Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 573: Dominic’s Secret

"Beta Dominic was just spotted leaving Elijah’s quarters, and from the look on his face, he didn’t look happy," Jeremiah reported, handing a phone to Asher.

Asher Nightshade took the phone, his lips curving sardonically at the secret shot of his father’s ambitious beta storming out of the Alpha King’s room.

"I guess his cowardly little plan didn’t go well," Asher mocked, handing the phone back to Jeremiah.

"Obviously," Jeremiah said. "That didn’t look like a happy face to me."

Asher moved calmly and perched himself on the edge of his desk, his long legs stretched out casually in front of him. "Elijah might be an asshole, but he’s a shrewd piece of shit," he said coolly. "He hates my guts, but he also needs me. Dominic’s biggest mistake was not realizing Elijah has trust issues. If Dominic is bold enough to plot my death, Elijah knows he’d have no problem plotting his own king’s death when the opportunity comes."

Asher’s hand reached for the chessboard set up beside him. His fingers closed around the black king piece.

"After all," he continued darkly, "becoming Alpha of the West Pack is just one move closer to the Alpha King’s throne."

With a flick of his wrist, Asher knocked the white king to its side. His eyes gleamed with dangerous satisfaction.

"Checkmate."

Asher Rose up. "What about the other matter I asked you about? Did you find out anything?"

"It was short notice," Jeremiah admitted, reaching into his coat, "but I did find out some things. And, Alpha, you’re not going to like it." He handed Asher a large brown envelope.

Asher took it without a word, ripping it open. Inside were photographs, receipts, and documents, which he fanned out across the table, his slitted grey eyes narrowing as he scanned the evidence.

Jeremiah began explaining, "Dominic has been siphoning pack resources for years. Not just simple theft, I’m talking about funds meant for rebuilding villages after rogue attacks, supplies for orphaned pups, medicines for the sick, all of it disappearing into his pockets. While everyone else was struggling, he was living like a king behind your father’s back."

Asher’s jaw clenched as he flipped through the photo and paper evidence. While Henry was busy forcing women into submission, making his own life miserable, and obsessing over his precious reputation, he didn’t even see his own beta bleeding him dry.

"And it gets worse from here," Jeremiah continued. "He’s neck-deep in the black market. This isn’t just smuggling weapons or silver contraband. Dominic’s been running an underground network with Alpha Marlow.... " He paused, his eyes filled with disgust, "They operate like loan sharks. Families in debt come to them for help, thinking they’ll save them. But when they can’t pay back the interest, which is nearly impossible, their children are taken as ’collateral.’"

snapping up from the documents. "Collateral?" His

appetites to indulge,

papers crumbled under Asher’s hands when he fisted his hand. "How," he growled, "the fuck did

was so

the West Pack looked strong and he stayed at the top, the wellbeing of the people didn’t matter to

want him to take my father’s place. If Dominic becomes Alpha, they can keep their filthy business running without fear

pig Marlow has so many concubines

investigate the rest of the alphas but I’m sure I’ll find one or two dirts on them. Most of all, since Dominic can’t destroy you now, he’ll make sure

and a

sparking with a

underestimate him,

him?" Asher replied, "On the contrary, it seems my reign

that was a necessary one yet Jeremiah still swallowed at the thought of the violence to come. It seemed

be prepared for anything." Asher instructed him. "Keep a careful eye on him tonight. I want to know everyone who steps in or out of his room, where he goes, who he talks

nodded, listening intently as Asher

the West pack as well. If there’s a secret meeting tonight,

head slightly. But then he hesitated, glancing at Asher with

do you mean, what about

breath, then

them even for a moment, it could cost me the West pack. There’s no room

however, he stopped after a few steps. Slowly, he came back, his jaw set in

firmly. "You’re not a machine, Alpha Asher. That mind of yours needs to be sharp, not clouded with exhaustion. If you want to defeat the sharks circling

mouth to

Roman casually strolled in with a pillow tucked

worry about that," Roman announced. "I’ll

not sign up for Roman’s hassle tonight. Unlike him,

if it was good news. "I’ll set up security and make sure not even a