Chapter 299
Third Person POV
2 weeks earlier (The day Judy arrives in Redcliff)
“Do you really think this is a good idea, Alpha?” Beta Ron asked, looking across the desk and at Levi, who was grinning at the computer. His excitement was evident, and it gave an eerie feeling to the room. “Judy is smart; she will figure out that something is wrong. You are underestimating her abilities. You saw what she’s capable of during the competition.”
Levi’s smile faltered for a moment as he peered up at his Beta.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” he said through his teeth, his darkness radiating off him in waves, making Ron feel uneasy. He had been working for Alpha Levi for years, and in most cases, he trusted Levi. He didn’t think Alpha Levi would ever actually cause him harm, but Levi was also unpredictable, and there was no telling what he’d do to his own Beta. Ron wasn’t in any position to risk it, so biting his tongue was his best option.
That and doing what he’s told.
But in this case, it felt cruel even for Alpha Levi.
“I understand, Alpha. I apologize,” Ron said, lowering his gaze.
“It’s just a useless pack. The Redcliff doesn’t contribute to the overall function of my territory. They are dead weight…”
“One of the Elite Gamma bases is in Redcliff,” Ron reminded him without thinking.
“Yes, and they are the weaker of them,” Levi countered. “I have 4 more active bases around my territory; they are strong and true fighters. Only the best of the best… Redcliff holds the duds. Nothing ever goes on in that pack. Precisely why I haven’t been there in years, and when a visit is necessary, I send you. It would just be easier if that pack didn’t exist.”
“Then why send Judy there?” Ron asked. “You were desperate to have her on your Elite force.”
“I was desperate to get her out of Gavin’s territory,” Levi corrected him, his tone sharp. “With her gone, Gavin is weakened. Now with this next plan, he’ll be distracted. Perfect opportunity for my takeover.”
Ron was quiet for a long while as he processed his words. He’s known of Levi’s planning for a long time, and at first, he was on board, but since involving his family, he started to have second thoughts.
He knew having Levi speak to his nephew would end badly.
It was his nephew who helped the rogues into the territory, causing mayhem and so many deaths of innocent lives. With this threat on Levi’s territory, it was brought up with the council, where their concern for their own territories was evident.
Ron was at that meeting, and the moment Gavin heard about the random rogue attacks, it was clear he was on edge. Even more so than he was when he first walked into the meeting, looking all disheveled like he hadn’t slept in weeks.
He was vocal when voicing his concerns; Ron was surprised when Levi granted him permission to enter his territory to figure out the cause of this threat, considering Gavin has better and stronger resources that could get the job done.
But really, it’s all just a distraction.
Everything planned is to distract Gavin and to hit him where it really hurts. Over the last couple of years of spying, Levi realized that Gavin doesn’t have a lot of important things or people in his life. None that he truly cares for.
He cares for his children, but that was it. His kids were so protected that it was difficult to get near him, even with spies.
But then Levi found out about Judy… or maybe Judy had just come into the picture. But Gavin’s world shifted from that point on… it was clear who his real priority was… it was clear who mattered the most to him, besides his children.
Levi wanted so desperately to take that little piece of joy away from him. To hit him where it truly hurt. Ron didn’t think much of it until he got the vulnerability of his family involved.
Both Levi and Ron saw the effect Judy had on Ron’s nephew at the Gamma competition. He was transfixed on her the entire time, and Levi had the idea to use that to his advantage.
Now his nephew was in deep shit, or he would be if he were ever caught.
“Judy will be arriving at the Redcliff pack in a few hours. I need you to go there and get her settled. Make sure everything is set in motion with your nephew,” Levi said, cutting through Ron’s thoughts.
Ron nodded, running his hands through his hair.
“Yes, Alpha.”
He knew why Levi wouldn’t go to this pack himself; this pack was beneath him… it was the weakest of them all and had the weakest Gamma Force. He didn’t think this pack was deserving of a glimpse of the Lycan. It wasn’t worth his time or energy, so he always sent Ron in to do his dirty work. Ron was used to it, though the thought of using his own family sent him over the edge, he still forced a smile and did as his Alpha requested.
A couple of hours later, Ron was pulling into Redcliff and parking at the packhouse. Sampson was in his office when Ron entered. He didn’t bother knocking; he never did. When he was in Redcliff, he felt like a big boss. He basically was the big boss. He was the only one of true authority, besides their Alpha, that this pack had seen. They know Ron is the Beta of the Lycan… so in their minds, Ron is the closest thing to Levi than Levi himself.
Because of that, Ron was respected and feared, and he fed off that feeling. Part of the reason why he liked coming to this pack specifically.
“Have arrangements been made for Judy Montague?” Ron asked, narrowing his eyes at Alpha Sampson.
Sampson stood as soon as Ron entered, and he bowed out of respect to the Beta.
“Yes, everything is all set,” Sampson replied. “My mate Lucy is doing some finishing touches on the condo as we speak.”
“What time does her flight get in?” Ron asked, glancing at his watch. It was just past 5 pm.
“In about 20 minutes,” Sampson replied.
Ron nodded.
“I’ll head to the launch pad now, then,” he replied.
“Of course, Beta. Is there anything you need from me?” He asked, as he always did.
“I’ll let you know,” Ron said before he turned and left the office.
He met up with his nephew before leaving the packhouse, knowing his nephew would be training in the fields behind the building.
“Our little visitor will be arriving soon. I need to know that you remember the plan and our deal,” Ron said, pulling him aside from the others.
“Yes, I remember the plan,” his nephew said, rolling his eyes. “But you have to keep your end of it too. I get Judy at the end of this. She doesn’t get hurt.”
“You have my word, we will keep her safe. But I can’t guarantee everyone else in this pack. We are about to release chaos… There will be deaths and they’ll be on your hands just as much as their on mine,” Ron warned his nephew; he wasn’t sure what he was trying to do.
It was Levi who had the charisma and convinced Ron’s nephew to agree to this crazy plan. Maybe Ron was trying to get him to back down and walk away before he does something he’ll regret.
But the determined look in his nephew’s eyes proved that wasn’t going to be the case.
“If it means keeping her safe and playing the part as her hero, who gives a shit. This pack is going downhill anyway. Sampson is shit at being an Alpha. They deserve to get destroyed, and I deserve to live my happily ever after with Judy by my side.”
Ron sighed, but he nodded, putting a hand on his nephew’s shoulder. He gave it a tight squeeze.
“I’m heading to the launch pad; come with me. You can be the first to greet her,” Ron stated it like a suggestion, but really, it was an order. If they wanted this to work, it needed to be genuine.
“Okay, let me grab my stuff,” he said as he headed towards the locker room.
A few minutes later, he returned. He was changed into his armor and had his weapons attached to his sides, ready for access. Ron nodded at him and together, they went to the launch pad just as the private plane that was sent for Judy landed.
Ron motioned for his nephew to get the baggage from the undercarriage of the plane. He nodded without hesitation and jogged towards the plane. The doors remained shut, and Ron stood his ground outside his car. His nephew returned with suitcases and bags. By the time he was finished loading the car, the door of the plane opened.
At first, Ron only saw the stewardess; she was speaking to someone he couldn’t see, but he assumed it was Judy.
After a minute, Judy emerged. Her hair was pulled out of her face with a clip, and it looked disheveled like she had just woken up.
Judy’s eyes found Ron as she descended the steps. There was uncertainty in her eyes as she approached him.
“Beta,” she greeted, glancing around. “Where’s Alpha Levi?”
He knew that she was expecting Levi to be there as well, considering he was urging her to join his Elite Force. So why wouldn’t he be here to see it happen for himself?
“He couldn’t make it,” Ron settled on. “I’ve come on his behalf. We have your condo ready and information regarding your first day. This is one of the Gamma warriors on your Elite Force Team, and he’ll help get you settled in and prepared for your first day.”
Judy nodded, glancing up at his nephew. There was a flicker of recognition in her eyes, but it went away just as quickly.
Like a boy who’s reading a script, Ron’s nephew smiles down at Judy.
“It’s good to see you, Judy. I’m sure you’re going to do great. We are pleased to have you join our pack,” he stated, his smile never wavering. Judy frowned at him, a wariness in her gaze that Ron noticed.
“Uh, thanks,” she said to him. “But word of advice, you don’t gotta try so hard. You sound like you're reading a script. I’m just a simple girl who wants to fit in, and I could really use some friends right off the bat. So, maybe you can just be real with me and don’t try so hard.”
Her eyes were hopeful, and Ron held his breath, not sure what his nephew was going to say. But to his surprise, his nephew physically relaxed, and a relieved smile spread across his face.
“You’re right, that was totally fake,” he laughed, running a hand through his hair. “Truth is… most here are terrified of you. I mean, you won the competition, so you're kind of a badass… but also, there are guys here who are intimidated by you. So, you should be careful.”
“I think I can handle myself,” Judy said with a grin. “So, are we heading to my Condo, now?”
“Yes,” Spencer said, snapping back to the present moment. “To your Condo.”
She nodded and started towards the car.
“It’s really nice to me you.. Uh…” she trails off when she realizes she didn’t catch his name.
“Spencer,” he fills in. “My name is Spencer.”
