‘Madame X’s’ current goal … the thing she wants more than anything else, right now … is to get back together with her most lucratively desirable ‘ex’ … the proverbial one that got away … Casper Whitmore. So, from the moment she learned that the Stratus Pack was planning on forming an alliance with the Rainier Pack; and, that an arranged marriage would be one of the factors involved in establishing this pact … ‘Madame X’ immediately formulated a strategy; and, put that plan into motion … which included identifying who the intended bride-to-be was.
It didn’t take too long for her to discover that the Rainier Pack had chosen their Gamma’s middle daughter, Pomona Burke, as the candidate; and, started investigating her background. … Ironically, since he has real no interest in this arranged marriage, Casper never bothered to find out who the bride was going to be; and, still has no idea that the so-called pathetic mutt that he’s been berating is his future wife.
When ‘Madame X’ learned about the history between Adam and Pomona, Bellona, and the Rainier Pack transfer; she began devising a scheme to use this to her advantage … and, soon after that; ‘happened to run into’ Adam, and start up a sexual affair with him. And, today; she’s ready to initiate the final stage of phase one of this plan.
‘Madame X’ finishes washing her hair and cleaning herself up, and returns to the living room; then, nonchalantly brings up…
“Have you heard about the upcoming alliance between the Stratus and Rainier packs?”
Since the Rainier and Metis packs already have an alliance; Adam isn’t totally out of the loop with the happenings going on with the Rainier Pack … especially the major undertakings; like this upcoming alliance … so; he’s already aware of this. … And; he’s also aware that ‘Madame X’ is a member of the Stratus Pack.
“Yes. What about it?”
“Nothing much; really. I was just thinking … since the Metis Pack is one of the Rainier Pack’s allies; and, the Rainier Pack is about to become allies with the Stratus Pack … how would you like to come back with me to California, and become a member of my pack? It shouldn’t be a problem now, under the recently developed circumstances.”
“Become a member of the Stratus Pack?”
“Sure; why not? At least, this way I’d be able to see you more often; stud.”
She coquettishly smiles at him. Adam takes a moment … looking as if he’s giving it some serious consideration … before responding…
“I don’t know … I mean; what would I do there? Join your pack’s security detail? Would they even let me?”
“I don’t see why they wouldn’t. … But; that’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
“Then; what did you have in mind?”
“I’m sure you’re aware that our pack’s Alpha Casper Whitmore is also the CEO of the Whitmore Corporation; aren’t you?”
“Yeah … so?”
A slight devilish grin emerges on her countenance…
“So … I happen to know that he’s currently in need of a new Security Director at their corporate headquarters, in Los Angeles … and; I think you’re the perfect candidate for this position.”
Back at the Gamma’s residence…
**Pomona’s POV**
I can’t believe my eyes … Dad just shoved Helena away; and, reproachfully rebuked her. It’s a safe bet to say that every one of us is shocked … in fact; Daphne’s so stunned, that she decides to relinquish control over my body, and quickly withdraws herself back down within me.
But, the one most taken aback from this is Helena, herself; who immediately displays a completely befuddled expression, while stuttering…
“I … I … I do… don’t understand. … W-what do you mean; Father? What have I done? How haven’t I been a filial daughter to you; Father?”
Our father glares at Helena. “Are you having an affair with Walter Burns?”
Helena’s eyes instantly avert to the floor; as she meekly utters, “I … Father; I don’t … what are you…”
He snaps, “Are you having an affair with him; or, not?!”
Helena keeps her eyes focused on the floor; as she meekly stammers, “I … I … I…”
Without any foretelling indication; Dad abruptly slaps Helena across her face with so much force, that she falls back onto the floor. The twins immediately become hysterical, and burst out in tears; as they run over and drop down on each side of Helena … posturing as if they were preparing to shield her from another strike.
Bellona charges out in front of them, and takes on what appears to be an aggressively-defensive stance; as she protracts her claws, while fiercely glaring at our father. Meanwhile, our mother jumps in front of our father; apparently acting as a shield for him. … I’m guessing it’s because she’s worried that Bellona might suddenly turn from defensive-mode to offensive-mode; and, attack Dad for viciously slapping Helena.
Suddenly, I notice that Bellona’s previously piercing eyes quickly soften; and, she retracts her claws. She’s now staring at Dad with a dumbfounded expression displayed on her countenance.
When I look over towards our father; the first thing I notice is that his hands are trembling, as he rubs them together in an agitated fashion. But, even more surprising than that; I soon see tears streaming out his eyes … quickly soaking his cheeks and chin.
Dad’s actually crying. I’ve never seen him cry. I don’t think any of my sisters have, either … at least; none of them have ever mentioned anything about seeing him cry before.
He sobs, “How could you do this to me; Helena? … Why?”
Helena starts bawling; as a deluge of tears come bursting forth, out from her eyes … and, her face instantly becomes soaking wet. She cries out…