Xander’s POV
Few months ago, my life felt untouchable, a tapestry woven with strength, power, and what seemed like an unshakeable bond with Alison. Now, it felt like that tapestry was unraveling, each thread pulling apart, leaving me with nothing but raw, exposed nerves.
I sat in my office, the weight of the pack’s future now crushing down on me. Two summons from the Alpha Council lay on the desk before me, their bold, blood-red seals mocking my every decision. Ignoring them had been a calculated risk, but now, it was one I could no longer afford. The council demanded my presence, and every instinct I had told me it was a trap… They had heard what Kendrick did to my mate, but yet they had disregarded that just to honor some Treaty even my father before me wasn’t in support of.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I said, my voice hoarse from days of barking orders and sleepless nights.
Darius, the physician, stepped in, his face an unreadable mask of professionalism, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. I set the letters aside and leaned back in my chair. “What’s the update? Will she be awake any tune soon?” I asked, bracing myself for the answer.
Darius cleared his throat, his hesitation immediately setting my wolf, Cain, on edge. “Alpha Xander,” he began, “I’ve tried every antidote, every remedy known to counteract wolfsbane. But this… this like I said is something different. Only an Alpha blood can be cured in cases of wolfsbane poisoning, but her wolf though weak had refuses to let go completely.”
I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms. “So, you’re saying you don’t have a solution?”
He hesitated again before shaking his head. “No, Alpha.. But, if I’m being completely honest with you Alpha, I doubt she would ever recover, and if there’s no chance of recovery… ”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I growled, standing so quickly my chair toppled over. Cain surged forward, a snarl rumbling in my chest. “If you ever suggest ending her suffering again like the last time, I’ll make sure I kill you before you get to execute your proposal. Do you understand me, Darius?”
Darius lowered his head in submission, his hands trembling slightly. “Yes, Alpha. Forgive me.”
“Get out,” I commanded, my voice a whip crack in the tense air.
Darius didn’t need to be told twice. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone with my spiraling thoughts. I collapsed back into my chair, rubbing my temples as a headache threatened to split my skull.
The weight of being Alpha was heavier than ever. Every decision felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of snapping jaws. Protect the pack, find a way to save Alison, keep the council at bay… it was all too much.
My door swung open without warning, and the scent of vanilla and honey invaded my senses. Caitlyn.
I didn’t need this right now.
She strolled in, her heels clicking against the floor like a metronome ticking down to my last ounce of patience. Her dress was cut indecently low, revealing more than was appropriate for an uninvited visit. “Xander,” she purred, perching herself on the edge of my desk. “You look… tense.”
Cain bristled, his growl echoing in my mind. “She’s the reason Alison is like this. If she hadn’t been distracting you, you could have gotten to Alison sooner.
I forced him back, unwilling to lose control in front of Caitlyn. “What do you want?” I asked coldly.
She leaned forward, her dress slipping just enough to make her intentions clear. “I thought you could use some company. You’ve been working so hard, and I… ”
“I don’t need your company,” I interrupted, my voice devoid of warmth.
Her pout deepened, and she crossed her legs slowly, deliberately. “I saw Darius leaving. Still no change with your Alison?”
Her casual mention of Alison sent a jolt of rage through me. “What’s your point, Caitlyn?”
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “I just don’t see why you’re holding on to hope. She’s… well, she’s practically gone. Maybe it’s time to let her go and find peace.”
The word peace ignited something primal in me. In a flash, I was on my feet, closing the distance between us. My hand shot out, gripping her throat and pinning her to the desk. Her eyes widened in shock as she gasped for air.
“Don’t you ever speak about Alison like that again,” I hissed, my voice low and lethal. “If you so much as breathe another word about her death, I’ll make sure you don’t get the chance to say anything ever again.”
Her nails clawed at my wrist, her struggles growing weaker as I tightened my grip. Cain was snarling in my mind, urging me to finish her, but I forced myself to release her, letting her collapse onto the desk, coughing and sputtering.
The door creaked open, and Beta Luke stepped inside. His eyes flicked between Caitlyn and me, his expression a mixture of concern and confusion. “Apologies for interrupting, Alpha,” he said carefully. “But there’s urgent news.”
I shot one last glare at Caitlyn before turning to Luke. “Walk with me,” I said, striding past him and out into the hallway.
Luke followed close behind, his voice low as he spoke. “The council has issued a final summons. If you don’t attend the hearing, it could spell disaster for the pack. Other Alphas are already circling, waiting for a sign of weakness to strike.”
I stopped in my tracks, the weight of his words sinking in. For a moment, I said nothing, my mind racing. Finally, I exhaled and asked, “When’s the hearing?”
“A week from today,” Luke replied.
“Prepare everything we need… evidence, the fine for missing the first two summons. Make sure we’re ready.”
Luke bowed his head. “Yes, Alpha.”
I dismissed him and made my way back to my quarters. The door creaked open, revealing Alison’s still form lying in the center of the massive bed. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, and her breathing was so faint it was barely perceptible.
I sank into the chair beside her, taking her hand in mine. Her fingers were cold, a stark contrast to the warmth I used to feel radiating from her.
“It’s been a month,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “A month, and you’re still not awake. Alison, please… I need you to fight. I need you to come back to me.”
The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the faint rustle of the curtains in the breeze. I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to her hand.
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. “Leading the pack, fighting the council, trying to keep you alive… it’s tearing me apart. But I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes if it means I get to see you smile again.”
Tears blurred my vision, but I didn’t bother wiping them away. “You’re my mate, Alison. My everything. And I swear, I won’t let you go. Not now. Not ever.”
The room remained silent, but for the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to hope.