Dumped Omega? Now Their Alpha King Begs at My Feet novel Chapter 52

Kai's POV

I was in my office at the top of Crimson Fang tower, staring out the window. Down below, the city lights stretched out to the horizon.

Jax stood on the other side of my obsidian desk, finishing his report on Isabella's confinement.

"He's put her on ice," Jax concluded. "She's a prisoner in her own home."

"Good," I said. "Let her rot there." I had no interest in Isabella. My mind was on Valerie.

She was being discharged tomorrow morning. The thought sent a restless energy through me.

Jax cleared his throat, his tone cautious. "Alpha, with Lady Valerie's release imminent, we should discuss the next steps. Traditionally, a formal courtship gift is expected."

I turned from the window to face him. "And what does tradition suggest?"

"A selection from the Crimson Fang jewels is customary," he said, standing a little straighter. "Or the ceremonial dagger of the first Alpha Matriarch. It's a powerful statement."

A short, sharp laugh escaped my lips. I couldn't help it.

"Jax," I said, leaning against my desk. "Valerie would use that ceremonial dagger to pick her teeth."

Jax blinked, his professional mask slipping for a second. "Sir?"

"She is not a ‘traditional Luna'," I said. "Giving her a piece of jewelry is an insult. It means I think she's a commodity that can be bought."

"But the gesture…" Jax pressed, trying to find solid ground in the rulebook he had followed his whole life.

"The gesture would be a mistake," I cut him off. "I am not trying to buy her loyalty, Jax. I'm trying to earn her respect. To do that, I have to show her that I actually see her. The real her. The healer."

I walked back around my desk and sat down, pulling up a secure file on my main screen. It was a mission report, updated in real-time.

Jax leaned forward, his eyes wide. "Is that them?"

I hit the button to accept the transmission. A crackle of static filled the silent office, then Kael's voice, strained and rough, came through.

"Alpha. We have it. Mission accomplished."

A wave of pure, cold relief washed over me. "Status, Kael."

"Two men have severe frostbite, one has a broken leg. But the package is secure. It's alive."

"Good work," I said, my voice tight. "Get the injured to the medical wing. The package goes to the lab for immediate preservation."

I ended the transmission and looked at Jax. A slow, genuine smile spread across my face.

"Jax," I ordered, my voice full of a new, invigorating purpose. "Prepare the climate-controlled case. You will have that package delivered to Lady Valerie the moment she steps out of the hospital tomorrow. And you will assign your best man to deliver it."