
Xanthe's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her guard going up immediately. "I wasn't aware there was air to clear."
"Oh, don't be naive," Michelle said with a laugh, leaning in conspiratorially. "You must know how close Lynam and I were. How...inseparable."
Xanthe's jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "What's your point?"
Michelle produced her phone, scrolling through a collection of staged photos—images Alex had doctored to imply a recent affair between her and Lynam. "I just thought you deserved to know the truth about him. He hasn't changed."
Though Xanthe felt a pang of doubt, she didn't let Michelle see it. Instead, she responded calmly, "You underestimate my husband's loyalty. And you severely overestimate your importance."
Michelle's smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. "We'll see," she said before disappearing into the crowd.
Simultaneously, Alex worked to destabilize Lynam's empire. Using forged documents and insider connections, he spread rumors of embezzlement and mismanagement, convincing several key board members to question Lynam's leadership.
An emergency board meeting was called, with Alex presenting himself as a concerned shareholder.
"Lynam's recent decisions have been erratic," Alex argued, feigning concern. "And his personal life is becoming a distraction. We need a leader who can prioritize the company's future."
The murmurs of agreement around the table were a calculated victory for Alex, but his endgame wasn't just the company—it was driving a wedge between Lynam and Xanthe.
Back at home, Xanthe pieced together the pattern. Michelle's manipulations, the sudden business crisis—everything pointed back to Alex. She didn't need supernatural senses to see the coordination.
When Lynam returned home, visibly stressed, Xanthe met him with unwavering resolve.
"They're working together," she said simply.
Lynam paused, his eyes narrowing. "Michelle and my father?"
Xanthe nodded. "They're trying to destroy you. And us."
Lynam exhaled, his jaw clenching. "Then it's time we show them what we're truly capable of.