Summer’s POV


    The Council headquarters loomed before us, an imposing structure of ss and stone that seemed to radiate ancient power despite its modern architecture. Alexander’s hand found the small of my back as we ascended the marble steps, his touch reassuring yet possessive.


    “Summer.” A familiar voice called as we entered the grand foyer. I turned to see Evelyn Sage, my attorney, striding toward us with purpose, her tailored suit and confident demeanor instantly putting me <b>at </b>ease.


    “Evelyn, thank you for being here,” I greeted her.


    “I wouldn’t miss it,” she replied with a determined smile. “Alexander’s legal team has been absolutely brilliant with the preparation. They’ve left no stone unturned.”


    Alexander nodded respectfully to Evelyn. “Let’s head in. They’ll be starting soon.”


    The council chamber was intimidating – a semicircr room with elevated seating for the seven Council Elders, their faces impassive as we entered. My stomach tightened when I spotted Alpha Foster already seated at the respondent’s table, Susanna perched beside him like she belonged there. His attorney, a sharp–featured man in an expensive suit, was arranging documents with calcted precision.


    Alpha Foster’s eyes found mine immediately, his lip curling into that familiar sneer that once made me shrink into myself. Today, with Alexander beside me, I met his gaze steadily.


    “Remember who you are now,” Alexander whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re no longer


    his to intimidate.”


    The head Elder, a silver–haired woman named Eliza Montgomery, called the hearing to order with a


    single strike of her gavel.


    “We are gathered today to address the petition regarding the divorce decree between Summer Winster and Alpha Foster Thorn, as well as the matter of custody for the minor child, Felix Thorn.”


    Alpha Foster’s attorney rose immediately. “Elder Montgomery, my client contests the very validity of the divorce decree. He was not properly notified of proceedings, and-”


    Alexander’s attorney interrupted smoothly. “With respect, that matter has already been adjudicated. The second–chance mate bond between Alpha ckwood and Ms. Winster, along with Ms. Winster’s formal rejection of Alpha Foster, renders their marriage contract void under Werewolf Law Section 342, Paragraph B.”


    I watched Alpha Foster’s face darken as Elder Montgomery reviewed the file before her.


    “Indeed,” she confirmed. “The Council has already ruled on this matter. Today’s hearing specifically


    concerns custody arrangements for the minor child, Felix Thorn.”


    Alpha Foster leaned forward, whispering furiously to his attorney, who nodded before addressing the Council again.


    “My client wishes to present new evidence that challenges both the divorce ruling and requests primary custody of the child.” The attorney produced a folder with a flourish. “While the Council may believe the


    mate bond was neverpleted, Alpha Foster has evidence that contradicts this im.”


    My heart raced as I turned to Evelyn, who remained remarkably calm. She rose gracefully.


    “Elders, we anticipated this tactic. If I may?” She approached with her own documentation. “I have here medical records documenting the extensive injuries my client sustained while under Alpha Foster’s so- called ‘care.‘ Additionally, we have evidence of Alpha Foster’s infidelity with other partners during his marriage to Ms. Winster.”


    Sheid out evidence showing that I had been administered heat suppressants throughout my pregnancy with Felix, along with photographs showing Alpha Foster with Susanna–taken during our marriage.


    “Furthermore,” Evelyn continued, “we have medical reports showing that both Ms. Winster and her son were subjected to unauthorized procedures to determine theirpatibility as organ donors.”


    Gasps echoed through the chamber. Even some of the Elders looked disturbed.


    Alpha Foster’s attorney jumped to his feet. “These allegations are grossly exaggerated! Any physical altercations were simply<b>… </b>mishandled discipline, not abuse. As for the medical procedures, they were


    merely for treatment purposes and done with the best intentions. Ms. Susanna Moore and their child


    never received any organs from either theinant or the child.”


    “Liars! All of you! You’re lying!!” <b>I </b>couldn’t contain myself any longer, the words bursting forth.


    <b>“</b>Ms. Winster,” Elder Montgomery cautioned, “please allow your counsel to speak.”


    Alpha Foster smirked at my outburst, his eyes gleaming with that familiar cruel satisfaction that once ruled my life.


    What followed was an hour of intense legal debate. To my growing horror, it became increasingly apparent that several Council Elders were swaying toward Alpha Foster’s position. Their questions revealed biases deeply rooted in traditional pack politics – the kind that viewed women and children as property of the Alpha.


    When Elder Montgomery called for a brief recess, Alpha Foster seized the opportunity. He approached us in the corridor outside the chamber, Susanna trailing behind him like a trophy.


    “You should give up now, Summer,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension. <b>“</b>You and Felix belong with me, in my pack. Return willingly, or you’ll regret the consequences.”


    Alexander tensed beside me, but before he could respond, something extraordinary happened. A fierce


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    growl echoed through my mind – primal, angry, and undeniably female.


    [MINE!] The voice snarled with protective fury. [MY PUP!]


    It was Aurora. Her emotions toward him were both irritated and furious.


    Before I could process what was happening, my hand shot forward, connecting with Alpha Foster’s


    cheek in a resounding p that echoed through the corridor. His head snapped to the side, shock


    registering on his face as his hand flew to the reddening mark.


    “You will never touch my son again,” I stated, my voice steady despite the trembling in my limbs. “This charade ends today.<b>” </b>


    Alpha Foster recovered quickly, his expression darkening. “You’ll regret that,” he hissed.


    <b>“</b>No,” Alexander stepped forward, his voice dangerously low. “You’ll regret ever thinking you could win


    this.”


    When the hearing reconvened, the tension in the room was palpable. The Elders seemed ready to


    announce their decision when Wilson suddenly stood.


    “Honored Elders, before you render judgment, I request permission to submit new evidence that has just


    Elder Montgomery frowned. “This is highly irregr, Mr. Wilson.”


    “The evidence pertains directly to Alpha Foster’s fitness as a parent and his true motivations in this case, “Wilson pressed. “I believe the Council will find itpelling enough to warrant consideration, even at thiste stage.”


    Alpha Foster shifted ufortably in his seat as Elder Montgomery conferred quietly with the other Council members before finally nodding. 1


    “We will allow this submission, Mr. Wilson. Present your evidence.”


    Alexander squeezed my hand under the table, and that’s when I realized – whatever was about to happen, he had nned for this moment all along. The confidence in his eyes told me everything I needed to


    know.


    The game was about to change.