Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Clearing her throat, Emily turned to Caidrik. “I’m not asking for pack secrets, but you have spent some time with Jackson’s pack, right? I’ve heard they have modern doctors or healers. Is this true?”
One of Caidrik’s dark eyebrows rose. “Why?”
It was a good question. “We need to modernize a bit here like I’ve heard the Volk Alphas are doing with their packs. A medically trained doctor would be nice.”
Caidrik didn’t look like he believed her, yet he spoke anyway. “The Granite Pack has programs in place for younger wolves to attend universities.”
Anticipation ran through Emily. “Really?”
“Yes. They’ve been sending younger pack members to study engineering, modern mining techniques, and medicine. I think they even have a wolf who’s a licensed CPA. They had two doctors, fully trained in western and wolf medicine when I, ah, worked there. Jackson keeps it quiet, but the Granite Pack is much more modern than most. Even their mines use newer ventilation systems and automated drilling equipment. Safer and more efficient.”
Emily’s heart lifted slightly. So, they had a real doctor. The rumors were true. Perfect. “Well, good,” she said casually. “I’ve agreed to help Jackson find a mate.”
“Why?” Nadia burst out, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Why would you help him find some other mate? Especially since you turned him down.”
“I had no idea they were so modern,” Emily murmured. “I’d love to see how their pack operates. We’re trying to modernize here, as well, and I could probably get some ideas during my visit. Their use of technology could help improve our mine safety and efficiency.”
“Humph.” Nadia eyed her suspiciously. “I think you have the hots for Jackson and just want to spend more time with him.”
Emily’s cheeks warmed slightly, but she ignored the teasing, already thinking of the possibilities that awaited her in Jackson’s territory. “He’s sexy and, yes, intriguing, but I don’t want to be his mate. The guy’s overbearing.”
“That’s for damn sure.” Nadia poured more orange juice into her glass. “I’m glad you see it. Way too bossy.”
From the corner of her eye, Emily noticed Caidrik cutting her a look before glancing away. “I’m going to check the perimeter.” He strode out of the room with his usual gruff demeanor.
Nadia frowned. “He’s always so grumpy.”
“They all are,” Emily replied, the memory of past encounters with Jackson’s pack flashing in her mind.
Before Nadia could respond, polished shoes echoed against the wooden floor. Philip Nightsom entered the room, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit like usual. He’d been out with his soldiers most of the night, and Emily hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with him yet.
“Good morning, daughters.” His voice carried warmth and hesitation, but his shoulders relaxed when Nadia offered him a smile.
She cleared her throat. “How could you offer Emily to Jackson Tryne to mate?”
So, going right for it, was she? Emily hid a smile.
Philip grimaced. “I panicked. When Erik took over the Copper Pack, with his brother Alpha of the Silver Pack, who’s a distant cousin to Jackson, I just, well, panicked. But I fixed it last night, right? When I told Jackson that Emily will take her place as Alpha here? I just need everyone to believe that for the next thirty years or so, and I’ll come up with a better plan during that timeframe.”
Emily pushed her temper away. “That’s not all, is it?”
“Hmm?” He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, the lines around his eyes deepening with curiosity.
She kept her voice even. “I agreed to visit Jackson’s territory to help him find a mate in exchange for a ten year license to the Embervault Mine.”
Philip paused in mid-movement, his posture stiffening. “Jackson has a big mouth,” he muttered, almost to himself.
“Tell me about it.” Should it hurt that her father had tried to use her to barter for a darn mine?
Sighing, Philip lowered himself into a chair. “It’s an old mine between our territory and theirs, about four hours away if traveling in wolf form. While it once produced high-quality granite for the Granite Pack, the real prize now is the slate found deeper within it. But it isn’t ordinary slate. The deposits there contain a rare variant known as obsidian slate.”
“Obsidian slate?” Nadia asked.
Philip poured himself a cup of coffee, his gaze distracted. “It’s darker, denser, and has a natural sheen that makes it highly sought after for luxury flooring, high-end roofing, and architectural designs. Unlike standard slate, it’s resistant to weathering and can be cut into thinner, more flexible sheets without compromising its strength.”
Emily leaned forward, her pulse quickening. “So, if we could access that mine—”
Philip nodded. “It would change everything. Our slate mines are productive, but none of them yield obsidian slate. It’s in high demand for custom homes, upscale commercial buildings, and even art installations. We’ve had architects and developers specifically request it, but without access to Embervault Mine, we’ve had to turn down those contracts. If we could secure mining rights, even partial ones, we could triple our profits and expand our influence across multiple regions to get ourselves out of debt. As you know, we’re floundering.”