Alexander’s POV


    The phone in my pocket vibrated just as I was walking away from my confrontation with Foster. <b>I </b>


    checked the screen–unknown number.


    “Alexander.” I kept my voice low, Orion on high alert.


    “It’s me.” Summer’s voice sent a wave of relief through my entire body. “I’m locked in the basement of the main house. I managed to steal Suzanna’s phone.”


    Orion surged with pride at her resourcefulness.


    *Even captive, she was fighting.*


    “Are you hurt?” I demanded, signaling to Ethan to gather close.


    “No, but Alexander–I know where Felix is.” Her voice broke slightly. “He might be in one of the rooms on the east wing. Alexander, please-” her breath hitched. “I’m terrified of what they might do to him.”


    “Breathe, sweetheart,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the fury building inside me. “I’m going to get him. I promise you.”


    “Please hurry,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “If anything happens to him-”


    <b>“</b>Nothing will happen to our pup,” I vowed, the possessive im feelingpletely natural. “I <b>won’t </b>let it.”


    “I’m love you,” I said softly, keeping my voice low and steady. “Just hang on a little longer. I’ming.”


    “I love you too,” she whispered back.


    As I ended the call, my mind was already racing.I couldn’t make a move myself–not yet.Alpha Foster had seen both my Beta and my Gamma. If either of them disappeared now, he’d know something was wrong.


    I needed to stall him. Keep him focused on me–and blind to everything else.


    Without hesitation, I opened the pack mind–link and sent a message to my Delta Carson.


    *Felix is at the hunting lodge on the eastern property. Take a small team and extract him. Radio silence until he’s secure.*


    I needed to hold his attention, give Carson the window he needed.


    “Alpha Foster!” I called out, my voice carrying across the neutral ground between us.


    He paused, then turned slowly, suspicion evident in his posture. “Changed your mind about starting a war, Alpha Alexander?<b>” </b>


    “Perhaps there’s another solution,” I said aloud, stopping several yards from him. “One that doesn’t result in bloodshed between our packs.”


    Alpha Foster’s eyes narrowed. “I’m listening.”


    While maintaining eye contact with Foster, I continued the mental conversation with my team. *No warriors left behind. If you’repromised, abort immediately. The child is priority.*


    “What if we discussed terms?” I suggested to Foster. “A formal arrangement, perhaps. You must recognize that Summer has chosen to sever her bond with you.”


    Alpha Foster scoffed. “A mate bond isn’t something you can simply walk away from because you’re unhappy. The Council-”


    “The Council has already ruled that your actions constitute a severe vition of the mate bond,” I interrupted. “But perhaps there’s room for negotiation regarding both Summer and Felix.”


    Alpha Foster’s expression shifted from dismissal to interest. “What exactly are you proposing?”


    “Name your price,” I said bluntly. “What would it take for you to relinquish all ims to both Summer and


    Felix?”


    A slow, calcting smile spread across Foster’s face. “Generous of you to offer. Would you be willing to


    surrender the ckwater Mining operation? I hear it’s your most profitable venture.”


    My face remained impassive, though the request was exactly what I’d expected–Foster going straight for


    my financial jugr.


    <b>“</b>Yes,” I answered without hesitation.


    Alpha Foster blinked, clearly surprised by my immediate agreement. “Just like that?”


    <b>“</b>Just like that,” I confirmed. “Summer and Felix are worth more than any business interest.”


    Alpha Foster’s eyes narrowed again. “Forgive me if I find your generosity suspicious. How do I know you


    won’t renege once they’re safely with you?”


    “We can draw up a contract right now,” I suggested. “Your legal team can draft it, mine can review it. We


    sign it before any exchange takes ce.”


    Alpha Foster studied me for a long moment before nodding. “Very well. But ckwater Mining isn’t


    enough. I also want the northern territories your pack acquiredst year, and exclusive rights to the trading routes through the mountain pass.”


    The demands were outrageous–designed to cripple my pack economically. But I needed time, and Foster’s greed would provide it.


    “Call yourwyer,” I said calmly. “Let’s get this in writing.”


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    Twenty minutester, we sat across from each other at a makeshift table just inside Silver Creek territory. Our respective legal representatives were drafting terms while Foster watched me with smug


    satisfaction.


    A message flickered through my mind–link: *Alpha, we’ve breached the lodge perimeter. Guards neutralized. Proceeding inside.*


    I kept my expression neutral as I pretended to review another use in the growing contract. “Thisnguage is too vague,” I pointed out, buying more time. “It needs <i>to </i>specify exactly which mineral rights are included.”


    Alpha Foster waved dismissively. “Fine, fine. Make the changes.”


    Thewyers began arguing over terminology as another message came through: *Alpha, we’ve found the boy. He’s unconscious but breathing. Signs of physical trauma. Extracting now.*


    Orion howled with rage inside me, but I maintained myposure. “Actually<b>,</b><b>” </b>I said, sliding the contract away, <b>“</b>I’ve changed my mind.”


    Alpha Foster’s head snapped up. “What?”


    “I said, I’ve changed my mind,” I repeated, standing slowly. “There will be no deal.”


    Alpha Foster’s face darkened with fury as he rose to his feet. “You were never negotiating in good faith.”


    <b>“</b>No,” I admitted. “I wasn’t.”


    <b>“</b><b>You </b>realize this means war,” Alpha Foster snarled.


    I stepped closer, letting my Alpha power roll off me in waves. “Not war. Just justice.”


    “I challenge you,” Foster spat, his pride wounded and his desperation showing. “Trial bybat. Now.”