Chapter 39
[We should have taken her right there,] my wolf growled. [Claimed her thoroughly despite Alpha Foster’s call.]
“She’s been through enough,” I countered. “The last thing I want is for her to feel pressured or used the way Foster made her feel for years.”
[She’s ours,] my wolf insisted. [She wants us as much as we want her.]
“And she’ll be ours properly,” I promised. “But on her terms, not because we couldn’t control ourselves.”
My wolf reluctantly backed down, though I could still feel his frustration mirroring my own.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the mindlink that connected me to my Beta. ‘Ethan, my office. Now.‘
Less than five minutes later, there was a brisk knock at my door before Ethan strode in. My Beta was efficient as always, a trait I valued almost as much as his loyalty.
“Well, well,” Ethan smirked, his nostrils flaring slightly as he entered. “Someone’s been busy. Your little she–wolf’s scent is all over you. Did you finally fuck her senseless like you’ve been fantasizing about for years?”
I shot him a murderous glare. “Watch your fucking mouth. That’s my mate you’re talking about.”
Ethan raised his hands in mock surrender, but the shit–eating grin remained. “Just saying what everyone’s thinking. You’ve been walking around with a hard–on since she arrived. It’s painful to watch.”
I ignored his insinuation, leaning forward in my chair. “What’s the status of my petition to the Council?”
“They’ve acknowledged receipt of your mate claim,” Ethan reported, his expression turning more serious. “They’re reviewing the circumstances, given Summer’s… unique situation. The fact that she was previously mated complicates things, even though Foster’s treatment constitutes grounds for dissolution.”
I growled low in my throat. “They’re taking too fucking long. Every day that passes is another day Foster could try to reclaim them.”
“I understand your frustration,” Ethan said cautiously, “but alienating the Council won’t help your case. They’re bound by their
own laws.”
He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know, which only added to my irritation. “I want this formalized as quickly as possible. We’ll be hosting a welcome celebration this weekend,” I told him. “Make sure every member of the pack attends.”
Ethan’s eyes widened slightly. “You’re going to present her as your mate before the Council’s ruling?”
“I’m going to make it fucking clear to everyone that Summer and Felix are under my protection,” I corrected him, my voice dropping to a dangerous register. “The Council can take all the time they need with their paperwork, but I won’t hide my intentions.”
A slow grin spread across Ethan’s face. “I’ll make it happen. It’ll be the biggest event Blackwood has seen in years.”
“Good.” I leaned forward, my expression darkening. “Now tell me what your sources have learned about Alpha Foster’s movements.”
Ethan’s posture shifted subtly, his body language broadcasting caution. “He’s been quiet–too quiet. No public appearances, no pack gatherings. His Beta has been handling day–to–day operations.”
“He’s planning something,” I muttered, the knowledge settling like lead in my gut.
“Most likely,” Ethan agreed. “But we’ve increased border patrols, and I have eyes in three neighboring territories. If he makes a move toward Blackwood, we’ll know,”
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Chapter 39
+15 BONUS
“Double the patrols,” I ordered, rising from my chair to stare out the window at my territory–at everything I’d built and everything I stood to lose if Foster succeeded in taking Summer and Felix from me.
“Consider it done,” Ethan said, standing to leave.
“And Ethan?” I turned back to face my Beta. “Make sure this weekend’s celebration is unforgettable. I want every unmated female in the pack to understand that Summer is off–limits. Mine.”
“Got it. No alpha bitches in heat sniffing around your woman,” he said with a smirk. “Though some might need more convincing than others.”
After Ethan left, I remained at the window, watching as the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the mountains.
Soon, I promised myself. Summer would understand that she had always belonged here–with me, with my pack. And I would do whatever it took to ensure she never left again.
