Chapter 65: The Shapeshifters’ New Strategy

Michael’s POV

The door closed behind Emerald, and I found myself staring at it. Then, almost without realising it, I smiled.

I had enjoyed having her here more than I should have.

My morning had already been filled with work, and normally, I would never change my schedule to suit someone else’s plans. Yet for Emerald, I had done exactly that.

I had invited her to my condo without a second thought. I had even made breakfast for her, which was unusual enough on its own.

When I worked from home, I rarely bothered with breakfast. Coffee, maybe some fruit, and then I moved on, usually eating properly much later when I had time.

Today had been different because of her.

I had even made sure Xero stayed here instead of returning to Los Angeles yesterday. I knew Emerald well enough to know she would hesitate to come over if I was alone.

With Xero present, the visit would feel easier and more comfortable for her. I had considered every detail before inviting her.

The realisation stopped me short. Why was I going to such lengths?

I had no answer.

"You are responding to the mate bond naturally," Draxen said.

I rolled my eyes. "I am simply helping her because she is not like other women. She knows how to conduct herself."

Draxen laughed softly inside me. "Careful. From now on, you will feel even more drawn to her, whether you accept the mate bond or not."

I scoffed. "You underestimate me. I have far more self-control than you think."

"And you underestimate the mate bond." Draxen sounded amused. "You cannot win against its pull."

Before I could answer, I heard footsteps approaching. Xero returned to the study.

I immediately fixed my attention on him. "Did you watch her drive away?"

He replied, "Yes, Alpha."

I nodded. Then watched his expression become serious. "I just received some feedback concerning the shapeshifters."

I gestured for him to continue.

"We checked their movements before the wedding more thoroughly. They weren’t only monitoring Emerald Hugo’s home. They were also watching other members of the Hugo family individually."

My expression changed. "Other members?"

"Yes. Several of them."

I leaned back in my chair. "Where?"

"They were observed around properties and locations connected to different members of the family. However, there is one place they never went."

I already knew the answer before he said it. "The ancestral home."

Xero nodded. "Not once. None of them appeared anywhere near the Hugo family’s ancestral residence in D.C."

My brows drew together. That changed things.

Until now, I had assumed Emerald was the primary target. The shapeshifters had followed her, and one had eventually gone after her at the wedding.

It had been reasonable to believe that there was something about her they wanted. But if other members of the Hugo family had also been monitored, then Emerald might not have been the reason.

The family itself could be the target.

I remained silent, thinking through the possibilities. Why had they avoided Darius Hugo? The answer came to me a moment later. Their choice of hosts.

"They may be looking for new hosts within a powerful family," I said to Xero "Darius wouldn’t be useful to them."

"Because of his age?" he asked.

I nodded. "His body is old. Even if they managed to take control of it, it wouldn’t offer them what they need."

Xero’s expression hardened. "That is possible."

"It’s more than possible," I stated, looking towards the window.

These new shapeshifters were smarter than I had initially thought. They were also stronger. And their target selection was becoming increasingly disturbing.

"Think about it," I said. "If they take over the bodies of wealthy and influential family members, they don’t have to build power from nothing. They inherit it."

Xero nodded slowly. "Money. Companies. Political connections. Social influence."

"Exactly." I leaned forward. "Once they begin replacing the right people, they can control entire networks without anyone realising what has happened."

Xero’s face darkened. "They could infiltrate several families."

"They could do much worse than that."

I thought about what our own kind had been working towards for years. The difference was that we had been building influence strategically, from the shadows.

But these creatures seemed to have found another route.

"They must have learned about our agenda," I said.

Xero looked at me. "They are copying us."

"Not exactly." I shook my head. "We are trying to establish control through influence and power. They are taking the shortcut. They want the people who already possess that influence."

Xero’s expression tightened. "They are trying to stop us."

"Exactly." I nodded.

A long silence settled over the study. I looked down at the documents still lying on my desk. The situation had become considerably larger than Emerald. But that did not mean she was no longer important.

If anything, it made her situation more concerning. She was a member of one of the families these creatures had already been monitoring. And she had already been attacked.

I tapped my fingers once against the desk. "We need to have an emergency meeting."

Xero straightened. "When, Alpha?"

"Tomorrow evening. Los Angeles."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "All of them?"

"All the key members." I met his gaze. "Send out a Morse code for the meeting."

Xero nodded immediately. "I will do it right away." He turned to leave, but paused. "Alpha, when are we flying to Los Angeles?"

I glanced at the clock. "Tomorrow afternoon, so get everything ready."

"Understood." He nodded and finally left.

The morning had started with Emerald sitting across from me at my breakfast table. Now, my attention was on a threat that could potentially affect the entire movement.

I looked towards the closed door again. And for some reason, my thoughts returned to her.

Draxen’s laughter echoed faintly inside my mind. I tried to ignore him. There were more important things to deal with. At least, that was what I told myself.

"There is still more to our mate," Draxen finally spoke.

I frowned. "You’ve said that before."

"And you still refuse to listen." Draxen’s voice became more serious. "Do not make the mistake of thinking Emerald is ordinary, Lucien. She isn’t."

I didn’t utter a word. Whatever Draxen knew, he was clearly determined to keep it from me until I acknowledged the mate bond. I wasn’t going to force the issue.

After a moment, he added, "Those eerie creatures cannot use her body as a host."

Instantly, I became interested. "You’re certain?"

"Yes."

I considered that for a moment before he continued. "But that doesn’t mean they can’t kill her."

My expression hardened. "I know."

"Then remember it," he warned.