Summer’s POV
I was desperately searching the crowd for any sign of Alexander when a petite Omega server with dark hair stepped into my path, her gaze flickering with nervous urgency.
“Luna Summer?” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “I need to speak with you. It’s about Alpha
Alexander.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What about him? Is he okay?”
“Not here,” she murmured, nodding toward a quieter corner. “Please.”
I followed her to a small alcove away from prying eyes and ears. “What’s going on?”
“I know where your mate is,” she said, wringing her hands. “But I need something in return.”
A flicker of anger sparked in my chest.
Using Alexander as a bargaining chip? That was a dangerous game.
But I kept my expression composed, my voice level. “What do you want?”
“My son, Tommy,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “He has a rare blood disorder. The treatments are so expensive, and I can’t… I work two jobs but it’s not enough.” She took a shaky breath. “I heard about your foundation, the one for your boy. I was hoping-”
“The Felix Foundation will help your son,” I interrupted, urgency replacing any hesitation. “Now please, tell me about Alexander.”
Relief washed over her face. “Thank you, Luna. I… I saw him being led away by another server. A she- wolf. He looked… strange. Unsteady. Not drunk, but something wasn’t right.”
Ice filled my veins. “When? Where did they go?”
“About fifteen minutes ago. I wouldn’t normally follow, but I know those looks some Omegas get when they think they can seduce an Alpha. The other wolves think I’m invisible because I’m just a server, so I followed them. They went to the private guest rooms in the east wing. Room 312.”
“You’re certain?”
She nodded firmly. “I saw the blonde dismiss the other server and lock herself in with him. That’s when I came to find you.”
Blonde. Natalia. Rage surged through me, hot and primal.
“Thank you,” I said, already pulling out my phone. “Come to the foundation offices tomorrow. Bring your
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son’s medical records. We’ll take care of everything.”
“Thank you, Luna,” she whispered, eyes shining with gratitude.
I was already dialing Ethan as I strode toward the east wing.
“Luna?” he answered immediately.
“Alexander’s in trouble. Room 312, east wing. Bring backup.” I didn’t wait for his response before ending
the call.
My heels clicked rapidly against the marble floors as I raced through the corridors, my heart pounding in my ears. If Natalia had done something to hurt Alexander…
The east wing was eerily quiet compared to the bustling gala. Room 312 loomed at the end of the hallway, and as I approached, I heard voices.
“What’s so special about her?” Natalia’s voice was shrill with anger. “She’s damaged goods! She couldn’t even keep her first mate satisfied!”
Without hesitation, I kicked the door open with strength I didn’t know I possessed. The solid wood splintered around the lock as it crashed against the wall.
The scene before me made my blood boil. Alexander was standing, but clearly struggling to remain upright. His pupils were dilated, sweat beading on his forehead, and the scent of blood – his blood – filled the air. Natalia was pressed against him, her hands all over my mate’s body.
“Get away from my mate, you fucking bitch.” Each word was a deadly promise as I advanced into the
room.
Natalia spun around, her expression shifting from shock to a smug smile. “Look who finally showed up. Your Alpha needed a real woman, honey. He’s been drugged into a rut, and we both know you can’t satisfy him like I can.”
Alexander’s eyes locked with mine, filled with both relief and something primal. “Summer,” he growled, his voice rough with strain.
“He’s mine,” I snarled. “Touch him again and I’ll rip your throat out.”
Before Natalia could respond,Ethan burst into the room with two warriors. “Take her,” he ordered, and they grabbed Natalia by the arms.
“You can’t do this! Let go of me!” she shrieked as they dragged her toward the door.
“Lock her somewhere secure,” I commanded. “I want to know exactly what she gave him.”
Once they’d removed the screaming woman, I rushed to Alexander’s side. His skin burned under my touch, and his breathing was labored.
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“Alexander? What did she give you?”
“Rut drug,” he managed through gritted teeth. “Strong. Fighting it.”
I could see the puncture wounds on his thigh–small, brutal crescents where he’d dug his claws in, desperate to stay lucid. They were still bleeding.
My heart clenched. Goddess, he must have been in agony.
Yet even through the haze of the drug, he had fought for control. For me.
I was torn between heartbreak and fierce pride.
“You stubborn, stupid Alpha,” I whispered, brushing the sweaty hair from his forehead.
“You held on.”
His eyes fluttered open, barely focused, but they found me. Anchored to me.
“I’m here now,” I murmured, cupping his face with both hands. “I’m here–and you’re safe.”
His hands gripped my waist, pulling me against him with barely controlled strength. “Summer,” he groaned, burying his face in my neck and inhaling deeply. “You need to leave, Summer. I can’t… control this much longer.”
I felt his hardness pressing against me, understanding now what Natalia had planned. She’d drugged him, hoping to force him into a state where he’d take any available female. The thought made bile rise in my throat.
Instead of retreating, I moved closer, cupping his face in my hands. His skin burned against my palms. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You don’t understand,” he growled, turning his face away. “This isn’t natural. The drug… it makes everything more intense, more aggressive.”
I turned his face back to mine. “I’m your mate, Alexander. Do you think I can’t handle you? After everything I’ve survived?”
His pupils dilated further as his nostrils flared, taking in my scent. I knew what he needed, and I wasn’t
afraid.
I locked the broken door as best I could, then returned to him, sliding onto his lap. His hands immediately gripped my hips with bruising force.
“Summer,” he warned, voice guttural. “If we start this, I won’t be gentle. I can’t be.”
I leaned forward, my lips brushing his ear. “Then don’t be gentle. Show me who I belong to.”
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