“No, you haven’t,” I confirm, his posture relaxing slightly. “But it’s clear you do not like the situation. Unless, of course, there’s something else you wish to disclose.”
The command lingers in the air, tension building as Knox holds my firm gaze.
He knows I know.
Neither of them have had the courage to be honest with me, something I’ll circle back to when bigger problems are fixed. But slowly, under my order and intense stare, his resolve falters as the overwhelming compulsion wins out.
“I do not like that you have a mate who is also mated to other packs,” he says sharply but cautiously. “I have accepted it as it is the Moon Goddess’s wish and I have obeyed every order.”
“What did you say to her?” I ask sternly.
Knox pauses, tensing up. “I only warned her not to hurt you, Alpha.”
Something in his expression doesn’t match his words. “When was this?”
He hesitates for a second, contemplating his answer. “Her first visit to Summer Valley, Alpha.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms as red-hot anger starts to annoy me.
“She wasn’t aware of Maverick then,” I point out, my words laced with unspoken outrage.
Knox concedes, nodding slowly. “Her attitude and immaturity gave room for concern. I just wanted to ensure our pack would be protected.”
“That’s not for you to take charge of,” I say aggressively, watching as he winces and slouches. “What else, Knox?”
I see him fight with himself mentally, clearly uncomfortable continuing. But I can sense there’s more.
“I was on duty, keeping guard when the Night Pack arrived. Everyone felt the tension with another pack in close proximity.”
“And?”
“I decided to do my due diligence and keep a close watch on Alpha Maverick. His reputation was concerning and when I saw him wandering Alpha Daxton’s land, I followed.”
Suddenly, it dawns on me. I’m frustrated that he’s attempting to be diplomatic in his wording, but I read between the lines easily.
That night.
“Did you see him and Nyx?” I ask bluntly.
Knox gives a small nod of confirmation. “At the time, I wasn’t aware they were also mates. So, forgive me, but you can understand how I reached that conclusion.”
I relax slightly, arms still crossed but I lower my intense stare on him. “If you were concerned my mate was going to sever the mate bond to be with another wolf, why did you not approach me?”
That’s the real question. The one that requires an immediate answer.
Knox hesitates, clearly sensing he’s backed into a corner with no correct answer. If he was worried about my wellbeing, he should have spoken up. Instead, he stayed silent, claiming to obey my orders and act indifferent toward Nyx. He hadn’t been briefed on the situation with Maverick, so by his omission, he failed to take action to protect me, knowing if he had been correct, the consequences would have been fatal for me. And therefore, the pack.
“Alpha…”
“Answer the question,” I order.
He frowns, lowering his head. “You seemed happy. I didn’t want to question your decision. There were also bigger concerns that didn’t warrant a pack war.”
“I would have died,” I tell him sternly. “But you were wrong.”
Knox nods. “My apologies, Alpha. We are all excited to welcome Luna Nyx into the pack.”
“Bullshit,” I cut him off. “Did you express your concerns to anyone?”
