4. The Hunt

Jordan’s POV

“Do you want me to go after her, my Alpha?” Hector, my beta, asked.

“No.” I spoke quietly, watching her jet take off. “She’s more powerful than I thought.” I turned to face him. “I want you to find out the truth about what she’s claiming. If that child is mine, then I’m the only one who can cure him… and I want him under my control.” Hector nodded and stepped away, leaving me alone in the empty stretch of the airport.

I walked back toward the pack in my human form, trying to remember exactly when I had let myself slip… and ended up getting that woman pregnant.

It had been rare for me to feel attracted to someone of that species. They were always weak and petty, bound by rules and fear. I could sense their weakness just by their scent. But Celine had been different. My attention had locked onto her the moment she walked into my bar. No one dared to look at her because they knew I wanted her. She carried a strength few humans possessed… and it stirred something in my wolf.

Having her in my arms hadn’t been difficult. Controlling myself, however, had been. Holding back the animal side of me while I took her had required restraint I wasn’t used to exercising. I had wanted to give her more, and she had welcomed it without hesitation. She hadn’t faltered once. She had given herself to me completely.

That had fed my ego.

When I woke up alone in that car, I realized just how naïve I had been. I had let a human’s emotions drag me dangerously close to failure. I let myself be carried away by her… and I swore I would never make that mistake again.

And now, two years later, she returned… claiming I had a child with her. Threatening me.

“DAMN IT!” I roared in frustration. I shifted into my wolf form and took off toward my pack.

I entered the village with rage spilling into every corner of the place. Everyone moved aside as I made my way toward my house.

I shifted back into my human form and slammed the door open, the hinges groaning under the force.

“What happened, my Alpha?” Angél was seated in my chair, but the moment she saw me, she dropped to her knees.

“That’s none of your concern.” I brushed past her without sparing her a glance.

“Of course, sir.” I heard her voice falter and turned back. “Get up.” She obeyed, looking at me with sad eyes. “What are you doing in my house?” My tone was cold.

“As your future wife, I thought I could spend more time with you… learn your habits, your preferences.” She stepped closer with a gentle smile. I narrowed my eyes. “What can I do for you, my Alpha?” I growled, irritation slicing through me.

“Leave. Now. Don’t come back unless I call for you.” My voice darkened. I had no patience for her devotion.

“Yes, my Alpha.” She stepped away, her shoulders sinking in quiet defeat.

“If you want to be my Luna, then carry yourself like one. I don’t tolerate weakness at my side.” She straightened immediately, glancing back at me over her shoulder.

“It won’t happen again, sir.” Angél left, closing the door carefully behind her.

I continued toward my office. I needed to know exactly who that woman was… and what I was dealing with.

As soon as I began digging, I found out that Celine Jones was one of the most powerful businesswomen in the country. CEO of the Jones & Associates Construction conglomerate. Her face was on the covers of the most influential business magazines, and she was considered a leader in the construction industry.

“That’s the difference.” A satisfied smile tugged at my lips. At least my supposed child wouldn’t have a weak matriarch.

I spent the entire afternoon investigating her life, and I discovered she had been in a long-term relationship with another influential businessman. I couldn’t explain why that information irritated me… but I pushed it aside.

By late afternoon, Hector had returned, informing me that some of our most trusted men were already gathering the information I had requested.

“If what she says is true, what do you plan to do?” he asked, watching me closely.

“I’ll bring my pup back. He belongs to me.” Hector nodded and looked back down at the documents I had handed him.

“We’ll only know for sure with a DNA test. But you know that’s risky. It could expose the mutation in our cells.” I raised an eyebrow, trying to understand where he was going with that.

“I’m aware of the risks,” I growled. “That’s why I pay that medical team.”

He tightened his grip on the papers and sat on the edge of the chair.

“Sir, I just think that…” He paused, choosing his words carefully before meeting my eyes. “Maybe the best course of action is to let the pup die.”

I looked at him with pure hatred, rising from my seat and planting my hands firmly on the desk.

“I decide who lives and who dies in this pack.” My voice dropped into something dark and dangerous. “If that child carries my blood, then I will decide what’s best for him.” I leaned in slightly. “And when I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. For now, you’ll do exactly what I ordered.”

He nodded quickly, shaken by my tone.

“Find the hospital where she is with the boy and inform me. I want the medical team ready the moment I get there.”

“Yes, my Alpha. Of course.” Hector stood abruptly and hurried out of my office.

I sat back down, my gaze falling to Celine’s photo on my laptop. That serious expression. Those dangerous curves.

Everything about her pulled at me in a way I didn’t like to admit.

But now… there was something else between us.

If the pup was mine… and I could save him…

Would I?

And what would be the price of keeping that child alive… while stepping into a war with his mother for custody?

Just as I ruled my territory…

Celine ruled hers.