Elena’s POV
I settled into the worn couch cushions, pulling my favorite blanket up to my chin. The fabric slled like ho, like safety. But I wasn’t planning to relax completely. I had work to do. My notebook and pen sat ready on the coffee table, waiting for to docunt everything I could learn about Alpha Fairfax.
The questions wouldn’t stop swirling through my mind. Could I really be descended from an Alpha bloodline? The possibility sent shivers down my spine, but it would explain so much about my life that never made sense before.
Most ogas barely survived past their twentieth birthday without constant care. They were fragile, delicate creatures who needed protection. But here I was, still breathing, still fighting. I was stronger than any oga had a right to be. My wolf had erged years before she should have, fully ford and ready for battle.
The most shocking thing was her size. She matched the Alpha wolves pound for pound, muscle for muscle. In all the pack histories I’d read, that was virtually unheard of for soone of my supposed rank.
My phone buzzed sowhere deep in the couch cushions. I dug around until my fingers found the smooth surface and pulled it out.
"Hello." The word ca out more tired than I intended.
"Hey there. Just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing alright." Damien’s familiar voice brought a small smile to my face.
"Everything’s fine here. You don’t need to worry about ." I tried to inject so confidence into my tone.
"Are you absolutely sure? News about the rogue attack reached pretty quickly." His concern was genuine, and I appreciated it more than I’d admit.
"Damn it. I forgot how fast information travels around here."
"Rogue attacks get reported imdiately, Elena. Protocol demands it. And when I couldn’t reach you on your phone, I started getting worried." His voice carried the weight of genuine friendship.
"Yeah, I took so damage, but I’m already back ho healing up. Really, it’s not worth stressing over."
"Alright, but if you need absolutely anything, you call imdiately." The protective edge in his voice reminded why I trusted him.
"I promise I will. Thanks for checking on ."
"Don’t ntion it. Take care of yourself."
After ending the call, I picked up my book again, trying to lose myself in the research. But heavy knocking on the front door interrupted my concentration. I quickly switched my phone to silent mode and tucked it back into the couch cushions.
"Co on in." I called out, settling back into my blanket.
The door swung open and Jett stepped inside, looking slightly frazzled.
"I’ve been searching everywhere for you. I was starting to think Alpha Marcus might actually kill for losing track of you." He ran his hand through his hair, clearly stressed.
"I’m not lost, Jett. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. There’s fresh coffee in the kitchen if you want so." I gestured toward the small kitchenette.
"Thanks. But seriously, why did you leave the hospital so suddenly?" He headed toward the coffee maker, already reaching for a mug.
"Because we can’t afford those dical bills. Simple as that."
"Elena, you know Alpha Marcus won’t charge you for hospital stays. He didn’t bill you after those guys beat you up before." Jett poured his coffee and leaned against the counter.
"I don’t want Alpha Marcus paying for anything that concerns . I refuse to depend on him for basic necessities." The words ca out sharper than I planned.
Jett walked back around the counter and settled into the chair across from , cradling his mug.
"Did you two get into another argunt?" He asked carefully.
"You already know the answer to that. We’re probably the most dysfunctional mate pair in werewolf history." I couldn’t hide the bitterness in my voice.
"I wouldn’t go quite that far with it."
"Well, I definitely would. No question about it."
"Elena, Alpha Marcus is just soone you need ti to understand properly." Jett’s tone was diplomatic, but I could see he was choosing his words carefully.
"He’s an arrogant, pompous ass." The words felt good to say out loud.
Jett simply nodded, wisely choosing not to comnt on my assessnt.
"Are you still dealing with all those stitches?" He changed the subject smoothly.
"Mom’s going to remove them tonight. They’re basically healed already anyway." I touched my side gently, feeling how much better everything felt.
"Alright, if you’re confident about that."
"So tell sothing, Jett. Why haven’t you found your mate yet?" I was genuinely curious about his situation.
"Because I haven’t traveled outside this pack very often. And it’s pretty obvious my mate isn’t anywhere within our territory." He shrugged, but I could see the longing in his eyes.
"And I seriously doubt any woman would want to relocate to this pack with Alpha Marcus running things the way he does."
"Maybe you’re right, maybe you’re wrong. Ti will tell, I suppose." His acceptance impressed .
We spent the next hour talking about everything and nothing. Jett was easy company, never pushing too hard or demanding answers I wasn’t ready to give.
Eventually, Jett had to leave for his periter patrol duties. I noticed imdiately that there were significantly more patrols running now than usual. I could hear them moving along the border routes, their footsteps creating a steady rhythm around our trailer.
They never used to patrol this close to our ho. Their presence here was definitely Alpha Marcus making good on whatever promise he’d made about increased security.
The familiar sensation of being watched crept over my skin. That feeling had beco my constant companion lately. Usually, it was just Jett keeping tabs on under Alpha Marcus’s orders, but sothing felt different today.
I stood up and moved to the window, scanning the treeline for any signs of movent. Nothing seed out of place, but the feeling persisted.
I was walking back toward the couch when a sharp, stabbing pain shot through my stomach, doubling over completely.
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