Chapter 141: Together Against the Storm

Alessandro’s POV
I wanted to keep all the problems of the pack away from Aurora for her safety, but a part of me knew that keeping it from her could only make things worse in the long run.
She wasn’t just anyone to me. She was my mate and I trust her with everything.
And she had proven time and time again that she could handle more than people gave her credit for.
But still… there was a part of me that wanted to protect her from the darker sides of my world.
From the weight I carried. From the betrayal and secrets that were threatening to tear everything apart.
I looked at her as I drove her to where Annie was and from there head back to the pack.
The way she held my words like they mattered. She deserved honesty.
And if I wanted to keep her close not just as someone I cared for, but as someone I might one day rule beside I had to start being honest with her.
All of her….or none of her. There was no in between.
I exhaled slowly, finally making a choice.
“I haven’t been completely honest with you,” I said, my voice low.
“There’s more going on than just Father’s condition… more than just Leonardo acting unstable.”
Aurora’s brows drew together, concern flashing across her face.
“What do you mean?”
I looked down at my hands for a second before meeting her eyes again.
“You know I told you that father knows who poisoned him but doesn’t want to reveal the person because of what it might cause?”
She nodded slowly absorbing my words. “Yeah…”
“I think they want Alpha John out of the way. And I don’t think it’s only about power…. I think it was personal.”
She stayed quiet, letting me speak, which only made it easier and harder all at once.
“I’ve been trying to keep it all together keep the pack from falling apart but the more I look, the more I realize this isn’t just about one traitor.
It’s about a chain of events. A plan that’s been in motion longer than we knew.”
Aurora’s face turned solemn.
“Do you think Leonardo is involved?”
I hesitated.
“I think someone is using him. Manipulating him through his jealousy, his grief.
He’s not in his right mind, but I don’t think he’s behind the poisoning. Not directly.”
She looked at me with a soft intensity that made my chest tighten.
“You don’t have to protect me from the truth, Alessandro.
I want to help. You’re not alone in this.”
I leaned forward slightly, reaching for her hand.
 “I know. And that’s why I’m telling you now. Because if things get worse… I need you to be ready.”
She nodded once, a quiet strength behind her gaze.
“Then I’ll stand with you. Whatever happens.”
When we got to where Annie was waiting, I pulled the car over and turned off the engine.
The soft hum of the engine faded, leaving a stillness between us. I turned to Aurora, my gaze lingering on her face.
“I know you want to help, Aurora,” I said gently, my voice low but firm.
“But keeping you safe is my top priority.
Until I find out who’s behind all of this… who poses a threat to the pack, you’re not safe.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but I reached out, taking her hand in mine.
“I’ve already lost too much. I can’t afford to lose you too.”
Aurora looked at me, her eyes searching mine.
“I’m not just someone you need to protect, Alessandro.
I’m stronger than you think.”
“I know you are,” I said, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
“That’s one of the reasons I—”
I paused, catching myself.
“One of the reasons you matter so much to me.”
Her face softened, but before she could say anything, Annie approached the car, tapping on the window with a curious look.
I let out a breath and gave Aurora’s hand one last squeeze.
“Just… be careful. Please.”
She nodded.
“You be careful too, Alpha.”
I smiled at the nickname, even if it came with more weight now than ever before.
Annie opened the car door and slid into the back seat, her eyes bouncing between the two of us like she’d just walked into the middle of a rom-com.
“Well, well, well… what did I miss?” she said with a mischievous grin.
“You guys look like you just confessed your love or something.”
Aurora rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept into her cheeks.
“Annie…”
“What?”
Annie leaned forward between the seats.

“I’m just saying. The air in here is thick with something, and it ain’t just secrets and danger.”
Aurora shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Why did you enter this car, anyway?
Weren’t we supposed to take yours?”
Annie sighed dramatically and leaned back.
“Yeah… about that… my car broke down. Again.
So I kinda need a ride home.”
I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, amused.

“Kinda? Or definitely?”
“Okay, fine.
Definitely.
She just gave up on me mid-drive, like, ‘Bye girl, deal with your own problems.’”
Annie crossed her arms and pouted.
“So, unless one of you wants to push me around in a shopping cart, I’m officially your problem now.”
Aurora laughed.
“You're unbelievable.”
“Thank you,” Annie said with a mock bow in her seat.
“Now let’s go. But first, can we please stop for something sweet? I’ve been emotionally supporting both of you all day and I deserve a cupcake.”
I shook my head, chuckling as I pulled out of the parking lot.

“Fine. One cupcake. Then straight home. Things are getting more dangerous by the hour, and I need both of you safe.”
Annie raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, look at him, already sounding like a protective Alpha.”
Aurora glanced at me with a soft smile, then reached over to gently squeeze my hand.
“Wait,” she said, turning her head curiously.
“I’ve been thinking about it all day. How did you know I was at the café near my lecture hall?”
I smiled slightly, keeping my eyes on the road. I was just about to answer when Annie jumped in from the back seat.
“Well, duh, I told him,” she said, flipping her hair dramatically.
“When he came looking for you, all serious and brooding like some prince on a mission to find his runaway princess, I figured it was important.”
Aurora turned to look at her, eyes wide. “You what?”
“I saw him near the campus gate, all tense and stormy-eyed,” Annie continued with flair.
“So I told him you were with Leonardo, and girl you should’ve seen his face.
The man didn’t even blink. He just turned and zoomed off like he was ready to throw hands.”
I sighed, glancing over at Aurora with a sheepish smile.

“I just needed to make sure you were okay,” I said simply.
“Especially knowing who you were with.”
Aurora’s face softened.

“I was okay… but I’m glad you came.”
Annie leaned forward again, resting her chin on the front seat.

“Aww.
You two are so cute, it’s disgusting.
Can we please get those cupcakes now before I start third-wheeling into a coma?”
Aurora laughed and shook her head.

“Yes, yes. Cupcakes for the dramatic one in the back.”
“Thank you,” Annie said proudly.
“I accept sugary bribes.”
*****
As we drove off, after getting her a cup cake, I looked at Aurora who was still smiling , her fingers on mine.
“So,”
 Annie said from the back seat, stretching out with a yawn,
“So, does this mean I get to be your maid of honor when you two get married?
I've already been planning it on Pinterest.”
Aurora rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing.

“Annie, we’re not even there yet.”
“Not yet,” Annie emphasized, wagging her finger.
“But soon.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “She’s persistent, isn’t she?”
“You have no idea,” Aurora muttered under her breath, still smiling.
We pulled up in front of Annie’s apartment a few minutes later. She jumped out and leaned on the passenger side window with a knowing grin.
“Thanks for the ride, future Alpha.”

“Sure, anytime.”

“Ah, before I go…” she added, pointing at me with mock seriousness,

“If you break her heart, just know, I have a list of people who owe me favors.”
Aurora gasped.

“Annie!”

“Girl, I’m just saying,” she said with a wink, then turned to look elsewhere while waiting for me.
The car felt quiet again. Neither of us knew what to say for a moment.
But then I turned to Aurora, my voice softer.

“So stay with her for a while, until I come and get you, alright?”
Aurora looked at me, her eyes searching mine.

“You’re coming back tonight?”
I nodded.
“As soon as I’m done talking with father. I want to spend time with you tonight.”
She gave a small smile.
“Okay, I will be waiting for you.”
Ensnared by My Stepbrothers' Realm
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