Chapter 157
2
Tyler’s POV
I glanced at the antique clock on any office wall as the minute hand inched closer to our next meeting. Nathan had been gone for ten days, and for eight of those, complete radio silence.
While I wasn’t concerned about his safety–my Alpha could handle himself–I was anxious to know if he’d uncovered anything about Rachel’s true identity.
1 drummed my fingers on the mahogany of my desk, reviewing the stack of reports that had accumulated in Nathan’s absence. Pack meetings had become excruciatingly tedious without him.
Now, everyone felt entitled to voice their opinions, especially Raymond’s representatives who seemed determined to speak on every single matter.
A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.
“Excuse me, can I come in?” A young warrior stood at attention in my doorway, one of Mia’s subordinates.
‘Yes, I responded, straightening in my chair.
The warrior entered, closing the door behind him. “Message from the border outpost, sir. The warriors you requested to cut off Western Territory supply lines have been effectively deployed.” He reached into his jacket, pulling out a sealed envelope. “And a letter for you.”
I noticed the barely contained excitement in his eyes. Immediately, I stood and double–checked that the door was securely closed.
“Beta,” he whispered, voice vibrating with energy, “Alpha has sent a message for you. He’s also requesting reinforcements for his withdrawal from Emerald City in two days.”
My heart quickened at this news. “Make sure no one else knows about this,” I instructed, taking the envelope. “We don’t know who we can trust within Emerald City’s walls beyond our own people, especially Raymond and Madison’s people.”
“Yes, sir,” he nodded, leaving me alone with Nathan’s intelligence report.
I broke the seal, unfolding the papers within. My brow furrowed as I absorbed the details. The situation was more complicated than expected, as the report contained no specific location for Rachel, though Carter might know her whereabouts.
At least Nathan was on his way back. I preferred executing his orders to making these decisions myself–an old habit from my military days.
Madison, for instance.
As if summoned by my thoughts, her shrill voice pierced the air outside my office.
“Tyler!”
quickly shoved the report into my drawer, locking it with a key I kept around my neck. The door burst open before I could respond.
Madison strode in, her perfume assaulting my senses and masking whatever emotions her scent might have revealed.
“Have you heard anything from Nathan?” she demanded, skipping any pretense of courtesy.
‘No, Miss,” I replied. “But may I remind you that this is my private office.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t take that tone with me. I’m Nathan’s Luna! Who do you think you are? You are just a nobody.”
My wolf wanted to growl, but I kept my composure. After all, we still needed what this woman had to offer, so burning that bridge wasn’t an option right
now.
I forced a smile. “Of course, my apologies. You’re welcome to ‘barge‘ into my private space anytime.”
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Chapter 157
She completely missed my sarcasm, her eyes already sweeping the office like some CSI agent looking for any trace of Nathan The way she was easing the place, I swear she was about to flip my desk and start rifling through every drawer I owned.
Just as Madison was about to yank open my drawer, a voice rang out, “Madison! There you are!‘
Victoria appeared in the doorway, giving me a quick wink before turning to Madison.
“The royal florist is here talking about wedding bouquets,” she said. “They’ve decided to go with red roses for the ceremony.”
Madison’s eyes widened in alarm. “No, no, no! That’s not what I wanted! I specifically requested blue hydrangeas with white roses!”
‘You’d better go check,” Victoria urged. “You know how these vendors are–if you don’t supervise them personally…”
Madison didn’t need further convincing. She rushed out, her heels click–clacking frantically down the hallway.
I quickly shut the door after Victoria left, letting out a long sigh of relief.
I’m guessing that was a lie?” I asked, the corner of my mouth
slightly. “No wedding bouquet?”
Victoria feigned shock, hand over her heart. “Me? Lie? Certainly not.” Her expression shifted to a mischievous grin. “Perhaps there was a misunderstanding…”
I chuckled, grateful for the rescue. “What do you need, Victoria?”
Victoria’s playful demeanor faded. She reached into her jacket pocket, producing a folded piece of paper. “Gina sent a letter. I haven’t read it. I saw a guard with it and told him I’d bring it to you.”
My heart skipped a beat. Gina had been gone for about seven days, and it made me feel deeply uneasy. I was worried about her. She’d told everyone she was returning to Ironjaw territory, but I knew she hadn’t arrived there.
According to Maya, Henry left with her,” Victoria continued. “I think she went to the western border villages.”
I unfolded the letter, scanning its contents. My pulse quickened with each word. Gina was indeed at the western border. She’d encountered some of Dylan’s men but handled the situation.
Her phone had no signal, and though she hadn’t found what she initially sought, she’d discovered ‘valuable information.”
My hands began to shake with barely controlled rage and worry. My sweet Gina had been in danger, and I hadn’t been there to protect her.
“I should be with her,” I growled, crumpling the paper in my fist. “I should be taking better care of her! That’s my responsibility!”
Victoria stepped back, eyes widening. “Tyler, you need to calm down. Your eyes are changing color.”
‘Don’t tell me to calm down!” I snapped, my voice rising.
‘Why are you reacting like this?” Victoria asked, studying me intently.
I stood, unable to contain my agitation. “She’s Nathan’s sister. She could be in danger! How do you think he’ll react when he returns?”
Victoria crossed her arms. “Alpha already has plenty to deal with, but your reaction isn’t helping him. Gina is safe now, and I know her. She may be young, but she knows what she’s doing. You should both have more faith in Gina. She’s perfectly capable of protecting herself and smarter than you give her credit
for.‘
I couldn’t tell Victoria the truth–that Gina and had recognized each other as mates through mind–linking. We’d agreed to keep it secret until she finished
her studies.
But whenever I think about the possibility that something might have happened to her, I feel terrible and can barely control myself.
Victoria paused at the door. ‘I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you need to get it together. You’re not yourself, and you can’t go back to the strategy room like this.”
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Chapter 157
After she left, a bitter smile crossed my face: Clever little wolf, my Giña, I murmured, pressing my hand against my chest as if somehow I could feel her presence that way.
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