Chapter 56 - Stands of hair

Lucille paced back and forth in her den, her usually composed demeanor marred by frustration. Trixie sat nearby, her hands clenched into fists, her eyes flashing with impatience and anger.
"I can't believe it," Lucille muttered, her voice tinged with defeat. "That witch, Zelda... She's proven to be more formidable than I anticipated."
Trixie's jaw tightened, her voice edged with resentment. "How could she defeat Zorayda like that? It's not fair!"
Lucille stopped pacing, turning to face her daughter with a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Don't worry, Trixie. Zorayda may have lost this battle, but we still have other ways to get Alpha Shane."
Trixie's brow furrowed with concern. "But how, Mother? If Zelda is protecting him..."
Lucille's expression hardened with determination. "I'll make sure no one becomes Alpha Shane's mate except you, Trixie. I won't let Zelda or anyone else stand in our way."
Trixie's frustration bubbled over, her voice rising in indignation. "Then why hasn't Jack and his rogues abducted Giselle yet? We could use her against Shane!"
Lucille's eyes gleamed with a calculating glint. "Don't worry, Trixie. I'll contact Jack. He'll move quickly."
Trixie nodded, some of her anger subsiding at her mother's assurance. "Good. Giselle needs to be out of the picture."
Lucille's mind raced with plans, her thoughts drifting to Jack and his band of rogues. They were ruthless and unpredictable, but their loyalty to her had always been steadfast. Now, more than ever, she needed their help to tip the scales in Trixie's favor.
With purposeful strides, Lucille left her den, Trixie following close behind. They ventured deeper into the forest, the night enveloping them in a cloak of secrecy and anticipation. Lucille knew exactly where to find Jack and his rogues, hidden away in a secluded part of the territory.
As they approached, the air grew tense with the energy of anticipation. Jack emerged from the shadows, his rugged appearance and steely gaze a testament to his authority among the rogues.
"Lucille," Jack greeted with a nod, his voice low and gravelly. "What brings you here?"
Lucille wasted no time with pleasantries, her tone sharp and commanding. "I need you to take care of Giselle, Jack. Make sure she disappears."
Jack's eyebrows lifted in surprise, though he made no attempt to question Lucille's orders. "Consider it done. But what's the rush?"
Lucille glanced at Trixie, who stood beside her with a determined expression. "We need to eliminate any competition for Alpha Shane's affections. Giselle poses a threat."
Jack nodded slowly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Understood. I'll gather my best men. We'll move tonight."
With a curt nod, Lucille turned to leave, her mind already moving to the next phase of her plan. Trixie remained silent, a mixture of relief and anticipation coursing through her veins. This was their chance to secure Alpha Shane for herself, to ensure that no one else stood in the way of her destiny.
Back in their den, Lucille and Trixie discussed their next steps in hushed tones. The night stretched on, filled with the quiet rustling of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Each moment brought them closer to their goal, their determination unyielding despite the obstacles in their path.
"I'll keep an eye on Zelda," Lucille murmured, her voice laced with certainty. "She won't interfere again."
Trixie nodded, her gaze fixed on her mother with unwavering trust. "And once Giselle is out of the way, Shane will have no choice but to see me as his mate."
Lucille smiled, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Exactly, Trixie. We'll make sure of it."
As the night deepened into darkness, Lucille's plans took shape, weaving together threads of deception and ambition. For both mother and daughter, the stakes were high, but the reward—dominance over the pack and Alpha Shane's unwavering loyalty—made it all worthwhile.
Lucille's phone rang shrilly, breaking the tense silence that hung in her den. Trixie, seated nearby with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety etched on her face, looked up sharply.
"Who is it?" Trixie asked, her voice edged with curiosity.
Lucille glanced at the caller ID, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's Zorayda," she replied tersely before answering the call. "What?"
Trixie watched intently as Lucille listened to the voice on the other end. Zorayda's tone was urgent, her words barely concealing a hint of frustration and determination.
"I've developed a new spell," Zorayda announced, her voice crackling through the phone line. "This one will be more potent, more effective against Zelda."
Lucille's frown deepened, her eyes narrowing as she exchanged a meaningful look with Trixie. Sensing the gravity of the conversation, Trixie leaned forward, her impatience palpable.
"What makes this spell different?" Trixie interjected, seizing the phone from her mother's hand. "And how can we be sure Zelda won't just counter it again?"
Zorayda's voice took on a softer, yet more confident tone. "This spell requires a personal token from Alpha Shane. His hair, to be precise. If you can obtain it and bring it to me, I can infuse it into the vial. This will ensure the spell's effectiveness."
Trixie scoffed incredulously, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "His hair? How am I supposed to get that without him noticing?"
Zorayda's response was immediate, her tone laced with reassurance. "Trust me, Trixie. The spell will ensure he remains unaware. You just need to find the right opportunity."
Lucille reclaimed the phone from Trixie's grasp, her expression thoughtful yet calculating. "Zorayda, this is risky. If Shane finds out..."
Zorayda cut her off, her voice firm with conviction. "I know the risks, Lucille. But this is our best chance to secure Alpha Shane's affections for Trixie. Time is of the essence."
Trixie bit her lip nervously, torn between her desire for Shane's love and the perilous nature of Zorayda's proposal. "What if it doesn't work?"
Zorayda's confidence remained unshaken. "It will work, Trixie. Trust me. But you must act swiftly."
Lucille glanced at Trixie, her maternal instincts warring with her ambition. "Trixie, think carefully. Are you willing to take this risk?"
Trixie's resolve hardened, her gaze steely with determination. "I'll do it, Mother. For us."
Lucille nodded solemnly, a mixture of pride and apprehension swelling within her. "Alright, Zorayda. Trixie will get the hair. But it needs to be foolproof."
Zorayda's voice softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Lucille. Trixie, be cautious. We only have one chance."
With a decisive nod, Lucille ended the call, her mind already racing with plans to ensure Trixie's success. Trixie rose from her seat, her determination casting a shadow of anticipation over the room.
"I'll find a way," Trixie declared, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart.