Jade gaped at James. Why did he make it sound like he was doing her a favor?
And how did James know that Starlight was hers? Even her father didn't know as she was using an alias!
But this was not the time for these questions. What were her options?
Jade was already in a lot of trouble and if she adds James' complaint that will come with the weight of the Red Moon pack, Jade was confident that things will be bad for her. Really bad. She didn't care about werewolf wars and other nonsense, but what if her father locks her up at home? What if he marries her off to someone old and ugly?
Jade cursed her luck and her decision to come to the Dark Howlers pack, and then she said, "Thirty."
James cocked an eyebrow at her. "Forty-five."
"Please. That's all I have.", Jade said and closed her eyes. "Forty."
James knew that Starlight was the only company Jade had, but she had other assets. Even if he took the whole thing, she wouldn't starve, however, if he became the majority owner, he would need to be involved in the business, and he didn't want to meddle with the operations of a fashion company.
"Forty-two and we have a deal.", James said. "If I ever decide to sell my percentage of Starlight, I will offer it to you first."
Jade exhaled dejectedly. "Can you promise to keep to yourself that I'm the owner?" When James nodded in agreement, she said, "Fine."
James extended his hand toward Jade, and she shook his hand grumpily.
"Beta Caden!", James exclaimed. "We will need a lawyer and a notary to handle the transfer of ownership for a company…"
Jade was distracted at the sight of four warriors that appeared at the door and based on what she overheard from the conversation between Caden and the newcomers, she understood that the warriors came for her. Now what?
With every passing moment, Jade's regret for coming to the Dark Howlers pack was increasing. She thought that there was nothing to lose, yet she ended up losing her freedom, her assets, and they treated her like a homewrecker who came to cause a war.
Wait! Didn't James ask her before who she was? If he didn't know who she was, how did he know that she owns Starlight?
"Future Alpha James", Jade called. "Why did you ask who I was? If you were aware that I am behind Starlight, you knew of my identity."
James cocked an eyebrow at Jade. "I couldn't connect the face with the name. If my sister was here, she might recognize you because she follows fashion. When you identified yourself, I remembered.", James lied with a straight face. How could he not know who she was? He survived so far by observing and collecting information that could be used at the right time, and this was the right time.
So far, James was pretending to be ignorant and obedient in order to not attract the attention of Alpha Edward. Laying low was important for his survival.
However, now there was Cornelia and James needed to think about her, and about their future pups.
James couldn't believe this! Until a few days ago, he didn't think about women at all, yet now he was planning for a future with Cornelia that included pups! And he didn't hate that mental image, not even a little bit.
James decided to use his position as the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack to accumulate resources and connections so that when he can't conceal his inadequacy anymore, he and Cornelia can disappear and not depend on anyone. That sounded perfect.
'I will give you five percent from Starlight', James told George through the mind-link.
George was surprised by this. 'Why?'
'If you didn't disclose that Alpha Damon was extorting money from the Silverfur pack, I wouldn't come up with this idea. It's only fair that you get a cut.', James explained. 'Or do you think I should give you more? I won't go above ten percent.'
George refused. 'That's generous, but I don't need money.'
There was something else James could do for George, and that didn't have a price tag. George already thought of using James, that's why he covered up the fact that James didn't have Alpha aura.
Unexpectedly, during this visit to the Dark Howlers pack, George and James grew closer and James even found out about George's real background.
Now they were tied up by knowing each other's secrets. Well, at least some of them.
George's initial plan was suicidal; he would kill Alpha Edward and he didn't care what will happen after that. However, now he had Dawn and he couldn't jeopardize her, so he needed to reevaluate his priorities.
Could he give up on the revenge he was preparing for a decade and not have regrets? But Dawn said that she will support him and stand by his side, and George's plan needed modifications. Having James on his side will definitely increase his chances of getting rid of Alpha Edward without spilling too much blood. And James could ensure Dawn's safety when the time comes.
George was fairly confident that James will help him, and the fact that the youngster was indebted to him can serve as additional motivation.
'You don't need money? What do you want?', James asked. He knew that nothing comes for free.
George smiled a little. 'I will let you know when the time is right.'
James had an idea what George's intentions were, and James didn't care much about his father or the Red Moon pack because both of those were threats to him, but there was one thing James wouldn't compromise on.
'As long as it doesn't put Cornelia in danger, you can count on my help.'
George approved. 'We will need to collaborate to ensure our mates stay safe.'
Jade's checkup was done, and Doctor Travis excused himself.
By now, Zina also left to work on lunch. She had two Omegas helping her out and it made her feel important but also nervous as hell. This was the first day for Stephanie to be absent from the packhouse, and Zina knew that if anything burned or it didn't come out well, it will be her fault.
Cornelia went with Zina, to see if she can help with lunch preparations because James said that he needed to take care of some things.
James was getting his affairs in order before meeting with the lawyer. There were a lot of things that needed to happen before Jade could put her signature to transfer forty-two percent of Starlight to James.
James also wanted to add Cornelia to his current assets, and he was considering an idea of writing a will so that in case anything happens to him, Cornelia was taken care of.
With Dawn and George making themselves scarce, Jade was left in the living room with Maya, Caden, and warriors that were standing in the hallway, out of sight, but Jade was aware of their presence; they were there for her.
Maya and Caden were talking in low voices and acting like Jade was not there, and Jade's anxiety was rising.
Was she really stuck to work here as an Omega? For how long?
Surely, it can't be more than a day or two. But actually, staying longer had its benefits.
If she stays composed, she will catch Damon in private, and they can talk and get closer and... who knows? She was confident that he will let her go from these pesky duties. Why would he keep her? He has so many other people available to do menial work.
Jade remembered their date when they gazed into each other's eyes over a candlelit dinner and the steamy night after that... and Jade was confident that Damon would accept her fake-dating proposal if not for Talia.
They were getting along fine before that wretched mate appeared!
Jade pushed her anger down. Throwing a fit will only make things worse.
Jade glanced around the room and her eyes settled on the oil painting that showed a meadow filled with wildflowers and mountains in the distance. "Now what? Do I start dusting off the paintings?"
"Did anyone say you will be working in the packhouse?", Maya asked and Jade's mouth fell open. Now what?
