Tyler’s POV
I paced the castle hallway, struggling to control my anger. My wolf was restless beneath my skin, agitated by the events that had unfolded.
Madison had attacked Rachel–a pregnant woman–and I couldn’t believe Victoria had been careless enough to leave her alone.
“Tyler!”
Gina’s sweet voice drifted over, immediately seizing my attention. My wolf perked up, letting out an eager growl. It was like a switch flipped inside me, and all I could think about was making her mine.
I’d known for years that she was my mate. I remembered the first time I saw her, how my heart had skipped a beat and my wolf had gone wild.
I turned slowly to face her breathtaking beauty. To me, she was a goddess, but I had to maintain my role as her protector. Could fate be any crueler?
“Yes, Gina?” I kept my voice even.
Her eyes flashed with indignation. “This isn’t Victoria’s fault. That stupid bitch Madison should be punished!”
“I know, Gina. But that can’t happen-” I sighed deeply. “Nathan has to consider the alliance.”
“Fuck the alliance, Tyler.” She stepped closer, her scent making my heart swim. “If I could do something, he wouldn’t marry that stupid bitch. And Rachel’s pregnant–what about that?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted.
She asked, “Where is he? I’m going to talk to him.”
Before I could think better of it, I grabbed her upper arm. We both froze at the contact, electricity shooting between us.
My heart hammered against my ribs, beating far too quickly. I fought to keep my composure, swallowing hard.
“Don’t. I’ll talk to him, but right now, he has a meeting to attend. Please be patient.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine, Tyler. I’ll listen to you, okay? Don’t look at me like that! I’m not a child anymore!”
No, you certainly aren’t…
“Hey, by the way, I’m heading to the training grounds. Want to come” she asked, her tone lighter.
My wolf leaped at the invitation. ‘I’d love to, but…”
“Yes, yes, yes, but you have to attend the meeting with Nathan, she finished for me, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
Once we’re back at Irenjaw Pack, will you train me yourself?” She batted her eyelashes. “Please…?”
The thought of spending hours with her, guiding her movements, being close to her…
“Great! Then I have your promise. See you later!” She turned and walked away, her eyes flashing gold–green in the hallway light.
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Chapter 44
I had to restrain my wolf front howling with desire as I watched her leave.
Nathan met me outside the King’s office, his eyes flickering with dangerous gold. I knew immediately he wasn’t in a forgiving mood. His pine scent was sharp, aggresive.
“Has she been moved from the medical ward?” he asked.
“Yes, Alpha. She’ll be transferred back to her suite shortly.”
“Good. Let’s get this over with.”
We entered King Jason’s office together. The room was thick with tension and competing Alpha pheromones.
King Jason sat behind an ornate desk, while Raymond and his daughter Madison were seated across from him. David, Raymond’s Beta, stood dutifully behind them.
– “Nathan, we understand you wanted to speak with us,” King Jason said.
“Yes, I’ve made my decision.”
Jason leaned forward. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”
Nathan stated, “I will marry Madison.”
Madison squealed in delight, and I froze in shock. I could feel Nathan’s cold pine scent grow even sharper.
“However,” Nathan continued, “my agreement comes with conditions.
Raymond’s eyes narrowed. “Go on… I’m listening.”
“I won’t complete the marriage until after the war is over. I need to focus on our defense issues now, not have my mind clouded with marriage and other female matters.”
Madison scoffed, but a warning look from her father silenced her.
“Anything else?” Raymond asked.
“I also won’t give up my breeder.”
Madison’s face contorted with rage. “That’s not fair! I’ll be your Luna”
Before Madison could finish, Raymond’s hand struck her cheek hard. The sharp crack of the impact echoed through the suddenly silent room.
Madison flinched, her eyes instantly reddening, brimming with unshed tears that made her look incredibly wronged and vulnerable.
2
“Speak again and you’ll regret it,” Raymond hissed, leaning closer.
Yet, through the shimmer of tears, she met his gaze and replied with unnerving lightness, “Okay.”
He turned back to Nathan. “My apologies, King Jason, Alpha Nathan
Jason raised his hand. “Enough. These are perfectly fair conditions. Nathan will marry Madison, but he may keep his breeder until the wedding day.”
68%
Chapter 44
“And I want no one to touch my breeder again,” Nathan said, his voice dangerous. “She’s carrying my heir now.”
“Has something happened?” Jason asked, frowning.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I stepped in. “It appears Madison attacked Alphas breeder. She’s in the medical ward now, but is expected to make a full recovery.“,
Raymond approached his trembling daughter, hand raised again.
“Father–it was a misunderstanding,” Madison whimpered.
“Enough, Jason commanded. “The agreement is made, and this will not happen again.”
“Agreed, it won’t happen again,” Nathan said coldly, looking at Raymond. “I have nothing more to say.”
“The wedding will take place in the future,” Jason declared. “May the Moon Goddess bless this alliance.”
As we left, Nathan’s eyes flashed dangerously gold, his powerful body radiating anger.
Walking through the hallway after the meeting, I couldn’t help but contemplate what had just happened.
Nathan may have just signed away his happiness for the sake of an alliance. The irony wasn’t lost on me.
Nathan didn’t want a mate or Luna. He didn’t want anyone standing in his way.
His anger toward women had only intensified after what had happened with his parents, and I understood that better than anyone.
But Rachel’s pregnancy might change everything.
If Nathan’s wolf had recognized Rachel as his mate, would he still follow through with his plan to “release” her after the child was born?
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