Alpha Darius's POV
I turned my attention back to the speaker, forcing myself to focus on the formal proceedings despite my curiosity about what Lucien, Ronan, and Killian were discussing so intently. Whatever they were plotting could wait. Right now, I had a different game to play.
Beta Ryan from the Shadowcrest Pack was still droning on about mining operations and territorial expansions. Jaden's representative looked confident, polished, delivering his report like he was reading from a carefully prepared script. Everything about his presentation screamed of trying to project strength and stability.
Perfect.
I had been waiting for this moment since the presentations began. Clara sat beside me, the picture of grace and elegance, completely unaware of the bombshell she represented simply
