005

OUR PROMISE

~MATHIAS POV~

The office is a calm space with polished wood and soft colors. The air smells of leather and ink. I walk in with Daxon close behind, feeling the weight of our questions in the room.

"Did you find out everything we asked you to?" I ask, my voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

We have agreed to uncover every detail about Tate, the mystery woman who now holds our fates in her hands. She is unaware of the world of werewolves, yet her uncle and father married one.

The contradictions are maddening, and Daxon and I need answers.

"Yes, Alpha Mathias," Silas replies, his voice steady as he hands me a thick file.

"Here is everything we could find on our Luna. I also had some of the Moonkin Warriors get Sally. They're on their way back with her now." Silas is our new Beta, replacing Karl, and his efficiency is already proving invaluable.

"Thank you, Silas. You go now," Daxon says, his tone dismissive but not unkind.

Silas nods and leaves, the door clicking softly behind him.

Daxon and I settle into the plush chairs, the file spread out before us like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

The first revelation is her father's death—mysterious, sudden, and rife with suspicion.

The insurance company refused to pay, citing the doctors' doubts. No wonder Sally came to us for money.

"Our Soulbond is brilliant," Daxon murmurs, holding up a letter. "She was accepted into Westwood University Law."

I take the letter, my fingers tracing the embossed seal. Not only has she been admitted, but she's also earned a full scholarship, contingent on maintaining a B average or better.

She is a straight-A student; such a condition would hardly be an obstacle. Guilt washes over me, sharp and unrelenting. We have taken this from her.

But she is our Soulbond, and neither Daxon nor I will let her go.

For werewolves, finding a Soulbond is primal, all-consuming. Every other romantic connection fades into insignificance.

As Alphas, the pull is even stronger; we need her presence, her essence.

Tate is now our Luna, and while most of the Moonkin will respect her, I worry about those who harbor hatred toward humans.

Daxon and I shared that prejudice until she walked into our lives. Now, she is the only human we tolerate, the only one who matters. But I know Tate will never accept our hate for her kind.

We will have to change, for her.

"Come in," I call, and Silas enters with Sally in tow.

"Thank you, Silas. You go now," I say, and he leaves without a word.

"Please, have a seat," I gesture to Sally, and she sits stiffly, her eyes darting between Daxon and me.

"Alphas, I don't know why you sent for me," she says, her voice trembling.

"We need to talk about Tate," I reply, my tone measured.

"What would you like to know?"

"You are married to her uncle, so you must have known her father?"

"Yes, but he passed away a few months ago," she says, her voice tinged with sadness.

"And Tate's mother?" I ask.

"She died giving birth to her."

The words hit me like a physical blow. Tate never knew her mother, never felt her embrace.

The ache in my chest deepens.

"We'll take you home. We need to retrieve Tate's belongings," I say, and we follow her out to my car.

Sally lives among humans, a rogue who never sought a pack. I know little about her, and until now, I haven't cared to ask.

"Where is Tate's room?" I ask as we enter the house.

"Oh, it's in the basement. Follow me," Sally says, leading us downstairs.

The basement feels completely different from the warmth of my office. It is small, dark, and cold, with only a thin mattress and a worn blanket. My stomach twists with anger.

"This was her room?" Daxon asks, his voice low and dangerous.

"Yes," Sally replies, her tone indifferent.

"She used to have a room upstairs, but after her father died, I moved her down here. I didn't want her in my way and Holly needed the space. She is very sensitive."

"Is that so?" I ask, my voice icy.

"Yes. She was only allowed out for school, work, or cleaning. Honestly, you two made the right choice taking her instead of Holly. Tate was born to be a slave. I was going to sell her to another wolf in a few weeks, but you got to her first."

Daxon's growl echoes through the basement, and Sally flinches. "How dare you disrespect our Soulbond," he snarls.

"Your Soulbond?" Sally whispers, her face pale with shock.

"You heard him. She is our Soulbond, and you've mistreated her," I say, my voice laced with fury.

"How could she... I mean, I'm sorry," she stammers, but Daxon grabs her and slams her into the wall.

"Don't kill her, brother," I say, hoping I won't have to prevent Daxon from ripping her to shreds. "Silas, we have a job for you. Come and lock dear Sally in a cell," I mind-link.

"Yes, Alpha. I'm on my way," he replies, and within minutes, he arrives.

"She must have angered you two," Silas observes, his eyes scanning the basement.

"This is where Tate slept for years," I say, my voice tight with rage. Silas hauls Sally away, and Daxon and I ascend the stairs, our anger simmering.

"What are you doing with my mom?" Holly demands as we step outside.

"Be grateful you're not joining her. If I find evidence you harmed Tate as she did, you'll share her fate," I say, my voice cold and final.

"I am calling my father and brother," she says, her tone shaking.

Daxon and I get into the car, ignoring her weak threat, our anger consuming us.

"Do you believe how Tate lived?" Daxon asks, his hands gripping the wheel. "Even animals don't live like that."

"No, but she'll never live like that again," I vow.

Daxon and I will give her the world, a life of warmth and love. We owe her that much.