Summer’s POV
The hospital corridor felt eerily quiet as I made my way to Felix’s room. My mind was still spinning from yesterday’s confrontation with Alpha Foster… and Alexander’s unexpected proposal. With every step, the weight of my choices pressed heavier on my shoulders.
I paused outside Felix’s door, inhaling deeply. He didn’t need to see my anxiety–not again. He was already shouldering more than any five–year–old ever should.
“Mommy!” Felix’s face lit up when I entered, his one remaining eye sparkling. He looked so small, dwarfed by the oversized hospital bed. My heart ached.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I murmured, bending to kiss his forehead. His scent–warm oatmeal and wildflower honey–wrapped around me like a blanket, briefly grounding me. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better,” he said, though the shadows under his eyes betrayed him. “The doctor said I might get to go home soon.”
“That’s wonderful news,” I said, forcing a smile as I smoothed the tangles from his dark hair.
He studied me with a seriousness far beyond his years. “You look worried, Mommy.”
“Just tired, baby.”
His gaze dropped. “Dad came by yesterday.”
I froze. “What?”
“After you left,” he said, voice flat. “He brought me a new video game.”
I turned to the side table. The gift sat unopened. A chill crept down my spine. “Did he… say anything?”
Felix nodded. “He said we’d be a family again soon. He said you’re just confused right now.”
My pulse spiked. “And what did you say?”
“I told him I liked it here. With you. And with Alpha Alexander.”
Pride swelled in my chest. My brave little wolf. “What did he say to that?”
Felix hesitated. “He got that look. The one before he gets mad. Dad said he’s going to fix things,” Felix added, almost too quietly to hear. “He doesn’t like to lose,”
Then he looked up at me, eyes wide with fear, his voice trembling. “Are we going back to that place again, Mommy? I don’t want to go back.“D
I swallowed hard. My voice came out low but steady. “No, baby. Mommy won’t let you go back there. I promise.”
We spent the next hour reading, picture books and talking about the squirrels he spotted outside. I avoided further mention of Alpha Foster. Eventually, Felix’s laughter returned–soft, tired, but real.
When it was time to leave, I kissed him again and stood.
“Momuny…” he said as I reached the door.
I turned, surprised by the gravity in his voice
He hesitated, then added penily, “We’re not going back, right?”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yes, sweetheart.”
Chapter 25
Felix whispered. “Please don’t let him win.”
Another sharp ache pierced my chest.
“I won’t,” I said. “Don’t you worry about any of that. You just focus on getting better.”
+15 BONUS
I managed to hold my composure until I reached my car. Once inside, I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white, fury and fear battling for dominance in my chest.
Foster had visited our son after I’d explicitly told him to stay away. A clear message: he would do whatever he wanted, regardless of my boundaries.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Evelyn’s number. The call went to voicemail.
“Evelyn, it’s Summer. I need to meet with you today. It’s urgent.” I ended the call and started the car.
Four hours later, I walked into the offices, downtown Seattle. The receptionist recognized me instantly.
“Ms. Winster, Ms. Sage is expecting you. Go right in.”
Evelyn Sage was exactly as I remembered–polished, poised, and razor–sharp in her tailored navy suit. She gestured for me to sit. “You sounded concerned on the phone.”
I sank into the chair across from her. “Foster visited Felix yesterday. How can I stop him from continuing these visits? This is causing Felix significant emotional harm.”
Evelyn’s pen froze mid–note. “But that’s against the arrangement. He’s still Felix’s father.”
“So I can’t do anything?” My frustration leaked into my voice.
Evelyn tapped her pen against the desk. “The documentation you provided is strong–especially the medical records. They clearly show that Felix’s injury wasn’t an accident. It was deliberate. I have the petition for emergency custody ready. If the Council agrees, Alpha Foster will be prevented from visiting Felix.”
I sighed with relief. “What about the divorce proceedings? I want them finalized as soon as possible.”
Evelyn paused, then looked me straight in the eye. “That’s more complicated. The Council still treats mate bonds as sacred, even in legal proceedings.”
“The evidence I gave you–his threats, the abuse, Felix’s injury–isn’t it enough?”
“Alpha Foster has submitted evidence to the Council claiming that your wolf is compromised,” Evelyn continued, her tone grim. “He’s using that to paint you unfit for custody and unfit to pursue a divorce. And unfortunately, the Council moves slowly, especially when it involves high–ranking pack members.”
2/2
