Chapter 347

Victor and I hurriedly packed our things before breaking the news to William and Penny that we had to leave.

“We’re sorry, but we must go home immediately,” Victor said as we came down the stairs, lugging our suitcases.

“Oh no.” William grabbed a suitcase from my hands. “What happened?”

“We aren’t sure. Victor’s assistant called, and he is needed in Denhurst,” I answered. “We truly wish we could stay with you for another day.”

“It must be rough to have such an important job,” William said. “I don’t envy you at all, Victor.”

“There is a lot of responsibility with the leadership role,” Victor agreed. “But the job is important to me.”

“You care about doing what’s best for all of us,” Penny said. “I’m glad you have the power to make changes and draft laws that will help everyone.”

As a Beta, Penny understood what it was like to be discriminated against. Every time I was around her, I liked her even better. William was fortunate to have found her for his mate.

I hoped his mother wasn’t giving her any grief. Lily James is a snob who probably didn’t like the new laws or having a Beta in the family.

“But it is a shame you have to leave early,” Penny said as William helped carry our luggage to my truck. “Let us know if we can help you and Victor with anything.”

Her sincere words made me smile despite my worry over what was happening in Denhurst.

“We will,” I assured her and climbed into the truck.

Since we had to get back to Denhurst quickly, I let Victor drive. We buckled up and headed away from the lake, and soon, we were on the highway that would take us home.

“Findlay didn’t give you any hints as to why you are needed?” I asked.

But I knew Findlay would never tell Victor he had to come back from the lake unless something terrible had happened.

“All he said was that I must not be watching the news, and I am needed at The Association immediately,” Victor answered.

“Let’s turn on the radio,” I suggested. “Any major events should be reported on the radio stations too.”

Victor nodded. “See what you can find. I’m concentrating on getting us home fast and in one piece.”

I turned the radio dial several times, stopping at stations playing different genres of music. Ignoring one of my favorite songs, I continued down the dial until I recognized a talk radio station.

It was channel 126, also known as PatNat radio. I never listened to the station because it tends to warp the truth to suit their narrative.

I had enough of that type of thing lately, but the station would be sure to be discussing whatever dire situation was unfolding.

Victor stiffened at the wheel, and I gasped at the topic being discussed. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Thanks to his fiancé’s influence, Victor Klein is giving our world away to the Betas and Omegas,” Karl Tucker, PatNat’s top radio host, said.

“The new college admissions laws have emboldened Betas and Omegas, and they are taking over our cities,” Karl Tucker said menacingly. “Our women and children are no longer safe on the streets.”

Karl continued. “Betas and Omegas are running wild, looting businesses, and trying to take over Denhurst by force. Victor Klein and his fiancé’s influence must be removed from office to save our society …to save your families.”

“I don’t believe it.” I turned off the radio. “Why would laws to make access to a better education more fair embolden anyone to take over our cities?”

“It doesn’t matter what you think,” Victor said. “Many of our population will believe anything that liar Karl Tucker says.”

“He lies extremely well,” I said. “He always sounds so sincere and outraged. His audience eats up his every word even when there is no real evidence of what he is claiming.”

“It wouldn’t make any sense for Betas and Omegas to be doing what he claims,” Victor reasoned. “There could be a handful of Betas making trouble, and he’s wildly spinning it.”

“We will find out when we get to The Association,” I said. “Unless you want me to try another news station.”

Victor shook his head and changed lanes to exit the highway.

“I’m taking you home,” he insisted. “I don’t know what’s waiting for me at The Association. It could be dangerous.”

“Darling, I helped you fend off a gigantic, angry bear this morning,” I reminded him. “I’m not afraid of anything at The Association.”

“Daisy ….” he began to argue.

“You’ll get there faster if you don’t stop at the mansion,” I said. “And if you go to the mansion first, I’m not getting out of the truck.”

“Whatever is waiting at The Association, we will face it together,” I insisted. “Remember, we are stronger together.”

Victor gave me a wry smile. “My sweet, stubborn Luna. I will be honored to have you by my side. You are correct. We are stronger together.”

He took my hand from the center console and kissed the palm. “Please text Findlay and tell him we will arrive in five minutes.”

I smiled and picked up my phone. I was worried but not afraid. My place was at my mate’s side, not hiding at my father’s estate.

Findlay met us at the complex’s front entrance. His face was strained.

“I’m glad you're both here,” Findlay said. “Victor, I put them off as long as I could, but there is grumbling within the council about you not being available when you are needed.”

“I was gone for less than twenty-four hours,” Victor said as we walked to his office. “Still, I’m sorry I didn’t check my messages sooner.”

As soon as we were in Victor’s private office, I closed the door, and Victor asked Findlay to tell him everything.

“A few Betas were caught robbing a store,” he said. “They recently lost their jobs due to automation and were desperate to feed their families.”

“Is our enemy using the incident to fuel their narrative?” Victor asked.

Findlay nodded. “Rumors are running wild about Betas taking over the city by force, and some news outlets are repeating the rumors even though they are baseless.”

“And this afternoon, masked individuals began committing crimes like looting and destroying public property,” he continued. “But every one of them that was caught was proven to be an Alpha.”

“How many of these false incidents have there been?” I asked.

“A dozen or so,” Findlay replied. “Just enough for TV stations like Max News and FTX News to fill their viewers with fear and anger.”

Victor turned on his office television and flipped through the news channels. Most of the reliable, established stations were reporting the truth.

They told the sad story of two Beta factory workers who lost their jobs due to new machines that gave the Alpha factory owner a smaller payroll to meet.

These men had families to feed and foolishly robbed a store to feed them and pay their rent.

But then, masked men went on crime sprees. After many of them were caught, they were all revealed to be Alphas without any explanation for their actions.

These Alphas were either quickly bailed out of jail or disappeared from jail after being arraigned.

“It’s John Cameron’s faction, isn’t it?” I asked Victor. It was similar to what happened to our stalker in New Ripon.

He let out a long, slow breath. “I’d bet on it. Who else has this much money and can make thugs disappear from jails.”

“At least it’s being reported correctly,” I said.

“Not on the Alpha-centric stations.” Findlay grimaced and changed the channel.

It was appalling how the same stories were being spun on these news channels. They claimed the criminals were Betas and Omegas, who were being released back onto the streets by Victor and his crooked regime.

As we watched the newscaster continue to lie, he acted more and more outraged before calling for rebellion against Victor!

“The newscaster must be on John Cameron’s payroll,” Victor grumbled.

The situation was snowballing fast. Fear trailed its fingers down my spine as I watched more lies and spin.

“How many people watch this garbage and believe it?” I asked.

“Alpha-centric channels pull in just under forty percent of the population,” Findlay replied. “It’s enough to create a serious problem for you and Victor if it continues.”

“What kind of problems?” I asked, even though I was reasonably sure I knew the answer.

“We must prepare for a rebellion,” Victor said. “It’s what these news people are calling for. It’s what John Cameron and his faction want.”

“And must have a plan to flee the region if necessary to save your lives,” Findlay added.

I caught Victor’s gaze, and I saw the uncertainty in his eyes. A simple life looked even better just now.