Chapter 1460: Terms of the Howlers

Kai had been conducting his own research on Don Tinge for some time now, and the deeper he dug, the more intriguing details he uncovered. Don Tinge wasn’t just a fighter or a man who had stumbled into a position of power, he already held a high-ranking role within the police force long before he ever became part of the White Rose.

Even more surprising, Don had been one of the very individuals who had personally suggested to the government the formation of the White Rose in the first place. It was his influence, his reputation, and his relentless push that convinced them to take the idea seriously. He had even been the one to secure the funding needed to acquire the Altered serum, the very thing that allowed him to become chief of his particular branch.

The truth was, a great deal of the White Rose’s reach and authority could be traced back to Don Tinge himself. Yet this was not public knowledge. In fact, most people had no idea about the behind-the-scenes politics, and for good reason. Across many government districts and territories around the globe, the White Rose and the local police forces did not always see eye to eye.

The relationship was, more often than not, strained.

Many police officers felt the White Rose was constantly handed glory it didn’t deserve, stepping into cases the police themselves had worked tirelessly on, only to take the public credit. Worse, the constant media attention surrounding the White Rose often overshadowed the day-to-day duties of the police, making their work seem smaller, less essential in the public’s eyes.

There was resentment when certain cases, especially the more complex or high-profile ones, were reassigned to the White Rose. Entire police departments, from rookies to seasoned detectives, had undergone specialized training to deal with unique and dangerous situations. They prided themselves on that skill.

By contrast, many in the police viewed the White Rose as little more than blunt-force weapons, fighters who lacked subtlety or investigative skill, rushing in to solve problems by using raw power. They were, to many officers, brutes who relied too heavily on their Altered abilities to resolve situations, without the precision or nuance of proper detective work.

Which was exactly why, when Kai had uncovered the truth about Don Tinge’s role in creating the organization, it had come as a genuine shock. A man of the police, building something like the White Rose? At first glance, it made no sense.

But the more Kai looked into the man, the more the pieces started to fit together. There was always a reason behind every move Don made, and Kai had managed to confirm a great deal about both his history and his current situation.

Now, the two men stood side by side on the riverfront, the muted grey of the water rippling under the overcast sky. Kai leaned against the railing, close enough to glance at Don without fully turning toward him. Marie moved up alongside them, her eyes quietly shifting between the two men.

“I’m assuming you came to talk to me because you want the White Rose to help your group with another incident,” Don said after a moment, his voice calm but carrying weight. “But you should know... I no longer have the authority to command the White Rose. To them, I’m just another man now. I’m no longer their leader, and because of that, I doubt they’d listen to me.”

“The whole organization? Maybe not,” Kai replied, his tone even. “But I know there are people within it who would still listen to you.”

He paused briefly, letting the sound of the flowing river fill the air before continuing. “Organizations, gangs, even governments, they’re not so different at their core. And I know the current state of Centre Field.

“It might look peaceful today, but you’ve been enduring repeated attacks. The gangs out there have a grudge against you. And with the White Rose no longer here in force, they see this place as vulnerable.”

Kai’s gaze sharpened. “Centre Field is known for housing government officials and their extended families, as well as high-ranking executives. But there’s another group people often overlook, the families of the White Rose members. They live here too. They’re just as much of a target as anyone else.”

He let the words sink in before adding, “I’ve heard that not just you, but a small group of others, have been personally protecting them, fighting off gangs whenever they show up at the city’s borders.”

Kai’s voice lowered, deliberate. “Here’s my proposition. We claim Centre Field as one of the Howlers’ territories. The name of a King will be enough to deter most gangs. And if it isn’t... then we fight. We protect your people.”

Don didn’t respond right away. His silence was not dismissive, but thoughtful, measured. The river’s steady current was the only sound between them for a moment.

“You think my name isn’t enough of a deterrent?” Don finally said, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. “What makes you believe the Howlers’ name will succeed where mine doesn’t?”

Kai slowly lifted two fingers. “Because the White Rose is fighting on two fronts.

“First, yes, you can win battles with the volunteers you have. But you’re spread too thin. You don’t have enough to keep everyone from being hurt.

“Second, there’s a force in this country... no, in the entire world... that managed to dismantle the White Rose overnight. A force like a virus, spreading through the city, doing whatever it wants. And right now, we might be the only group large enough, and willing, to take them on.”

Kai’s tone hardened. “You created the White Rose to protect people. Whoever’s behind this doesn’t share that goal.

“And since I said two reasons, let’s make it three. I’m guessing you’ve always wanted to see how your power stacks up against a King. In your position, you could never do that. Well... here’s your chance. Fight. Protect people. And prove yourself.”

Kai had given him everything, facts, strategy, logic, even personal challenge,

hoping to convince Don Tinge. The only reason for refusal now would be if Don didn’t believe the Howlers’ strength was truly their own.

But by now, Don had surely seen the good they had done.

“I’ll see who I can convince on my end,” Don said at last. “If you’re going up against one of the Kings, you’re going to need a lot of power. But I may only be able to bring a few to your side.”

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