Chapter 41 CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE SECOND PART
ALORA
"Probably." Marcus doesn't deny it. "But it's also our best chance to understand what we're facing. And to show the elders you're not completely lost to the bond madness, that you can still think strategically."
The accusation behind those words makes Alex stiffen. "You think I should meet with them."
"I think you should consider it." Marcus's voice is gentle but firm. "Because right now, every decision you make looks like possessive obsession rather than strategic leadership. The elders are already talking about intervention. You need to prove you can still lead rationally."
"By negotiating for my mate like she's property?"
"By showing you can separate pack business from personal feelings. Even when it's the hardest thing you'll ever do."
Silence stretches. I can see Alex warring with himself, his wolf wanting to refuse, his Alpha training telling him Marcus is right.
"Fine." The word comes out tight. "I'll meet with them. But not alone."
"Alex—"
"Not. Alone." His voice carries Alpha command. "You'll be there. And twenty of our best warriors, close enough to respond if things go wrong."
Marcus nods slowly. "I can work with that."
After he leaves, Alex turns to me, and I can see the cost of that agreement written on his face.
"You didn't have to do that," I say quietly.
"Yes, I did." He moves to the window, staring out at the forest where three packs wait. "Because, as much as I hate it, Marcus is right. I need to show I can still lead. Still make strategic decisions." His hands clench into fists. "Even if every instinct is screaming to just kill them all."
I move to stand beside him. "What do you think they'll offer?"
"Money. Territory. Alliances. The usual things packs trade for valuable assets." His jaw tightens. "But none of it matters because you're not an asset. You're my mate."
"What if they offer something the pack needs? Something that could keep everyone safe?"
He turns to look at me, and the wildness in his eyes makes my breath catch. "There is nothing—nothing—they could offer that would make me give you up. Not safety. Not peace. Not all the territory in the five regions." His hand cups my face. "So don't start trying to sacrifice yourself for the pack. I won't allow it."
"You might not have a choice—"
"I'll always have a choice." His thumb brushes my lips. "And I choose you. Every time. No matter what."
The words should comfort me. Instead, they terrify me. Because this is exactly the kind of thinking that leads to tragedy. The kind of absolute devotion that destroys Alphas and dooms packs.
"I'm tired," I say, pulling away from his touch. "It's been a long day."
He studies me for a moment, clearly wanting to push. But he just nods. "The bathroom is through there. Take whatever you need."
I escape to the massive bathroom, closing the door and leaning against it. My reflection in the mirror shows a girl with too-bright eyes and flushed cheeks. A girl who's watching her mate descend into madness because of what she is.
I should never have come here. Should never have let my parents give me to Silver Creek. But running now would only make things worse; the Northern Pack would catch me before I made it a mile.
I'm trapped. We both are.
I wash up and change into the nightgown Alex pulled from my bag, soft silk that's far too nice for a slave. But I'm not a slave anymore, am I? I'm his mate. His obsession. His destruction waiting to happen.
When I emerge, he's already in bed, shirtless and staring at the ceiling. The sight of him makes my wolf stir with interest, but I force her down.
"You can sleep on your side," he says without looking at me. "I won't touch you unless you want me to."
The promise should make me feel safer. Instead, it just makes me sad. Because I do want him to touch me. Want to feel his arms around me, his warmth chasing away the fear.
But wanting it doesn't make it right.
I climb into bed, staying as far on my side as possible. The mattress is huge, plenty of room between us. But I can still feel his presence, his scent surrounding me.
"Alora," he says quietly in the darkness.
"Yes?"
"Whatever happens tomorrow, whatever they offer or threaten or demand, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
I close my eyes against the burn of tears. "I trust you. It's the bond I don't trust."
"The bond is part of me now. You can't separate the two."
"That's what scares me."
Silence falls, heavy with all the things we're not saying. All the fears we're not voicing. All the inevitability we're both pretending doesn't exist.
I'm almost asleep when I feel the bed shift. Alex's arm comes around my waist, pulling me back against his chest despite his promise not to touch me.
"I can't," he whispers against my hair. "I can't sleep without knowing you're safe. Without feeling you breathe."
I should push him away. Should maintain the distance we both need.
Instead, I lace my fingers through his, holding his arm against me like a lifeline.
"Just for tonight," I whisper back.
"Just for tonight," he agrees.
But we both know it's a lie.
Tomorrow brings the meeting with three packs who want to take me away.
Tomorrow brings proof to the elders that the bond madness is real.
Tomorrow brings us one step closer to the tragedy every blood-wolf and Alpha pairing has ended in.
But tonight, for just a few hours, I let myself pretend we might be different.
That love might be enough to save us both.
Even though history says it never is.