Chapter 178

Chapter 178
Alexander's POV

I drove the SUV through the city center, rain spattering the windshield as neon signs reflected off wet asphalt. Beside me, Arabella's scent filled the vehicle—honey, vanilla, and those subtle notes of her pregnancy that only I could detect. Her fingers tapped nervously against her knee, eyes fixed on the passing buildings as we approached our destination.

I pulled into the shadowed alley behind Dark Moon Bar. The place looked like an ordinary human dive, but every supernatural in the city knew it was neutral ground—a place where different packs could meet without bloodshed.

"You sure you want to attend this meeting?" I asked, catching her gaze in the rearview mirror. Since Wesley's death, I'd hoped to keep her far from danger, especially with our pup growing inside her.

"I have to be there," she replied, her voice soft but determined. Her hand drifted to her stomach in that unconscious gesture she'd been making lately. "This concerns Alice's future, about all of us."

Lucas leaned forward from the back seat. "Asher's already inside. He just texted that Declan brought Blood with him, no one else."

Tristan pushed his glasses up his nose, his voice calm as ever. "That aligns with our agreement. Three people maximum from each side. Neutral location. No weapons." Despite his words, I knew all three of us were ready to shift at the slightest threat to Arabella.

I cupped Arabella's face, searching her eyes. "If anything feels wrong, you leave immediately. Understand, Puppy?"

She nodded, but I saw the determination burning in her eyes—that fire that had grown stronger since she'd put a knife through Wesley's chest. Pride mixed with concern as I studied her face.

"Remember," I warned as we prepared to exit the car, "not a word about how Wesley died. I'll handle that part."

The bar's interior was noisy and crowded, but we were led to a soundproofed VIP room in the back. When I pushed open the door, two Alpha scents collided like thunderclouds—mine and Declan's. The air crackled with tension as our eyes locked across the dimly lit space.

Asher sat with his back to the wall, his posture rigid but controlled. His eyes softened slightly at the sight of his sister. Across from him, Declan and Blood sat like predators ready to pounce.

Arabella pressed against my side, her heart rate accelerating. I could feel her wolf instincts responding to the danger, which triggered my own protective surge. Lucas and Tristan flanked her other side, creating a protective barrier around her.

"Alpha Harrington," Declan's voice rasped like sandpaper on glass, "thanks for finally gracing us with your presence." His eyes shifted to Arabella, assessing her like a piece of meat.

I ignored his bait and took a seat, pulling Arabella down beside me. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, Alpha Brooks. I believe we have matters of mutual concern to discuss."

Declan's mouth twisted into a cold smile. "Yeah, a 'matter' worth a million dollars." His gaze lingered on Arabella again, causing her to tremble slightly beside me.

My fingers clenched beneath the table, fighting the urge to lunge across and tear out his throat. Asher cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

"We're here to resolve misunderstandings, not create new conflicts," he said diplomatically.

I noticed Blood's eyes fixed on Arabella with an intensity that unsettled me. Unlike Declan's cold assessment, Blood's gaze held something more complex—recognition, perhaps even concern. Arabella avoided his eyes, but I could sense her discomfort.

"Over the past two weeks, Blood Moon territory has suffered three attacks," I said, getting straight to the point. "We initially believed Black Moon was responsible."

Declan's expression remained cold. "Funny coincidence. We've been attacked too. Lost two warriors and a shipment of goods."

Blood nodded. "We assumed it was retaliation from your pack."

Arabella frowned, her analytical mind working through the implications. "So both packs are blaming each other for something that might be the work of a third party?"

Asher pulled a folder from his briefcase. "We discovered that Finn—the trainer we recently recruited who went by 'Ice'—was actually a planted spy."

"He wasn't Black Moon," Tristan added calmly. "We traced his communications to an organization calling themselves the 'Wandering Werewolf Association.'"

I watched Declan's face carefully, noting the slight shift in his expression. The name clearly meant something to him. Arabella sat straighter beside me, her curiosity piqued.

"Wandering Werewolf Association? What's that?"

"A collection of wolves without territory or Alphas," Blood answered, his voice softening as he explained to Arabella. "They oppose traditional pack structures and want to overthrow Alpha leadership."

I noticed Arabella's reaction to Blood—a mixture of wariness and curiosity that she tried to hide. Something about their interaction set my teeth on edge, but I pushed down the feeling to focus on the matter at hand.

"And Frank Carter is their leader," Asher added, sliding a photograph into the center of the table. "Wesley's father. He's been using this organization to manipulate both our packs into conflict."

The atmosphere in the room thickened at the mention of Frank's name. Declan studied the photo, his brow furrowing.

"This explains why so many non-Black Moon wolves have been searching for her since the bounty went up," he said, pointing toward Arabella, who flinched slightly.

I placed my hand on her knee, steadying her, then looked directly at Declan. "There's something else you should know. Wesley Morgan is dead."

The room fell silent. Declan's expression shifted from shock to suspicion. "Dead? When? How?"

I felt Arabella tense beside me, memories of that night in the abandoned factory flooding back. Her fingers trembled slightly, and Lucas immediately took her hand, providing support.

"The details aren't important," I said firmly, maintaining eye contact with Declan. "What matters is that Frank doesn't know this yet. We have reason to believe that once he discovers his son is dead, he'll immediately blame Black Moon and demand you launch a full-scale attack against Blood Moon."

Blood's expression turned serious. "That fits his pattern. He's been trying to pit us against each other for months."

Asher leaned forward. "Frank's goal is clear—after our packs weaken each other through fighting, the Wandering Werewolf Association will have an opportunity to rise and overthrow the Alpha system."

I observed Arabella's pale face but steady eyes. Pride surged through me at her strength, even as I worried about the toll this meeting might take on her. Her hand moved unconsciously to her stomach again, a gesture I'd noticed more frequently since she'd begun accepting her pregnancy.

"So," Arabella suddenly spoke up, her voice stronger than I expected, "we need to work together. Not for each other's sake, but to stop a greater threat."

I was surprised by her directness, but proud of her courage. This was my mate—no longer a victim, but a strong woman with her own voice.

"Our proposal," I said, turning to Declan, "is that when Frank contacts you demanding an attack on Blood Moon, you pretend to agree."

Lucas elaborated, "We can stage a convincing conflict to draw Frank and the Wandering Wolves out, then trap them all at once."

Declan leaned back, eyes narrowing. "Why should I trust you? Especially right after you tell me Wesley's dead."

I felt Arabella tense beside me. I squeezed her hand gently, silently assuring her I'd handle this. "Because this isn't just about Arabella's safety anymore. It's about the future of both our packs. Frank won't stop until he's destroyed us both."

Tristan pushed his glasses up. "According to our intelligence, Frank is already planning his next move. The time to act is now."

Declan considered for a moment, then looked at Blood. "What do you think?"

Blood's gaze finally moved from Arabella to meet Declan's. "I think it's an opportunity. To eliminate a threat and avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

I was surprised by Blood's support, and from Arabella's slight intake of breath, so was she. She looked up at him, her expression complex.

"I'll participate," Arabella suddenly announced, her voice clear and determined. "As bait."

"Absolutely not!" Asher and I shouted simultaneously. I saw Lucas and Tristan stiffen as well.

Arabella held her ground. "Frank wants me. If I'm visible during the conflict, he'll show himself."

A wave of fear and anger unlike anything I'd felt before crashed through me. "Arabella, this is too dangerous. You're carrying—" I stopped myself just in time, nearly revealing her pregnancy to everyone in the room. "Your safety is paramount."

"I won't hide anymore," she said, looking directly into my eyes with a determination that left me speechless. "This is our chance to end it all. For Alice, for our future."

The discussion continued, with Declan suggesting potential locations for our staged conflict.

"What about timing?" Tristan asked. "We need enough preparation time."

"Three days from now," Blood answered. "Our intelligence suggests Frank plans to contact Declan then. We can make him believe Black Moon has agreed to attack."

I noticed Arabella swallow nervously at the mention of "three days." Her concern was evident, but she was working hard to maintain her composure. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, but in this setting, I needed to maintain my Alpha presence.

"Arabella's safety must be guaranteed," I insisted. "She'll be present, but with adequate protection."

As we finalized the details, I couldn't shake the feeling that Blood's interest in Arabella wasn't right. The way he looked at her, spoke to her—there was history there that I didn't fully understand.

But one thing was certain—I would protect my mate and unborn child with my life, even if it meant making a dangerous alliance with our enemies.