Another Chance for the Luna Queen

Chapter 0266

Ella POV

The next evening, I found myself back in my home pack's territory, sitting in my father's office. It felt strange being here after so long, especially given the change in circumstances, but there was something comforting about

1. it.

Alexander had been unable to attend the meeting due to an unexpected issue, so August sat beside me instead.

He was stiff, clearly out of his comfort zone, but his demeanor shifted the moment my father unrolled the charts and maps outlining the solar farm project. August leaned forward, his interest piqued as he studied the plans.

"Security is going to be the top concern," August said, his gaze fixed on the details. "The plans are wonderful- almost flawless, I dare say-but we cannot trust the Lake Back."

"Exactly," my father agreed, steepling his fingers beneath his chin as he regarded August thoughtfully. "This was the same concern Alexander's team of scientists raised when we worked on the plans together. I've been collaborating with the Lake Pack's lawyers and Alpha Derrick to finalize the border adjustments, but that does nothing to guarantee David won't act childishly again in an attempt to cost us money and time."

"There's no way to guarantee that," I said, my irritation with David's antics

bubbling to the surface "The last time I spoke with Alpha Derrick, it was clear he didn't care about the damage David's actions had caused-only about the impact on the pack's reputation."

"That's always been the best way to get through to him," my father said with a rueful shake of his head. Derrick's morals may be lacking, but his pride certainly isn't. Bad publicity cuts him deeply, and he's had more than his fair share of it in the past year."

"How do we use that to our advantage?" August asked, glancing between us with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"We make it seem like it's Alpha Derrick's idea," I suggested. "Like it or not, we'll have to involve them. The solar farm's planning, execution, and credit will belong to our packs, but if we let Derrick feel like he has a small measure of ownership, he'll be more inclined to protect the border."

"I see your point," August said, though his tone remained cautious. "But how exactly do we manage that?"

"I'll set up a meeting with Derrick," my father said, his tone making it clear he wasn't thrilled at the prospect. We'll make it clear that border security will be staffed by members of both our packs, but he'll ultimately be responsible for protecting the plant. If anything goes wrong, it'll fall squarely on his shoulders. However, if the project succeeds, as we expect it will, he'll be credited for facilitating its success."

"But won't it be obvious that the only thing it needs protecting from is the Lake Pack?" August asked, his skepticism clear.

I shook my head. "No. The Lake Pack is far enough north that there's been some rogue activity in the area. It's minimal, but it provides a convenient excuse for the upgraded security. It's something the media will latch onto."

August nodded slowly. "I suppose you're right. Still, we'll need Alexander's sign- off on this."

"OL course," I agreed. "I'd hoped he'd join us today so we could finalize everything, but you know how he is. He took one evening off work, and now he feels like he has to do double time to make up for it."

"You'll get used to it," August said, though I could tell by his tone that he didn't believe his own words. He knew as well as I did how much Alexander's refusal to rest bothered me.

"A good work ethic is important," my father added, his voice calm and measured. “But burning out before you're

Chapter 0266

forty will undo all the work you've accomplished. Alexander will learn to loosen up-I'm sure Ella will insist upon it."

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