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Chapter 51: Fireside Confessions

Author: A. SWANDANCER
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-28 09:10:59

The night was heavy with silence, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the cold breeze. Diego stood at the edge of Black Lake, his reflection staring back at him in the rippling water. Behind him, Alessandro and the rest of the pack were preparing to depart.

“You’re really staying behind, Alpha?” Alessandro asked, his tone hesitant.

“Yes,” Diego said firmly, turning to face his Beta. “I can’t leave while Erika is still out there. I’m trusting you to handle matters with the Board.”

Alessandro’s jaw tightened. “You know they’ll question your absence, especially since Erika is—”

“I don’t care,” Diego interrupted. “Let them question. Just make sure they don’t meddle too deeply here. Erika is my priority.”

Alessandro nodded reluctantly, placing a hand on Diego’s shoulder. “I’ll do what needs to be done. Just… be careful, Alpha. If the Board finds out—”

“I’ll deal with them if that time comes,” Diego said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

With a final nod, Alessandro and the
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