Chapter 304
Chapter 304
+25 Points)
Martha balanced the tray carefully in her hands as she made her way down the corridor toward the Alpha’s
office. The cup rattled softly against its saucer with each step, the dark liquid inside shifting dangerously
close to the rim.
Alpha Alexander did not like his coffee spilled.
He did not like many things out of place.
The pack house had learned that long ago.
The hallway leading to his office was quiet at this hour. Most of the staff had retreated to their quarters, and the warriors on rotation moved silently through their posts. Martha adjusted her grip slightly and
slowed her steps as she neared the door.
It was partially closed.
Not unusual.
Voices filtered through the narrow gap.
She would normally knock immediately, announce herself, and enter only when permitted. That was protocol. But as she raised her hand to knock, a word drifted through the crack that made her pause.
“Wolfsbane p>
She froze.
Her knuckles hovered inches from the door.
Inside, Alpha Alexander’s voice was calm, measured.
“… not enough to harm him permanently. Just enough to trigger a reaction p>
Martha’s breath caught.
Him.
There was only one “him” being discussed in quiet tones throughout the pack house these days.
Roman.
Her heart gave a small, uneasy thud.
She had been there the night they brought him in.
Everyone in the pack house had been.
They had carried him through the gates like a body retrieved from battle–bloodied, pale, barely breathing. She remembered the way Luna Faye had rushed forward without hesitation, insisting that he be taken to
the clinic.
< Chapter 304
“Thank you,” Alexander replied without looking at her.
His tone gave nothing away.
Martha stepped back, hands clasped in front of her apron, waiting a second longer in case further
instructions were given.
None came.
“You may go,” Cole said gently.
+25 Points)
She nodded and turned, walking toward the door with measured steps. She did not rush. She did not
hesitate.
But once she closed the door behind her, her composure wavered.
She moved down the corridor slowly, the empty tray now lighter in her hands but her thoughts far heavier.
She did not know the whole story.
She knew only fragments–whispers among staff, the sight of Roman being carried in, the way Luna Faye had personally overseen his care. She knew that, from all outward signs, he appeared human.
But if there was even a chance he was a wolf…
Her brow furrowed.
If the Luna was right-
And if the Alpha intended to test that with wolfsbane while the boy was struggling to heal…
Her steps slowed.
That could be dangerous.
Roman was still recovering from injuries severe enough to nearly kill him.
What if his body could not handle it?
What if the dosage was miscalculated?
Her grip tightened slightly around the tray’s edge.
Should she tell Luna Faye?
The thought came uninvited but insistent.
If the Luna knew, perhaps she could intervene. Perhaps she could stop it. Or at least ensure it was done
carefully.
Martha respected Alpha Alexander deeply. He was a fair leader–disciplined and protective.
But Luna Faye… the Luna carried a different kind of authority.
A gentler one.
3/5
< Chapter 304
Martha hesitated at the intersection of two hallways.
This was not her business.
It was not her place to involve herself in decisions between the Alpha and the Luna.
Yet if the experiment went wrong-
She imagined the boy convulsing with fever, his wounds reopening, his recovery undone.
Her chest tightened.
But another image followed quickly.
Alpha Alexander discovering that she had overheard and spoken out of turn.
The Alpha valued loyalty above all else.
He valued order.
If he believed she had interfered in pack leadership matters-
Her imagination did not need to stretch far.
He would not tolerate betrayal.
Not even small ones.
And what would she say?
“I overheard through the door p>
That alone would earn a reprimand.
Her pulse quickened.
No.
This was beyond her station,
She was staff.
Her duty was to serve, to follow instructions given by her superiors–not to involve herself in their disagreements.
If Luna Faye was meant to know, she would know.
+25 Points
The Luna had a way of sensing undercurrents in the house. Martha had witnessed it many times. Nothing stayed hidden from her for long.
Perhaps this, too, would surface without Martha’s involvement.
She resumed walking, more firmly now.
It was not her business.
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< Chapter 304
She repeated the words to herself like a shield.
Not her business.
The pack was led by capable hands.
If there was danger, they would manage it.
Her responsibility was smaller. Simpler.
Meals prepared on time. Rooms kept in order. Instructions followed.
She turned down the narrower corridor that led to the staff quarters.
The lights here were dimmer, the atmosphere quieter, more personal.
Her heartbeat began to slow.
She had done nothing wrong.
She had heard something she was not meant to hear. That was all.
And she would leave it there.
+25 Points)
She reached her door, paused only briefly as a final flicker of doubt brushed her thoughts, then pushed it
open.