Beta Sean burst into my office, his face grim as he handed me the manila envelope. “This arrived by courier, Alpha. It’s from the
Council.”
I snatched the envelope, ripping it open with barely contained fury. As I scanned the documents inside, rage boiled within me.
“This is outrageous!” I slammed my fist against the polished mahogany desk, causing the crystal decanter to rattle precariously. “She can’t legally divorce me! She’s my Luna!”
“The Council ruled unanimously,” Sean said cautiously, keeping a safe distance from my desk. “And the court summons that Council Envoy Theo handed me yesterday makes it official.”
I immediately called Martin, my pack lawyer. He arrived within the hour, nervous energy radiating off him as he took a seat across from me.
“This is impossible,” I thrust the papers at him. “Fix it.”
Martin cleared his throat nervously as he reviewed the documents. “I’m afraid the Council has already reviewed Alpha Blackwood’s petition thoroughly. The ruling is binding.”
“What petition?” I demanded, my voice dropping to a dangerous growl.
Martin adjusted his glasses, clearly uncomfortable. “Alpha Blackwood has formally claimed Summer as his mate. Given the… circumstances of your marriage, and the evidence of negligence regarding her medical care while under your protection, the Council has granted his request.”
“Bullshit! She’s been my Luna for years. This mate claim is conveniently timed, don’t you think?”
“The Blackwood Pack is currently the largest in the North America territory,” Martin explained carefully. “They’ve been without a Luna for nearly a decade. The Council elders were… persuaded by his argument.”
“You mean they didn’t want to risk angering him,” I spat. “Spineless old fools.”
“There’s still the matter of her medical lawsuit,” Martin continued. “That could be problematic.”
I waved dismissively. “The hospital records have been taken care of.”
“Yes, but we need to ensure everyone involved understands the narrative. The women who received the… donations… must believe they were anonymous contributions.”
“They’ve been paid handsomely to keep their mouths shut,” I assured him.
Martin looked unconvinced. “It only takes one person to speak out, Alpha. If anyone deviates from our story-”
“They won’t,” I cut him off. “No one would dare cross me.”
After dismissing Martin, I felt the need to release some tension. I made my way to the Omega quarters where I’d relegated Susanna after Summer’s departure. Despite being the cause of Summer leaving, Susanna’s particular skills in the bedroom were still useful to me.
I found her lounging on the bed, flipping through a magazine with feigned disinterest. When she saw me enter, her expression changed to one of practiced concern.
“Alpha Foster,” she purred, setting aside her magazine. “I was just thinking about you. I tried calling Luna Summer earlier to smooth things over, but she wouldn’t even speak to me.” Her lower lip jutted out in a calculated pout. “After everything I’ve done to help make this pack a home…”
1/2
Chapter 48
+15 BONUS
I grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her head back sharply. “You think I’m a fool? You’ve done nothing but sabotage my marriage from day one.”
“No, Alpha,” she gasped, eyes wide with manufactured innocence. “I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for you and the pack. Luna Summer was never strong enough to—”
I slapped her hard across the face, the sound echoing in the small room. “Don’t you dare speak her name–you’re not even worthy of saying it.”
“Daddy, stop!” Moore’s small voice came from the doorway. The seven–year–old boy stood there, trembling as he watched me with his mother.
“Get out, boy,” I growled, not bothering to cover myself. “This doesn’t concern you.‘
Instead, Moore rushed to his mother’s side, small arms trying to shield her from me. “Leave her alone! You’re hurting her!”
With one smooth motion, I kicked him away from Susanna, sending him sprawling across the floor. “Don’t test me, boy. The only reason you’re not getting the same treatment is because you’re a child.”
Moore scrambled to his feet, tears streaming down his face but defiance in his eyes. “She’s my mom! You can’t hurt her!”
“Get out,” I ordered him. “Now.”
When he hesitated, I took a menacing step forward. That was enough to send him scurrying from the room.
Turning back to Susanna, I fixed her with a cold stare. “The next time you feel like interfering in my affairs, remember this moment. Remember that your position here is entirely dependent on my goodwill.”
“Yes, Alpha, I understand. I won’t overstep again.”
Despite her reddened cheek, Susanna’s demeanor shifted instantly. Her eyes lowered submissively as she reached for my belt with practiced fingers.
“Let me make it up to you, Alpha,” she whispered, her voice a seductive caress. “I know exactly what you need after a stressful day.”
I didn’t stop her as she unbuckled my belt, her movements deliberately slow and teasing. Even as I despised her manipulations, I couldn’t deny that she knew how to please me physically.
