Her motives

Staring blankly at Elder Roderick, Alex tried to maintain a polite expression as the older man droned on about pack politics and the upcoming council meeting.

But truth be told, Alex was bored out of his mind. His thoughts kept drifting back to Morgan, wondering where she was and what was taking her so long to return. He’d already checked his phone a dozen times, and the absence of any messages from her was gnawing at him.

Completely oblivious to Alex’s lack of interest, Elder Roderick continued speaking, his voice a dull hum in Alex’s ears. “And as you know, Alpha, with the upcoming negotiations, it’s crucial that we present a united front…”

Alex forced himself to nod, though he hadn’t caught half of what the elder had just said. He was just about to make up an excuse to end the conversation when Roderick’s tone suddenly shifted, becoming a bit more personal.

“By the way, Alpha,” Roderick said, leaning forward slightly, “when my daughter Isabella heard that I was coming to the Alpha’s quarters today, she mentioned that she would be delighted if you could join her for dinner tonight.”

Suddenly, the door opened again, and Marcus walked in, followed closely by an omega maid who looked flustered and out of breath.

She quickly bowed, her voice rushing out in a jumble of apologies. “I’m so sorry, Alpha! I didn’t mean to interrupt, but you asked me to inform you the moment Luna Morgan returned to the pack house, and I’m here to let you know that she’s just arrived.”

All thoughts of Isabella and dinner plans vanished from Alex’s mind as soon as he heard Morgan’s name.

His heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression cool. “Thank you for letting me know,” he said, his voice controlled but with an underlying urgency.

Turning back to Elder Roderick, Alex didn’t even attempt to hide his impatience now. “I apologize, Elder, but I must excuse myself. I promised my Luna that I would have dinner with her tonight.”

Watching Alex grab his phone, Elder Roderick’s face barely concealed his annoyance, but he forced a tight smile and bowed slightly. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll take my leave.”

As soon as Roderick was out of the room, Alex let out a sigh of relief and glanced at Marcus, who was standing by the door.

“Marcus, come with me,” Alex ordered, slipping his phone into his pocket and striding out of the office. Marcus quickly followed, matching his Alpha’s pace.

“Is everything alright, Alpha?” Marcus asked, sensing the underlying tension in Alex’s movements.

As they walked briskly through the corridors, Alex’s mind was still preoccupied with Morgan’s return, but he couldn’t help but ask something that had been gnawing at him. Without breaking stride, he turned to Marcus. “Do you remember the first time you met Morgan?”

Marcus looked slightly taken aback by the question, but he quickly composed himself. “Yes, Alpha, I do.”

Alex’s gaze remained fixed ahead as he continued, his tone casual, though the question clearly held more weight than he let on. “What was your first thought of her?”

Marcus hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Honestly, Alpha... I thought she was... stubborn and fierce.”

Alex let out a short, humorless laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

Marcus looked at his Alpha, trying to gauge where this conversation was headed. “Is something troubling you about Luna Morgan, Alpha?”

For a moment, Alex didn’t respond. His thoughts swirled as he remembered the brief but intense encounters he’d had with Morgan since she’d come into his life. “She’s exactly what you said—stubborn and fierce. But she’s also unpredictable. We’ve only known each other for three days, Marcus, and yet... she keeps changing.”

Marcus listened intently, his usual stoic demeanor softening slightly as he realized his Alpha was genuinely concerned. “Change isn’t always a bad thing, Alpha. But it can be unsettling, especially when you’re trying to build trust.”

Alex nodded, though his expression remained troubled. “That’s exactly it. How can I trust someone who keeps surprising me? One minute, she’s defiant, and the next, she’s... vulnerable. It’s like I can’t get a read on her.”

Marcus thought for a moment before responding, his tone respectful yet firm. “Alpha, trust isn’t built overnight, even with the mate bond. It takes time. You’re both navigating new territory, and it’s natural for there to be uncertainty.”

Alex sighed, feeling the weight of Marcus’s words but still grappling with his own doubts. “But how can I lead effectively if I’m constantly questioning her motives? Every time I think I have her figured out, she does something that throws me off.”

A moment later, as Alex and Marcus made their way through the packhouse, the sound of a child’s laughter echoed down the corridor, causing Alex to frown. He wasn’t expecting to hear a child’s voice in Morgan’s quarters, and the unfamiliar sound only deepened the crease between his brows. His steps slowed as they neared the door, where the playful giggles grew louder, mixed with Morgan’s own laughter.

Alex stopped just outside the door, his hand hovering over the handle. Through the door, he could hear Morgan’s voice, warm and teasing. “Oh no, Benji! The shark’s coming to get you! Better swim faster!”

A burst of giggles followed, filled with pure joy, as Benji squealed, “No, Mom! Save me from the shark!”

The term “Mom” made Alex’s frown deepen, and he shot a puzzled glance at Marcus, who looked just as surprised. Taking a deep breath, Alex finally pushed the door open.

Inside, the room was bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun. Morgan was sitting on the floor with Benji, both of them caught up in a game involving a small toy shark and a stuffed animal. Sophie sat nearby, her eyes bright as she watched them, clearly enjoying the moment as much as they were.

The sound of the door opening drew their attention, and Morgan’s laughter faded as she looked up to see Alex standing there, his expression dark and unreadable. Benji, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, quickly clung to Morgan’s arm, his eyes widening with uncertainty.