6. His manipulation

After finishing his discussion with Olivia earlier that day, Brent found himself unable to return home. A nagging feeling persisted that she might have been discovered, knowing full well the trouble she could face if caught with him. It wasn't just a matter of losing trust; it could jeopardize their carefully laid plans. Despite his reservations, Brent reluctantly made his way back to the pack house. Upon his return to his home, he was immediately summoned by the Alpha's Brother Rodrigo who was sitting in Brent's Library patiently waiting for his return.

"Brent, tell me you succeeded," He demanded. "Convincing that girl shouldn't have been difficult. She's too gullible and naive."

"It was harder than expected," Brent confessed. "She harbors a deep-seated hatred towards me. She refused to even let me touch her." He added, walking forward till he was standing opposite Rodrigo in the vast Library space.

"I warned you to be cautious in your approach," Rodrigo accused. "I told you she would be useful one day, but you never listened. Now look at this mess. We need her cooperation, yet she's holding a grudge."

"What did you expect me to do?" Brent shot back. "How was I supposed to accept a mute stealer wolf as my daughter? She's disgusting!"

"Don't raise your voice at me, Brent," Rodrigo snapped. You might be a Beta but Don't forget I'm the second in line to the Alpha. "She's your daughter. If you can't persuade her, it reflects poorly on you."

Brent instantly calmed himself. He knew better than to challenge Rodrigo's authority. Rodrigo, much like Devon, was ruthless, though Rodrigo was known for his harsh methods, making him equally feared among the pack. But the park loved Rodrigo more because he wanted to lead us all to the war against witches one we've been waiting to do for a long time, for decades. But Devon for whatever reason doesn't want war with witches. He's weak!

"I understand," Brent replied evenly. "But I can't force her. Pressuring her could backfire, and Devon might catch wind of it."

Rodrigo nodded thoughtfully. "Then you'll have to try again tonight."

"I'm afraid someone might have already seen us together," Brent admitted anxiously.

"Even better," Rodrigo remarked coldly. "It means she'll face consequences. Use that to sow resentment against Devon as well."

Brent considered Rodrigo's suggestion. It made sense—if Olivia could see the potential danger Devon posed if he discovered their secret meetings, she might indeed turn against him.

"If so, I will be on my way then," he stated calmly, glancing towards Rodrigo who nodded in response.

With that, he turned on his heel and departed. As he drove towards Devon's pack house, he couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.

Olivia's intense training had not gone unnoticed, her serious demeanor a stark contrast to the carefree little girl he once knew. It was clear that Devon's influence weighed heavily upon her, a thought that brought a wry smile to his lips. Everything was proceeding as planned. She would hate him soon.

From a discreet vantage point, he watched the scene unfold. He witnessed Olivia's collapse during training and Devon's callous act of pouring cold water over her unconscious form.

Anger flared within him, not out of concern for his daughter, but at the audacity of Devon's actions. Though he had been harsh with her in the past, seeing another exert dominance over her ignited a primal fury in him.

"That bastard has to die!" He had said.

Once Olivia retreated to her room, he made his move, navigating the pack house corridors with the skill of one who had tread such paths many times before. Standing outside Olivia's door, he knocked softly, announcing his presence.

"Olivia, if you won't open the door, I might just miss my way to Devon's room and tell him I am looking for my daughter," he stated calmly, his voice carrying a hint of threat.

The door swung open abruptly, revealing Olivia's tense and weak figure. She regarded him warily, suspicion etched across her face.

Reluctantly, she allowed him entry, closing and locking the door behind him with a resolute click. Her demeanor was defensive, a clear barrier between them.

"What do you want?" she demanded, her tone sharp and guarded.

He maintained a composed face, "Olivia, that's not how you greet your father," he chided gently, though any paternal warmth was absent from his voice and she could feel it. "I came to see how you are."

Her disbelief was evident, yet she didn't outright dismiss him. "How are you?" he continued, trying to sound concerned. She stared at him, unsure how to respond.

"Are you fine?" he asked, attempting to touch her, but she pulled away, avoiding his reach. "Please, let me apologize for what I did to you."

"Sorry isn't enough," she replied bitterly, her words tinged with resentment and pain. Despite her resistance, he sensed vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. This was the best time to get her trust now that it felt like the whole world was against her even her mate. He would use this to get her to do his bidding all he had to do was swallow his disgust and pretend to be a caring father. That can't be that hard.

"Devon doesn't love you, Olivia," he stated firmly, seizing the opportunity to sow doubt. She turned away, refusing to meet his gaze, a sign that his words had struck a nerve. Good.

"Look at what he did to you. He found you unconscious and instead of helping, he poured cold water on you," he continued, fueling her growing hate for Devon.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she faced him again. "How do you know?" she demanded, suspicion coloring her voice.

"I overheard him bragging to his subordinates," he lied casually, studying her reaction closely. "That's why I came to check on you myself. Olivia, why endure such torment?"

"What do you mean?" Her voice wavered, torn between defiance and curiosity.

"Consider this," he suggested, his tone conspiratorial. "You could neutralize his wolf first, and then eliminate him. You would be free from this suffering, welcomed back to our home as a hero who vanquished Alpha Devon. I promise you, I'll get you a more suitable mate."