Chapter 171

Arthur

“ALPHA PRESIDENT—OR LUNA’S GUARD DOG?”

I sigh as I look at the news article on my phone screen, which displays a picture of me from the other day at Wellington Academy. My fangs are fully extended in the photo, eyes glowing red as I tower over the protesters.

Beneath the photo is a statement from the woman who threw the tomato. She claims she threw it at Iris, not Miles, which is bullshit; she also claims I physically threatened her and the other protesters.

That part, at least, is technically true.

When that rotten tomato flew toward my mate and son, something in me snapped. My wolf surged up with such fury that I could barely contain him, barely keep from shifting right there in front of everyone.

Even now, days later, thinking about it makes me want to rip into that woman’s throat.

It wasn’t my proudest moment, perhaps, but the urge to protect them overwhelmed everything else. Every rational thought, every presidential duty, every concern for public image—gone in an instant.

I scroll through the article, my jaw clenching tighter with each word I read. Apparently, I’m “unstable” and “dangerously aggressive.” There are quotes from “political experts” questioning whether my “violent tendencies” make me unfit for office.

One psychologist even suggests I have “anger management issues that require immediate professional intervention.”

It’s all bullshit, of course. But that doesn’t mean it won’t stick. This incident wasn’t the first time I lashed out in public over my mate. And if you count what happened with Selina in private, too—people still think I intentionally pushed her despite everything else that has come to light—it makes me look even worse.

But it’s not me that I care about; it’s Iris and her struggling reputation that has me worried. The article’s conclusion implies that my “unhinged behavior” is a result of having to constantly defend my “controversial mate,” suggesting that a “more suitable Luna” would result in a more stable Alpha President.

I know exactly which “more suitable Luna” they’re hinting at.

With another heavy sigh, I put my phone away and rest my head against the back of the seat. I take a few breaths to push my wolf back down before I climb out of the car.

Ezra and I ascend the steps to the large courthouse, then follow the familiar path through the marble hallways to a conference room where Veronica’s legal team is already assembled. Caleb is there too, as Supreme Judge, looking uncomfortable about presiding over a case involving his sister, cousin, and President.

Veronica, conveniently, isn’t here. I haven’t seen her face, not in public, in private, or at the legal proceedings. I’m not sure when she’s going to be back. Hopefully soon, so I can reject her and put a stop to at least one of my problems.

I take my seat at one end of the long table, Ezra beside me, and we begin the proceedings. The lawyers present their evidence first: bank statements, donor lists, tax filings, all meticulously organized and completely above board. I listen with growing frustration as they methodically dismantle every suspicion Ezra and I had about the Ordan Public School Fund.

“As you can see, Alpha President,” says the lead lawyer, “every penny is accounted for. Yes, operating costs increased by thirty-eight percent last year, but that was due to expanding our staff to cover more schools and implementing a new grant management system.”

I’m about to ask a question when the door opens, and a familiar scent hits me like a brick wall.

My wolf instantly surges forward again. My hands clench into fists beneath the table as I struggle to maintain my composure.

Veronica glides into the room, dressed in a tailored cream pantsuit that somehow makes her look both professional and alluring. Her dark hair is pulled back in a sleek ponytail, and her crimson lips curve into a slight smile as her eyes meet mine.

“I apologize for my tardiness,” she says smoothly. “My flight from Bo’Arrocan was delayed.”

I didn’t even know she was going to be here today. I can’t decide if I’m relieved or angered by her presence; both, perhaps.

Veronica takes a seat beside her lawyers, directly across from me. “I trust everything is in order?”

Her eyes flick to mine again, and I have to look away. My wolf is going crazy, demanding that I go to her, pull her close, mark her as mine. The scent is even more overwhelming than before, perhaps because it’s been weeks since I last encountered it.

Or perhaps because, unlike with Iris, I haven’t claimed this mate yet, and my wolf is desperate to complete the bond.

Iris’s scent, of course, still entices me above everything else. She’s my marked mate, my love, the mother to my child. But after you mark a mate, the scent becomes more tolerable—otherwise we’d never be able to get anything done because we’d be too busy trying to do… other things.

That must be why Veronica’s scent is driving me crazy. She’s not marked, and therefore my wolf will be inconsolable until she is.

But I’ll fight it. I’m not going to give in to my primal urges. I love Iris, not Veronica, and I swore to myself and to her that I’d never hurt her again.

“Everything appears to be quite thorough,” I manage to say, clearing my throat. “Your team has been very cooperative.”

For the next hour, Veronica walks us through her charity’s finances, explaining every questionable expense with such clarity and confidence that even I start to doubt my suspicions. She’s good—too good.

“You see, Alpha President,” she concludes, “the Ordan Public School Fund has always operated with complete transparency. Our financial reports are public record, available to anyone who wishes to examine them.” She smiles, and that smile is poison. “I understand your concerns, especially in light of your mate’s recent troubles. It’s natural to be… protective.”

My jaw tightens when I see that glimmer in her eye. Is she referring to the article? Taunting me?

By the time the meeting concludes, it’s clear that we have no case. As everyone else files out of the room, Caleb pulls me aside. “Arthur, I need to speak with you privately.”

I nod, and Ezra steps out, closing the door behind him.

“You need to drop this,” Caleb says bluntly once we’re alone. “There’s nothing here to pursue.”

“Her operating costs are still suspiciously high,” I argue. “And the timing of the increases—”

“Are all explainable and documented,” Caleb cuts me off. “Look, I understand why you’re pushing this. I do. But you’re reaching a stalemate, and continuing will only make you look vindictive.”

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated. “So you expect me to just let it go? Even if she’s potentially stealing money meant for children?”

“For now, yes,” Caleb says firmly. “For Iris’s sake, if nothing else. She doesn’t need more negative press, Arthur. She’s struggling enough as it is.”

His words hit home. Caleb is right; pursuing this without solid evidence will only make things worse for Iris. The last thing she needs right now is her mate being painted as a paranoid bully targeting a beloved philanthropist.

“Fine,” I concede through clenched teeth. “But I’m personally keeping an eye on her finances moving forward.”

“That’s fair,” Caleb nods. “Just be discreet about it.”

As we leave the conference room, I spot Veronica waiting by the elevators. My wolf rushes up again, but I force it down and straighten my tie with jerky movements. This is my chance—maybe my only chance—to fulfill my promise to Iris.

“I need a minute,” I tell Caleb and Ezra, then walk toward her.

Veronica looks up as I approach. “Alpha President. Did you forget something?”

“I need to speak with you,” I say quietly. “Privately.”

She smiles and presses the elevator button. The doors instantly slide open, as if it was already here and she were… waiting for me. But I push that thought down, too, telling myself that it’s simply my wolf making connections where there are none. “Of course.”

We step into the empty elevator together, and as the doors close, her scent intensifies in the confined space. My wolf is nearly uncontrollable now, urging me to reach for her, to slide my hands into that silky honey-colored hair, to press my lips against hers.

Instead, I grip the handrail behind me and keep my distance. “How long have you known?” I ask bluntly.

Veronica’s eyes flicker, but her expression remains neutral. “Since the first time we met, all those years ago.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

She shrugs one elegant shoulder. “You were already with Iris. Then you married Selina. The timing never seemed right.” Her red lips curve. “But fate works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it? Here we are again.”

“I need to make something clear,” I say, forcing myself to meet her eyes. Those gray eyes, so clear and slender and always with a hint of humor in them.

“Yes?” She takes a step closer, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to reach for her.

“I already have a mate,” I say firmly. “Iris is my mate, the mother of my child, the love of my life. And I won’t betray her, no matter what my wolf thinks it senses with you.”

Veronica’s smile falters slightly. “Arthur—”

“Veronica,” I cut her off, steeling myself for what I have to do next. “I reject you as my mate. Be free to find another.”

The words of rejection cause my wolf to roil with fury. Most wolves would rather die than reject their fated mate, but I don’t care. I’m not going to mark Veronica. I’m not going to be a slave to another woman while Iris, the woman I truly love, is waiting for me at home.

Veronica tilts her head, golden hair cascading over her shoulder, and smiles up at me.