Chapter 160

Chapter 160
Erin's POV

We relocated to the company break room, empty except for humming vending machines. Jasper sat across from me, nervously drumming his knuckles on the table, expression grave.

"I think we can help each other," he suddenly proposed, eyes brightening. "We share a common goal—keeping Lydia away from Alexander."

"For completely different reasons," I snorted.

"Who cares about reasons?" He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You want revenge on the Alpha who dumped you, and I need to recover what was stolen. I can help you get close to him... and you can help me gather information."

I pretended to consider his offer, tapping my chin thoughtfully. This was perfect for collecting intel. "What about the truck attack? Was that your plan too?"

Guilt flashed across his face as he looked away. "I'm sorry. I was just a pawn... I never thought anyone would get hurt."

I studied him carefully, my inner wolf sniffing for deception. Finally, I nodded. "Fine. We can work together. But by my rules."

He exhaled with relief. "Deal."

---

The night was deep, wind biting cold as I stood outside Black Stone Tower, hesitating. Security was doubled, obviously protecting Alexander and his "new flame." Bastard.

I took a deep breath, swallowing my bitterness, and strode toward the entrance.

"Ma'am, stop," a burly security guard blocked my path.

"I need to see Alexander Ravenclaw," I stated firmly. "Tell him it's Erin Jones with critical information about his safety."

After murmuring into his radio, the guard shook his head coldly. "Mr. Ravenclaw isn't receiving visitors."

As I prepared to argue, Noah appeared at the entrance.

"Erin," he said expressionlessly, "he doesn't want to see you."

"Noah, please," I implored, "this concerns his safety! Lydia isn't who she pretends to be!"

"He knows exactly who Lydia is," Noah replied icily, without a trace of sympathy. "Please leave."

I bit my lip, fighting the urge to scream. Stay calm, find another way. I nodded, pretending to leave but circled around to the building's rear, searching for service entrances.

There must be a way in... I was feeling along a side door when a powerful hand clamped over my mouth, while another arm locked around my waist, dragging me into darkness.

I struggled instinctively, trying to scream through the hand pressed firmly against my lips. My wolf howled within, claws and teeth fighting to emerge.

"Stop moving," a deep voice growled in my ear. "Struggle again and I'll kill you."

I was roughly shoved against a wall, finally seeing my attacker—Grayson. His amber eyes gleamed coldly in the darkness, lips pressed into a grim line beneath his beard.

"Erin Jones? Trespassing on Black Stone territory?" he frowned. "Do you know the consequences?"

"I have to see Alexander," I gasped. "His life is in danger!"

Grayson's arm felt like steel around me, my struggles futile against his strength.

"The Werewolf Guardian Alliance is protecting him," he murmured. "I cannot allow interference with our work."

"You don't understand," I was practically begging. "Lydia is from Eastern Claw Pack! She's using Alexander, and the baby..." I stopped abruptly, uncertain how much to reveal.

My words caused Grayson's pupils to contract slightly. He removed his hand from my mouth but maintained his grip on my shoulders, gaze intensely scanning my expression.

"I strongly advise you to stay away from Alexander Ravenclaw," he finally said, voice low and serious. "He has his own plans."

"What plans?" I demanded. "Why won't anyone tell me what's happening?"

Grayson paused, seemingly weighing his words. "He visited Alliance headquarters," he finally revealed. "He reviewed your family's files from twenty-five years ago."

A chill swept through me, my heartbeat stuttering. "My family's... files? Why?"

"I believe he suspects that fire wasn't accidental," Grayson said meaningfully.

The fire that claimed my parents—not an accident? Alexander was investigating this? My head buzzed with phantom sounds of crackling flames. The world tilted beneath me, everything becoming distant and blurred.

---

I stumbled back to my apartment, thoughts whirling chaotically. Pushing open the door, I smelled food and heard kitchen sounds.

"Erin!" Jason poked his head out, wearing a relaxed smile. "Perfect timing—I made your favorite pasta. How was your day? I was thinking—"

"Since Lisa was taken, you haven't asked about her once," I cut him off, voice trembling. "Did you ever actually care about her?"

Jason's smile vanished. He slowly set down his spatula, expression turning guarded. "Erin, what's happened?"

I strode toward him, tears already welling. "Answer me! Why don't you care about Lisa at all?"

"Of course I care," he replied defensively, brow furrowed. "There are just more important things right now—"

"Like what?" my voice cracked, tears spilling unchecked. "Like manipulating her against Alexander? Lisa's real target was never me, was it? It was him! And you were pulling the strings all along!"

Jason's expression hardened, amber eyes flashing dangerously. "You're talking nonsense."

"I KNOW you hate Alexander!" I cried, emotions crumbling completely. "Why? What does that fire have to do with him? Why won't you tell me the truth?"

"ENOUGH!" Jason roared, slamming the frying pan onto the stove with such force I instinctively backed away. He spoke through clenched teeth. "That fire took EVERYTHING from me! I will NOT discuss it!"

His fury left me speechless. Tense silence filled the kitchen, broken only by my sobs and his harsh breathing.

"Alexander is in danger," I finally managed, wiping tears with my sleeve. "Whatever happened, whatever grudge you hold against him, I'm going to help him."

Jason's face darkened terribly. "After everything he's done to you, you still choose him?"

"Yes!" I declared, voice shaking but determined. "I will NOT let him face danger alone."