Tyler’s POV
I watched as Alpha Nathan walked away from Rachel, leaving her visily shaken by his words. Her face had drained of all color at the revelation of her fate.
Victoria and Emma exchanged concerned glances, while I maintained my professional composure despite the uncomfortable weight settling in my chest.
“You will be released,” Nathan had said.
As soon as Nathan exited the medical ward, I modded briefly to Victoria and Emma. “Make sure she eats and gets rest,” I instructed before following my Alpha
1 quickened my pace to catch up with Nathan, who was moving faster than usual through the corridors.
We passed through the double doors leading to the front courtyard near the castle. His stride was purposeful, making it clear he was heading directly for his office.
When we reached his office, I followed him inside and closed the door behind us. Nathan immediately moved to his desk, his back to me as he shaffled through some documents.
Alpha, has there been a change of plans regarding Miss Rachel?” I ventured. I thought…“
“You know what the plan is, Tyler,” he cut me off sharply, not bother to look up from the papers–reports about the impending territorial war. “It remains unchanged.”
I noticed his mood seemed different today. More intense, if that was even possible. But as his Beta, it wasn’t my place to question
his state of mind.
“Understood, Alpha,” I replied evenly. I was just surprised to hear you say you’d set her free. Usually, you don’t say such things
unless you mean them.”
Nathan set down the document he was holding and turned to face me, his eyes piercing mine with an icy stare. “For her, isn’t death
the ultimate freedom?”
His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I schooled my features into neutrality. Nathan’s ruthlessness was a known quantity, the stark, emotionless quality in his voice today held a particular coldness that even I found truly unsettling.
A week and a half later. I stood at the doorway of Rachel’s hospital room, observing her quietly. Emma was withdrawing a needle.
“This should be the last time I need to stick you with one of these, mama said gently.
“I’m sorry,” Rachel whispered, her voice so soft I almost didn’t catch it.
over her arm
but
*You have nothing to apologize for, dear,” Emma replied, placing the needle on a silver tray and applying a bandage to the puncture site. “I’m taking care of you. You’re safe here.”
cleared my throat talinnounce my presence. “Emma, can I borrow you for a moment?”
Emma looked up and nodded. “Of
f course,
Beta. She turned back to Rachel. I’ll be right back. Try to finish your soup,”
Rachel nodded in understanding, her eyes following us as we stepped out of the room.
1/3
Chapter 7
“Tyler, what do you need?” Engma asked once we were in the hallway
“How is she recovering?” I kept my voice low.
“Well…” Emma glanced back at the room. “She’s making good progress. The journey ahead is still long, but she improves daily.”
“Good. I see she’s eating. Can she be moved to her room soon?”
Emma hesitated, and I immediately sensed something was wrong.
“Emma, what is it?” I pressed.
She took a deep breath before answering. “I know Alpha wants to breed with Rachel as soon as possible, but now is not the time.” Her eyes met mine directly. “Theoretically, Rachel could be moved to her own room in a few days. But personally, I’m not
comfortable with that.”
“Explain, 1 demanded.
“All the trauma she’s experienced won’t make her feel welcome there, Rachel is still recovering. With me here, it’s easy to ensure she gets though fluids and proper nutrition. If she goes thure………
“Nathan gave three weeks.. He will expect that to be honored,” I reminded her.
“Right now, her body is too weak to safely conceive, Emma countered. “Don’t misunderstand, she’s been cooperative, doing everything I’ve asked of her, but whether her body can recover at the pace we hope… that’s beyond my control.”
Emma lowered her voice further. “I honestly don’t know if she’ll be mody by Alpha’s deadline. If she loses his child, do you really want to see his rage? Or worse… if she dies in the process.”
“That’s not your decision to make, Emma,‘ I frowned.
As I looked past Emma into the room, I couldn’t help but notice Rachel’s natural beauty, matching her kind nature–copper–colored wavy hair falling over her shoulders, gentle deep eyes.
“I got it,” Emma conceded.
“I need her moved to her room as soon as possible. That’s an order.
“Yes, Beta, I understand.” She nodded. “Which room should I prepare her for?”
“The suite directly next to Alpha’s. He wants her as close as possible
Emma’s eyes widened in surprise. That particular suite was traditionally reserved for only one person–the Lune, the Alpha’s mate.
1 knew Nathan was placing Rachel there simply for convenience in completing the breeding task.
“But…..” Emma began, but stopped when I shot her a warning look.
“I know, Emma. It–doesn’t matter where she goes.” I hardened my voice. “Also, frogs me. I need to know every detail of her health status.”
on, all information about her goes through
“Yes, Beta. The final batch of test results will be back in three days. After that, she can be moved if necessary. Just some precautions
need to be taken:S
“Good. Let me know about the new test results promptly.”
2/3
Chapter 7
Emma and I walked back towwahid Rachel together.
“Beta Tyler, Rachel greeted me with a warm smile that seemed gentijne despite her cho
Please just call me Tyler,” I replied, noticing how, although still wed, the looked more vibrant than before, her complexion gaining a healthier glow. The bruises on her neck had faded.
“So… I’m moving soon?” she asked tentatively.
“Yes. They’ll have your room ready next week,” | confirmed.
“Oh… okay.” She lowered her gaze to her knees, and I
was correct. She wasn’t mentally stable enough to be a leder yet.
of anxiety and panic building in her–Emma’s assessment
“Everything will be fine, Emma assured her. “I’ll still visit you, and Victoria will keep you company. It’s just a bit closer than the medical ward. And you’ll love the bed there. It’s like sleeping on a cloud.”
Despite Emma’s attempt to ease the tension, it wasn’t working well.
“Rachel, I help take care of you. You can trust me,” Emma added.
I frowned at Emma, disapproving of her words. She shouldn’t be saying
such things to Rachel.
“I don’t want to be his breeder, Rachel whispered, just loud enough for me to hear,
Emma sighed. “I know you don’t.”
I watched as tears rolled down Rachel’s cheeks, and Emma couldn’t help but embrace her. Rachel initially flinched and tensed at Emma’s touch, but after a moment, she let her guard down and cried in Emma’s armus,
I don’t know what she’s feeling, but I can only imagine how heartbreaking it must be, Emma said to me through our mind link.
1 frowned, then brushed away the discomfort growing inside me. The world wasn’t fair for Nathan either.
What needed to be done had to be done. With that thought, 1 hardened my heart once more.
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