---- Chapter 16 Alpha Michael's POV Another sharp knock echoed through the bathroom door, cutting through the fading remnants of Becky's scent that still clung stubbornly to my skin-wild, sweet, and maddening. I gripped the edge of the sink, my claws threatening to pierce through my palms as I tried to rein in the beast coiled beneath my skin. The mating urge had sunk its teeth into me, and it wasn't letting go. I forced myself to breathe, running a shaky hand through my damp hair before striding toward the door. My muscles twitched beneath my skin, still wired from the memory of her soft moans and the taste of her lips. By the time I reached the handle, my patience was ---- gone. The door flew open. My glare met my butler's uneasy expression. "What?" I snapped, voice low, feral. He flinched subtly, but kept his composure. " Alpha David's left the grounds, Alpha. I assumed you'd want an update. Also, your private investigator is waiting in your study." "Fine," I growled, stepping past him. My steps echoed with quiet fury as I moved down the corridor. Becky. Her name alone stirred something primal in me. The memory of her body pressed against mine, the way her pupils had dilated with heat... it was torture. I was tethered to her scent, addicted. But then, the vision of Alpha David's hand bruising her delicate skin rose in my mind, and the desire inside me turned to rage. ---- He had dared to lay a hand on my mate. Mine. The shift threatened, my wolf pushing against the surface of my control. I clenched my fists and kept walking. By the time I reached my study, I was ready to tear something-or someone-apart. The PI stood as I entered, holding a thick folder. He gave me a respectful nod. "What did you find?" I didn't sit. Didn't need to. He opened the folder and placed it on the desk. " Significant wire transfers were made to an account shortly before your mother's accident. It took effort, but I traced the account." My gaze scanned the documents until a name jumped out at me. "This is the account holder?" I asked sharply. "Yes. A boy, barely twenty." ---- My brows furrowed. "How the hell does a pup like that get access to that kind of money?" "T doubt the funds were ever his," the investigator replied. "The account was likely set up in his name to avoid suspicion. But we'll confirm once we interrogate him." I leaned forward slightly, the low growl rumbling in my chest involuntarily. Three years ago. That damn accident. I snapped the folder shut. "Where is he?" "He's in custody. We anticipated you'd want to handle this... personally." Acold smirk pulled at my lips. "You guessed right." The PI gave a brief nod and departed. My butler stepped forward, tension radiating off him. "And Alpha David?" he asked.