Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon

Chapter 113: 113. Heroic Plan (2)

Elijah Simons sat forward, his attention sharp and unwavering the moment Mr. Frederick revealed the core of the plan. His skeptical expression slowly shifted to one of cautious intrigue.

"How can something like that be possible?" Elijah asked, his brows furrowed. "My record with the park isn’t clean. Everyone remembers what I did—especially Maria."

Mr. Frederick leaned back slightly, his voice calm but deliberate. "I’ve already sent word to Avalon Park. On the day the staff of office is to be delivered to the park house, they’ll strike. The attack will be unexpected, and they’ll target Beta Gilbert and his wife. No one will see it coming—not from Avalon, and certainly not from you."

Elijah’s face began to shift, the corner of his mouth twitching with interest, though his eyes still held some doubt.

"Alright... But where do I come in? Because honestly, I don’t see how this plan alone could overpower the Gilberts and their army of guards," Elijah said, folding his arms across his chest.

Mr. Frederick nodded. "I’m not done. That’s only half of it. I’ve also arranged for chemical agents to be planted around the park house. On the day of the attack, those chemicals will be activated. They’ll weaken every werewolf in proximity—stripping them of their strength temporarily."

At this point, Elijah leaned forward. His expression had changed entirely. There was a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"This is where you and your men come in," Mr. Frederick continued, his tone growing more intense. "No one will know you’re involved. When the attack begins, you’ll step in as the saviors of Blue Moon Park—rescuing the Alphas and driving Avalon back. Everyone will see you as a hero."

Elijah grinned, the idea sinking in like honey. "And with that, I become a contender for the Alpha seat again. I can rebuild everything."

"Exactly," Mr. Frederick said with certainty. "You won’t just be a contender—you’ll be a hero of the people. You’ll have the elders and public opinion on your side."

Elijah’s joy swelled. He threw his head back and laughed heartily, clearly envisioning his victory.

"But what about the staff of office?" he asked, suddenly pausing, the thought catching up with him.

Mr. Frederick met his gaze with calm confidence. "It won’t arrive at the park house."

"What?" Elijah frowned.

"If the staff makes it there, your heroism won’t matter. They’ll have the key to power and you’ll be forgotten. But if it doesn’t show up, there’ll be confusion. Tension. The people will demand answers. That’s when we create an opening for a contest—between you and Bernard."

Elijah stared at him, processing the plan in silence. Slowly, he began to smile again, this time even more impressed.

"And where will the staff be kept?"

"With trusted allies of mine. When the time is right—if and only if—you win over the elders and the people, then the staff will be released to you. That’s your final seal of legitimacy."

"I understand," Elijah said, rising to his feet. His voice was firm. "I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t let this slip through my fingers again."

Mr. Frederick also stood, adjusting his coat. "Good. Then remember—this must be a flawless operation. You’re not just reclaiming your name—you’re taking back the Alpha seat."

With that, Mr. Frederick turned and headed toward the door. Elijah followed him out, personally seeing him off to the waiting car.

As the vehicle pulled away, Elijah’s eyes glinted with ambition.

"The ball is in my court now," he whispered to himself. "And I’ll make sure I play it well."

***noveldrama

Maria had been in her room all afternoon since returning from college with Bernard. Sleep had taken over her body quickly, and for hours she was lost in much-needed rest.

By 6:30 p.m., she stirred awake. The light outside had dimmed, casting a golden hue through the curtains. She stretched and walked sluggishly to the bathroom to freshen up.

After washing her face and regaining some composure, she returned to her bed, only to fall deep into thought.

What exactly is Mr. Frederick planning? Can he really get me out of here without Bernard and his family coming after me? Her mind buzzed with uncertainty.

No answers came. Just more questions and more concern.

Tired of being trapped in her head, Maria rose and decided to leave the room. Maybe a change of scenery would quiet her thoughts.

As she stepped out into the hallway, she met Bernard coming down the stairs.

He looked surprised to see her, but quickly offered a smile.

"Maria," he said. "I was just coming to your room. How are you feeling this evening?"

She gave him a slight nod. "I’m fine. Is everything okay?"

He looked at her directly, his tone calm but meaningful. "I wanted to let you know that the day for handing over the staff of office is in two days."

Maria’s heart skipped a beat. She tried not to show her reaction, but she hadn’t expected it to come so soon.

"Okay then. Thanks for telling me," she said, keeping her tone casual. "Is that all? Or is there something else I need to know?"

Bernard smiled again, his gaze searching her face.

"No, nothing else. Just make sure you’re ready. It’s a big day for both of us," he said, then turned and walked off toward the living room.

Maria watched him go, the curiosity on her face deepening. His words echoed in her mind.

A big day for both of us...?

She returned to her room, unable to shake the unease growing inside her. As soon as she sat on the bed, a phone began to ring.

She froze.

It wasn’t her phone.

Slowly, she turned around, searching the room. The sound was coming from behind her, near the wardrobe. Her breath caught in her throat.

Whose phone is that? And why is it ringing in my room?

The room suddenly felt colder, the walls more constricting. Maria moved cautiously toward the sound, unsure of what she was about to uncover.

Chapter Title: Beneath the Surface

Maria turned swiftly at the sound of the ringing phone. It was coming from under her pillow. Her heartbeat quickened.

She already had a strong feeling it was Mr. Frederick calling. But before answering, she needed to make sure no one could overhear. Rising from the bed, she walked to the door and locked it from the inside.

Then, she checked around the room to be certain she was truly alone.

Returning to the bed, she retrieved the phone just as the ringing stopped. But almost instantly, it started ringing again. Her fingers trembled slightly as she answered.

"Hello and good evening to you, Maria," Mr. Frederick’s calm voice came through with its usual composure.

"Good evening, sir," she responded softly, sitting down again.

"Forgive the disturbance," he continued, "but I was hoping you might have some new information for me—especially concerning our last discussion."

Maria didn’t hesitate. She was relieved to finally have something of value to report, particularly after Bernard’s recent conversation with her.

"Bernard told me today that in two days, we’ll be heading to retrieve the staff of the office," she explained quietly.

"Good," Mr. Frederick replied. "Did he mention where exactly the staff is being kept?"

"No, sir, not yet. But I plan to ask him before the day ends. I’ll find out one way or another."

"Excellent. Do your best. I’ll be expecting your call later this evening with the location."

"Yes, sir. I’ll work on it now," she promised.

With that, they ended the call. Maria quickly slid the phone back beneath her pillow, then checked the room again to be absolutely certain no one had been listening. Satisfied, she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

She made her way down the stairs toward the living room, where dinner was already being prepared. The aroma of spiced meat and roasted vegetables filled the air.

She could see the maids setting the table, and it looked like they were just about to come call for everyone.

Maria was the first to sit at the table, something she rarely did. Usually, she took her time or waited until everyone else was seated. But tonight was different—she had a mission.

Ten minutes later, Bernard, Beta Gilbert, and Luna Victoria arrived at the dining room. They appeared slightly surprised to see her already seated, but she welcomed them with a warm, polite smile.

Beta Gilbert looked pleased, and Luna Victoria mirrored the expression with a kind, motherly gaze. Bernard’s eyes were fixed on Maria, admiration softening his features.

As the maids finished serving the food and dinner began, Beta Gilbert turned to Maria.

"How are you doing, Maria? And have you started preparing for your final examinations?" he asked, smiling as he took a sip from his glass.

It was the perfect opportunity. Maria had been searching for a way to open a conversation that might lead to the information she needed.

"I’m doing well, sir. As for the exams, preparation is a bit delayed—because of Bernard," she said lightly, turning to Bernard with a playful smile.

Bernard blinked, clearly caught off guard. He looked at her with slight confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

"Because I want everything around him—and us—to be settled first," Maria replied, still smiling. "Then we can both prepare properly for the exams."

Luna Victoria laughed softly, touched by her words. Beta Gilbert nodded in approval, clearly happy with her response.

"That’s very thoughtful of you," Beta Gilbert said. "Has Bernard told you when you’ll be retrieving the staff of the office?"

"Yes, sir. He told me earlier today that it will be in two days," Maria answered. Then, she added, trying to sound as casual and innocent as possible, "But he didn’t mention the exact location."

Luna Victoria turned to her son with raised brows. "Bernard, why would you forget something like that?"

Bernard chuckled awkwardly. "I didn’t think it was necessary at the time. I’m sorry about that, Maria."

"No worries," Maria replied sweetly. "I’m just curious about everything since I woke up from the coma. It’s been like that lately."

The moment she said those words, their expressions softened even more.

"You don’t need to apologize for that," Luna Victoria said reassuringly. "You have every right to ask. You’re part of this family and this process."

Maria nodded gratefully, hiding the surge of victory inside her.

"The staff is kept about two kilometers west of the park house," Beta Gilbert said casually, not realizing the weight of the information he had just given away. "It’s not too far."

Maria nodded with a calm expression, but her mind was racing.

Finally, she thought, now I have what Mr. Frederick needs. She continued eating, careful to show no signs of excitement...