The Lycanwolf

Expansion

The entire council gasped as almost every portion of the territory was set to be transformed, with almost no stone unturned.

"Master Gustov, after reviewing the current map and the proposed changes, where would you like your new forge and smith areas to be?" Jane asked knowing there was absolutely no room. And construction would begin in that area in 2 months time.

"Very well, Aye." Master Gustov said admitting defeat. "I shall call and make an offer." was all he said.

"No need Master Gustov, I will be headed to City Hall and shall make the stop on the way." Jane said smiling as that facility would provide a place for all of the pack smith's, and it would allow them to employ a good number more from the humans and other packs that could not maintain their own.

"Stacy, how is your planning coming along?" Jane asked.

"I have compiled a bid package for the properties around ours," she said turning on a projector that showed the Luna's map as if it had been accepted. "The purchase of these parcels here that are for sale would increase our pack lands by nearly 200,000 acres and would only cost $750,000. With the other 9 million if we truly wish to encircle the town, we would be able to get most of the way there, the wildlife refuge the humans have set up as a cover would prevent a true connection." Stacy said showing the next map. The line would be nearly 3 miles from the human settlement, and would allow ample farm land and other resources if they became cut off.

"Very well, that plan actually comes in cheaper than expected. Now, all of the leaders are here, and all shall have a vote. We need to set the direction of our pack for the next age, as I fear it is quickly upon us.

"I propose we move further in the direction of protecting ourselves, and those communities close to us that are of the same mind. Wether they be Human or Wolf, I believe we need to welcome any and all that wish to lead a military life.

"Accordingly the Pack School will become a Military Academy with Mandatory Attendance by all pack members between 5 and 19. Once a wolf has gone through the change, I propose mandatory service in their field of expertise for an additional 10 years." Jane said and a few of them were shocked. Never had service as a pack specialist been mandatory before.

"That is a drastic change, however after the events of the last few days, I agree. I will second the motion." Jon said in support of his daughters plan.

"All in favor?" Beta Brian called.

Within a few seconds nearly 25 of the 38 hands raised, and a few more were raised in the seconds that followed before Brian was able to complete a count.

30 of the members had ended up voting for the new vision of the pack.

"Thank you all, now as most of the proposals today are within my investment fund, they are all hereby approved. We will begin the planning phase of construction and have everything engineered. You all know what your projects are, you don't need me to babysit. Let's get to work and put these plans into motion." She said closing the meeting. She looked at her numbers, and still had $175 million to invest this year. She knew exactly where a good chunk of that was going to go.

She had found the recipe in Merlin's spell book, a weapon capable of channeling magic with no damage. "Master Gustov, may I have a few moments?" she asked wanting to hear his thoughts.

After the room emptied, Master Gustov approached and bowed to her. "Luna." he said simply with his Scottish drawl coming through.

"I need you to design a sword for me, and I need it made from a specific combination of metals. Is it possible?" she asked him.

"Aye, it is. However I will not guarantee the usability to any weapon metallurgy that I did not design meself." he told her.

"65 percent Steel, 25 percent Titanium, and 10 percent gold." she said as he thought on it. "Perfect forge blend and melt before casting." she finished as he laughed at her use of terms.

"Ma'am, don't become a Smith. However that blend should take an edge nicely and may even hold it well enough for battle. Give me a week to see what I can do." he said bowing and walking away.

It didn't take her long to collect everything she needed and head for the car she had prepared to take her into the human town and visit the different reality offices she needed.

It only took her half an hour to find the first office she needed, and she had done the research of who she needed to speak with about it.

She walked up to the receptionist, glad she had chosen a nice business outfit for these meetings. They had decided to offer $30 million on this, but she was going to see what kind of power this guy had.

The steelworks had been on the market for 7 years for $35 million, and not had one serious offer. She was hoping today would be her lucky day.

"How may I help you?" the receptionist asked as soon as she got to the counter.

"I am here to speak with Roger Eastman." she told her.

"Mr Eastman is in a meeting with a few others, he will most likely be the rest of the morning." The receptionist told her as she typed a bit and looked at her screens.

"Tell him I am here to have a discussion on the Steelworks, and if he doesn't have the time I will gladly call the owner and explain the situation." Jane said with a smile as sweet as honey.

The receptionist got up from the desk and walked into the packed conference room, the Steelworks there largest headache that they wanted rid of. It only took her and a slightly older man in his 30s to come running from the conference room.

"Apologies Ms?" he asked her extending a hand.

"Esvolt, Jane Esvolt." She said appreciatively.

"Ms Esvolt, Miranda here says you would like to inquire about the steelworks?" Roger asked.

"Yes I would Mr Eastman, I understand you are the owners pointman on this property?" she asked him.

"I am, would you like to tour the facility?" he asked her as he lead her into an office.

"Oh I assure you that will not be necessary, my questions are more along the lines of can you actually make a deal, or should we get the owner here for Frank negotiations?" she asked bluntly.

"Ms. Esvolt, I assure you that I mean no disrespect, but Mr. Kirby has demanded that the new owner be someone from this locality." Mr Eastman said and she smiled.

"I grew up not 10 miles from here, and remember when Santinos Burger Shop was down the next block, I am as local as they come." she assured him.

"What school?" he asked not recognizing her.

"Crescent High." she said revealing she was a wolf to him and his eyes went wide.

"He will insist on guarantees that the humans are not displaced. But yes, I am the man that can accept a frank offer from a local. What offer were you thinking of?" he asked her.

"I assure you that any and all humans that wish to remain will be more than welcome. My Pack is actually going to be looking for areas of mutual interest in the next few months as we expand. The steelworks will be the perfect setup for the current operations to continue and significant expansion.

"However, we both know the list price of $35 million is unreasonably high. I can have a cashier's check for $23 million here within the hour." she said to him. His eyes went wide as he believed her, but now he knew he was being lowballed to see what his reaction would be.

"Absolutely correct that it was never worth $35, however now you are being unrealistic on the low end. $27,500,000 and we accept your guarantees of no lay offs. However at this price we will insist on no less than $10 million expansion in 5 years." he countered knowing the details would get the signature.

Jane laughed at his new condition as she stuck out her hand. "Will $14 million this year satisfy that?" she asked shocking him again as she shook his hand. She took out a phone and called the bank that she was dealing with in this matter. She accessed the account and looked at him, "Cashier's check or wire transfer?" she asked him.

It had taken 3 hours at the 5 offices, and she had surprised the 12 realtors she had seen. She knew the private parties would be a slower process, but they had prepared excellent packages on the 38 properties that they were looking at buying. It was noon and she walked to a little deli that she had liked for many years. She had just got her sandwich when she noticed the 5 suits enter. They were having a conversation, and she heard one of them refer to the man as they mayor. She ate her sandwich as the mayor was helped, and was given his in a bag to go. She stood up and intercepted him at the door and held it open for him and his men.

"Mr. Mayor, I was wondering if I could have a few moments of your time?" she asked politely.

"And who might you be young lady?" he asked with a leering stare.

"Jane Esvolt." She said releasing the door and offering her hand.

She almost laughed when his thoughts went from lust to scared to death in a matter of a second and he shook a bit as he shook her hand. "In regards to what Luna?" he asked showing he knew exactly who she was.

"Our pack is going to be expanding and investing heavily in the local area, including the Human town if you so wish. However my pack would also like to take an another opportunity with you if you would be kind enough to hear me out." she told him quite honestly.

"We have always welcomed the wolf involvement in our community, so long as all the relevant Treatise regulations are observed." Mayor Miller said.

"Well Mr Miller, our intent goes a little further than what the Treatise allows without your cooperation. We fear there is a war on the horizon, and we would like to invest with the humans in building a defensive wall about 3 miles from town. It would be manned by Man and Wolf, and only an order from you would be able to seal the gate leading out." Jane told him as she handed him the folder. "I do not expect your answer anytime soon, consult who you need to. When you are ready send word to the pack." she said before turning and walking away from his stunned expression.

She didn't know it yet, but she had just set a few things in motion that would lead to big changes.