<b>Chapter </b><b>24 </b>
<b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>
“She <b>has </b>spoken,” Alexander’s voice rumbled with primal authority. “You will respect her decision<b>.</b>”
Alpha Foster struggled visibly against the Alphamand<b>, </b>his face reddening with effort<b>, </b>but he couldn’t form words <b>to </b>contradict me. I’d never seen another wolf ovee Alpha Foster’s dominance before the realization of Alexander’s raw power was staggering.
–
When Alpha Foster finally regained his ability to speak<b>, </b>his voice was tight with controlled rage. “This <b>isn’t </b>over, Summer. <b>I </b>won’t sign those divorce papers. Don’t even think about leaving me.”
Alexander’s smile was predatory, all teeth and challenge. “Then I guess we’ll see you in court. And if legal means don’t work…” he let the threat hang in the air between them, unspoken but clear.
Alpha Foster’s gaze flickered between us, calction recing some of the blind rage. “This <b>isn’t </b>over,<b>” </b>he repeated, backing toward the door. “Not by a long shot.”
The door mmed behind him with such force that the paintings on the wall rattled in their frames. For several long moments, neither Alexander nor I moved, both listening to Alpha Foster’s retreating footsteps.
When I finally exhaled, my legs nearly gave out beneath me. Alexander’s arm wrapped around my waist<b>, </b>steadying me instantly.
“You’re safe,” he murmured, his voice returning to its normal timbre. “He’s gone.”
I couldn’t stop the tremble that ran through my body. <b>“</b>For now. But you don’t know Alpha Foster like I do. He won’t give up. He won’t let me go – especially not to you.”
Alexander guided me to one of the plush couches in the room, his hand warm against the small of my back. “Let me worry about Alpha Foster,” he said as we sat down.
I shook my head, anxiety wing at my throat. “The divorce… what if it doesn’t go through? What if he blocks it somehow? I can’t go back to that life, Alexander. I can’t.”
Alexander was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. When he spoke, his voice was measured, careful. “There might be another option. One that would give you protection from Alpha Foster’s ims.”
I looked up at him questioningly.
“A marriage contract,” he said simply. “Between you and me.”
My eyes widened in shock. “What? You can’t be serious.”
<b>“</b><b>It </b>would be in name only,” Alexander rified quickly. “A strategic alliance. As my Luna, even in title, you would have the protection of my pack<b>, </b>my name. Alpha Foster couldn’t touch you without risking war between our packs.”
“But… that’s insane<b>,</b><b>” </b>I whispered<b>, </b>stunned by <b>the </b>suggestion. “<b>I </b>can’t ask you to do that. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Alexander’sugh was soft, genuinely <b>amused</b>. “Fair to me? Summer, I’m not exactly making a sacrifice here. My council has been pushing me to take a Luna for years. <b>This </b>arrangement would benefit us both.”
I stared at him, searching his expression for any sign of reluctance or deception. “The council… they would ept me? A previously mated wolf from another pack?”
“They would ept my choice,<b>” </b>Alexander stated with the simple confidence of an Alpha secure in his position. “And you would have time<b>, </b>space, freedom to heal without looking over your shoulder for Alpha Foster.”
I stared at our joined hands, emotion clogging my throat.
It was tempting, – so tempting that it terrified me. Safety. Security. Freedom from Alpha Foster’s constant threats. Protection <b>for </b>me and my son. But at what cost to Alexander?
“I… I need to think about this<b>,</b>” I finally said, my mind whirling with possibilities and fears. <b>“</b>It’s a lot to consider.”
Alexander nodded, respecting my need for <b>space</b>. “Take all the time you need. The offer stands, whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you<b>,</b><b>” </b>I murmured, knowing the words were insufficient for what he was offering me.
As Alexander left me to my thoughts<b>, </b>I wrapped my arms around myself<b>, </b>still feeling the phantom pressure of Alpha Foster’s gaze. Without my wolf to guide me, I had only my human instincts to rely on–and they were screaming that I needed Alexander’s protection.
But could I bind another man to me, knowing I might never be whole again? Knowing my wolf might never return toplete the bond?
How could I choose the right path, when none of them seemed free of pain?
<b>+15</b>