Chapter 174
Chapter 174
FAYE
I was already in my nightwear, unpacking when I heard a knock on the door. Before I could even answer, the door creaked open, and a familiar head peeked in.
“Faye p>
I didn’t have time to respond before Irene slipped inside and practically sprinted toward me. She threw her arms around me in one of her dramatic hugs, her words tumbling out so fast I could barely catch them.
“I missed you so much! You have no idea how boring it’s been without you here p>
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I was only gone for a few days, Irene. You’re acting like I disappeared for months p>
She gasped, pulling back with exaggerated disbelief. “Only a few days? Try the longest few days of my life p>
I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. She dropped onto the bed, crossing her legs like she owned the place, while I continued unpacking.
“So,” she said, watching me, “how was the trip back p>
“It was fine,” I replied, glancing over my shoulder at her. “Long, but fine. I’m just glad to be home p>
“Hmm.” She nodded thoughtfully, then leaned back on her hands. “And my brother? Where’s he? I haven’t seen him p>
I smiled faintly. “In a meeting. Kyle and Cole came by not long ago p>
Irene groaned. “Of course he is. The man just got back, and he’s already buried in pack business. Typical Alexander p>
I laughed softly. “You say that like it surprises you… yet it doesn’t p>
“It doesn’t,” she said, pouting a little. “It’s just exhausting watching him live like that. Does he ever breathe?
“Apparently not,” I murmured. Then, more seriously, I added, “Though to be fair, this one might actually need his attention. Cole looked… different when he came in. Serious p>
“Cole always looks serious p>
“Not like this,” I said.
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Those two are basically the same person. Everything’s an emergency to them p>
I smiled at that because she wasn’t entirely wrong. I turned back to my luggage while she got up to help, fussing over my folded clothes and muttering about how I packed too neatly.
“Anyway,” Irene said after a minute, “I’m glad you’re back just in time. I was starting to panic a little p>
“Panic?” I asked, frowning. “Why p>
She grinned mischievously. “Because you’re coming with me to an event this weekend p>
“No,” I said instantly, shaking my head before she could even finish.
“You didn’t even ask what kind of event it is,” Irene said.
“I don’t care what kind of event it is,” I said, already feeling tired just imagining it. “I’m not going anywhere outside this pack house for at least a week. I’m exhausted p>
She clasped her hands together dramatically. “Faye, come on! I already told my friends I was coming with my brother’s mate–the Luna of Blood Crescent. You can’t ruin that for me now p>
I turned and stared at her, half amused, half horrified. “You’re trying emotional blackmail now? ”
She blinked innocently. “Is it working p>
I sighed. “I’m not making any promises, Irene. I’ll think about it–if I rest well enough and get in a better mood before then p>
“Deal!” she chirped. “And if it helps, I can be your personal assistant for now. I’ll handle everything while you rest p>
I couldn’t help but laugh at that as I brushed past her and walked into the closet, shaking my head.
Truthfully, the mention of any “event” made something tighten in my chest. I still wasn’t over what happened at Silver Hollow–the chaos, the fear, the blood. So now, every time someone mentioned a gathering, my mind would definitely go back to everything.
ALEXANDER
Cole and Kyle sat across from me. Kyle was speaking. He looked uneasy, like he’d been replaying the same mistake in his head for hours before walking into my office.
“I’m mad at myself for even answering his call,” he began. “And for agreeing to meet him. I should’ve known better. I’ll accept whatever punishment you decide, Alpha p>
I didn’t say anything, just kept my eyes on him. Kyle was loyal, sometimes to the point of being rigid, and I could tell the guilt already weighed heavier on him than any reprimand I could give.
Before I could speak, Cole slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair. “That bastard,” he snapped. Gerald had the guts to crawl back out and spread that nonsense again? You should’ve executed him the first time he committed treason, Alpha. We both said it p>
His voice carried the weight of frustration.
Still, I stayed silent for a moment longer, letting the tension breathe. Cole was right in a way… I should
have ended Gerald when I had the chance. But I hadn’t, and part of me still believed there was strategy in
that choice.
Finally, I spoke.
“I have no problem with you, Kyle, going to hear Gerald out,” I said evenly. “If it had anything to do with the security of the pack, you had to go and hear him out. That was the right call p>
Kyle’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but I wasn’t done.
“The part I do have a problem with,” I continued, my tone sharpening just a little, “is that you didn’t inform anyone about it. You went alone, without a word to me or Cole. That’s not how we operate. ”
Kyle looked down, guilt flashing across his face. “You’re right, Alpha. I should’ve p>
“It’s fine,” I cut in, leaning back in my chair. “What’s done is done. Now we know what we’re dealing with p>
I paused, looking between the two of them. “Gerald’s playing messenger for a fool who thinks bloodline is enough to challenge a pack that’s been built on strength and loyalty p>
It was time to accept the reality of this whole Marcus madness…and face it once and for all.