Chapter 28
Alexander’s POV
Wilson had arrived. I stood, offering Summer my hand. “My lawyer’s here. Let’s meet him and then head to Evelyn’s office.”
Wilson was waiting in the lobby of Evelyn’s building–his imposing six–foot–five frame and tailored suit making him impossible to miss. He nodded respectfully as we approached.
“Alpha. Ms. Winster.”
Upstairs, Evelyn Sage greeted us with professional courtesy, though I could sense her surprise at my presence.
“Alpha Blackwood,” she said, extending her hand. “I didn’t expect you to become personally involved.”
“Summer and Felix are under my protection now,” I stated simply.
The atmosphere in the conference room was tense but focused. Evelyn sat at the head of the table, Wilson beside her. Summer and I sat across from them, a silent wall of resolve.
Evelyn opened a file. “We’ve reviewed the materials Summer provided—including the audio from her encounter with Susanna. While it’s emotionally compelling, it’s not enough to stand on its own in a Council tribunal.”
Wilson nodded. “There are no specific dates, surgical documentation, or medical consent forms mentioned in the recording. It implies intent, but the legal weight is limited.”
Summer’s hands clenched in her lap. “So we still don’t have enough to charge him?”
“Not yet,” Evelyn said. “But we’re close. The most serious legal opening is the unauthorized transplant of Felix’s eye and your kidney. If we can prove those surgeries occurred without your informed consent, we can shift the whole case.”
Before I could respond, a low growl echoed in the back of my mind.
[You saw the report. The suppressants. He poisoned her cycle for years. You should say it!]
I stiffened slightly in my seat, jaw tightening.
“Not here.” I sent the thought back firmly. “She doesn’t need that today.”
“She was already carrying too much, and this would break her all over again.”
“Later, when we were back in Blackwood, I’d send the file to Wilson. Let him verify it. Let him decide when and how to use it.”
My wolf huffed, frustrated but quiet. He knew when to push–and when to wait.
I drew in a slow breath, forcing myself to refocus on the conversation unfolding in front of us.
“But Alpha Foster knows we’re building a case,” Summer said quietly. “That’s why he’s accelerating his efforts to take Felix.”
“Then we need to accelerate ours,” I responded, turning to both lawyers. “What’s our most immediate countermove?”
Evelyn and Wilson exchanged looks.
“There is one option,” Evelyn said carefully. “A legal mating bond with another Alpha–particularly one of your standing- would supersede Foster’s claim on both Summer and Felix.”
I shifted uncomfortably, remembering Summer’s hesitation when I’d suggested this very solution last night. Her words had been gentle but firm: “I need time to think about it, Alex. This isn’t just about me–it’s about Felix too.”
“Let’s explore other avenues first,” I said firmly. “I won’t pressure Summer into a decision she’s not ready to make.”
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Chapter 28
+15 BONUS
Summer’s gaze flickered to me, surprise evident in her expression.
The lawyers exchanged another look.
“In that case,” Wilson said, “our only immediate option is for you to leverage your Council influence to expedite the restraining order, while we search for those original medical records.”
“Those records will be heavily guarded,” Evelyn cautioned. “Alpha Foster won’t have left such evidence lying around.”
“I’ll find them,” I promised. “I have connections in Sliver Creek pack territory–wolves who owe me favors.”
The meeting concluded with clear action items for everyone. Wilson and Evelyn would prepare to counter any legal maneuvers Alpha Foster might make. And I would focus on gathering the evidence we needed while ensuring Felix’s protection.
As Summer and I left the building, heading toward the car that would take us back to the helipad, I noticed her growing quieter, her brow furrowed in thought.
“Are you alright?” I asked as we pulled away from the curb.
She nodded, though her expression betrayed her anxiety. “Just processing everything. It’s a lot to take in.”
Chapter 29
