Page 23 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

“Jack,” I say, my voice a little rougher than usual. “What’s up?”

The phone is warm against my ear, and I lean back in my chair, letting my head tip against the cool wall behind me.

Jack chuckles softly, the sound low and genuine, like he’s holding back a louder laugh. It lingers just enough to get under my skin, and before I can ask him if he called me just to amuse himself, his voice cuts through.

“My prince,” he says, his tone still light with amusement, “you’re starting to sound very American.”

I pause, my brows knitting together for a second before I realize what he’s talking about. My tone. My accent. It hits me that I’d slipped into that polished, neutral drawl I’ve been perfecting for months now. It’s second nature at this point, a mask I wear every day, one I’ve had to work hard at crafting. Blending in has been essential—not just at Pinnacle Group but in every interaction.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been moments where Katherine’s curious gaze lingered on me just a beat too long, where someone at work raised a brow at the subtle, unplaceable cadence in myvoice. It’s always been a tightrope walk. But if Jack’s teasing me about it now, it must mean I’m doing a better job than I thought.

I exhale softly, the tenseness leaving my shoulders. There’s something about hearing Jack’s voice that makes it easier to drop the act. Even my posture changes, straightening naturally, my shoulders lifting in the way they always do when I’m reminded of who I really am.

“Very funny,” I say dryly. “Jack. Do you have news, or are you just here to critique my speech?”

Jack’s tone changes in an instant, the humor draining away as something heavier takes its place. “I apologize, my prince,” he says, the formal edge returning, a quiet respect lacing his words. “But there’s been a development in the kingdom back here in Europe.”

The dip in his voice sends a jolt through me. My grip on the phone tightens instinctively, my pulse quickening.

“What development?” I ask, my voice steady.

“The Usurper,” Jack begins, I can hear the bitterness in his voice, it’s a bitterness that is deeply mirrored in my heart. "He’s seized control of all infrastructure run by the local pack communities. Issued a royal decree this morning. Everything… running water, railways, communication lines… it’s all under his thumb now."

Damn it.

My jaw tightens as Jack continues, the words cutting into me.

"He’s branded any resistance as treason. This morning, three leading pack families pledged their allegiance to him. They didn’t have a choice, my Prince. Their hands are tied, or their necks will be on the block."

I clench my fists so tightly that my nails dig into my palms, the faint sting grounding me. A pulse thrums in my head, my vision narrowing.

"Your uncle has his foot planted on everyone’s neck," Jack finishes, his voice filled with frustration.

Uncle Valerian. That swine.

His name alone sends a fresh wave of anger surging through me. My heart pounds against my ribs, each beat a reminder of what’s been taken. This… this ruthless grab for power, is something my father would never have done. It goes against everything my family stood for. My father believed in balance, in partnership with the local packs. Control over those infrastructures was meant to empower them, to sustain livelihoods, to foster unity. But Valerian? He only sees power.

My hands tremble as I force myself to take a breath, the fury inside me threatening to boil over.

"My prince…" Jack's voice pulls me from the storm of rage churning inside me. "...your mission… are you any closer to getting everything you need?"

“Yes, Jack,” I answer, my voice steady, resolute. “Soon, I’ll have everything we need. It won’t be long now. They’re all going to pay.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line and I can imagine the look of relief on Jack’s face before he speaks again. “I hope so,” he says, his voice laced with dry humor. “At least then you won’t have to keep wearing that ridiculous janitor outfit.”

The comment pulls a faint smile out of me, almost against my will. The corners of my mouth twitch upward, but I quickly push it down, keeping my tone even. “This janitor job has been essential, Jack. It’s gotten me into places I’d never have been able to access otherwise.”

“Of course,” Jack replies smoothly, the sound of his grin practically audible. “The janitor job. And… your contract girlfriend.”

The mention of her lands heavier than I’d like. A knot tightens in my stomach, twisting in a way I don’t particularly care for. I run a hand through my hair as if that’ll loosen the tension. “The whole contractual relationship was… unexpected,” I say, keeping my voice measured, controlled. “But it’s been effective. Being close to her has allowed me to uncover more, faster than I ever could just posing as a janitor.”

“Unexpected, huh?” Jack’s voice takes on a teasing lilt that makes me want to groan. “And here I was thinking it was part of your plan… with all the late night dinners you’ve had with her.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You know why I’ve been doing that,” I say, irritation creeping into my voice despite my efforts to rein it in. “It was to get closer to her. To have access to the files.”

There’s this pause on the other end of the line. I can almost hear Jack processing my words, letting them sink in. Then he speaks, his tone cautious, like he’s trying to tread lightly but can’t quite mask the edge underneath.

“So… she’s just a means to an end then?”

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