Chapter 24: Dangerous Alliances
Chapter 24: Dangerous Alliances
(Samantha’s POV)
I stared at Hector Grayson. “Thank you again for your help,” I said, trying to sound casual.
Hector nodded, his dark eyes studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. “It’s my pleasure.
There was something almost dangerous about his calm demeanor. This wasn’t just a favor between old
colleagues.
“I should warn you,” I said, lowering my voice. “Ethan won’t take this lightly. When he discovers you’re helping
me-”
“Let me worry about Ethan Blackwood,” Hector interrupted smoothly. “You focus on healing.”
His gaze dropped briefly to my bandaged hand, and I instinctively tucked it behind me.
“You’re being too kind,” I said. “I can’t help wondering why.”
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Perhaps I simply believe in justice.”
Before I could press further, the front door burst open, and Martha Thompson bustled in with grocery bags. “Luna Reed! I’ve picked up those herbs you requested and-” She stopped mid–sentence, her eyes widening as they landed on Hector. “Oh my goodness! You’re the legend healer!
I suppressed a groan. Martha, my loyal housekeeper, was also my relationship’s biggest fan. She’d been devastated by the growing rift between Ethan and me.
“Martha, this is Hector Grayson,” I introduced quickly. “He’s-”
“I know exactly who he is!” Martha exclaimed, setting down her bags and smoothing her apron. “You’ve saved over 10 thousand wolves!”
Hector inclined his head politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Thompson.”
Martha beamed, practically vibrating with excitement. “Are you two working together again? Is she returning to healing?”
“Martha,” I cut in firmly. “Mr. Grayson was just leaving.”
Disappointment flashed across Martha’s face, but she recovered quickly. “Of course! I’ll just put these groceries away.”
As Martha disappeared into the kitchen, Hector rose to his feet with fluid grace.
“Your housekeeper seems very enthusiastic about your healing career,” he observed.
I sighed. “Martha is enthusiastic about everything. Especially anything that might lead to a reconciliation with Ethan.”
“Ah,” Hector said, understanding dawning in his eyes. “She thinks your return to healing would please him.” “She thinks everything I do should please him,” I muttered.
Chapter 24 Dangerous All
Hector studied me for a moment. “And what about what pleases you, Samantha?”
The question hung between us, loaded with implications I wasn’t ready to explore. “Right now, sleep would please me,” I answered honestly. “It’s been a long morning.”
Hector nodded. “Rest. I’ll have William pick you up later for your meeting with Lawyer Shao.
After he left, I retreated to my bedroom, ignoring Martha’s excited questions about Hector’s visit. My head was pounding, and exhaustion weighed heavily on my limbs.
As I sank onto my bed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was playing with fire. Hector Grayson wasn’t just any
L
Alpha he was Ethan’s equal in power and influence. By accepting his help, I was potentially igniting a war between territories.
Yet what choice did I have? Ethan had left me no other options.
With that troubling thought, I closed my eyes and surrendered to sleep.
(Ethan’s POV)
I glared at the photograph on my desk – the leaked image of Rebecca and me that had thrown my carefully
constructed plans into chaos.
“How did this happen?” I demanded, my voice a low growl.
James Quinn, my Beta, stood rigidly before me. “It appears the photo was taken during your meeting with
Rebecca at Golden Sands Cove.”
I cursed under my breath. That private beach was supposed to be secure.
“And now Victor Willis is arriving tonight,” I continued, pacing the length of my executive suite. “A man who specifically praised my ‘commitment to family‘ when we negotiated our trade agreement.”
“Yes, Alpha,” James confirmed. “He and his wife are scheduled to land at seven.”
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Victor Willis was not just any business partner – he was an influential European Alpha whose alliance had opened crucial markets for the Blackwood Pack.
“Willis is traditional,” I muttered, thinking aloud. “He values loyalty above all else. If he believes I’ve been unfaithful to my Luna…”
James cleared his throat. “If I may, Alpha. There are two options: bring Luna Reed and explain the misunderstanding, or…”
“Or present Rebecca as my wife,” I finished grimly.
The thought of parading Rebecca as my mate made my stomach turn. Yet bringing Samantha meant facing her hurt and anger – assuming she would even agree to come.
My wolf, Logan, paced restlessly inside me, demanding I fix this mess. The image of Samantha’s tear–streaked face when she confronted me about Rebecca haunted me.
“She saw us together,” I said quietly. “At the cove.”
James remained silent, his face carefully blank.
“I never meant for her to find out that way,” I continued. “The surrogate arrangement with Rebecca was supposed to be temporary. Once the child was born, Rebecca would be sent abroad with generous.
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Chapter 24 Dangerous All
compensation.”
“And Luna Reed?” James asked cautiously.
I closed my eyes, remembering the devastation in Samantha’s eyes. “She was supposed to understand. This was for us – for our future. For the heir she couldn’t give me.”
Even as I spoke the words, I heard how hollow they sounded.
“The dinner is in four hours, Alpha,” James reminded me gently. “You need to decide who will accompany
you.”
I turned to the window, gazing out at the city that formed the heart of my territory. Somewhere out there, Samantha was hurting because of me.
“Call Samantha,” I decided. “Tell her it’s important.”
James nodded and stepped out to make the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Could I convince her to attend? To play the role of devoted mate for one night? The thought of reconciliation flickered briefly – perhaps this crisis could bring us back together.
James returned minutes later, his expression telling me everything before he spoke.
“Luna Reed is not answering her phone, Alpha.”
I clenched my jaw. “Keep trying.”
(Samantha’s POV)
I woke to the ping of my phone. Groggily, I reached for it, squinting at the bright screen.
It was a text from Ethan: I’m sorry I can’t make dinner tonight. Unexpected business meeting. I’ll make it up to you maybe that world trip we always talked about?
–
I scoffed, fully awake now. How typical. Even in the midst of our crumbling marriage, he thought he could pacify me with empty promises.
I typed back quickly: I don’t want a trip. I want my money back – the funds you froze in our joint account.
I hit send and waited, but no reply came. Sighing, I got up and prepared for my meeting with the lawyer.
As I passed through the living room, I paused at our wine collection. The Crimson Count Reserve caught my eye an expensive vintage Ethan had been saving for a “special occasion” that never seemed to come.
I grabbed two bottles. They would make an appropriate gift for Lawyer Shao.
My phone pinged again, but it wasn’t Ethan. It was Hector: I’m outside whenever you’re ready.
I peered through the window and saw his sleek black car waiting in my driveway. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my things and headed out!
William Pierce, Hector’s driver, opened the car door for me. I hesitated when I saw Hector in the backseat.
“I’ll sit up front,” I decided, sliding into the passenger seat instead.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Hector’s raised eyebrow, but he said nothing.
As we drove toward Moonlight International Airport, I turned to William.
–
“So, this lawyer of Hector’s are they good?”
3/5
<Chapter 24: Dangerous All
William’s eyes remained fixed on the road. “Lawyer Shao is the best in Hong Harbor.”
“Specializing in what, exactly?”
“Divorce cases,” William replied. “Particularly those involving high–ranking werewolves.”
I nodded, trying to ignore the weight of Hector’s gaze from the backseat.
“And expensive, I imagine,” I murmured..
“Very,” William confirmed. “But Mr. Grayson has taken care of the retainer.”
I twisted in my seat to look at Hector. “That’s too much. I can’t accept-”
“Consider it an investment,” Hector interrupted smoothly. “One that will pay dividends for us both.”
His cryptic response sent a chill down my spine. What exactly did he stand to gain from helping me?
Before I could press further, we arrived at the airport.
I stepped out of the car, clutching my purse nervously as we entered the private terminal.
“Who exactly are we meeting?” I asked Hector as we walked.
Before he could answer, a distinguished man in his fifties approached us, flanked by two assistants. With his immaculate suit and commanding presence, I recognized him immediately.
“Marcus?” I whispered incredulously.
Marcus wasn’t just any lawyer – he was legendary in the Eastern Territories, known for his undefeated record in financial disputes. He represented billionaires and pack leaders, not estranged Lunas like me.
“Ms. Reed,” Marcus greeted me with a formal bow. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
I shot a stunned glance at Hector, who merely smiled.
“The honor is mine,” I managed to say, shaking Marcus’s offered hand.
A flash went off nearby – someone had taken a photo. I flinched, but Marcus seemed unbothered.
“Shall we discuss your case over dinner?” he suggested.
I nodded, still overwhelmed. This felt like using a sledgehammer to c***k a nut. What was Hector thinking, bringing in someone of Marcus’s caliber?
As we walked toward the restaurant, I noticed people staring, phones raised. Our meeting was causing a stir. “Is this level of… attention normal?” I asked quietly.
“When the Luna of the Northern Territory meets with Hong Harbor’s most prominent divorce attorney?” Marcus replied with a slight smile, “I’d say it’s expected.”
My stomach dropped. Of course – this wasn’t just a legal consultation. It was a statement.
(Ethan’s POV)
I paced the private dining room at The Moonlit Garden, checking my watch for the third time in five minutes. “They’re not late, Alpha,” James reminded me gently. “We arrived early.”
I nodded tersely, adjusting my tie. Everything had to be perfect tonight. Victor Willis was notoriously traditionalhe valued family above all else. The leaked photo of Rebecca and me had already caused
< Chapter 24: Dangerous All
whispers.
“Is the wine properly chilled?” I asked, though I’d already checked twice.
“Yes, Alpha,” James confirmed patiently. “And Rebecca has been briefed on her role tonight.”
I grimaced. With Samantha unreachable, I’d been forced to bring Rebecca instead. She would pose as a close family friend, not my mate or surrogate. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best solution I could manage on short
notice.
“Willis must never suspect-“I began, but James’s phone buzzed, interrupting me.
His expression changed as he read the message.
“What is it?” I demanded.
“Alpha, there’s… there’s something you should see.”
James handed me his phone, and I felt the blood drain from my face. On the screen was a photo of Samantha shaking hands with Marcus, with Hector Grayson standing beside them.
“What the hell is this?” I growled.
“It’s trending online,” James said quietly. “#ThreeGold Film Empress MarriageChange.”
I stared at the image, uncomprehending. “Who is this man?”
“Marcus,” James replied. “Hong Harbor’s top divorce attorney.”
I let out a disbelieving laugh. “A divorce attorney? Samantha wouldn’t dare.”
But even as I said it, I knew it wasn’t true. The determination in her eyes when she confronted me about Rebecca told me everything.
“It’s probably nothing,” I said dismissively. “Some minor lawyer easily dealt with.”
James hesitated. “Alpha, Marcus isn’t a minor lawyer. He’s never lost a case, and his specialty is high–profile divorces with significant financial settlements.”
The implications hit me like a physical blow. Samantha wasn’t just threatening divorce – she was declaring war. And Hector Grayson, my supposed ally, was standing right beside her.
My composure crumbled as I stared at the photo of Samantha with Marcus.
H
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