Chapter 32
Nathan’s POV
“Even if she’s just a breeder, I don’t share my property,” I said, my voice cold as winter frost. “I’d rather see her disappear than have her share a bed with another Alpha.”
The words left my mouth before I could analyze them. But something primal stirred inside me at Raymond’s suggestion.
My wolf was snarling, ready to tear apart anyone who dared touch what was mine.
Rachel’s eyes widened, and I caught a flicker of fear cross her face. Was she worried I’d actually dispose of her? The thought shouldn’t have bothered me, but it did.
Raymond’s light chuckle broke the tension. “Completely understandable… every Alpha has his territorial instincts.”
A low vibration interrupted us. I pulled my phone from my pocket, grateful for the distraction. “This is Nathan,” I answered, keeping my expression neutral as I listened to the caller.
Both Raymond and Tyler watched me with undisguised curiosity. Even Rachel seemed to be holding her breath.
“Yes, I’ll be there,” I finally replied before ending the call.
I looked up at Raymond. “King Jason is summoning all of us to Emerald City, including you. We need to arrive there within two
days.”
Raymond nodded, seeming pleased with this development. “That works perfectly for me. Shall we proceed with other matters and let this young lady enjoy her peace?”
I gave a curt nod. “Fine.” I turned toward the exit, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the room.
“However,” Raymond added, his voice slick as oil, “I do insist that the young lady join us for dinner tonight. It would be a shame to leave such a beautiful woman with Alpha bloodlines all alone without company.”
I couldn’t help the way my fists clenched at my sides. My eyes flashed gold momentarily–a reaction I couldn’t control.
As I brushed past Rachel, I coldly replied, “It would be her honor.”
I didn’t look at her face. I couldn’t. Something about her vulnerability made my chest tighten in a way I refused to acknowledge.
Back in my office, I poured myself a glass of whiskey, trying not to overreact to the situation. Raymond was pushing my patience to its limits.
I wasn’t happy about any of this–especially that ambitious woman Madison, who was strutting around like she was already the Luna of Ironjaw. A scoff escaped my throat as I recalled her behavior over the past few days.
More than once, she’d tried to maneuver closer to me through political means… and last night, when I’d left the full moon celebration after enduring her advances beyond what I could tolerate I’d ended up at Rachel’s room.
The memory of Rachel standing by the window wrapped in a blanket flooded my mind. I had to admit she was beautiful.
I knew she would bear strong cubs with Alpha bloodlines–I’d known it the moment I laid eyes on her.
Her scent still lingered on my coat from last night–that pleasing aroma that somehow soothed me.
1/3
Chapter 32
At least Rachel knew her place and understood what a breeder should and shouldn’t do, unlike these political climbers.
“Alpha…” Tyler’s voice drifted it from my half–open office door.
I frowned, gesturing for him to enter.
“Alpha, I apologize for what happened earlier… I never expected Mad son to go to the Luna Suite. Honestly, I don’t even know what prompted her to check Rachel’s room.”
“Enough, I cut him off, grabbing the whiskey bottle from the shelf and pouring myself another glass. “Do what needs to be done,
but don’t overreact about a breeder.”
Tyler looked at me in surprise. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I thought you were quite upset about Rachel’s situation… I’ll rearrange her security regardless.”
“It’s not about Rachel,” I clarified, irritation evident in my tone. “They’ve overstepped multiple times. If I didn’t have to consider political alliances, I’d let them feel the fury of Ironjaw. Unfortunately, we both know that’s not possible.”
My eyes flickered with dangerous gold as I downed my drink and refilled it, walking toward my desk.
“We have a bigger problem,” I sighed, looking at the border reports in front of me. “It seems the western territory outposts were attacked last night. War is getting closer, and now many of the eastern territory packs are nervous about the situation. Our allies are beginning to have doubts.”
“Alpha, how do you wish to proceed?” Tyler asked, remaining quiet as he awaited orders.
“We leave tomorrow morning. You’re coming with me. Call Mia back from border patrol. He can stay with the warriors and guard the castle while we’re gone. I need him back tonight.”
I needed Tyler with me. Something about the situation didn’t seem right, and only Tyler could stop me from unleashing hell on
those who provoked me.
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Also, bring your sister and Rachel.”
Tyler stared at me in confusion, as if he wanted to ask a question but didn’t want to offend me.
“Speak up, Tyler. What is it?”
“Are you sure you really want to bring her to Emerald City?”
I considered this. For some reason, the thought of Rachel remaining here without me didn’t sit well.
What she meant to me, I refused to examine closely, but the memory of her soft, flawless skin, the curves of her body, and how she responded to my touch lingered.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. She was just my breeder, not my-
The conversation was making me increasingly agitated.,
“For the love of the Moon Goddess, Tyler, but what?!” I growled, tired of the conversation.
Tyler said, “Gina is back.”
2/3
Chapter 32
“My sister Gina is back?! Why am I only hearing about this now?!”
I could almost feel my blood pressure rising as I spoke.
“Don’t tell me she returned from abroad days ago, and you chose when to inform me?”
“Well, collecting, organizing, and prioritizing information is my most important… what really needs your attention…” Tyler was clearly doing his best to sidestep my question.
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, shut up.”
Honestly, if I were Tyler, I wouldn’t have wanted to bring it up either Tyler knew I wasn’t really angry with him.
He relaxed slightly. “So… for Rachel, what’s the plan?”
Since Raymond’s ambitious daughter and others already knew of Rachel’s existence, there was no point in hiding her anymore.
“Bring her. Victoria will be there to help. Also, have Emma come see me tonight.”
“Understood, Tyler replied with a nod.
I found myself wanting to return to Rachel, though I was reluctant to admit that her presence seemed to bring me a strange sense
of calm.
Chapter Comments
POST COMMENT NOW
LIKE
