Chapter 16

Knox's POV

Telling Susie

I stood rooted to the spot, watching Melissa with a mix of shock and admiration as she single-handedly silenced the entire council.

Her words cut through their objections like an unforgiving knife, slicing through the thin veil of arrogance they had wrapped themselves in. It was almost amusing to watch the once-vocal councilmen become flustered and unsure under her intense glare.

In those moments, I felt a surge of pride for her. Melissa had transformed from the timid Omega I once knew into a formidable woman who commanded respect. No longer did she cower in the face of intimidation; now, she faced it head-on with a confidence that was impossible to ignore.

As I watched Melissa, I could feel the stirrings of something deeper within me.

Hector, my inner wolf, growled with approval, his instincts pushing me toward her, urging me to reclaim what was once ours. "She's perfect for us, Knox. She's strong, capable, and fierce. Claim her, before it's too late."

"It's not that simple, Hector," I argued internally. "Melissa doesn't want to submit to us. She's made that abundantly clear. Besides, she's getting married soon."

"We belong with her," Hector insisted, his tone filled with a primal longing. "She's the only one who truly understands us."

But reality couldn't be ignored. Susie was still my wife, the woman who had been by my side for years.

Whatever our relationship lacked in passion, it made up for in duty and commitment. I knew Susie would never allow me to pursue anything with Melissa. It was a tangled mess I couldn't easily unravel.

I tried to push the thoughts aside, refocusing on the situation at hand. But as I observed Melissa, her strength and poise captivating me once more, I realized I had been staring longer than I intended.

Her eyes met mine, and there was a flicker of amusement there, as if she was well aware of the effect she had on everyone in the room—myself included.

"So, Alpha," Melissa's voice rang out, shattering the silence and pulling me back to the present moment. Her tone was steady, laced with a hint of challenge. "When should I begin?"

Her question caught me off guard, and for a brief moment, I was at a loss for words. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Well," I began, my voice slightly rougher than intended. "Before you start treating my son, I think it's only prudent that I interview you first."

Melissa's eyes widened slightly in surprise, a raised eyebrow conveying her shock. "Interview me?" she echoed. "Are you serious?"

Before I could respond, one of the council members, Councilman Reginald, interrupted us with impatience. "Alpha, you stressed how urgent it is to have your son treated. Why delay with unnecessary formalities?"

Reginald had a point, but I needed to buy time. There was something I needed to take care of first.

"I have my reasons, Councilman Reginald," I snapped. "This meeting is concluded. You are all dismissed."

A ripple of frustration passed through the room as the council members exchanged glances, clearly displeased. It was obvious that they were leaving with more questions than answers, likely unhappy that they hadn't managed to pressure me into stepping down as ruler.

As the council members began to file out,I noticed a young, handsome council member lingering near Melissa. Demetri—a rising star among the council known for his charm and political wins—approached her with a smile.

"Melissa, is it?" Demetri said, offering her a charming smile as he extended his hand. "Councilman Demetri. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Melissa responded with a smile, one that was both genuine and radiant, and I felt a pang of jealousy twist within me. The ease with which she interacted with him, the warmth of her smile—it was unsettling.

Before I knew it, I found myself moving toward them, unable to stop the possessive instinct that surged forth. "Demetri," I interrupted, my tone colder than I intended. "Don't you have anything else important to attend to?"

Demetri turned to face me, his expression shifting to one of polite annoyance. "Of course, Alpha Knox," he replied smoothly, offering a slight bow. He turned back to Melissa, taking her hand with a flourish and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Until next time, Dr. Melissa."

With a final nod, he excused himself, leaving Melissa and me standing in the gradually emptying hall.

Once Demetri was out of earshot, Melissa's look changed. She rounded on me, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Was that really necessary?" she snapped.

I met her gaze unflinchingly. "Yes, it was," I replied tersely. "I have more important matters to discuss with you."

Her arms folded across her chest, and she looked at me expectantly. "And what exactly might those be?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, knowing the answer wouldn't be simple. Melissa had agreed to help under duress, and I had yet to inform Susie about the situation—or the fact that I had brought Melissa here without her knowledge.

"Why can't I start treating your son now?" Melissa pressed, her voice insistent yet calm.

I hesitated, the weight of the circumstances pressing heavily on me. "I need to speak with my wife first," I admitted, my words carrying the gravity of the situation.

Her eyes widened in shock, a mixture of disbelief and indignation coloring her expression. "You mean to tell me you haven't informed your wife that you've brought me here under duress and are essentially blackmailing me to treat your son?"

Her bluntness was like a slap to the face, and I flinched inwardly, knowing there was no way to sugarcoat the truth. Desperation had driven me to this point, and now I had to navigate the consequences of my actions.

Melissa burst out laughing. "Oh she's going to be very pissed.