Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 67 I won’t let him down

Catherine ’s pov::

I walked into the grand hotel’s meeting lounge, my confidence radiating with every step. As the Beta of Blood Moon Pack and second-in-command at ME Group, I knew my worth. Damien had trusted me with this critical alliance negotiation, and I wouldn’t let him down.

"Catherine, make sure the background checks on Northern Pines Pack are thorough," Damien had instructed earlier. "If you think the alliance is viable, proceed, but don’t make any commitments without proper verification."

The Northern Pines Pack had been gaining influence across international territories, and their Alpha, Peter Morrison, was in town specifically looking for powerful allies against the rogue wolf factions expanding from the north. This alliance would be crucial for both packs’ security and business interests.

But as I entered the meeting room, my wolf bristled with irritation. Victoria Lancaster was already there, laughing with Peter as if they were old friends. The sweet scent of her wolf lingered in the air, making my nose wrinkle in distaste.

"So you must visit Crescent Dawn Pack headquarters personally next time you’re in town, Alpha Morrison," she was saying, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders as she leaned forward with practiced charm. "I’d be happy to give you the full tour."

Peter nodded enthusiastically. "I’d be delighted. Just say when."

"Anytime that works for you," Victoria replied with a smile that made my skin crawl.

I cleared my throat loudly. "Alpha Morrison," I interrupted, extending my hand. "I’m Catherine Watson, Beta of Blood Moon Pack and Vice President of ME Group. I’m sure you’re familiar with our pack’s reputation and strength across international territories."

I flashed a brilliant smile while deliberately positioning myself between him and Victoria. "Unlike some... lesser packs who send junior representatives to meetings of this importance, our Alpha Damien Sterling has personally dispatched his second-in-command to discuss this alliance."

I cast a disparaging glance toward Victoria. "It seems rather disrespectful that Crescent Dawn would send someone of such... low rank to discuss matters of pack security. Where is William Lancaster? Or at least someone with authority to make decisions?"

Victoria’s sweet scent took on a sharp edge as her wolf clearly bristled at the insult. I could almost imagine her wolf’s hackles rising.

"In the wolf world, we pride ourselves on respectful competition," Victoria said, her voice deceptively soft but carrying an undercurrent that made my wolf suddenly wary. "Blood Moon’s approach of elevating themselves by denigrating others seems... primitive. Did your Alpha not teach you proper negotiation protocols?"

"I’m merely stating facts," I replied coolly. "Blood Moon Pack is objectively superior in strength and resources to Crescent Dawn. You, as a mere pack secretary, should consider it an honor of eight lifetimes to even be in the presence of an Alpha like Morrison."

Victoria fixed me with a calculating look that made me uncomfortable despite myself. "You hold secretaries in such low regard?"

Something in her tone should have warned me, but I was too focused on winning this alliance to notice. "Alpha Morrison, I represent Blood Moon with full authority. Perhaps we should continue this discussion privately, without unnecessary distractions?"

Although Alpha Morrison’s face had hardened considerably, he maintained his diplomatic composure. The alliance with Blood Moon was too important to dismiss outright.

"Ms. Lancaster," he said carefully, "we’ve covered most of the groundwork. Perhaps we can finalize the details at another time?"

Victoria rose gracefully, her posture impeccable. "Of course, Alpha Morrison. I look forward to our next meeting."

I couldn’t help the smug smile that spread across my face as I watched her prepare to leave. A mere secretary trying to negotiate with an Alpha? What had Crescent Dawn been thinking? This alliance was as good as secured for Blood Moon.

What I failed to notice was the knowing look that passed between Victoria and Alpha Morrison, or the slight shake of her head that seemed to convey something beyond words. My wolf sensed something wasn’t right, but I ignored the warning, too caught up in my perceived victory.

As Victoria walked toward the door, I couldn’t resist one final barb: "Better luck next time, secretary."

The Northern rogues were expanding their territory daily, and Blood Moon needed this alliance. Damien had entrusted me with this mission, and I wouldn’t fail him.

Victoria’s POV::

After leaving the meeting, I found Kane waiting outside. His sharp eyes immediately caught mine, his scent betraying his concern.

"Victoria, I just saw ME Group’s representatives go in," Kane said, lowering his voice. "If ME is competing for this project, our chances might be slim."

While Crescent Dawn Pack had a century of historical background and was indeed a very suitable alliance partner in terms of comprehensive strength, Blood Moon Pack’s ME Group was an unstoppable rising star in the business world. Despite our prestigious bloodline and heritage, Damian Sterling had emerged like a force of nature in the business realm, carving out his empire with ruthless efficiency. Many companies wanted to partner with ME Group, making them formidable competitors.

Nora stirred restlessly within me, reacting to the mention of Damian before I could suppress her.

"We’ll be fine," I assured Kane, keeping my voice steady. "If this one falls through, there are plenty of other companies to partner with. I’ll still do more research on Morrison’s company."

I wasn’t sure what approach Katherine Watson had taken with Peter Morrison, but by that afternoon, he contacted me with a proposal—if Lancaster Group could compromise on pricing, cooperation was still possible. His tentative tone felt more like bait than negotiation, which made my wolf nervous.

The next morning, my phone rang with a call from my former mentor’s brother.

"Victoria?" Matthew’s voice came through the phone.

"Matthew, what’s wrong?" I kept my tone light, still embarrassed about our last meeting and Damian’s territorial behavior.

"I remember you mentioning you’re working at Lancaster Group now, right?"

"Yes, that’s correct." Something in his voice put me on alert. "Is there a problem?"

Matthew hesitated before continuing: "It’s about Dominus Technology. Are you familiar with it?"

"Of course. It’s been quite popular lately—that international technology many companies have been implementing," I replied, feeling my wolf figuratively prick up her ears.

Matthew’s voice lowered. "My sister had me call you. She’s heard rumors that Dominus Technology has serious flaws. It’s likely to crash in the industry within days. If Lancaster Group is using it, you should stop immediately."

I straightened. "That serious? Thank you, Matthew. Please thank your sister too. Fortunately, Lancaster hasn’t implemented this technology yet."

"That’s good to hear. I’m not completely certain of the validity, but I wanted to warn you just in case."

"I appreciate it. This information could be crucial. I’ll have to treat you and your sister to dinner to properly thank you both."

After hanging up, I immediately reached for the folder on my desk. While Lancaster Group hadn’t adopted Dominus Technology, I suddenly remembered something about Peter Morrison’s company. I flipped through the documents until I found confirmation—Morrison’s company was indeed built on Dominus Technology.

If these rumors were true and the technology failed, any company associated with Morrison would suffer massive losses. The contract wasn’t signed yet, but this was definitely a risk we needed to consider.

According to Peter, ME Group had offered a much higher bid than ours. Did Damian know about the potential technology failure? Katherine Watson was handling this project, and I wasn’t sure if she’d informed Damian. After all, an Alpha of his status couldn’t possibly personally oversee every project.

My fingers hovered over my phone, considering whether to call him. Nora pushed me forward, craving any excuse to connect with Damian’s wolf Arthur. Finally, I dialed his number.

He answered almost immediately, his deep voice sending an unwelcome shiver down my spine. "Hello?"

"It’s Victoria," I said, trying to sound casual despite Nora pacing excitedly within me.

"I know," he replied, his tone slightly softer. Of course, after our... encounter, he would have saved my number.

I took a deep breath. "Do you have time for dinner? My treat."

His low chuckle came through the phone, full of amusement and something darker that made my wolf whimper. "What’s this, Miss Lancaster? Trying to bribe me again?"