Chapter 236
FAYE
As I walked into the packhouse, I found Alexander in his office, exactly where I expected him
to be.
Alexander was standing at his desk, adjusting the cuff of his shirt with practiced precision.
He was fully dressed–dark suit, white shirt, tie perfectly aligned. The kind of look that meant meetings, the kind that meant the corporate side of his life was about to take over completely.
For a moment, I just leaned against the doorframe and watched him.
There was something almost fascinating about the way he switched between worlds so effortlessly: Alpha, CEO, Mate. He wore each role like a second skin, even when the weight of them all pressed into his shoulders at once.
“You look… official,” I said lightly, breaking the quiet.
He glanced up, surprise flickering across his face before it softened into a smile. “I am official today,” he replied. “Board meeting this morning. Then an appointment with some
potential clients at the company.”
I hummed, stepping farther into the room. “That’s a shame.”
His brows lifted slightly. “Is it?”
“Yes,” I said casually. “I was hoping we’d spend the afternoon together.”
The transformation was immediate.
That serious, focused expression melted away like it had never existed. His lips curved into a knowing smile, warm and unmistakably fond, and he leaned back against the desk, folding his arms loosely across his chest.
“We both know,” he said gently, “that even when I’m here, my attention is usually divided- especially in the afternoons.”
I smirked at him. He’d caught the sarcasm immediately.
“True,” I admitted. “Between pack matters, calls, meetings, emergencies… I’d probably still have to compete with your desk.”
He chuckled softly. “You’d win. Eventually.”
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“Eventually,” I echoed.
+25 Points
His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary, that familiar softness settling
into his eyes. Then, as if remembering himself, he straightened slightly.
“How was your walk this morning?” he asked.
“Fine,” I said. “Relaxing.”
I hesitated for half a second before adding, almost too casually, “I ran into Diana.”
I wasn’t even sure why I said it.
Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was instinct. Or maybe a small, quiet part of me wanted to see how her name would land when spoken aloud between us.
“Oh,” Alexander said easily. “Okay.”
That was it.
No tension. No flicker of discomfort. Just… acceptance.
I blinked once, thrown off despite myself.
“Yes,” I said slowly. “Okay.”
I didn’t elaborate, and neither did he. He didn’t ask questions, didn’t press, and didn’t seem remotely bothered.
If anything, he looked more focused on grabbing his phone from the desk and checking the
time.
He pushed off the desk and stood fully, rolling his shoulders back like someone mentally preparing for a long day.
“I should get going,” he said. “Cole’s out on assignment, so you’re in charge of the office while I’m gone, Luna.”
I raised an eyebrow immediately. “Really.”
He grinned. “I’m serious.”
“You say that like this place doesn’t already run itself.”
He stepped closer, stopping just in front of me. “Humor me.”
I shook my head but leaned in anyway, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “Take care,” I murmured. “Have a nice day.”
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“You too,” he replied, brushing his thumb lightly along my jaw.
He moved to step past me–but I caught his arm gently.
“Wait.”
He paused, turning back to me with quiet attention. “What’s wrong?”
+25 Points
I studied his face for a moment before asking, “Why do you seem… okay with me going out by myself to work out outside the packhouse?”
His expression didn’t change. If anything, it softened further.
“I mean,” I continued carefully, “before now, you were always worried. Always insisting on escorts or staying close.”
Alexander didn’t hesitate.
“I just want you to do whatever makes you happy,” he said simply.
Just that.
The words settled deep in my chest, warm and steady. But I still knew better… he wasn’t fooling me completely.
I smiled at him.
He leaned in to kiss my forehead, lingering for a second longer than necessary, then stepped
back.
“I’ll see you later,” he said.
And then he turned and left.
ALEXANDER
I tried my mother’s number again as I drove, my eyes fixed on the road ahead while my thumb hovered a second too long over the screen.
No answer.
The call rang out, just like the others had.
I exhaled slowly and ended it, tightening my grip on the steering wheel in frustration. I’d been trying to reach her since last night–since after I spoke with Derek. That alone bothered me. Helen wasn’t careless with communication. If she missed a call, she returned it. If she was
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busy, she sent a message. Silence wasn’t her habit.
Unless it was intentional.
The thought settled uncomfortably in my chest.
Was she avoiding me?
And now she wouldn’t answer my calls.
+25 Points
The company gates came into view ahead. I slowed slightly, my jaw tightening as unease sharpened into resolve. Avoidance didn’t mean innocence. What if she wasn’t avoiding me on purpose? What if there was a problem?
I pulled in just enough to clear the road and dialed another number.
Derek picked up on the second ring.
“Alpha Alexander.”
“Derek,” I said, keeping my voice level. “I need a favor.”
There was a pause, the kind that meant he was already listening carefully. “Of course. What’s going on?”
“I’ve been trying to reach my mother since last night,” I said. “Ever since we spoke. She hasn’t answered a single call.”
That was enough.
“Is there a problem?” Derek asked.
“I don’t know yet,” I replied honestly. “But that’s what worries me. Helen doesn’t go silent without a reason. It’s either she doesn’t want to be reached, or she can’t be reached.”
Another brief pause. I imagined him already shifting gears, already running through possibilities.
“You want me to send someone to check on her,” he said.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Discreetly. Just eyes on her. Make sure she’s okay.”
“I’ll handle it,” Derek said. “I’ll send someone over right away.”
“Thank you.”
I ended the call as the gates slid open and I drove through.
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+25 Points
My thoughts were already running miles ahead–on my mother, on unanswered calls, on the quiet certainty that whatever was unfolding hadn’t ended with that attack on Faye.
It felt like just the beginning. Which was why I had assigned a personal bodyguard to Faye. I’d feel better knowing she was being monitored.
Now I started to wonder if Helen needed that kind of protection too.
