Chapter 171

Chapter 171
Alexander's POV

Morning light streamed through the window of the medical center room, warming Erin's golden hair as it cascaded down her shoulders. She carefully supported me as we walked around the suite. I could feel every step pulling at my wounds, but I worked hard to keep the pain from showing on my face. Despite werewolves' remarkable healing abilities, that battle had inflicted too much damage on my body. Erin's concerned gaze told me she saw right through my facade.

I wish she didn't have to see me this weak.

"That's enough for today," she said softly, her arm gently encircling my waist, carefully avoiding the wound on my side.

"After lying in this bed for three days, I really need to move around," I forced a smile as she helped me sit down. "With you by my side, these injuries are nothing."

Erin smiled tenderly, adjusting my pillows. "The doctor said it's a miracle you survived. Don't be in such a hurry to test your limits."

A nurse brought breakfast—a large plate of red meat and protein, essential for werewolf recovery. Erin placed the tray on my lap and leaned forward to pour me water. I gently caught her wrist, feeling the steady pulse beneath her skin.

"How's Jason?" I asked, carefully watching her reaction.

She blinked, clearly surprised by my concern. "After our big fight, he moved to North Star Farm." She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the edge of the sheet. "Said he wanted to rebuild the place and start over."

North Star Farm. The name stung my heart. It was where Erin had lost everything, evidence of my father's crimes. Guilt washed over me like a tide. "Erin, about what happened to your family... I'm truly sorry."

"That's in the past," she squeezed my hand, her eyes showing no blame, only determination. "We can't change what happened, but we can decide our future."

We ate quietly for a while, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment. A thought surfaced in my mind. "I still can't believe you forgave me for that pathetic fake breakup," I said with a wry smile.

Erin raised an eyebrow. "Your acting skills definitely needed work. But I still want to know more about Lydia."

I put down my fork and took a deep breath. It was time to explain everything. "Lydia was my girlfriend in college. We were serious, almost ready to mark each other—until my father intervened." I felt a surge of anger but fought to control it. "He decided she wasn't 'noble' enough for the future Alpha of Black Stone."

"Sounds familiar," Erin muttered, pain flashing in her eyes.

I reached out to caress her cheek, feeling her relax slightly at my touch. "After we broke up, she became a different person. Started drinking, using drugs, eventually getting into trouble." The memory stabbed at my heart. "She ended up owing a large sum to the East Claw pack, and Fletcher forced her to become his mistress as payment."

Erin's eyes reflected sympathy and anger. "She came to you for help when she was already pregnant?"

"Yes," I nodded, remembering her desperate appearance. "She told me the child was Fletcher's. If Fletcher's mate found out the truth, both she and the baby would be in danger."

"So you two created this story, pretending the child was yours," Erin mused, her expression softening.

"Yes," I looked directly into her eyes. "I knew it would hurt you, but there was no other choice. She needed protection until I could arrange for her to leave Seattle."

Erin leaned forward and gently kissed the corner of my mouth, the small gesture melting my heart. "Thank you for telling me the truth."

My breathing quickened, my wolf deep inside yearning to embrace her, mark her, make her completely my mate. I gently pulled her closer, running my fingers through her soft golden hair. "There's only one woman I want to protect for the rest of my life," I whispered against her lips, "and that's you, Erin."

Our lips had barely touched when the door to the room was roughly pushed open. We jerked apart to see my father standing in the doorway, radiating anger, his face dark with fury.

I immediately tensed, gripping Erin's hand and pulling her to my side.

"So this is why you didn't immediately inform me of your injuries," my father sneered, his sharp gaze darting between us.

His contemptuous look sparked revulsion within me. "Father," I forced my voice to remain steady.

"You still call me father?" He slowly walked into the room, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "I had to hear from Greyson that my son nearly lost his life."

"I was unconscious," I replied, feeling Erin's hand trembling slightly in mine. "As you can see, I'm recovering well."

The air in the room grew heavy and suffocating. Erin shifted slightly, seemingly wanting to step back and give us space, but I held her hand firmly. She was my source of strength right now, and I needed her by my side.

My father cast a cold glance at Erin, his lips curled with disdain. "It seems this Omega has made you lose your sense and responsibility."

Those words instantly ignited the anger that had been building inside me. "Her name is Erin Grey," I said sharply, "and you'd better address her with respect."

"Respect?" My father let out a harsh laugh. "You nearly got yourself KILLED for her!"

"You have NO right to blame Erin—you owe her!" I growled, feeling my fangs beginning to extend. "Do you know who she is? She's the daughter of the North Star Farm owners you allowed to be burned twenty-five years ago!"

My father involuntarily stepped back, his face changing dramatically as the blood drained from it. His reaction confirmed my accusation.

"That's... impossible."

"DNA doesn't lie," I said, gripping Erin's hand tightly, drawing courage from her warmth. "That fire wasn't an accident, it was murder! To absorb their territory, you let Charles eliminate their entire family."

A flash of panic crossed my father's face, quickly replaced by fury. "You DARE accuse your own father like this?"

"The truth is the truth," I stared directly into his eyes, my voice cold. "You owe her an apology at the very least."

"I owe her NOTHING," he retorted harshly, his hands clenched into fists. "Would you betray your father and your pack for this woman?"

"I'm not betraying the pack," I said firmly. "Erin will be my Luna. The pack members have already accepted her, especially after seeing her courage during the East Claw crisis."

"You dare defy me?" my father roared, his face flushing red.

A strange calmness enveloped me. I looked directly into his eyes, my voice low and clear. "A real father doesn't control who his child chooses as a mate. A real Alpha doesn't murder innocents for territory." My voice turned cold, "You're not worthy to be my father, much less lead the Black Stone pack."

My father's body shook violently as if struck by lightning, his chest heaving rapidly. "You'll pay for this!" he snarled, turning and storming out of the room, slamming the door behind him.