My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 67

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Chapter 67

My Cheating Mate

Jeremy pov

My father’s office door was open when I arrived, but he was on the phone, his expression grave. He waved me in and gestured for me to sit.

“I understand the situation,” he was saying, his Alpha voice firm. “Yes. Coordinate with our border patrols. If they cross into our territory, we respond with full force… No, I won’t authorize pursuit into neutral lands without evidence. We’re not starting a war over speculation.” He paused. “Keep me updated. Every six hours, minimum.”

He hung up and looked at me, his expression shifting from Alpha to father in an instant. “You look better. Emma said you actually slept.”

“Twenty hours, apparently.” I settled into the chair across from his desk. “She also said the rogue situation is getting worse?”

“It is.” He pulled out a folder thick with reports. “That phone call was with Alpha Morrison from Silverbrook. Three of his border patrols have reported unusual rogue activity in the past week. Organized movements. Coordinated surveillance.”

“Of what?”

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“Of trade routes between our territories. The roads Emma would take if she visited their pack lands.” His expression darkened. ” Jeremy, Vanessa didn’t just hire random rogues. She contracted with established rogue factions. The kind with leadership structures, territory, and resources.”

My blood ran cold. “How established?”

“Black River Pack, for one.” He pushed a report across the desk. “They’re not technically rogues–they’re an unaffiliated pack that operates outside normal pack law. About fifty wolves, all combat–trained, known for hiring out as mercenaries.”

I scanned the report, my stomach sinking with each line. Black River had a reputation. They were disciplined, ruthless, and expensive. The kind of wolves you hired when you wanted guaranteed results.

“How much did Vanessa pay them?” I asked.

“Fifty thousand up front. Another fifty thousand on completion of the contract.” My father’s voice was grim. “And there are at least two more contracts we know about. Bloodmoon Collective about thirty wolves, specializes in ambush tactics. And the Ash Creek runners, smaller group but known for being nearly impossible to track.”

I did the math. “That’s over three hundred thousand dollars.”

J

“Closer to half a million, probably. Vanessa had access to her family’s accounts, and they’re one of the wealthiest families in our territory.” He paused. “She spent six months planning this, Jeremy. Six months building contracts, establishing communication channels, setting up contingencies. This isn’t amateur work.”

“And they’re still out there. All of them.”

“Most of them. We’ve neutralized the three smaller contracts you helped identify–lone wolves and small groups that weren’t deeply invested. But these larger factions?” He shook his head. “They’re not going to walk away from that kind of money. Not without a fight.”

I thought about Emma. About her going to training sessions, to coffee shops, to anywhere outside pack lands. Every moment she was exposed, vulnerable to rogues who’d been paid a fortune to kill her.

“What’s our plan?” I asked.

“That depends on you.” My father’s expression was serious. “I need you for this, Jeremy. Really need you. But not half–dead from exhaustion. Not running yourself into the ground on guilt–fueled missions. I need you healthy and functional.”

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“I know. Emma made that very clear.” I met his eyes. “Dad, I’m done being a liability. Done making you worry that I’m going to collapse in the field or get myself killed because I’m too exhausted to think straight.”

tor

“Good. Because what we’re facing requires strategy, coordination, and sustained effort. Not one person burning himself out trying to solve everything alone.

He pulled out a map, spreading it across his desk Red marks indicated reported rogue sightings. Blue marks showed our patrol routes. Yellow marked Emma’s regular locations her father’s house, the training grounds, the pack house.

“Black River is here.” He pointed to a cluster of red marks northwest of our territory. “They’ve been probing our borders for weak points. Testing response times. Watching Emma’s movements.”

“How do we know they’re watching Emma specifically?”

“Because they’ve ignored three opportunities to attack general patrols, but they’ve shadowed her twice when she’s been near border areas.” He traced the route with his finger. “They’re not interested in general chaos. They’re focused on their target.”

“We need to restrict Emma’s movements,” I said immediately. “Keep her in pack house areas only. Maximum security at all

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