Unmatched Wife: Not His To Claim Anymore novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132

Chapter 132

MATTHEW

Unknown number. But the prefix was BloodMoon City.

I frowned at it, considering whether to answer. Then I thought about the message I’d sent Thorne Lockwood–the apologetic email I’d fired off while Theo slept in the backseat, mortified by my own rudeness to someone who’d gone out of his way to help

1. us.

I answered.

“Alpha Morrison.” The voice was professionally warm, measured in the way of someone accustomed to representing authority without projecting it aggressively. “This is Thorne Lockwood, Chief of Staff to the Alpha King. I received your email.”

I sat up straighter without meaning to. “Mr. Lockwood. Thank you for calling.”

“I wanted to apologize for my own approach,” Thorne said. “You were correct that it was abrupt. Introducing myself in a parking lot before your son’s therapy appointment wasn’t exactly the ideal setting for a first contact. I should have been clearer about who I was and why I was there.”

“No, please–my response was completely out of proportion. You’d been generous in approving our entry, and I treated you like a threat.” I rubbed my face, embarrassed by the memory. “I was on edge after–it had been a difficult few days.”

“Of course. You’re a father protecting your son. There’s nothing to forgive.” A brief pause. “I was actually reaching out because I wanted to acknowledge what you and Theo accomplished during your time in BloodMoon City. Dr. Fisher has sent very positive reports about his progress. The Alpha King’s office takes particular interest in ensuring families accessing our medical resources have positive outcomes.”

“Dr. Fisher was extraordinary,” I said honestly. “Theo made more progress in those weeks than I’d dared hope for.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Another pause, this one slightly longer, which made me pay closer attention. “I also wanted to say–I heard through city communications about the assembly you’ve announced. An Alpha addressing his pack directly, taking accountability for recent difficulties. That takes a particular kind of courage.”

I blinked. “How did you know about the assembly?”

“Pack administrative announcements often filter through territory communication networks,” Thorne said easily. “It’s standard monitoring–nothing sinister. We like to be aware of significant events in neighboring territories.” He paused. Actually, I was wondering–and please feel free to decline, this is entirely your prerogative–whether I might attend. As an observer. The Alpha King has expressed interest in strengthening relationships with neighboring pack leadership, and your assembly seems like an opportunity to—”

“You’d be welcome,” I heard myself say, before the offer had fully processed.

Because what was the alternative? Telling the Chief of Staff to the Alpha King–the man whose approval had given Theo access to treatment that had changed his life–that he wasn’t welcome in our territory?

“I don’t want to impose,” Thorne said, which felt like the professional courtesy of someone who already knew the answer would be yes.

“You wouldn’t be imposing.” I glanced at Marcus, who was watching the conversation with the expression of someone cataloguing every word for later analysis. “Come to the assembly. Afterward, if you have time, I’d appreciate the chance to speak with you directly. There are some matters I’ve been wanting to raise with the Alpha King’s office, and having a direct line of

communication would be valuable.”

“That sounds exactly right,” Thorne said warmly. “I’ll be in touch with the details. And Alpha Morrison? Good luck with the assembly. I think you’ll find your pack more ready to hear you than you expect.”

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Chapter 132

The call ended, and I set down my phone.

+30 Bonus

Marcus looked at me with the expression he used when he had seven things to say and was deciding which one to lead with.

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