Pursuing My Rejected Alpha
Chapter 50

Every day, Lillian posted something on her social media account.

When she mentioned the baby shower, her fans screeched with delight.

When she said that Lucien was going to help her with the preparation, most became skeptical. A lot of people could not hold their mouths and express their skepticism in words.

"Watch out, Lillian, he is going to ruin your shower!"

"I don't trust that husband stealer!"

Although the comments were not directed at her, Lillian could not help but feel bad for Lucien. Her main goal was to promote her pregnancy and good relationship with Ronan. She never planned to drag Lucien down at the same time. Ironically, she who harbored no ill intentions toward Lucien was the one who stabbed him again and again. Lucrethia Woodland, the real perpetrator, hid behind a thick curtain and pulled strings from the darkness. Better late than never.

Lillian ignored all the hate comments and kept posting updates about her upcoming baby shower. Thankfully, most of her fans were fickle.

.....

As pictures and videos of the baby shower preparation circulated, they started to change their opinions of Lucien. Lucien's participation in planning the baby shower was seen as a sign of goodwill.

It was all also thanks to Lillian who praised Lucien to the moon and back for being so kind and understanding and helpful throughout the process.

The truth didn't matter.

When attacks on Lucien subsided, the Clearwater Contemporary Art Gallery tried to revive the "Hidden Treasures Under The Sea". From the beginning, the program had nothing to do with promoting Lucien's works. It was geared to help unknown artists rise to the surface.

After Lucien's name was cleared, people started to be more open-minded. The talks to restart the program received positive feedback from the art society, particularly from the creators that would benefit from the free display.

Once everything was set, Lucien received a call from Mr. Enoch Boyd, the art gallery curator.

He extended him another invitation to the art gallery.

"There will be no unveiling. That one was done. This time there will just be a garden party to kickstart the program."

"I am happy to hear that," Lucien said.

That was all. The rejection was implied. Considering what happened the last time, Mr. Boyd, of course, did not expect Lucien to agree right away. That did not mean that he gave up.

"Mr. Clearwater, let bygones be bygones. Let's start a new page together," Mr. Boyd told Lucien. "You were instrumental in the conception and execution of this program. It does not feel right to celebrate without you."

"I will consider it. Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Boyd."

Lucien heaved a sigh after he ended the call.

It was nighttime on Sunday. Ronan was there to hear the whole thing.

He wrapped his arms around Lucien from behind and kissed his nape. "What is it?"

"Mm, the art gallery is inviting me to come down there."

Lucien turned around and pressed a kiss against his mate's lips.

"Are you not going?"

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would be against it."

The Alpha chuckled.

He circled Lucien's waist with his arms and pulled him close.

"I want you to be safe. I do not mean to lock you up in the pack house. You should go and have fun."

That was not the only reason why Ronan wanted Lucien to go.

Weeks of nausea took a toll on Lucien's body.

By then, he had lost a lot of weight. Ronan summoned various Healers to check up on Lucien. Kinnon Youngshaper too personally sent his Healer over to take a look at Lucien. Despite their extensive efforts, they could not come up with any cause.

In the end, they all said that it was all due to extensive stress.

It was a known fact that Lucien had been suffering a lot ever since Lillian showed up with her swollen belly. Or maybe even before that.

No matter how strong he was, he was not carved out of stone. Even if he were, stones too caved in when they were at the receiving end of incessant attacks.

Lucien pushed Ronan away and coughed into his fist.

"I don't really care for it."

Ronan sighed.

"You are such a liar. You worked so hard to make it happen. How could you not care for it?"

Lucien chuckled.

"I always work hard in whatever I do."

That he did, to Ronan's greatest dismay. Lucien literally had to be strapped to the bed to prevent him from running around.

"Why don't I take a day off on that day to accompany you?" Ronan offered while sliding his hand into Lucien's hair. "We haven't gone on a date for a long time."

"Oh? What an honor. I am rid of the bodyguards but now the Alpha is going to watch me personally."

"Oh, yes. You can thank me later," Ronan crooned.

"Pffft, shameless," Lucien scoffed.

The two men fell into a passionate kiss.

While Ronan plundered Lucien's lips, his fingers wandered along Lucien's bony back. His lover had a slender build, but he had never been this thin.

Lucien ate all his meals properly, but he threw up most of them within an hour or two. After that, he refused to take another bite until the next feeding time arrived. He only drank water to keep himself hydrated, but sometimes he threw up water as well. Lacking better options, the Healer attached an IV needle to the back of Lucien's hand and feed him among others necessary nutrients and medicine a couple of times a day as they saw fit. At least then Lucien could not throw up anymore. Ronan's heart ached terribly whenever he saw Lucien sitting on a chair with his head leaning against the couch rest while he waited for the IV fluid to enter his system.

How Ronan wished that Lucien's illness could be alleviated with pills.

He tried to get Lucien to pour his heart out many times, but he kept failing.

Lucien hid behind thick walls that he erected around his heart, refusing anyone entry and denying himself relief.

On that Monday morning, the Alpha took his mate to South Bedford City to visit the art gallery.

It might really be Lucien's psyche, because he had not thrown up the whole morning. Ronan was incredibly pleased.

He was not the only one, the Healers were also very pleased. They made sure to note down what Lucien had for breakfast, just in case those were the only things that his body was willing to accept for the time being.

"How are you feeling?" Ronan asked for the third time that morning.

Lucien shot him a glare instead.

"How many more times do you want to ask?"

"I am just making sure," Ronan said. "You are not the type to tell when you feel uncomfortable."

"I feel uncomfortable," Lucien said with a flat tone.

Ronan immediately pulled the brake.

.....

"We are going back now," he decided.

When he was about to make a U-turn, Lucien clawed into his wrist.

"I feel uncomfortable with your repeating questions! Quit it and drive already!"

"... Yes, Luna."

Lucien shook his head in disbelief. Ronan was speechless.

Lucien might be sick, but his temper did not necessarily improve.

His mood did improve after a while, though.

It had been some time since they drove together anywhere for fun. Lucien inhaled a lungful of fresh air and smiled at his mate.

"Thank you for accompanying me today."

Ronan took his hand and kissed the knuckles devotedly.

"Anytime, my love."

As soon as the car pulled into the parking area, Mr. Boyd and Alistair Green hurried to greet them.

Both of them were shocked to see Lucien's appearance, but they kept their mouth shut. Ronan had emphasized to them that Lucien was com ing to improve his mood. He should not be reminded of his current health. It was going to get better soon anyway. "Champagne, Sirs?" A waiter offered when the four of them arrived at the foyer.

"One glass of water, please," Alistair quickly said while he passed Ronan a glass of champagne.

Ronan pressed a kiss on Lucien's cheek.

"Why don't we go over there to take a look?"

The two men led Lucien and Ronan to the revamped corner of the art gallery, where the three selected artworks stood proudly for display. This time, the theme was "Spring Banquet". All of them were sculptures. There was one that was particularly eye-catching. It was a three-dimensional painting of a spring banquet with every object sculpted out of woods. There were children playing tag in the yard, men who were sitting together while enjoying their drinks, and also women who were getting the outdoor dining tables ready. The details were amazing. The creator had even sculpted butterflies and birds. They hung from thin but strong fishing rods.

Because they were very light, they swayed here and there when a gust of wind blew.

Very enchanting to the eyes.

Even Ronan who knew nothing about art had to praise it.

"Amazing," he said. "This one is very talented."

Lucien smiled in agreement.

"This is a collaborative work of a group of young artists," Alistair told them.

"Did the creators come?" Lucien asked.

"Yes, but they are too shy to come forward. Contact numbers are provided for those who request them. Is Mr. Clearwater interested?" Lucien shook his head.

He did not know what would happen in the future. Best not to disrupt these young people's lives.

Just then, the little color on Lucien's face drained abruptly. He pressed a hand against his lips and mumbled, "Excuse me."

Wordlessly, Ronan took Lucien into the building.

Lucien's private studio was on the fourth floor, only accessible to those who had access cards.

As soon as they got there, they went into the bathroom.

Lucien only had a glass of water, and his body was unable to tolerate it at all.

He threw it all up. The only saving grace was that he was able to retain his breakfast for the first time since days.

Lucien's back moved up and down as he bent over the sink counter with his eyes half-shut. Breathing haggardly, he glowered at his reflection in the mirror. Ronan grabbed a paper towel and dabbed it at the sides of Lucien's mouth.

"Are you alright, Lulu?"

"Mmm. Sorry for the buzz kill."

Ronan shook his head.

"You know that I am art-blind. I am here for you, not for the pretty sculptures."

Lucien chuckled.

"Don't let the gallery visitors hear you. Your company funded this art gallery after all."

Ronan did not think that the situation was funny at all.

"Should we go back?"

Lucien shook his head.

"I thought we were on a date."

"You are not feeling well," Ronan pointed out.

"I haven't been feeling well for weeks, Ronan Silverback."

Ronan curled his fingers into fists. He knew that. Of course he did.

Lucien pressed a wet paper towel against his face.

"I am starving. Can we go and eat lunch somewhere?"

The knot in Ronan's heart loosened slightly.

Eating was a good thing. Lucien needed to eat more. Ronan exhaled and smiled.

"Alright. Let's go out."

"Mmm."

Ronan walked out of the bathroom.

Lucien followed behind him, but after only three steps his sight turned blurry. A wave of dizziness engulfed him. His body felt heavy. So heavy.

Lucien leaned against the nearest wall and slowly slid down.

Something warm ran down his nose.

Lucien swiped below his nose and held his palm before his eyes.

Blood.

There was blood on his fingers. Cherry-red blood, shining beautifully under the bright bathroom lighting.

The blood kept flowing.

More and more.

Until Lucien lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

"Lucien?"

Ronan furrowed his brows when he realized that Lucien was not behind him.

A loud thumping sound was heard coming from inside the bathroom, as loud as the sound of Ronan's own heartbeat when he rushed inside.

Lucien lay on the floor motionlessly. A small pool of blood formed under him, feeding from the trail of blood that slowly dripped down his nose. Lucien woke up to Ronan's screaming voice.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING???"

What followed was the sound of someone crashing against the wall.

"WHAT KIND OF STRESS CAUSES SEVERE NOSEBLEED LIKE THIS???"

"Alpha Ronan, please calm down!!!"

"I AM GOING TO KILL YOU IF LUCIEN DIES!!!"

"Just let us work on Mr. Clearwater first!"

"Lucien!! LUCIEN!!!"

Lucien slowly opened his eyes and turned his head to the side.

.....

Ronan was screaming like a madman. He extended his hand in Lucien's direction, but Lucien was unable to move his body.

The last thing he saw before he closed his eyes again was a group of nurses pushing the Alpha out of the room.

'Ronan...

Either Ronan failed to answer or Lucien lost consciousness before he heard his mate's answer.

Lucien didn't know.

Some time later, he woke up again and heard voices at his bedside.

"Mr. Clearwater?"

"Mr. Clearwater, can you hear us? Can you open your eyes?"

I can't, Lucien thought to himself. I am so tired. I want to sleep.

He then fell asleep again.

Lucien's sleep was intermittent. He slipped in and out of nightmares. When he woke up again the next time, the nurses were gone. Ronan was holding his hands, showering them with kisses while crying bitterly. The sight shocked Lucien immensely. He saw Ronan's tears before, but never when he completely lost his composure like this.

He was even more shocked to hear his mate's harsh tone once he saw that Lucien was awake.

"Are you happy now, Lucien?"

"Happy... What?" Lucien asked in confusion.

"Do you want to leave me that much? Is this your plan all along?"

"Because if that is really your plan, you made it, alright? Congratulations! You will be rid of me sooner than you thought!"

"Ronan, speak clearly," Lucien furrowed his brows at his mate. The pounding in his head had yet to cease, and now his mate was going crazy.

"I am not going to let you go," Ronan growled. "In life and death, I am not going to let you leave me. Do you hear that, Lucien Clearwater? Huh??" When he was feeling pain, Lucien's patience was particularly short with people.

His rage gave him a burst of energy, enough to unleash on his mate.

A crisp slap resounded in the room.

Lucien's hand moved so fast that Ronan did not have the time to react.

The Alpha's lips parted in a mix of shock and disbelief.

"I said, speak clearly, you idiot," Lucien snapped. "Stop throwing words at my head when I don't know what you are talking about."

Ronan threw himself at Lucien and wrapped him in a tight embrace.

"Lulu..." He sobbed tearfully. "Please don't leave me..."

"I am not going to leave you," Lucien sighed.

He sank one hand into Ronan's thick dark hair and gently patted his head.

The Alpha's shoulders were trembling from grief but he said nothing else.

Eventually, Lucien understood what was happening. He did not want to believe it, but he had to ask.

"Am I dying?"

Ronan loosened his embrace and looked into Lucien's astounded face.

"The doctor said that your body is failing... You don't have much time left."

Ronan's words knocked the air out of Lucien's lungs.

"Impossible," he said. "Why?"

A sorrowful laugh escaped Ronan.

"Should you not know? This is because you are holding it all inside again. Refusing to tell me what's happening. It's eating you from the inside. Lucien, you..." Ronan shook his head and sighed.

Lucien grabbed his collar with one swift movement and brought their faces within ten centimeters from each other.

"Exactly," he hissed. "I should know. I went through this before. I survived it for seven years. This is not because I am holding it all inside or anything!"

Ronan's lips quivered.

"The doctor said..."

"I don't give a shit what the doctor said!" Lucien snapped. "I didn't do this!"

But what did it matter? Even if the doctor was unable to replace out the reason for Lucien's mysterious illness, the fact that Lucien's body was failing did not change.

Lucien let himself fall on the bed with a groan.

The little movements drained his energy.

"Lulu, please. Are you sure that nothing is burdening you...?"

Lucien turned to look at Ronan and sighed.

"Even if there is something, it has nothing to do with this nausea and headache and nosebleed. That I can assure you."

Ronan grabbed Lucien's hands.

"So you do," he said with an accusatory tone. "What is it? Why can't you tell me?"

"It is something from the past," Lucien said, his voice trembling from emotion. "I do not wish to talk about it."

"Lulu, please. Our Mind Link no longer exists. Now your condition is... Lulu, I beg you."

Ronan buried his face into Lucien's stomach.

"Don't make it even worse. Please. Just tell me. What is it? What are you hiding from me?"

"... Am I really dying?"

Ronan's howl was muffled. He no longer bothered to confirm. He merely lay there crying like a child, all of his pride as Alpha forgotten and left behind.

"How many days do I have left...?" he asked.

Ronan refused to answer.

"Ronan, tell me."

44"

"Ronan. I need to know."

The Alpha wiped at his face and muttered, "Latest would be a week."

Who knew what the earliest was?

Lucien stared at the ceiling in disbelief.

Was it a punishment?

Had the Moon Goddess seen it fit to take Lucien away from Ronan, now that Lillian was there to take his place in Ronan's life?

Tears slowly rolled down the end of Lucien's eyes.

Maybe that was for the best.

.....

The Goddess gave, and the Goddess took.

"Lucien..."

Ronan tugged at Lucien's hand.

"Just tell me, alright? Don't dwell on it anymore. If there is anything that I did wrong, I will change. I promise you, I...

"You did nothing wrong," Lucien cut him mid-speech. "It was I who wronged you."

Ronan widened his eyes in disbelief.

Eight years ago, Alpha Camp

The end of the summer holiday was nearing. The alpha children who were obliged to attend Alpha Camp were crying from delight in anticipation. The weeks in the training ground had been torturous.

Most of them were glad to finally be done with the rigorous training at the Alpha Camp and be able to get back home to their families.

Still, some were reluctant to leave.

Not because they loved the Alpha Camp so much, no.

They were typically tangled in a summer romance. Among the couples that were formed during these weeks were Ronan Silverback from the Infinite Eclipse Pack and Lucien Clearwater from the Silent Walkers Pack. These two alpha boys were in line to be their pack's next Alphas. Although their relationship could be considered adorable, some camp instructors hated to see them focus more on romance than on summer camp activities. "Love is the begin of calamities," so Instructor Lucas said while shaking his head.

"Oh, I don't think so," Instructor Alana said, giggling. "Lucas, don't you think you are too cruel to them? They are fated mates. Fated mates! That alone is already rare enough."

"Pah! Fated mates are nothing but fairytales! Ronan Silverback believes himself to be in love because Lucien Clearwater is a pretty lad, that's all."

Instructor Alana giggled.

"Isn't he? He is prettier than his twin sister. If one is to believe the circulating rumor, Lucien manages to captivate other prominent pups too."

Instructor Lucas pulled a disgusted face.

"I hope those are girls!"

"No, those are boys," his colleague said, dashing his hopes with one single statement. "Kinnon Youngshaper, can you believe it?"

Instructor Lucas was shaken.

"Kinnon Youngshaper?? That's only Ronan Silverback's future rival! How could he allow himself to fall for Lucien Clearwater??? What is wrong with these children? Don't they know what Alpha roles entail???"

"Oh, Lucas, you are so ancient-minded," Instructor Alana waved at his concerns dismissively. She spied out of the window and saw the two alpha pups in question right away.

"Oh, there they are. Ronan and Lucien."

Some distance away, Ronan was busy putting together a crown of flowers. Next to him, Lucien was drawing something in his sketchbook.

"Good God, what future Alpha engages in such womanly handiwork?" Instructor Lucas snapped after the air. "The ancestors of the Silverback family shall turn in their graves."

"A future Alpha in love," Instructor Alana giggled. "I bet that Lucien is going to toss away that flower crown."

If there was anything that Instructor Lucas loved more than arguing, then it was gambling.

"Twenty dollars that he will keep it. I think Lucien is the less manly one between those two."

"Deal."

Instructor Alana directed her gaze at the couple that they were betting on. There was a smug smile lacing her lips. Whether Lucien was the less manly one between them, she did not know about. What she knew was that Lucien was not that easily appeased.

When Ronan was done with his creation, he put the crown on top of Lucien's head.

Lucien flashed him a beautiful smile for exactly three seconds before he took off the flower crown and hurled it at his boyfriend's chest.

"I am not a girl," he snapped. "Stop treating me like one! Go replace other girls to wear that crown!"

Lucien stalked away in the middle of the conversation, leaving Ronan behind. The latter had to chase after him and beg for his forgiveness.

"Sorry! Sorry! Lulu, don't be mad...! Boys can wear flower crowns too!"

Lucien turned his head and glared at Ronan.

"Name me one male person whom you know that wears a flower crown on his head."

Ronan wanted to say, "You" but then Lucien was going to beat him up for sure. Huffing angrily, Lucien stalked away from their spot, leaving Ronan to chase after him.

Back inside the building, Instructor Alana held her hand out to Instructor Lucas. "Twenty dollars."

Instructor Lucas cursed under his breath as he rummaged inside his pocket for his wallet.

"You are just lucky," he grumbled.

"Or not," Instructor Alana replied with a wink.

Both instructors continued arguing about how heirs of the Alpha position must behave while they enjoyed the relaxing Sunday.

Good times never lasted for long. Head Instructor Jeriston came into the room not long after, his face ashen.

"You two," he said as soon as he saw two of his instructors ogling at him. "Find me Lucien and Annalynne Clearwater, now."

"The boy was just here," Instructor Alana said, peeking through the window.

"I think they went in that direction," she pointed into the woods.

"Get them here. I will be waiting."

Head Instructor Jeriston took a seat and crossed his arms before his chest.

Instructor Lucas tugged at Instructor Alana's sleeve, wordlessly telling her to follow him. Instructor Alana was a curious one, though. What happened on this beautiful Sunday that caused clouds to gather over Head Instructor Jeriston's head?

"Head Instructor, is something wrong?"

Instructor Lucas almost slapped his thigh in regret, but now that his colleague already popped up the question, naturally it would be a waste if he did not stay to hear the answer.

Head Instructor Jeriston was usually not a chatty one, but the news was probably too heavy to bear alone.

With

a heavy sigh slipping from his lips, he took off his glasses and rubbed the place where his glasses just hung at his nose.

"The Alpha of the Silent Walkers Pack, Gordon Clearwater, committed suicide. He is now in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Clarence. It is unclear whether or not he will make it."

Instructor Lucas' jaw dropped to the ground. Instructor Alana widened her eyes in shock. Both of them were frozen on spot for a few minutes, unable to utter a single word.

Then, Instructor Alana grabbed her colleague's arm and pulled him toward the door.

"Excuse us, Head Instructor. We will replace Lucien and Annalynne Clearwater now."

Gordon Clearwater was Lucien and Annalynne Clearwater's father.

How did one explain to eighteen-year-old children why his father committed suicide?

Instructor Alana stole a glance at Lucien Clearwater. She did not know what to say. The youth kept his head lowered as he followed Head Instructor Jeriston out of the camp. His demeanor was calm and collected, the complete opposite of his twin sister, who could not stop sobbing while holding onto her brother's arm.

Ever since Lucien was young, his pack had high expectations of him. He and Annalynne might be born within seconds apart from each other, but it was clear that the weight of the burdens on their shoulders differed by mountains. Despite knowing that, Lucien was able to lead a happy childhood. He had a cute twin sister, affectionate parents, and also a supportive pack around him.

It all came crashing down when they heard the news.

How was a teenager supposed to digest the news? He was old enough to understand what suicide and death meant, but he was not old enough to understand why.

Why?

.....

Why did his father try to kill himself?

Weren't they happy?

Was he not... happy?

When Lucien was feeling overwhelmed by his burden, he did not cry. He did not shout. He merely stayed silent, as if trying not to alert any predator. That was his coping mechanism.

Beta Dylan, then Alpha Gordon's Beta, was waiting outside to pick the children up. The ends of his eyes were tinged red. As soon as he saw the two alpha children, he gathered them into his arms.

"Uncle Dylan," Annalynne sobbed. "My Dad... My Dad, how is he?"

Beta Dylan cleared his throat.

"Thank you," he said to the three instructors in front of them. "I will... I will bring them back tomorrow."

Although the instructors were unlikely to blab, it was still unwise to speak about the pack's internal business in front of them.

"Take time," Head Instructor Jeriston said. "Only one week is left anyway. It is fine to not come back at all."

"No," Beta Dylan shook his head. "The children should keep busy. The Alpha would have wanted that."

Lucien threw one last look at the Alpha Camp.

He did not even get to say goodbye to Ronan. Instructor Alana told him what happened when Ronan was off to get them something to eat from the kitchen.

When he got back, he would tell Ronan everything.

With that last thought in his mind, Lucien stepped into the car and drove off to St. Clarence hospital.

Beta Dylan rushed the children along the hospital corridor toward the ICU hall. By the time they arrived there, Gordon Clearwater had been moved to a special ward.

Inside the ward, the Alpha lay motionlessly with a bunch of life-saving equipment attached to his body.

Alice Clearwater pulled her children into a tight embrace as soon as she saw them.

"Oh, my babies," she lamented.

"Thank you, Dylan."

Beta Dylan gave the Luna a stiff nod.

"How is the Alpha doing?"

Alice Clearwater wiped at her eyes.

"The surgery was a success. Thankfully, the stab wound missed the vital organs. He will be fine."

Tears dripped from Alice's eyes. Gordon would be fine physically - for now, but what about his psychological state? Would he try to kill himself again?

Alice sent Dylan back to Blue Hill City to tend to the pack, while she waited by Gordon's bedside with her two children.

None of them said anything. They just huddled together in silence, waiting for the father to open his eyes and tell them why he did what he did.

After what seemed like hours, Gordon opened his eyes.

The first thing he did was wail sorrowfully.

Not because he was saved.

It was because he was still alive.

He blamed everyone for saving him, saying that he was better off dead.

Lucien and Annalynne were frozen from shock. They had never seen their father in this state. Gordon Clearwater had always been the pillar of the pack. He was strong and brave. He always knew what to do. Right?

It was then that Lucien realized something that he failed to see all these years.

The Alpha, his father, in the end, was still a mere mortal. He just carried a heavier burden on his back.

After gathering bits and pieces of information, they finally understood what happened.

Just like every other pack, the Silent Walkers Pack had a pack business. It was the Clearwater Finance.

As soon as they entered the society, all pack members would start contributing to this pack business. Some stayed from start to end, some decided to venture out and start their own business or work somewhere else.

Most of the pack members though, depended on this one pack business to feed their mouths.

As the Alpha of the pack, the CEO position of Clearwater Finance automatically fell to Gordon's lap. Their core business was to invest in worthy projects and draw their profit monthly from established companies; sometimes in form of loan interest, sometimes in

form of stocks.

A few months ago, Gordon Clearwater spoke about a very interesting project.

A group of young, bright, and talented people approached the investment company CEO with an amazing proposal. The Alpha did not disclose the details of the project. He merely shared his excitement about being able to invest in such a promising company.

Needless to say, the project failed.

All the invested money was gone with no chance of payback. Clearwater Finance was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Unable to take the heavy blow, Gordon Clearwater decided to kill himself to rid his family and also his pack of the insurmountable debt.

At that time, the sum was massive. Although werewolf packs stayed together, only a few packs had enough capital to help Clearwater Finance survive the ordeal.

Even if they did, they might not be willing to help. It was simply too risky. No pack knew when they might fall into such a predicament and must haul themselves out of the mud pit.

The Silent Walkers Pack was left to their vices.

Gordon's only son, Lucien and Beta Dylan took the initiative to approach the big packs one by one. After suffering from one rejection after another, they finally decided to approach the one with the biggest financial capital of them all: the Infinite Eclipse Pack with

their Silverback Corporation.