Summer’s POV
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After our shopping excursion, Lyra and I wandered through the market plaza, enjoying the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the bustling boutiques and cafés. What surprised me most wasn’t the luxury surrounding us, but Alexander’s persistent presence just steps behind, carrying our shopping bags with casual strength.
“Is your brother always this… attentive?” I whispered to Lyra, feeling Alexander’s eyes burning into my back.
Lyra smirked. “Never. He usually sends security to trail me while he handles ‘important Alpha business.‘ This is definitely new territory.”
I couldn’t help noticing how people parted like the Red Sea as we walked. Women paused mid–conversation, openly staring at Alexander with hungry eyes before shifting their curious gazes to me. Men straightened their postures, offering respectful nods that reeked of submission.
“They’re wondering who you are,” Lyra murmured, catching my observation. “An Alpha rarely shows himself in public spaces like this, especially not following a woman around like a lovesick puppy.”
“I can hear you,” Alexander growled from behind us, though there was no real anger in his tone.
I glanced back at him. His eyes were fixed on me, dark and possessive. Each time our gazes met, heat pooled low in my belly, reminding me of his words in the fitting room.
“We need to get something for Felix too,” I said, trying to distract myself. “He’ll need a suit for the weekend.”
Alex immediately nodded. “Lead the way.”
In the boys‘ formal wear shop, I carefully selected a navy suit that would complement Felix’s coloring. When I checked the price tag, I hesitated.
“This one’s perfect,” Alex said, taking it from my hands before I could put it back. “He’ll look sharp.”
“It’s expensive,” I protested weakly.
Alex’s eyes darkened. “My son deserves nice things too. Get whatever he needs.”
The intimate way he referred to Felix as “my son” left me breathless. My God, was this the same Alpha I’d known?
By the time we’d finished shopping, Alex was laden with bags while I tried not to think about the obscene amount of money he’d spent. Without warning, he handed the bags to one of his security detail who had discreetly followed us. Then reached out and took my hand.
“You look tired,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We’re going home.”
“I’m fine,” I insisted, even as I suppressed a yawn. “We haven’t even had lunch yet.”
“I can make her something at home,” Alex said to Lyra, completely ignoring my protest.
Lyra shot me an amused look. “I still have a few things to pick up. You two go ahead.”
Before I could object further, Alex had his arm around my waist, guiding me toward the exit. “My car is closest,”
“You’re being ridiculous,” I muttered as we walked. “I’m perfectly capable of shopping all day.”
“I know you’re capable,” he replied, his lips brushing against my ear. “But I’ve been watching you parade around in that tight little dress for hours, and my control is fucking slipping. Unless you want me to bend you over in a public changing room, we’re going home.”
112
Chapter 44
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My cheeks burned at his crude words, but I couldn’t deny the thrill they sent through me. The drive back to the packhouse was charged with tension, Alex’s hand resting possessively on my thigh the entire way.
As we pulled into the circular driveway, my stomach dropped. The grand entrance hall was visible through the open doors, and it was filled with flowers–dozens upon dozens of elaborate arrangements in dramatic whites and purples.
“What the hell?” Alexander muttered, parking haphazardly and stalking toward the entrance.
We followed close behind, the sweet perfume of lilies and roses hitting us as we entered. A small card was attached to the nearest arrangement. My heart sank as I recognized the crest stamped on the envelope.
“Foster,” Alexander spat the name like poison as he snatched the card. His eyes darkened dangerously as he read it, before crushing it in his fist.
From across the hall, Beta Sean appeared, his face tight with barely contained hostility. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Alex holding my hand.
“Alpha Foster sends these with his apologies to Luna Summer,” Sean announced formally, though his expression was anything but respectful. “He wishes to express his regret for any misunderstandings.”
“Ex–Luna,” Alex corrected coldly. “And she doesn’t accept.”
Sean’s eyes flashed with challenge. “I believe that’s for her to decide, not you, Alpha Blackwood.”
In an instant, Alex released my hand. Before I could blink, he had Sean pinned against the wall, hand around his throat.
“You dare challenge me in my own territory?” Alex snarled, his voice dropping to that dangerous Alpha timbre that made my knees weak. “You forget your place, Beta.”
Sean struggled against Alex’s grip, his face turning red. “The Luna belongs with her rightful Alpha,” he choked out.
“She is MINE,” Alexander roared, his eyes flashing crimson. The display of power was so intense that the very air seemed to compress around us. “Choose your next words very carefully, or I will rip out your fucking throat with my teeth.”
The raw power emanating from Alex was palpable. Despite Sean being Foster’s second–in–command, he was clearly no match for Alex’s strength.
“Ethan,” Alex called, not taking his eyes off Sean.
His Beta appeared immediately. “Yes, Alpha?”
“Escort this piece of shit off my territory. If he or any of Foster’s lackeys step foot here again without my explicit permission, consider it an act of war.”
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