the last Nightspire

Confronting Alpha Darius

The walk to the Alpha’s office was tense. Bonny strode ahead, her movements sharp and purposeful, while I followed closely, trying to keep my own emotions in check. The weight of Isaac’s actions loomed over us, and the questions we needed answers to felt heavier with every step.

When we arrived, Bonny pushed open the door without hesitation. Alpha Darius looked up from his desk, his piercing gaze shifting between us.

“Bonny, Selena,” he greeted, his tone calm but curious. “What brings you both here?”

Bonny didn’t waste a second. “It’s about Isaac Frostblood.”

Darius’s expression hardened immediately. “What about him?”

“He’s been sneaking around,” Bonny said, her voice firm. “He’s contacted me several times. We’ve spoken at the cafe. And he’s been asking questions… about me, about Selena.”

Darius leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. “I see. And you’re sure it’s Isaac?”

I stepped forward, my voice steady but cold. “There’s no doubt. Bonny knows his name. It’s him.”

The Alpha’s eyes narrowed, and he let out a slow breath. “This is troubling.”

Bonny crossed her arms. “Troubling? How? You told me the lumber deal was being considered. Does this mean you’re still working with him?”

Darius’s gaze flicked to her, and he hesitated before responding. “The deal is… complicated. Isaac’s proposal was lucrative, and cutting ties with him outright would create more problems than it solves.”

“So, you haven’t cut him off?” Bonny’s voice rose with frustration.

“Not yet,” Darius admitted. “I’ve delayed finalizing anything until I understand his intentions more clearly. But if he’s contacting you directly, that changes things.”

I stepped forward again, my fists clenched. “It’s more than troubling, Alpha. He’s dangerous. You know what he’s capable of.”

Darius met my gaze, his expression unreadable. “And what would you have me do, Selena? Wage war against him?”

“At the very least, protect Bonny,” I snapped. “He’s already targeted her. He’s using her to get information. Do you understand how serious this is?”

The room fell into a heavy silence. Darius sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re right. I can’t let this continue. Bonny…” He turned to her, his voice softening. “I’ll assign a bodyguard to watch over you and the house. Someone to ensure your safety.”

Bonny’s eyes widened. “A bodyguard? Dad, is that really necessary?”

“Yes,” he said firmly. “If Isaac is targeting you, I won’t take any chances.”

I crossed my arms, my anger still simmering. “And what about me?”

Darius’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re strong, Selena. But you’re also vulnerable without your wolf.”

The words stung, but I refused to show it. “My wolf isn’t your concern.”

“It should be,” he said evenly. “You’re part of this pack now, and your safety matters too. So I’ll ask you directly: why don’t you have a wolf?”

My heart sank, and I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. “I don’t have a wolf yet because I’m not eighteen,” I muttered. “I’ll turn eighteen in a month.”

Darius studied me for a moment before nodding. “Fair enough. But understand this: if Isaac is as dangerous as you say, we can’t afford secrets. Whatever reason you have for not shifting, it’s something we need to consider in our plans.”

I said nothing, my jaw tightening as I fought to keep my emotions in check. Bonny stepped between us, her voice breaking the tension.

“Dad, just promise me you’ll do something about Isaac. I don’t want him anywhere near us anymore.”

Darius nodded. “I promise. I’ll re-evaluate the deal and ensure he’s dealt with appropriately. But until then, you stay close to the house, and you listen to your bodyguard. Understood?”

Bonny sighed but nodded. “Understood.”

As we left the office, the weight of the conversation lingered. Bonny was silent, her earlier defiance replaced with unease. I placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“We’ll figure this out,” I said softly. “Isaac won’t win.”

She nodded, her expression a mixture of determination and fear. And as we walked back home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much bigger fight.