Chapter 40 CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ALORA
The Alpha suite is both stunning and suffocating. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the entire pack territory, the furniture is elegant but clearly chosen for function over beauty, and there are so many exits I've lost count. Alex wasn't kidding about security.
I drop my bag on the massive bed and turn to find him standing in the doorway, his eyes still carrying that silver glow that hasn't faded since the Northern wolves showed up.
"This is too much," I say, gesturing around the room. "You don't need to give up your own quarters for me."
"I'm not giving them up." He moves inside, closing the door behind him. "We're sharing them."
My heart stutters. "What?"
"You heard me." His voice leaves no room for argument. "After tonight, I'm not letting you out of my sight. The connecting door arrangement wasn't working, too much distance, too many ways for someone to get to you."
"Alex, we can't—the elders will—"
"I don't care what the elders think." He starts unpacking my things like it's already decided. "They can object all they want. You're sleeping here, where I can protect you."
I watch him move around the room with aggressive efficiency, putting my clothes in his closet, my toiletries in his bathroom. Each action claims me a little more, brands this space as ours rather than his.
My wolf is practically dancing with joy. But my brain is screaming warnings.
"This is exactly what they're worried about," I say quietly. "You are being too possessive. Too irrational. Making decisions based on the bond rather than logic."
His hands are still on my clothes. "And?"
"And maybe they're right." I move closer to him. "Maybe we need to slow down. Give you some space to think clearly—"
"I am thinking clearly." He turns to face me, and the intensity in his eyes makes me step back. "Those Northern wolves know what you are. They're camped at our borders waiting for an opportunity. Someone in my own pack betrayed us." His jaw clenches. "The only rational response is to keep you as close as possible."
"Or you could send me away." The words hurt to say. "Give me to another pack, somewhere the Northern wolves won't look—"
His movement is too fast to track. One second I'm standing by the bed, the next I'm pressed against the wall with his hands on either side of my head.
"Don't." His voice is barely human. "Don't ever suggest I send you away. Don't even think it."
"Alex, you're proving my point—"
"I don't care." His forehead rests against mine, and I feel him shaking. "I don't care if I'm being irrational or possessive or insane. You're not leaving. Ever."
The absolute certainty in his voice makes my chest tight. This is what the elders fear. This consuming need overrides everything else.
"What if I want to leave?" I whisper, testing him.
His eyes flash pure silver. "Then I'd stop you. Lock you up if I had to. Keep you here by any means necessary." His hand slides into my hair, gripping tight. "I know that makes me a monster. I know it proves everything they're saying about the bond madness. But I can't—" His voice breaks. "I can't let you go."
Tears burn my eyes. "This is what I was afraid of. This is what happens to Alphas who bond with blood-wolves."
"Then I guess I'm living up to expectations." He pulls back slightly, studying my face. "Are you afraid of me now?"
I should be. Should be terrified of this wild, possessive version of him. But my wolf is purring, pleased by his claim.
"No," I admit. "I'm afraid for you."
"Don't be." His thumb brushes my cheek. "I'd rather lose myself to this bond than lose you to the alternative."
Before I can respond, a knock interrupts us. Marcus's voice carries through the door, urgent.
"Alex, we have a problem."
Alex growls low in his throat but steps back, letting me breathe again. He opens the door, and Marcus's expression is grim.
"The Northern wolves have been joined by two more packs. Eastern and Riverside. They're forming some kind of alliance at our borders."
Ice floods my veins. Three packs? All here for me?
"How many total?" Alex's voice is cold, controlled.
"Maybe twenty wolves we can see. But there could be more hidden." Marcus glances at me. "They're not trying to hide their presence anymore. It's a clear message."
"What kind of message?" I ask, even though I'm pretty sure I know.
"That they're not leaving without you." Marcus looks at Alex. "The elders are calling an emergency meeting. They want to discuss... options."
"Options." Alex's laugh is bitter. "You mean they want to discuss handing her over."
"They want to discuss not going to war over one wolf—"
"She's not just one wolf," Alex snarls, his control slipping. "How many times do I have to say that before it sinks in?"
"Never mind." Marcus holds up his hands. "Poor choice of words. But Alex, we need to consider the pack's safety. If three packs are willing to band together for her, what happens when word spreads further? When other territories hear about a blood-wolf in Silver Creek?"
The question hangs heavy. Because he's right, if three packs already know, how long before everyone does?
"We fortify." Alex's voice is absolute. "We strengthen our defenses, call in allies, prepare for siege if necessary. But we don't negotiate with kidnappers."
"They're not asking for negotiation." Marcus's voice is careful. "The lead Northern wolf sent a message. He wants to speak with you. Alone. Tomorrow at dawn."
"Absolutely not—"
"Hear me out." Marcus moves closer. "They're offering terms. They claim they just want to assess her abilities. Confirm what she is. They're willing to pay—"
"She's not for sale." The words come out more growl than speech, and I see Alex's eyes flash again.
"I know that. We all know that." Marcus glances at me, and I catch the apology in his eyes. "But maybe if we listen to their terms, we can buy time. Figure out what they really want. Find out who leaked the information in the first place."
"It's a trap."