Author’s POV
Natalia paced her penthouse apartment, her slender fingers clutching her cell phone so tightly her knuckles had turned white.
The evening lights of the city sparkled beyond her floor–to–ceiling windows, but she noticed none of it. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Alexander–and that woman who had taken him from her.
“This isn’t how it was supposed to go,” she muttered to herself, taking another sip of her third glass of whiskey.
The satisfaction she’d expected to feel after orchestrating Felix’s “accident” had quickly evaporated. She had been certain that Summer would completely fall apart after losing her precious little Alpha son.
As terrible as it sounded, even to her own ears, the boy’s death should have been her opportunity.Summer should have crumbled–broken beyond repair.
What Alpha wouldn’t eventually tire of a mate drowning in endless grief?
What man would want to spend his life consoling a woman who had lost everything?
That bitch should’ve died with her son.
Alexander would have needed comfort. Support. Understanding.
Things Natalia was more than ready to provide.
But instead of the expected emotional collapse, Summer had somehow pulled herself together. Not only was she functioning, but she was now establishing some kind of foundation in her dead son’s name. The formal invitation to the charity gala sat on Natalia’s glass coffee table, mocking her with its elegant script and embossed lettering.
“The Felix Winster Foundation,” she read aloud, her voice dripping with contempt. “Dedicated to
supporting families affected by pack violence and ensuring justice for victims.”
Her wolf,Nyra growled inside her, bristling with jealousy and resentment. Summer should have been
destroyed by now, not creating legacies and hosting galas. And Alexander–her Alexander–shouldn’t still
be by that woman’s side, supporting her every move like some devoted puppy.
Natalia drained her glass, enjoying the burn of alcohol down her throat. Her mind raced through
possibilities before landing on an idea that made her lips curl into a slow, calculated smile.
If Summer wanted to make this public, to invite the entire werewolf community to celebrate her son’s memory, then perhaps she should face all aspects of her past. Including the man who had once owned her body and soul.
1/3
Natalia reached for her laptop, quickly pulling up the contact information she needed. As a well-
connected she–wolf who had bedded half the Alphas on the eastern seaboard, her network was extensive
and valuable.
Finding Alpha Foster ‘s private number took less than five minutes.
Her finger hovered over the call button, Nyra practically salivating at the chaos this would cause. Summer thought she was safe in Alexander’s territory, playing the grieving mother turned social activist. But Natalia knew better. Some wounds never healed–and Alpha Foster was Summer’s deepest wound.
“Let’s see how composed you stay when your past walks through those doors, sweetheart,” she whispered, pressing call.
Alpha Foster answered on the second ring, his voice as cold and authoritative as she remembered from their brief encounter at a Council meeting years before.
“This is Alpha Foster.”
“Alpha,” Natalia purred, her voice dropping to its most seductive register. “This is Natalia Thompson.I have some information I believe you’ll find quite… interesting. Regarding your former Luna and your son.”
There was a pause on the line, followed by the sound of a door closing.
“Go on,” he commanded, interest evident in his tone.
“Your former mate is hosting a gala for a foundation in your son’s name,“Natalia said, examining my perfect manicure. “The Felix Winster Foundation. The most powerful Alphas and Council members will be there, discussing pack violence prevention measures. Yet somehow… the boy’s father wasn’t invited.”
Alpha Foster’s growl vibrated through the phone. “Where?”
“Alexander Blackwood’s territory. The Grand Ballroom at the The Crescent Hall Hotel, three weeks from now. All the event details can be forwarded to you.” I paused strategically. “I can ensure Alexander is… distracted… during the event. Give you time to reclaim what’s yours.”
“Deal.”
After ending the call, I immediately dialed another number–a contact who specialized in obtaining hard- to–find substances within wolf circles.
“Nathan? It’s Natalia. I need something special for an upcoming event. Something that would make an Alpha… particularly receptive to an old flame. Yes, that kind exactly.” I smiled at my reflection in the window. “Price is no object.”
Natalia poured myself another drink, raising it in a mock toast to the city lights.
After ending the call, Natalia poured herself another drink, raising it in a mock toast to the city lights. U
2/3
“To reunions,” she murmured, satisfaction coursing through her veins like a drug. “May they be as explosive as possible.”
Nyra rumbled with anticipation. Summer had taken Alexander from her–had somehow managed to hold onto him even through the death of her child. Now Natalia would return the favor by bringing the monster from Summer’s past right back into her carefully constructed new life.
The following morning, Natalia hand–delivered the sealed invitation to a private courier service, adding a personal note that read simply: “A father should honor his son’s memory. Don’t let them erase you from his story.” She included the full details of the event–location, time, security arrangements–everything Foster would need to make his entrance as disruptive as possible.
As she watched the courier drive away, Natalia felt Nyra settle contentedly within her. Alexander had once told her that she was “too unstable for anything serious” between them. That he needed someone grounded” and “mature.”
Well, let’s see how grounded your precious mate remains when her worst nightmare walks into your ballroom, Alexander.
The foundation gala was still three weeks away. Plenty of time for Foster to plan his appearance for maximum impact. Plenty of time for Natalia to secure her own invitation through other channels–she wouldn’t miss this show for anything.
19
Her phone buzzed with a message from one of her regular hookups, some Beta from a neighboring pack wanting to meet tonight. Natalia declined without hesitation. She needed to keep her schedule clear.
After all, she had a wardrobe to plan. If she was going to witness Summer’s world crumbling around her, she wanted to look absolutely breathtaking for when Alexander finally realized his mistake.
Natalia smiled at her reflection in the window, already imagining herself consoling Alexander after Summer’s inevitable breakdown. She would be patient. Understanding.
Everything Summer couldn’t be once Alpha Foster stepped back into her life.
Nyra purred in anticipation.
Let the games begin.
