Chapter 548

[ 1,229 words ]

[Third Person].

Draven did not rise when Dennis entered.

He remained seated, one ankle resting over his knee, posture relaxed, but his eyes sharpened the moment the heavy bag was placed on the floor between them.

He didn’t even need to ask questions or make guesses about the contents of the bag as the clinking, jingling sounds of the coins reached his ears, followed by the familiar iron scent.

At the same time, Wanda stepped forward as though nothing were amiss, her expression carefully composed, her lips curving into a polite, almost nostalgic smile.

“Draven,” she greeted warmly. “It’s been a while.”

Dennis took a step back, his arms crossing over his chest, clearly enjoying himself.

Draven inclined his head slightly. There was no smile or warmth radiating from him. “Wanda. Why have you come?”

She clasped her hands together and found a seat for herself. “I heard about your mate’s event,” she said smoothly. “I thought it would be appropriate to come and show a little support as your friend.”

Draven’s gaze flicked to her face, then to the bag, and finally back to her face. His meaning was clear as day.

“I don’t believe you,” he said calmly.

Wanda’s expression faltered for only half a breath. “Excuse me?”

“You don’t just come unannounced, even arriving with servants carrying a bag that heavy,” Draven continued with an even and controlled voice. “So, tell me why you are here.”

Dennis snorted under his breath.

Wanda turned slightly toward the bag as if noticing it for the first time. “Oh—that?” She waved a dismissive hand. “It’s nothing. Just some money.”

Draven’s jaw tightened as he watched her carefree actions.

“I know how important money is to the common folk,” Wanda went on, tone gentle, reasonable. “I assumed your mate would appreciate some additional support to whatever she had planned. After all, events like these can be costly.”

“No,” Draven said flatly.

The word landed hard, forcing Wanda to blink.

“There is no need,” Draven continued. “When you leave, you will take your money with you.”

Wanda groaned disappointedly, but inside, her smile shattered. ’ Nothing and no one will stop me today from achieving my aim,’ she thought coldly.

But outwardly, her shoulders slumped. “I see,” she murmured, her voice suddenly subdued. “You are still angry with me.”

Dennis rolled his eyes, already used to Wanda’s emotional schemes. But he was confident his brother wouldn’t fall for it.

On the other hand, Wanda caught Dennis’s eye roll and ignored him. Instead, she looked directly at Draven. “I know I disappointed you. I know I hurt you with my past actions.” Her voice softened further. “I’m sorry.”

Draven felt Rhovan stir. ” Lies ,” his wolf warned quietly. ” I don’t smell any repentance in her.”

But unknown to Wanda that her heart and plans had been burst, she pressed on. “That’s why I stayed away these past weeks. I needed time to reflect deeply.” Then, she placed a hand over her chest. “I regret many things. I have changed.”

Draven studied her the way one studied a blade—checking for cracks, weakness, and hidden edges.

’I highly doubt that,’ he said internally, still keeping a calm façade.

“I’m not asking you to trust me immediately,” Wanda added. “You can take your time to observe me. You will see—I would never betray you again.”

That was when Dennis stepped forward. “You know,” he said pleasantly, “you could win an award for this performance.”

Wanda stiffened. After the efforts she put into her confession, that big mouth had to ruin the atmosphere.

“Best actress. Lifetime achievement,” Dennis continued. “You are really committed to the role.”

Her jaw clenched. “Must you always be insufferable?”

Dennis grinned. “Only to people with twisted hearts.”

That did it. Wanda inhaled slowly—once, twice—before forcing her fury down until her face was smooth again.

Then she turned back to Draven, her voice calm and measured. “How have you been?” she asked.

Draven met her gaze, already knowing she hadn’t come visiting today with goodwill. So, he just answered her casually.

For a while, Wanda controlled the conversation, even shifting the topic towards training and other important things.

But when Draven had finished listening to her, he thought he should make a few things clear to her about her visit today. So he leaned back slightly, his fingers steepled, authority radiating from him without effort.

“Don’t bother trying to interfere with my mate’s event today. You will not approach the guests unless invited,” he said to Wanda, his voice calm but unmistakably firm.

Then his eyes briefly flicked once more to the heavy bag. “Am I understood?”

Wanda’s lips curved into a small, obedient smile. “Of course.”

Dennis snorted quietly. Draven did not miss it, but he ignored it.

Then, with calculated boldness, she lifted her chin. “But since I’m already here,” she said lightly, “And with your permission, of course, perhaps I should go and greet Meredith? After all, it is her day.”

The words had barely left her mouth when Draven’s phone vibrated in his hand. The screen lit up, and immediately, he saw his father’s name.

Draven frowned, but answered immediately. “Father…”

The change was instant. Whatever his father said on the other end wiped the remaining calm from his face. His jaw tightened, and his shoulders squared. Dennis, watching closely, straightened.

“Yes,” Draven said sharply. “I understand.”

The call ended, then without another word, Draven rose to his feet. The suddenness startled Wanda.

“Draven?” she asked, standing as well. “Is something wrong?”

Draven did not answer her immediately. But he turned just enough to face her with cold, assessing eyes.

“I expect you to behave.” Then he added, “I am choosing to trust you on that.”

Wanda inclined her head, her expression demure. “You won’t regret it.”

Then he looked to Dennis and said, “Come with me.” Dennis didn’t hesitate.

As the brothers moved toward the door, Wanda followed a step behind, worry breaking through her carefully composed mask.

“What happened?” she pressed. “Is Elder Randall all right?”

Draven didn’t slow down or even turn to spare her a glance. “That’s not something you need to concern yourself with,” he said flatly.

The door closed behind them, and silence settled in the room.

For a brief moment, Wanda stood frozen in the sitting room, unease creeping into her thoughts.

Why would Randall call now? Why would Draven leave so abruptly?

Something serious had happened. She could feel it. But then slowly, her lips curved upward.

If Draven was gone… If Dennis was gone… Then no one stood between her and her plans.

Her gaze slid to the door leading out of the sitting room. She inhaled, smoothing her expression as her composure returned, piece by piece.

’Perfect!’ she thought. ’Draven said I should take the money back with me. This is fine too.’

She didn’t need it anymore. After all, her presence alone—her name, her influence, her history in Mystic Furs—would be enough to tilt the atmosphere, enough to make the women whisper, and enough to remind them who truly belonged here.

Plus, Draven, she reasoned sweetly, had never explicitly told her she couldn’t go.

With that, Wanda let out a soft, delighted laugh. Then she turned and made her way out of the sitting room, already rehearsing the pleasant smile she would wear when she finally laid eyes on Meredith.

“Hahahaha…”

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