hapter 84
Tyler’s POV
The war room meeting had finally ended, but the tension lingered in the air like a heavy fog as Nathan and I made our way to his suite.
The witness’s revelation about someone who looked exactly like Nathan had shaken us both to the core.
Could it really be Carter after all these years?
Once inside the suite, I couldn’t hold back my concerns any longer.
“Alpha, if it really is Carter working with the enemy, I’m worried about our pack…”
Nathan strode directly to the large map spread across his desk, his eyes scanning the territories with laser focus.
“Send Mia back to Ironjaw territory. Tell her to reorganize our defenses at home. Move the outer residents into the city center and increase patrols around our homeland.”
“We’re not going back?” I asked, surprised by his decision to remain at Emerald Castle.
Nathan’s jaw tightened as he explained his priorities. “No. The border attacks are a problem, but any Alpha can handle them, and they have been. If we lose that, the cost won’t just be a few villages. My priority has to be the Western territory.”
I understood his logic, but I couldn’t shake my concern. “I understand, but I’m still worried about Ironjaw territory. The enemy is taking advantage of the war. If-”
“The enemy wants me, only me,” Nathan cut me off, revealing his plan. “I need to speak with King Jason about moving our warriors near the Eastern Harbor. We need to convince the other Alphas to guard the remaining
coastal cities and handle the scattered attacks.”
“No!” I protested immediately. “That’s too risky! He’ll know you’re there.”
Nathan’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “That’s exactly the point. I need him to come for me, not us trying to find him. Besides, if we lose the Eastern Harbor, we might lose the war.”
Before I could argue further, a knock interrupted our conversation. Madison’s voice drifted through the door.
“Please open the door, Nathan.”
I sighed internally before opening the door. Madison stood there, immaculately dressed as always.
“What can I help you with, Miss?” I asked.
She tilted her chin up slightly. “Tyler, I wish to speak with Nathan.”
“We’re dealing with an emergency. I can pass along your message-”
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“I’m his fiancée,” she cut me off sharply, pushing past me into the room. “Are you saying I can’t even speak to him in person?”
Once inside, she turned back to me, her tone hardening. “Tyler, leave us.”
I remained motionless, waiting for my Alpha’s command.
“I am the future Luna, and I have private matters to discuss with Nathan,” she hissed. “Tyler, leave us.”
Nathan finally spoke, his voice dangerously low. “You and I have nothing to discuss.”
Madison’s entire demeanor changed instantly. Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice softened to a pleading whisper. “Nathan, please hear me out. I promise it won’t take long.”
She turned to me again, her request now wrapped in politeness. “Tyler, would you mind giving us some privacy?”
Nathan intervened before I could respond. “Madison, whatever you want to say, you can say it with Tyler present.
You have three minutes.”
Madison’s expression shifted to one of practiced sorrow as she moved closer to Nathan. “Nathan, I just came to apologize for what happened the other day.”
Nathan showed no particular emotion, but I knew he was as surprised as I was by this unexpected apology.
“I’m truly sorry about the way I behaved,” Madison continued.
want you to think I’m incapable of fulfilling my duties as your n’t
ladylike. It was unacceptable, and I don’t
Luna.”
She took a deep breath, her eyes downcast. “I was jealous. That’s why I said those hurtful things before.”
When she tried to reach out and touch Nathan’s arm, he stepped back, maintaining the distance between them.
“I’ve heard your apology,” he said curtly. “If there’s nothing else, you can leave now.”
Madison wasn’t ready to give up. “Nathan, let me finish! It’s just that Rachel was so sweet, and everyone seemed drawn to her. I was jealous of her, especially because she was carrying your child-”
“Enough, Madison!” Nathan snapped, his control slipping.
But Madison pushed harder. “I know you cared for her, and I accept that.” She emphasized her next words carefully. “But she’s in the past now! Rachel is gone!”
I watched Nathan’s fists clench at his sides, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
“Nathan!” Madison shouted. “I know you’re in pain, and it hurts me to see you suffer like this. I’m sorry about her, but we need to move forward, and I’m here for you.”
Nathan’s expression was terrifying. I quickly stepped between them before the situation could escalate further.
“Miss, I apologize for interrupting, but considering everything, Alpha does need to focus on the war,” I said firmly. “Please allow me to escort you back to your room.”
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Madison glared at me, her mask slipping. “Stay out of this. This isn’t your business!”
“Leave. Now.” Nathan’s growl filled the room.
Madison clutched her hands to her chest, her face contorting into an expression of heartbreak. “Leave? I’m your fiancée. Nathan, how can you treat me this way? Do you know how heartbroken I am? I just want to love you, to give you an heir!”
“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Nathan warned, his patience clearly at an end.
“Fine, Nathan,” she finally conceded. “I understand you need more time.”
With that, she finally left the room, her personal maid scurrying after her.
I noticed a delicate handkerchief on the floor where Madison had been standing. Picking it up, I decided to return it personally–better than giving her an excuse to return later.
I followed Madison and her maid at a discreet distance, staying just close enough to hear their conversation.
“How could Alpha Nathan treat you like that!” the maid complained. “It’s so unfair!”
Madison’s demeanor changed instantly, her voice turning sharp and cold. “Shut up! What do you know, you stupid
girl?”
“I just feel unworthy to serve you!” the maid whispered.
Madison laughed cruelly. “Nathan is mine. What can a dead woman do? I just need to be patient…”
The maid lowered her voice further. “Miss Madison, are you sure Rachel is dead?”
“I’m certain she’s dead!” Madison replied venomously.
I froze, uneasiness washing over me. After a moment’s hesitation, I decided not to return the handkerchief after all. I let it drop to the floor of the corridor, my mind racing with the implications of what I’d just heard.
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