CHAPTER 170: CHAPTER 170: THE END OF JUNIOR YEAR

It had been two weeks since the pack ended the Deadpool and dismantled Aeternum Biotechnologies. Melissa and Deaton had already returned to Beacon Hills, and now the pack was gathered around the long dining table in the pack house, sharing breakfast and discussing plans for their future.

Melissa stirred her coffee with a satisfied smile. "The Aeternum building and the three hundred million will officially be ours within a month. So, we can start recruiting people and get everything ready to launch our company."

Chris nodded thoughtfully. "We’ll have to hire trustworthy staff. I suggest we keep it mostly within the pack. The fewer outsiders, the better."

Then he looked at Derek and Peter. "What about you two? Do you want to work with us in the company?"

Derek shook his head. "I know nothing about business, and I don’t feel like working."

Peter shrugged. "Same here. I don’t feel like working either."

Deaton chuckled. "I already talked to my sister, and she said she’s willing to work for the company and run the lab. The two of us can handle developing the formulas for the cosmetics and maybe a few medicines for the supernatural."

Chris nodded. "We should also hire an accountant who can handle both the normal books and a few... creative side accounts, considering we’ll be dealing with the supernatural too."

At that, Victoria smirked. "Leave that to Noshiko. She said she wants to work with us, and when I asked what she’s good at, she said she could be our accountant."

Melissa raised her coffee in approval. "Noshiko is a good choice. She’s someone we can trust."

Victoria continued. "So, we have the building, the funding, and a plan for production. Next, we need to settle on a name, design the product line, and find a marketing expert."

She turned to Scott, who had been quietly sipping his coffee. "What do you think, Alpha? Any name ideas for the company?"

Scott laughed and leaned back in his chair. "Nope. I’m leaving the naming to you girls. If I come up with something, none of you will like it—starting with Lydia."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Hey, that was rude—but I agree. Letting us choose the name is a good idea."

Melissa said. "By the way, the construction company will start building a few houses here on the ranch soon, so everyone, try not to accidentally scare them. Especially you, Malia."

Malia frowned. "Why me?"

Melissa gave her a look. "Because you like to walk around in your giant coyote form. So please don’t shift while they’re here, at least not during the day."

Malia groaned. "That’s annoying. How long are they going to be here?"

Melissa thought for a moment. "Four or five months. They should be done by the start of your next school year."

Stiles piped up. "By the way, Melissa, how many houses are we talking about?"

Melissa counted on her fingers. "Mine and Alan’s, Chris and Victoria want one too. Peter, Derek, and your dad each want to build houses here as well. So, that makes five houses. Do you and Malia want one too?"

Stiles looked at Malia, then back at Melissa. "We’re fine living in the pack house for now. Maybe in a few years."

Derek turned to Scott. "By the way, Scott. Braeden said she wants to join our pack. What do you think?"

Scott shrugged. "If she wants to, I don’t mind giving her the Bite."

Derek nodded. "Thanks."

Lydia looked around. "Where is she anyway?"

Derek glanced at Malia. "She heard some news about the Desert Wolf and went to check it out."

Malia’s eyes narrowed. "What? Did she find that bitch?"

Derek said. "I’m not sure. She’ll tell you when she’s back in a couple of days."

Peter looked at Malia and asked. "What are you going to do to Corinne when you find her?"

Malia narrowed her eyes. "Why do you ask? Are you planning to help her?"

Peter snorted. "No. I remembered her after Scott gave me the Bite, and I remember how insane she was when you were born. I mean, I’m a bad person—but I’d never think of hurting my own daughter just to get my powers back."

Cora crossed her arms. "Yeah, you’d just kill your niece for power that didn’t even belong to you."

Peter groaned. "Come on, how many times do I have to say I lost control?"

Cora shot back. "And how many times do I have to say I don’t believe you?"

Peter said. "Cora, I was burned half to death and was in a coma for six years. I was trapped in my own body. I went crazy. So when I woke up, I wandered into the woods, drew our revenge symbol on a deer, and when Laura came to investigate, I just... lost control. I swear."

Cora snorted. "If you say so."

Peter sighed, then turned back to Malia. "Anyway, I’m not going to help Corinne. I was just curious what you’d do to her. And I can help you, if you want."

Malia shrugged. "I don’t know yet. I’ll decide when I find her. And as for your help—no thanks."

Melissa clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. "Alright, kids. Time for school. You’re going to be late."

After that, Scott and the others headed out to school, while Melissa and the adults went about their day.

Days passed peacefully. The construction crew arrived at the ranch and started building the new houses. Braeden came back and told Malia that the Desert Wolf knew Malia was alive and in Beacon Hills—so now they just had to wait for her to come.

Soon, a month passed, and the school year came to an end. Now, Scott and the others were on summer vacation. The pack had gathered at the pack house, relaxing together.

Allison looked at Melissa and asked. "So, when’s the wedding?"

Melissa smiled warmly. "In a week. But like I said, Alan and I are just having a small ceremony."

Lydia said. "Still! We need to get you a wedding dress, and dresses for us too—and maybe plan a bachelorette party."

Melissa shook her head. "No bachelorette party."

Lydia pouted. "Come on. It’s not like we’ll do anything crazy! Just a spa day and some relaxation."

Melissa laughed softly. "Okay, a spa day I can do."

Erica leaned forward. "But now you have to choose a maid of honor."

Melissa’s eyes softened. "Allison, I’ve always dreamed of having a daughter—and you’re the closest to one I could ask for. Will you be my maid of honor?"

Allison beamed. "Thank you... I’d be honored."

Lydia threw her arms up dramatically. "What! That’s not fair! You didn’t even hear my pitch!"

Melissa winked at her. "Don’t worry, Lydia. There’ll be plenty of weddings in this pack’s future. You’ll be maid of honor for one of the girls."

Stiles looked at Deaton with a grin. "How about you, Doc? Who’s gonna be your best man? It can’t be Scott—he’s giving Melissa away."

Deaton chuckled. "I don’t know. You all can decide that among yourselves."

Stiles leaned back. "So... bachelor party?"

Deaton shook his head. "No party. But we can go to a nice restaurant for dinner, I suppose."

Stiles smirked. "Sounds like a plan."

To be continued... 😊