The Alpha’s protection

As the black SUV glided down the road, Morgan sat quietly beside Sophie, the tension from breakfast still lingering in the air.

The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the leather seats, but it did little to ease the unease gnawing at her. Sophie was seated next to her, staring out the window, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.

Even though Morgan hadn't known Sophie long enough to recognize when something was off, the usually composed and serene Sophie was tense, her brow furrowed in thought.

The silence between them was heavy, almost suffocating, and Morgan knew she couldn’t ignore it any longer.

“Sophie,” Morgan finally said, her voice gentle but firm, “are you okay?”

Staring away from the window, Sophie’s eyes flicked briefly to the driver before she forced a small smile and nodded. “Yes, Luna. I’m fine.”

But Morgan wasn’t convinced. She could see the tightness in Sophie’s smile, the way her hands were clasped too tightly in her lap. It wasn’t just nerves—Sophie was hiding something, and Morgan’s instincts told her it was something important.

The driver kept his eyes on the road, but Morgan could feel Sophie’s hesitation, her reluctance to speak openly in front of him. Deciding not to press the issue further for now, Morgan nodded, though her concern didn’t waver.

“Alright,” Morgan said softly, though she knew they would need to talk later. “But remember, you can always talk to me, Sophie. About anything.”

Sophie nodded again, but her gaze remained distant, fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

As the SUV pulled up to the entrance of Lupine Industries, Morgan’s thoughts shifted to the task ahead.

This was the first time she was arriving at the company without Alex by her side, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the employees would show her the same respect they did when he was with her.

The pressure of maintaining her authority without his physical presence weighed heavily on her.

The car came to a smooth stop, and the driver quickly exited to open the door for Morgan and Sophie. Stepping out onto the pavement, Morgan took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders as she prepared to enter the building. Sophie followed closely behind, her expression still unreadable.

As they walked through the glass doors and into the lobby, the room gradually fell into a hushed silence.

Employees who had been busy with their morning routines paused to look at Morgan, their eyes widening in recognition.

For a brief moment, uncertainty flashed through Morgan’s mind. Would they acknowledge her authority, or would they hesitate without Alex’s presence?

But slowly, one by one, the employees began to bow, their heads lowering in respect. The gesture was tentative at first, but as more people followed suit, the atmosphere shifted. A sense of reverence filled the room, and Morgan felt a surge of relief mingled with nervousness.

She nodded in acknowledgment, her voice steady as she addressed them. “Thank you. Please, continue with your work.”

The employees straightened and returned to their tasks, though Morgan could still feel their curious glances lingering on her. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that this was just the beginning. Earning their respect would take time, but she was willing to put in the effort.

As they made their way to the elevator, Morgan couldn’t help but glance at Sophie again. The tension in her friend’s posture hadn’t eased, and now that they were away from prying eyes and ears, she knew it was time to address it.

The elevator doors closed, sealing them off from the rest of the building. The soft hum of the elevator moving upwards filled the small space, and Morgan turned to Sophie, her voice gentle but firm.

“Sophie,” she began, her eyes searching her friend’s face, “I know something is bothering you. Please, tell me what’s wrong.”

Silence settled between them as Sophie hesitated, her eyes flicking to the elevator buttons as if considering how much to say.

Finally, she exhaled slowly and met Morgan’s gaze. “It’s just... I’m worried, Luna. About Benji..."

Morgan's gaze softened as she looked at Sophie, sensing the deep-rooted worry behind her maid’s eyes. “Why are you worried about Benji, Sophie? What’s really bothering you?”

Hesitantly, Sophie bit her lip as she stared at the floor of the elevator. Then, she spoke, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s just... when I was captured and taken into the Blood Moon pack as a child slave, some of the maids were cruel to me. They didn’t care that I was just a kid-"

Looking away from Morgan, she said, "They saw me as nothing more than a burden. I was made to do all the dirtiest, hardest chores, and if I didn’t work fast enough, they’d punish me. Sometimes they wouldn’t let me eat for a day or two, or they’d lock me in a small, dark closet as a ‘lesson.’ Seeing Benji so young and innocent reminds me of myself back then. I’m scared they’ll hurt him like they hurt me.”

Morgan’s heart clenched at Sophie’s words. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on Sophie’s arm. “Sophie, I’m so sorry you went through that. No child should ever have to experience what you did.”

"I know things are different now, but... I just can’t shake the fear. Benji’s so small, and this place... it’s not exactly known for being kind.” Sophie said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

With a deep sigh, Morgan leaned back against the elevator wall. “I get it. Trusting them isn’t easy for me either. I’ve seen the way some of them operate, and it’s hard not to be wary. But we have to give them the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.”

Hesitantly, Sophie looked at her, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “But what if they hurt him, Luna? What if they treat him like they treated me?”

“Sophie, now that Alex has accepted Benji as part of our family, things will be different. They won’t dare lay a hand on him—not with the Alpha’s protection. And if anyone tries, they’ll answer to me.” Morgan’s gaze hardened as she said.

After keeping her silence for a moment, Sophie nodded slowly, though her worry didn’t completely fade. Then she mumbled, “I just... I can’t help but be scared for him.”

Reaching out to her, Morgan squeezed Sophie’s arm reassuringly. “I understand, Sophie. But you have my word—I’ll keep an eye on everyone who interacts with Benji. I won’t let anyone mistreat him. He’s part of our family now, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.”

"Thank you, Luna. That means a lot.” Sophie said with a small smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly.