My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

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“She needs to hear it from Alpha command. From me and Marcus together.” He checked his watch. “I’m waking Marcus now. We’ll meet here in thirty minutes. That gives you time to prepare Emnia for what’s coming.”

After he left, I returned to the living room. Emma was still asleep, her face peaceful in a way I rarely saw anymore. No worry lines. No guarded expression. Just peaceful rest

I hated having to wake her for this. Hated shattering that peace with news of imminent danger.

But she needed to know. Deserved to know.

“Emma,” I said softly, touching her shoulder. “Emma, wake up.”

She stirred, her eyes opening slowly. For a moment, she looked confused–then awareness returned and she sat up quickly, putting distance between us.

“I fell asleep. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s okay,” I interrupted gently. “Emma, we need to talk. My father was just here.”

The change in my tone registered immediately. Her expression shifted from embarrassed to concerned. “What’s wrong?”

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“The rogues. Black River faction. They’ve moved closer. They’re planning to attack within the next two days.”

She went pale. “Attack the pack?”

“Attack you, specifically. They’ve been tracking your movements, studying your routines. Emma, this is serious. My father is calling an emergency council meeting. He and your father are coming here in thirty minutes to discuss protection protocols.”

“Protection protocols.” She laughed, but there was no humor in it. You mean locking me away somewhere.”

“I mean keeping you alive,” I said firmly. “Emma, these aren’t random rogues. This is fifty professional mercenaries with military training and half a million dollars worth of motivation to kill you. We can’t take this lightly.”

“I know that.” She stood, pacing. “I just–I knew this was coming. Knew Vanessa’s threats were real. But hearing that they’re actually here, actually planning” Her voice shook. “It’s different.”

I wanted to pull her into my arms, to comfort her. But I wasn’t sure if that would be welcome, so I stayed where I was.

“We’re going to protect you,” I said. “Whatever it takes. The whole pack is mobilizing. We’re calling in allies. Black Biver may be professional, but so are we.”

“And what do I do? Hide in some safe room while everyone else fights?”

“You survive,” I said simply. “That’s what you do. You let us handle the threat while you stay safe.”

“I can fight. You know I can. I’ve been training–”

“Emma, you’re good. Very good. But you’re not trained for military operations against fifty mercenaries.” I moved closer.” Please. Let us protect you. Don’t make this harder by insisting on putting yourself in danger.”

She was quiet for a long moment, her arms wrapped around herself. “I hate this. Hate feeling helpless. Hate that Vanessa is still winning even dead.”

“She’s not winning. She’s dead. We’re alive. And we’re going to stay that way.” I paused. “Your father will be here soon. He’ll want to discuss specifics. But Emma, I need you to promise me something ”

“What?”

“That you’ll follow security protocols. That you won’t try to sneak out or take unnecessary risks.” I met her eyes. “Promise me you’ll let us keep you safe.”

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“Even if that means going somewhere I don’t want to go?”

“Especially then.”

She studied my face for a long moment. “You’re scared. I can see it. You’re actually scared.”

“Terrified,” I admitted. “Because I’ve already lost you once through my own stupidity. I can’t-“My voice broke. “I can’t lose you to Vanessa’s hired killers. Can’t let her win like that.”

Emma crossed the distance between us and took my hand. “Okay. I promise. I’ll follow protocols. I’ll go wherever you need me to go. I’ll let you protect me.”

“Thank you.” The relief was overwhelming. “Thank you.”

“But Jeremy?” She squeezed my hand. “When this is over, when the threat is neutralized–I want my life back. Want to stop living in fear. Can you promise me that?”

“Yes. We’ll end this. However long it takes, whatever it costs—we’ll end this.” I brought her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles gently. “I swear it.”

The sound of cars pulling into the driveway interrupted us. My father and Marcus, arriving together.

“They’re here,” Emma said, pulling her hand back. “Time to face reality.”

“Time to make a plan,” I corrected. “To fight back. To show Black River that Crescent Moon Pack doesn’t surrender.”

Her eyes flashed with something fierce, “Good. Because I’m tired of being afraid. Tired of being hunted. If they want a fight, let’s give them one.”

“That’s my girl,” I said, then caught myself. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s okay.” A small smile. “I kind of liked hearing it. Even if it’s complicated.”

My father and Marcus entered without knocking, both looking grim and determined.

“Emma,” Marcus said, pulling his daughter into a hug. “We’re going to keep you safe. I promise.”

“I know, Dad.”

“Good. Now let’s talk strategy.” He released her and turned to all of us. “Because Black River just made their first mistake. They got close enough for us to find them. And now we’re going to make them regret it.”

As we gathered around the kitchen table to plan, I looked at Emma. Strong, brave, refusing to be a victim even in the face of deadly threats.

She was incredible. And I’d almost lost her through my own selfishness.

Not again. Never again.

Black River wanted a fight?

They were about to learn what happened when you threatened Crescent Moon’s future Luna.

And it wasn’t going to end well for them.