Chapter <b>27 </b>
Alexander’s POV
The morning had started like any other day at ckwood territory. I sat behind my desk<b>, </b>buried in paperwork that never seemed to end. Being Alpha meant more administrative work than most of my pack members realized–territory disputes<b>, </b>alliance negotiations, resource management. Today’s focus was finalizing the expansion of our hunting grounds to the north.
Ethan, my Beta, had just ced another stack of documents on my desk when my phone rang. Summer’s name shed across the screen, sending an unexpected jolt through my system.
“Summer?” I answered, already sensing something was wrong from her uncharacteristic mid–morning call.
“Alex…” Her voice trembled in a way that made my wolf instantly alert. “I’m sorry to bother you<b>, </b>but-”
“You’re not bothering me,” I interrupted, already on my feet. “What’s happened?”
“Alpha Foster’s making his move,” she said, her words barely audible. “He’s trying to take Felix.”
My grip tightened on the phone. “Where are you?”
“Outside Evelyn’s office. Seattle.”
“Stay where you are. I’ming.”
I hung up, already calcting the fastest route to her. Ethan raised an eyebrow<b>, </b>sensing my shift in mood.
“Everything alright, Alpha?”
“No. Summer and Felix are in trouble.” I grabbed my jacket from the back of my chair. “I need the helicopter prepped immediately.” 1
Ethan nodded, reaching for his phone. “I’ll have it ready in five. What about the ckwater territory negotiations?”
<b>“</b>Postpone everything,” <b>I </b>ordered, already heading for the door. “And get Wilson on the phone. Tell him to meet me at Evelyn Sage’sw offices in Seattle as soon as possible.‘
“The packwyer? This must be serious.”
<b>“</b>It is<b>.</b>” I paused at the doorway.
11
Twenty minutester, I was airborne<b>, </b>flying my own helicopter toward Seattle. I’d earned my pilot’s license years ago, finding it invaluable for managing territory as extensive <b>as </b>ckwood’s. The familiar mechanical routine helped focus my thoughts, but couldn’t entirely suppress my growing concern.
My mind raced with possibilities. What had Alpha Foster done now? Was Summer safe? The thought of Summer in danger made my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin. Summer had already endured enough at Foster’s hands–the physical abuse, the emotional maniption, the forced wolf dormancy.
One hourter, Inded on the helipad atop a nearby corporate building–one of many advantages of being Alpha to a pack with substantial business holdings–and took a car the rest of the way to Evelyn’s office.
I found Summer sitting on a bench outside the building, shoulders slumped, looking smaller than I remembered. When she spotted me approaching<b>, </b>relief visibly washed over her tired features.
“Alex<b>,</b><b>” </b>she breathed, standing quickly. “Thank you foring ”
Without hesitation, I pulled her into my arms. “Of course I came.”
She felt fragile against my chest<b>, </b>though I knew better than most how resilient she truly was. When we separated<b>, </b><b>I </b><b>kept </b>my
hands on her shoulders<b>, </b>studying her face.
“Tell me everything,” <b>I </b><b>said</b><b>, </b>guiding her back to the bench.
+15 <b>BONUS </b>
As Summer recounted her meeting with Evelyn and the subsequent encounter with Susanna–Foster’s mistress and apparent enforcer―my anger built to a dangerous simmer. Foster’s threat to use Summer’s dormant wolf against her was particrly insidious. In our world, a wolf going dormant was rare and typically seen as a profound trauma response–which it was, in Summer’s <b>case</b>. But instead of receiving support and understanding, she was being threatened with losing her child because of <ol><li>it. </li></ol>
“He can’t do this,” I said when she finished<b>, </b>struggling to keep my voice even. “He won’t.”
My fingers tensed around my phone as I dialed Ethan. My Beta answered immediately.
“I need four of our best warriors at ckwood Memorial,” I instructed without preamble. “Full rotation<b>, </b>round–the–clock protection for Felix. And Ethan? Choose wolves who can blend in. I don’t want <b>to </b>frighten the boy.”
<b>“</b>Consider it done, Alpha,” Ethan replied. “I’ll send Adam’s team–they’ve all worked with cubs before.”
“Perfect<b>.</b>” I nced at Summer, whose eyes had widened with surprise.
After ending the call, I noticed Summer staring at me, her eyes glistening.
“Alex…” she whispered. “You didn’t have to do that.”
I took her hand, surprising myself with how natural the gesture felt. “Yes, I did.”
“Thank you. But what if my divorce fails?” Her voice was soft, vulnerable.
My jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack. “We’ll find the evidence,” I promised. “Alpha Foster won’t get away with this.”
“But what if he can?” Summer whispered, her amber eyes clouded with fear. “The Council values active wolves over dormant ones. And Foster has influence.<b>” </b>
“So do <b>I</b><b>,</b><b>” </b>I reminded her gently. “And unlike Foster<b>, </b>my reputation with the Council is untarnished.”
Then My phone buzzed.