162: No time to rest - Part 1

Jackson settled deeper into his chair, gripping his phone tightly as he tried to steer the conversation with his "brother" back on track. The other alpha's voice was calm, but Jackson could sense a slight detachment, a hint of disinterest that gnawed at him.

"You've always been the talented one," Jackson praised, hoping to spark some engagement. "Resourceful, sharp. I've always admired that about you."

"Flattery, Jackson? That's a new one," the "brother" replied, his tone amused but distant.

Jackson forced a chuckle. "Not flattery, just the truth. Look, I've got a proposition, something that could benefit both of us. I think you'll want to hear me out."

There was a pause on the line, and Jackson's anxiety spiked. The silence felt like an abyss, and he was desperate to bridge it.

"You've always been full of ideas," the "brother" finally said, but his tone carried a hint of reluctance. "What's different about this one?"