Alexander paced back and forth in his room, waiting for time to pass. He checked his watch for the hundredth time in forty minutes.

Both he and his Beta waited anxiously for any news.

Axel was already agitated, growling and howling for their mate.

"Time's up. Let's move," Alex said to his Beta, his deep voice laced with anger.

The ride to the Glow Star Pack house was short. Alpha Zach stood outside with his mate and a few pack members.

Tension filled the air as Alexander stepped out of the car. Rage was evident on his face as he strode toward Zach with quick, deliberate steps.

"Alpha Alex—"

A hard blow landed on Zach's face before he could finish speaking. The sound of bone cracking echoed through the tense silence.

"Who the fuck do you think you are to ignore me?" Alexander's voice boomed, making everyone shudder in fear.

Whispers spread among the Glow Star pack members. Some frowned at Alexander for hitting their Alpha, but none dared to speak aloud.

Zach clutched his broken jaw, groaning in pain, while his mate knelt to help him stand.

"Alexander, we have other issues here in Glow Star," Zach said, grunting through his pain. "My men and I have tried our best. There's no way to find someone who doesn’t exist."

A deep growl escaped Alexander's throat, but before he could act, a voice interrupted him.

"Alpha Alexander, having you here is truly a pleasure. I'm grateful you decided to grace my son's special day. The matter at hand isn't a reason to fight. Why don't we discuss this calmly?"

It was Zach's father, the former Alpha of the Glow Star Pack.

He approached Alexander without fear, while everyone else stayed back, wary of the ruthless Alpha feared across the werewolf race.

Alexander raised a brow at the old man's words. "You think this is a trivial matter we can just talk about?"

"Not at all. How can it be when it concerns your mate? After all these years, the moon goddess has finally blessed you with one."

Alexander growled, startling the old man and the crowd. Axel howled in his head, urging him to act. For some reason, his wolf was certain their mate was in trouble.

"You mean to tell me there's no one named Abigail Monroe in the Glow Star Pack?" Alexander asked, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. No one answered, but the looks on their faces gave away their guilt.

Without another word, he turned and walked back to his car. Shawn watched his Alpha, confused by his sudden retreat.

"Get in the car, Shawn."

"Alpha, we—"

One sharp glare from Alexander silenced Shawn, who quickly obeyed and got into the car.

The car sped away, leaving the pack house behind. Alexander's thoughts churned.

He had only met her last night and hadn’t even marked her, yet somehow his wolf could feel her emotions. How was this possible?

Axel whimpered in his head, urging him to hurry.

"Alpha, where are we going?" Shawn asked, his face puzzled.

Alexander didn’t respond, his focus solely on the road. He drove to an open field where another car was parked.

As they stepped out, the sweet scent of his mate hit his nostrils, making both him and his wolf growl.

But the sound of a woman screaming shattered his thoughts. Both he and Shawn ran toward the noise. What Alexander saw made his blood run cold.

His mate was held by two male werewolves. She was completely naked, tears streaming down her face as she struggled.

Another werewolf was on top of her, attempting to rape her.

"Get your filthy hands off my mate!"

His voice thundered, drawing everyone's attention. Rage consumed him and Axel as they attacked the men.

In an instant, Alexander partially shifted, his claws extending as he charged.

The agonizing screams of the men being slashed to death filled the air. Blood soaked the ground.

Shawn took down one man while Alexander slaughtered the other two. Blood dripped from his hands as he let their lifeless bodies drop.

His glowing wolf eyes locked on his shivering mate.

Alexander approached her slowly. Shawn turned his back to give her privacy, as she was still exposed. Her quiet sobs were the only sound she made.

Alexander removed his shirt and placed it over her, covering her trembling body. He then gently picked her up.

She was so light in his arms, and she buried her face in his chest as he carried her to the car.

Her body shook with fear, and his gaze fell to the fresh bruises on her skin. Who had done this to her?

"Alpha, what’s the plan?" Shawn asked through the mind link, breaking Alexander's thoughts.

"I’m taking her to the hotel. I need you to find out who these men are and why my mate has no identity in her pack."

At the hotel, Alexander carried Abigail into his suite. She clung to him tightly, refusing to let go.

"It’s okay. You’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you again," he assured her.

She didn’t loosen her grip, her legs and arms wrapped around him. He sighed deeply and walked to the bathroom.

Filling the tub with warm water, he gently pried her hands from his neck. After removing his shirt from her body, he helped her into the tub.

Seeing her like this stirred desires he fought to suppress. She wasn’t in the right frame of mind, and he wouldn’t act on his instincts.

As he turned to leave, her hand stopped him. Sparks ignited at her touch.

"Please stay. I’m scared," she whispered, her teary eyes pleading with him.

His heart skipped a beat. Without a word, he stripped and stepped into the tub, his gaze never leaving hers.

Her cheeks flushed red as she looked away, earning a chuckle from him.

Alexander pulled her close. "Relax, baby girl," he said softly.

Though her body trembled, she let him help her wash. For the first time in years, she felt cared for, and for a moment, she allowed herself to believe she could finally be free. Or so she thought.