Chapter 251
It was because Lucien had a feeling that Dane Silverback might be against his relationship with Ronan.
If possible, Lucien did not want to mix business with personal matters. Otherwise, a sacrifice would be made. One that would leave a bad taste in their mouths.
Dane Silverback must have expected their arrival. As soon as Lucien and Beta Dylan spoke their names at the reception desk, the kind ladies directed him and the Beta to the CEO’s office. They did not even ask for the CEO’s permission.
At that time, Lucien knew that something was up. And he was helpless against it.
Dane Silverback, the current Alpha of the Infinite Eclipse Pack and at the same time the CEO of the Silverback Corporation, was a stunning individual.
Most Alphas enjoyed what their ancestors built from scratch and handed over to them for free. Not so with Dane Silverback.
During his reign, both the Infinite Eclipse Pack and the Silverback Corporation enjoyed a golden age of prosperity.
His sharp intuition and business acumen along with more than sufficient luck propelled his status far ahead of all of the other Alphas.
.....
The werewolf society both feared and admired him.
This was Ronan Silverback’s father.
Sporting a head full of light brown hair and a pair of deep-set hooded hunter eyes just like Ronan’s — but with the color dark brown –, Dane Silverback trained his eyes on his son’s fated mate, his son’s boyfriend.
Lucien was the only person he was interested in. Beta Dylan was quickly asked to wait in another room while Gordon Clearwater’s son stood alone before the powerful Alpha to beg for his help.
Just like all the other packs, Dane Silverback’s initial answer was no.
He let the paper slide through his fingers as he spoke haughtily, “I will never be able to get my money back by helping Clearwater Finance. This is not a business proposal. This is a beggar’s proposition.”
Lucien understood as much.
He did not begrudge Dane for his harsh words. He was only speaking the truth.
“I understand. Sorry for wasting your time,” Lucien said while collecting the documents from Dane Silverback’s desk.
The Alpha narrowed his eyes at this young man who was clearly asking for help but refusing to bend his back.
“I will consider it if you offer me something else,” Dane pointed out.
The words “something else” did not spark joy in Lucien’s heart.
“What does Mr. Silverback refer to?” Lucien still asked, even if he knew all along what the older man was talking about.
Dane Silverback too knew that Lucien was not that stupid. This was a conversation that they had to make in order to compromise.
“You have been getting quite close to my son at the Alpha Camp,” Dane said. “I trust that it is more than mere friendship between two Alphas-to-be.”
Lucien lifted his head and met Dane’s eyes bravely.
“That’s correct.”
“It is in my, and also your interests, to stop this... foolish relationship.”
Lucien clenched his jaw.
“You two are to be Alphas in the future. Siring children is part of your responsibilities. How should that work with the two of you being males?”
Of course it could not work.
Not unless Lucien magically obtained the ability to give birth to their children.
Dane Silverback leaned forward on his desk and fixed Lucien with a piercing stare.
“My son is willful. He will not listen to me. If you break up with Ronan, I will consider the proposal.”
Lucien gritted his teeth.
“We are fated mates,” he said as if Dane Silverback would reconsider his proposition if that was the case.
“So?” he asked with a smile. “What is so special about being fated mates?”
Clearly nothing.
Lucien sat straight in his seat, unable to make a decision.
Was it worth it?
If he broke up with Ronan, he would save his father. His family. His pack. By sacrificing this short-lived romance, he would be able to help so many people.
Ronan Silverback was destined for greatness. In the future, he would not have fewer suitors, men and women, chasing him for his favor.
Lucien only had to agree.
He wanted to agree, but his body refused to cooperate.
Landon clawed inside him, screaming at him.
‘Don’t!’ the wolf said. ‘Don’t do that. Do not agree! Lucien, I warn you! I refuse to accept it!’
Lucien was so conflicted. Just as he wanted to say no, Dane Silverback came up with a better offer.
Everything had a price.
Lucien’s feelings for his fated mate were no different.
“Other than buying 65% of Clearwater Finance’s shares, I will also pay for all the remaining debts. Additionally, I will provide the capital for your pack to start a new venture.”
Dane Silverback cocked his head to the side.
“How is it? Good enough?”
Lucien was close to tears.
How could his happiness compare with the happiness and lives of the whole Silent Walkers Pack?
How could he be so selfish to not accept?
It was more than a generous offer.
With the capital, the pack could do a lot.
They would get a restart.
Dane Silverback’s fund injection would eliminate all the problems that his pack was currently facing. His father’s suicide... His father...
Against his wolf’s protests, encouraged by the hope that Dane awakened in his heart, Lucien finally agreed.
“Yes,” he said. “As you wish, I will break up with your son.”
What happened afterward was history.
Back in the present time, Lucien was done retelling the story.
Once he was done, a deafening silence fell in the ward.
Lucien and Ronan looked into each other’s eyes. The look on Ronan’s face was indiscernible.
“That’s why you should not blame your father for our breakup,” Lucien slowly said. “He did not force me at all. I selfishly made the decision to break up with you to save my father, my family, and my pack.”