Chapter 6: All PART OF THE PLAN

Nina 

Alpha Dexter is becoming a thorn in my flesh and everyday he keeps digging into my skin.

Despite having Jessica around him like a leech he still won't leave me alone. I don't understand their dynamic she's not his Luna or his fated mate last I heard they weren't even mated together.

I’ve spent months dodging him like a shadow I can’t get rid of. I Narrowly escape him in crowded hallways and give him quick excuses during pack meetings, always keeping someone else between us.

He’s patient in a way that terrifies me because I have a feeling he's planning moreways to get me.

Yesterday the clinic was too close. He cornered me, and the air was thickened with his scent of sweat and aftershave. His voice dropped so low as if we were alone instead of surrounded by patients and nurses.

“You’ve been avoiding me, Doc.”

“I’ve been busy saving the lives of your wolves, Alpha. Some of us have actual work to do.”

He smiled like he enjoyed when I spoke to him like this. His hand brushed mine when he reached past me for a nonexistent file, and electricity shot up my arm. I hated how my body reacted how my wolf stirred, I was in heat and I think he knew and was trying to toy with my wolf. But I was in control.

We weren’t truly alone and that gave me little hope. Warriors waited in the waiting area, an elderly woman was getting a checkup in the next room. He wouldn't try anything with so much people around, and my assistant hovered nearby. I was safe with the number of people around. I slipped away with a polite nod and a promise to “catch up later.”

Later never comes if I can help it, now this.

The message arrived at dawn, delivered by one of his personal guards. A simple folded note on, sealed with the pack crest:

“Report to my office at dusk. Pack business Do not delay.”

No signature needed. Only one wolf summons like that. Alpha Dexter.

My stomach twisted as I read it again. I’ve only been head doctor for four months, his choice, not mine. He overrode the council’s recommendation for old Dr. Harlan to continue being the pack doctor , claiming I was “more efficient and a fresher mind and since I went to human college I have a vast majority of knowledge and better suited to modern needs.” I was surprised when I heard all of that little I knew he had plans.

I know why he picked me, It has nothing to do with my skill with needles or herbal remedies.

Most of the old data, the pack’s medical histories, injury patterns from past raids, even the rare shifter-specific illnesses is still locked in Harlan’s dusty shelves. He retired quietly after I was appointed head doctor of the pack but he didn't stay to hand over files and put me through, but he left everything organized, cross-referenced, ready for handover. I’ve barely touched it. Why would I, when every time I step into that back room, I feel Harlan’s gaze on me like a physical weight

I could consult Harlan. He still lives in a small cottage at the edge of the territory; he is always grumpy but I'm sure he is willing to help. One quick visit, and I’d have the historical context for whatever “pack business” Dexter wants to discuss. 

But the summons isn’t about pack business Not really It’s about me I just know it and he picked when i’m in heat to corner me in his office.

He always lingers when he looks at me watching my every move, my wolf is always crawling inside trying to be with his when ever i’m in heat but I know that's not a mate bond, it's just mere effect of the heat , the way his wolf rises whenever I’m near, pressing against his control. I feel it too my own wolf pacing restlessly, drawn to his strength even as every instinct tells me to run.

He’s the Alpha, very Powerful and ruthless when he needs to be. Half the unmated females in the pack would kill for his attention and I'm not ready to fight Jessica for a space in his life, I'm not ready to fight any woman. Jessica certainly has. But I don’t want to be claimed. I don’t want to be anyone’s chosen Luna, trotted out as arm candy while wars rage on the borders and people die. I don't want to be locked up dressing up pretty when I can help my pack. 

I chose medicine because I heal. I mend what’s broken, I don’t break things for power or pleasure.

And yet… part of me wonders what it would feel like to stop running. To let him catch me. Just once. To see if the fire between us would burn us both or forge something unbreakable maybe choosing a mate isn't so bad.

I smooth my lab coat, check my hair, and head for the Alpha’s lodge, Warriors nod respectfully as I pass, but their eyes flick away quickly. They know. Everyone knows he’s fixated, most of them know the cat and mouse game he is playing.

 I knocked once

“Enter.” I hear him say from inside I push the door open.

Dexter is standing by the massive window, so he saw  me walk into the pack house, standing by the massive window overlooking the forest, back to me, hands clasped behind him.

He doesn’t turn right away, When he finally does his face is completely unreadable.

“Close the door, Nina.”

He sit “We have things to discuss.”

My pulse thuds in my ears. “About the pack’s medical records? I can consult Dr. Harlan if—”

“No.” One word and I swallow because then why i’m I here.

He stands and walks towards me Close enough that I feel the heat radiating from him.

“This isn’t about records.”

His gaze drops to my lips, then back up.

“It’s about you. And me. And the fact that you keep running… when we both know you feel it too.”

My breath catches.

He reaches out slowly, giving me time to pull away and brushes a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger against my skin.

“Tell me I’m wrong,” he murmurs. “Tell me your wolf doesn’t wake up howling for mine every full moon.”

My wolf does nothing like that, she doesn't yearn from him she yearns for intimacy with a male wolf, 

I swallow hard and think of a response that won't be rude, if he doesn't step back a few seconds away from kicking him in the John.

“I’m here because you summoned me, Alpha. Not because I want to be.”

A low chuckle rumbles from his chest.

“Liar.”

He leans in, lips brushing my ear.

“But keep lying if it helps you sleep at night. It won’t change what’s coming.”

His hand slides to my ass and that's when I lose my shirt and I kick him, he groans and stumbles back. 

You just made the worst mistake of your life my dear Luna.