Aksher surged forward, suddenly attentive. “Why would you help me? What’s your connection to this?”
“Let’s just say Alexander Blackwood and I have… history.” Her expression darkened. “He discarded me when I was no longer useful.I want what you want–to see him suffer. And you want your family back. Our interests align perfectly.”
“Prove you know something useful,” I challenged, unwilling to be played again.
Natalia’s smile widened. “The sedative that was used on your son’s hospital guard–Suzanna gave it to you, didn’t she? But where do you think she got it?”
My eyes narrowed. “You?”
“Pharmaceutical–grade. Untraceable in standard tox screens. I gave it to her through our mutual contact.” She leaned in slightly, lips curling in a satisfied smile.
“And I was there that day. I intercepted Summer on her way to the hospital. Kept her talking, distracted her long enough for your men to get Felix out.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What do you propose?”
“Direct confrontation won’t work. Alexander’s too powerful, his security too tight.” Her eyes glittered with
something dangerous. “But I’ve been watching them. Learning their patterns.”
“And?” I prompted when she paused.
“They’re at Disney World today.” She pulled out her phone, showing me a photo that made my blood boil- Summer walking beside Alexander, who was pushing my son’s wheelchair. They were laughing. Felix was wearing Mickey Mouse ears.
“How did you—”
“Alexander thinks he’s untouchable,” she cut in. “But everyone has blind spots. His is thinking no one
would dare approach them in such a public place.”
I stared at the photo, my fists clenching. Felix looked happy–happier than I’d seen him in months. And Summer… the way she looked at Alexander made something dark twist inside me.
“What’s your plan?” I asked, unable to tear my eyes from the image.
“They’ll be leaving soon. The park closes at nine, and Felix’s condition means they won’t stay until the very end.” Natalia checked her watch. “If you leave now, you can be at the main exit when they come out.”
“And then what?”
“That depends on you, Alpha.” Her eyes met mine. “How badly do you want your family back?”
1/2
I hesitated only briefly before standing.
“Sean!” I called. “Prepare the car. We’re going to Disney World.”
“One request, Alpha Foster. When you confront them… don’t mention me. Not yet. My usefulness depends on Alexander not knowing I’m involved. “As I turned away, Natalia stepped forward, brushing invisible lint from the shoulder of my jacket with a practiced, almost affectionate gesture.
“Go show them who you are,” she said softly. Her fingers lingered for half a second too long near my collar. I barely noticed.
I nodded curtly, already planning what I would say, what I would do. Summer had humiliated me,
betrayed me, turned my son against me. But I would reclaim what was mine.
The drive to Disney World passed in tense silence. Sean kept glancing at me from the driver’s seat, clearly concerned about my stability but knowing better than to question me directly.
“What will you do if Alexander refuses to let them go?” he finally asked as we approached the Disney World complex.
“He won’t have a choice,” I growled, Aksher stirring at the thought of confrontation. “Summer is my wife. Felix is my son. Alexander has kidnapped them both.”
Sean wisely remained silent after that.
The sun was setting as we positioned ourselves near the main exit. Families streamed past, tired children clutching souvenirs, parents looking equally exhausted but content.
There they were. Felix in a wheelchair pushed by Alexander, Summer walking beside them, her hand occasionally brushing Alexander’s arm in a casual intimacy that made my vision blur red. My son was chattering excitedly, gesturing with his hands, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
Then Alexander tensed. His head snapped up, eyes locking with mine across the distance. I saw his posture shift instantly into protective mode, one arm moving to pull Summer behind him.
I stood my ground, letting them come to me, savoring the moment when Summer finally spotted me. The color drained from her face as recognition hit, and the fear that flashed in her eyes was deeply satisfying. She thought she could escape me? Run from her responsibilities? Take my son?
No one escapes an Alpha. Especially not mine.
