Summer’s POV
The drive back to Alexander’s packhouse was filled with tense silence. My mind was consumed with images of Felix–scared, alone, wondering why his mother hadn’t come for him. My baby, my precious child who had already suffered too much in his short life. I couldn’t bear to think what Alpha Foster might be telling him, what lies he might be poisoning our son with.
Alexander’s hand found mine across the console, his thumb tracing soothing circles against my skin. The gesture would normally calm me, but right now, nothing could quiet the storm raging inside me.
“We’ll get him back,” Alexander promised for what felt like the hundredth time. “I’ve already called in every favor I have. The Council is being notified, and I have scouts tracking Alpha Foster’s movements.”
I nodded mechanically, but deep down, I knew what had to be done. There was only one guaranteed way to ensure Felix’s safety, and Alexander wasn’t going to like it.
The moment we stepped inside, Alexander’s Beta, Ethan, approached with a folder in his hands. “Alpha, we’ve compiled all the information we have so far on Alpha Foster’s movements. The hospital security footage shows-”
“Later,” Alexander cut him off with a curt gesture. “I need to speak with Summer alone first.”
Ethan nodded respectfully and retreated, though I could see the concern in his eyes. Alexander guided me to his office, closing the door firmly behind us.
“Sit,” he said, gesturing to the leather sofa against the wall.
“I’m going,” I stated at the exact same moment, my voice surprisingly steady.
Alexander’s brow furrowed. “Going where?” he asked, though the darkening of his eyes told me he already knew.
“To Silver Creek pack,” I confirmed, lifting my chin slightly. “It’s the only way to guarantee Felix’s safety.”
“That is absolutely not happening, Summer.” His voice was like granite–unyielding and cold.
““So you’re planning to leave me here while you handle everything on your own?” I crossed my arms over my chest, challenging him.“Let me guess you’re about to tell me I need to trust you. That you’ll bring Felix back. That you have a plan.But what you don’t seem to understand, Alexander, is that he’s my son.”
A heavy silence settled between us, broken only by the ticking of the antique clock on his desk.
“You’re right,” he finally admitted, surprising me. “I am going to bring Felix back. But I need you to stay
here where it’s safe.”
I laughed, the sound bitter and hollow. “Safe? While my child is with that monster? Do you have any idea
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Chapter 73
+15 BONUS
what Alpha Foster is capable of?”
“Better than you think,” Alexander replied grimly. “Which is exactly why you can’t go near him.”
“I don’t have a choice!” I exclaimed, my composure finally cracking. “Alpha Foster said midnight tomorrow. If I don’t show up-”
“If you show up,” Alexander interrupted, his voice dropping dangerously low, “he wins.”
He closed the distance between us in two powerful strides, grasping my shoulders gently but firmly.” Summer, listen to me. Going to Alpha Foster is exactly what he wants. The moment you step onto Silver Creek territory alone, you lose all leverage. He’ll have both you and Felix.”
My hands curled into fists at my sides. “But what can I do? Felix is in his hands right now.”
Alexander’s expression softened slightly. “I have resources Alpha Foster can’t even imagine,” he said, his thumb gently stroking my face. “Council connections. Alliances with neighboring packs. Intelligence networks that can find anyone, anywhere.” He ran his free hand through his hair, “Summer, please. Give me twenty–four hours. Let me try to locate him first.”
“And what if that’s not enough?” I demanded, tears threatening to spill. “What if your resources and connections fail? I can’t take that chance with Felix’s life!”
“I will not let you sacrifice yourself!” Alexander’s voice rose to a near roar, his Alpha power filling the room like a physical force. The windows seemed to vibrate with it. “There is always another way!”
“No!” I whispered, tears finally spilling over. “You don’t understand what it’s like to be a mother. To know your child is suffering and be unable to help them. I would walk through fire for Felix. I would die for him.
“And I would rather die than lose either of you,” Alexander replied, his voice thick with emotion. “Which is why I can’t let you sacrifice yourself,”
I pulled away from his grasp, anger flaring hot in my veins. “It’s not your decision to make!”
“The hell it isn’t!” he roared suddenly, his eyes flashing gold as Orion pushed forward. The Alpha dominance rolling off him was almost suffocating. “You are my mate, Summer! Felix is under my protection! I will not allow you to walk into a trap!”
“Allow me?” I repeated incredulously, finding strength in my outrage. “I don’t need your permission, Alexander. I am Felix’s mother. His fate is my responsibility.”
“And if you get yourself captured or killed, how does that help him?” Alexander demanded, his chest heaving with barely contained emotion.
We glared at each other across the room, neither willing to back down. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it, but I refused to yield.
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