#Chapter 159: Deep in the Woods

DEREK The phone clicked as the line disconnected. I sat back in my chair, staring at nothing for a beat. That had been the fifth call this morning—same story as the others. A smiling denial, a deflection, or worse: radio silence. All tied to the Rogue Foundation permits. You’d think someone was purposely trying to stall Elena’s progress. Which wouldn’t be surprising. There were plenty of old-guard wolves who didn’t want rogue rehabilitation to succeed. But still—it made me wonder who was behind the delays. Who had something to gain. And why I was only now realizing how far out of the loop I’d fallen. I mean, I knew I wasn’t officially part of the Foundation. But if I could smooth the way for her, I’d at least feel like I wasn’t standing in it. I wasn’t sure if she’d welcome my help, so I did it on my own. Quietly. I scrubbed a hand across my face. The door opened behind me. Joe stepped in, holding a folder, but I already knew the look on his face meant it wasn’t g