Ava's POV
Silence stretched between us. Then I exhaled slowly. There was no point pretending anymore.
I let the mask fall.
“I know you had a deal with Laura,” I said, my voice cold and edged with steel. “I know you asked for a million dollars, and she only gave you a hundred thousand.”
His eyes flickered, just slightly.
Good… that landed.
“But I’m different,” I continued, leaning forward just enough to meet him on equal ground. “You want a million dollars? I’ll give you ten million.”
My wolf steadied, locking onto the target.
I reached into my bag and pulled out the check Victor had given me, placing it on the table between us.
“Do you recognize Alpha Victor’s signature?” I asked.
Clarke’s gaze dropped to it, his interest sharpening.
“This is a blank check,” I said. “Whatever am
