Page 55 of Fat Forced Mate

I consider our options, already forming a plan. "What's done is done. Now we use this."

Thomas raises an eyebrow. "You're not punishing him?"

"He'll face consequences," I clarify. "But not for protecting his sister. Liam, listen carefully."

The boy straightens slightly, hope flickering across his face.

"You’re going to stop communicating with them,” I say firmly. “You’re going to stay in the pack building. We’ll keep you safe. We’ll send some wolves out to make sure Abigail is safe, too. And once things have calmed down, we can talk about what comes next—maybe some volunteering for the pack when things are safe.”

"You’re not gonna hurt me?" Liam asks, voice cracking.

"I want to protect your sister and this pack. That includes you." I turn to Thomas. "Contact our allies near Abby's university. I want a protection detail on her within twelve hours, operating covertly. The Cheslem Pack can't know we're aware of their leverage."

Thomas nods, already pulling out his phone.

"What about me?" Liam asks quietly.

"You'll be under watch until the threat has passed. Not as punishment, but for your safety." I lean forward. "You were brave. Stupid, but brave.”

The kid nods slowly, relief washing over his features.

After Thomas escorts Liam out with detailed instructions, I sink back into my chair, a headache building behind my eyes. Another layer of complication in an already precarious situation.

Luna. The threat always circles back to her.

Midnight finds me still at my desk, reports blurring before my tired eyes. The Cheslem Pack's interest in Luna suggests they know about her connection to the boundary wards. If they've targeted Liam for information, others might be compromised, too.

My wolf paces restlessly beneath my skin, urging me to check on her, to see for myself that she's safe. I've been trying to give her space since the trial—her avoidance afterward made it clear she needed distance. But with this new development...

Before I can reconsider, I'm already walking toward the guest wing where she's staying. The quiet corridors of the pack house echo with my footsteps. Two guards nod respectfully as I pass the main security checkpoint, neither commenting on my late-night wanderings.

Outside her door, I hesitate. It's late. This could wait until morning. Should wait.

I knock anyway, three short raps.

After a long moment, the door opens just enough for Luna to peer out. Her hair is loose around her shoulders, and she's wearing a faded Harbor Springs University t-shirt that hangs to mid-thigh. For a moment, she’s unguarded—nothing more or less than her beautiful, unyielding self. The sight makes me lightheaded.

Then, the wall comes up. I can almost see it happening behind her eyes, the shuttering of something inside her.

"Alpha," Luna says, her voice carefully neutral. "Is something wrong?"

"We need to talk," I reply, suddenly aware that I haven't prepared what to say. "There have been developments."

She doesn't open the door wider. "Can it wait until morning?"

"It's about the Cheslem Pack. They're gathering information about you specifically."

That gets her attention. She sighs and opens the door a few more inches, though still blocking the entrance. "What kind of information?"

I hesitate, noting the shadows under her eyes, the slight pallor to her skin. Has she been sleeping at all? And there's that change in her scent again, stronger now in the confines of the doorway. Something rich and vital underlying the familiar lavender and sage.

"They're likely asking about your role here. Your connection to the wards." I keep my voice low, aware of how sound travels in the pack house. "Luna, they're targeting peoplewith connections outside our territory, using their loved ones as leverage."

Her eyes widen slightly. "Is everyone alright?"

"For now. We're handling it." I find myself leaning closer, drawn by her scent, by the concern in her eyes. "But I'm worried about you. After the display in the clearing..."

"I couldn't let that child be hurt," she says defensively.

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