Chapter 124 Friend or Foe
1065words
I couldn't hold back the spine-chilling roar tearing through the room. Turning on my heels, I stalked toward Alpha Christian, who was still seated with his back against the wall for support. "My patience is dangerously thin, Christian. You're proving to be more of a headache than you're worth," I said, feeling my jaw clench tightly. A thought crossed my mind: I've taken over many packs before. What's one more? No, that would hurt Sophia. Permanently damage her.
Alpha Christian's eyes widened in shock as I wound up my arm and landed a blow right into the drywall above his head. There was something calming about watching the pale yellow wall split in different directions. "You're a fucking psycho, and you know it's true, Jax. I don't know who you think you are to tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing with my mate. I've seen what you've done. The stupid mate bond kept Adeline around, but if it wasn't for the Moon Goddess's gift, she wouldn't have looked twice at you or that whore Beverly," he continued as he placed a hand on the floor to help himself stand up.
I could feel my wolf's claws scratching eagerly inside, desperate to be let out. He wanted thirty seconds of control to handle the pest at hand. His persistent clawing left me feeling strangely itchy inside; I had never felt my wolf so irritated before. He didn't care that Christian was Sophia's mate, but I did. Taking away my baby sister's mate was a line I wasn't willing to cross. I would never forgive myself for breaking the bond between the two of them, even if Christian was proving to be a douchebag.
Still, there was some truth in his words—truth that made my stomach churn at how little I deserved Adeline. If roles were reversed, I would be hesitant about carrying my pups too. It did indeed take me longer than I'd like to admit to get rid of Beverly, but one thing was certain: I knew I couldn't live without Adeline from the moment I laid eyes on her. I felt consumed by the mate bond. But the pack had already taken in Beverly as their presumed Luna. Responsibilities always came with a price, and my responsibility was to my pack.
"You're fucking them both. Beverly's fucking her fated mate—you know she even blew your Beta a few times so he wouldn't snitch on her 'meetings' with your enforcer, Asher," he said, letting out a low, sadistic laugh while rolling up the sleeves of his checkered long-sleeve dress shirt.
For a sliver of a second, I lost control of my wolf. Before I could reel him in, he had punched Christian so hard that he bent over, palms pressed against his knees while gasping out blood.
"Watch your mouth, Christian. My Beta Don is a fucking defined and distinguished man. My personal affairs don't involve you. I did what I did for my pack, you selfish prick. You're doing whatever the fuck you're doing to get your dick wet. Spare me your judgment," I retorted, taking a deep breath to calm my pestering wolf.
Fury bubbled inside me, and my heart thumped rapidly in my chest. The very thought of my own Beta—my second in command—betraying me was like a silver dagger piercing through my heart. Somewhere deep down, I knew it wasn't true. I knew Beta Don's loyalty was deeply embedded in me and Midnight Moon.
Alpha Christian glanced up at me, and I didn't miss how his body remained rigid and tense. His eyes were void of emotion, making me question how committed he really was to Sophia. I pressed my palms into his desk and closed my eyes to gather my thoughts. Christian and I had already gotten off to a rough start, and I knew if I didn't get whatever was going on between us in check, it would ultimately fall on Sophia.
"Listen, man, I have to get back to Midnight Moon. I think it's better if you stay here with your pack for a few days," I admitted. "You know, cooler heads prevail or some shit like that." Christian pushed his body off the wall to stand up straight, wiping his bloody split bottom lip with the back of his palm. He shook his head, and I heard him swallow hard before speaking. "She's my mate, Jax. Her birthday is tomorrow. You're not leaving me behind."
I heaved a sigh and raked my hand through my hair. "You should know, Christian... Adeline's personal possessions went missing from our bedroom yesterday. She requests the items be returned immediately," I explained. "That's a pretty bold move for any shifter to pull on a visiting Alpha and Luna. I'm starting to become concerned about how safe and well taken care of Sophia is going to be here."
Alpha Christian growled and pushed his chest against mine, trying to show my wolf who the stronger, more dominant wolf was. "You mean visiting Alpha and his mate," he said. When I didn't flinch, my eyes narrowed on his, and I saw the look of panic and dread ignite inside him. "I will speak with my men. Although you should ensure that Adeline hasn't misplaced her items. An accusation like theft could result in a draw between Alphas," he replied, his tone cold and bitter.
"Is that a challenge?" I asked directly, crossing my bulky arms over my chest.
"No, it is not. I hope it won't result in one, though. I would hate to rip my mate away from the only family she has left," he fired back.
It was my turn to growl at his threat. "Very well then. You may return to Midnight Moon if you feel your pack is safe without your presence. Sophia deserves the chance to discover her mate, after all. I will be escorting both my mate and my sister home. I believe it's mutually beneficial to make the trip back alone to avoid further conflict."
Alpha Christian pressed his lips together. I knew he didn't like the options he had been given, but I also knew he had no room to negotiate. My pack, my terms. They weren't fated mates yet, which meant Sophia was still mine to protect. Until she discovered that bond, they both still had to answer to me.
