Chapter 11: A Dangerous Alliance

But it was over, and Samantha had long since bid me goodnight, when Jay had yet to come back. But of course, I was not surprised. After all, this was just the beginning of their little love match from my former life. Since that night, every night belonged to her.

“This is exhausting,” my wolf, Sheena, whispered, her voice weighted with fatigue. “The Goddess has granted us another life, but I fear we will start this journey only to have everything play out the same.”

I froze, taken aback. She had not spoken since awakening to my second life, except for the present moment.

"They won’t," I vowed, not just to her but to myself.

Then, Sheena retreated once again, going back into silence. But that was okay. At least I could tell she had been born again with me this time. This time, things had to be different, and I was going to make sure of it.

I would get the loan that Jay owed me back. His life.

Mercy would be nothing short of weakness, and I would no longer be a fool about the consequences. I would bring him down, if I had to do it myself, without a qualm of conscience. But first, far more would be at stake—my father's safety. He had been the only one who ever loved me truly in this world, and I would not lose him. Not this time. At any cost, even if it were my own life.

I was relieved; however, before Maya could leave, I asked for her help in arranging a meeting with Alpha Don Carter. She said she'd talk to him on my behalf. This, in essence, was my first move: ensuring my father is safe.

When I got to my room, I flopped down onto the bed, and the tiredness weighed upon me so much that just as I was drifting off to sleep, the ringing of my phone startled me awake.

Melody

It was Maya.

I sat up at once. "Maya?" The sound of her voice brought a tingling sensation to my chest.

“Girl, I am so sorry for calling this late. I know that you must be exhausted from the party,” she said with concern in her voice.

"Then he continued, "But Mels, my brother agreed to speak on your behalf. Alpha Don can meet you the day after tomorrow. Alpha Don will be visiting the shopping center on that day."

Surprise coursed through me.

Maya’s brother—Alpha Don Carter—is none other than the Alpha of South Hunters Pack and the toughest tycoon in both business and politics; he is not only powerful but untouchable too. He ruled the shopping center with his untamed authority; however, he somehow agreed to give me his time.

Alpha Don Carter was notorious. He was a playboy. He never entertained women unless he had an interest in having them in his bed. Just that alone made attending this meeting a blessing. A man like him had no use for the likes of me.

I was expecting him to blow me off and set up a meeting six months down the line—if ever. Yet in a matter of two days, he’d be in the capital.

“That is amazing news, Maya,” I gasped, trying to calm my racing heartbeat.

I repressed a squeal of delight as a wave of hope flooded me. This was it; this was my chance to make a pact with Don Carter.

He was no ordinary Alpha. He was the strongest Alpha from the South. In my past life, I never managed for him to become the Alpha King over Jay because my father’s pack and Jay’s pack had merged together and created the largest territory. However, this time… this time, I was going to change all that.

“Thank you very much, Maya,” I said, a genuinely smiling curve forming on my lips.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she chided playfully. “You know I'd do anything for you.”

I laughed, but before I could say anything, she continued, “I'd love to come with you, but I have to go to this ridiculous ball that my dear Alpha brother asked me to go to on his behalf! ”

* I frowned. “Why? What about his Luna? Shouldn’t she attend instead? ”

“Alpha Don does not believe in marrying or committing to one woman. Already at the age of thirty, he waits for his chosen mate. I’ve told him a dozen times to choose one Luna at random, and he won’t listen! ”

I giggled quietly. Clearly, there were individuals who lived up to their reputations. “I see. Well, thanks again, Maya. I hope to see you soon.”

“Of course. Is there anything else you want to talk about? ” she gently asked.

Her concern was a heavy burden on my heart. After my father, Maya was the only person I had always known was truthful with me. In this life, I wouldn’t appreciate her in this way.

“No,” I said, my voice gritty with fatigue.

"Be careful, Mels," she said before wrapping up the call.

As the line went dead in my ear, I sat there clutching my phone. The meeting was set. This was it; this was my first step in getting the protection I so desperately needed.

Nevertheless, a faint whisper persisted at the rear of my thoughts. Don Carter was never known to do anything without having a purpose or an end in mind. But why had he agreed so easily?