Chapter 0026

The vehicle halts right before the pack house. It appears significantly smaller compared to Alpha Alexander's estate.

The door swings open. Alpha Alexander steps out and extends his hand toward me. I take it without hesitation this time. He had already emphasized the need to irritate Marcus.

His touch radiates warmth. It feels unexpectedly comforting.

Luna Victoria stands on the steps, draped in a long white gown. Her blonde hair is styled in tight ringlets that frame her face.

"Alpha Alexander." Her piercing voice makes me flinch. My grip on Alpha Alexander's hand instinctively tightens. "We did not anticipate your arrival so soon. The contract specified your return after thirty days."

So they had indeed read it.

"It also states I may return within fourteen days if unsatisfied." Alpha Alexander mutters, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"You got exactly what you requested!" Luna Victoria directs a sharp glare at me. "We have committed no wrongdoing."

"Certain questions remain unresolved." A dark edge laces Alpha Alexander's tone, filling me with immediate dread. I would not want to be in Luna Victoria's position facing that.

"You are most welcome to enter. My husband and our Beta are currently out hunting. I can attempt to address your inquiries while we await their return." She shows no reaction to his ominous tone.

Entering the house makes my heart race. Alpha Alexander had repeatedly assured me of my safety. Yet, the flood of traumatic memories is relentless.

We follow Luna Victoria into the office. Her green eyes lock onto mine as she shuts the door. "Please, sit." The words are forced through clenched teeth. The effort it must cost her is almost tangible.

"How may I assist you, Alpha Alexander?" Her tone is deceptively calm.

"Who bound Athena?"

The question surprises me. It wasn't what I expected.

"Regrettably, that is information I do not possess, Alpha Alexander."

"But she was bound on two separate occasions, correct?"

Her green eyes flicker briefly toward me. "Correct."

"Because she was mated to your Beta."

She sucks in her cheeks. "Was. He rejected her. Who would desire a worthless creature like that as a mate?!" A derisive chuckle escapes her.

"Have you concluded she is worthless, Alpha Alexander? Are you attempting to return her?"

"No. As I stated, I am merely seeking answers."

"I am uncertain what you wish me to say, Alpha Alexander. The first binding was punitive. The second occurred upon her eighteenth birthday. The initial witch's work was evidently inadequate."

"You employed a witch? I was under the impression you claimed ignorance of the perpetrator."

A faint blush colors her cheeks. "I do not know her identity. We are both aware only a witch could perform such magic."

It was a plausible recovery, yet it sounded rehearsed.

"Then I shall await Dominic to provide the necessary answers."

"Very well. May I offer you refreshments during your wait?"

"Water is sufficient." Alpha Alexander replies flatly.

She exits the office. Minutes later, she returns carrying a jug of water and glasses. She sets them on a small central table.

Alpha Alexander moves with blinding speed. He pins Luna Victoria against the wall, lifting her inches off the ground. His hands coil tightly around her neck.

"Do you take me for a fool?" He snarls. "I detected the scent before you finished pouring."

"You... you shouldn't be able to..." Luna Victoria chokes out, struggling against his grip.

"Wolfsbane Toxin." Beta Sebastian states grimly, dumping the jug's contents onto the floor.