---- "Those papers were signed in a moment of impulse. The ceremony was never even finalized. It's not official! "Come back to the pack. We can begin again."" Jack stepped between us, his voice low and rough. "You're not welcome here-not after what you did. " Alan's eyes burned with fury. "You lying bastard! Was it you? Were you the one hiding her all this time? I swear, I'll make sure the entire Western Moonfang pack knows what you've done!" Jack sneered. "And what right do you have to judge me? Where were you when she was in danger?" Alan froze. "What danger...2" The truth hit him like a blow. His voice wavered. " Were you... really calling for help that night? I thought... I thought you were just upset about ---- Leah's pups-" "Don't come near her again," Jack cut him off. " You've lost that right." "No, you don't get it! Jack isn't who he appears to be. He's using you for his own agenda!" "Enough!" I snapped. "Leave now." Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out from the deck. " Alan! The twins have a high fever!" Leah lunged toward me but suddenly faltered, losing her balance. Together, we tumbled over the edge and fell into the icy water below. "Help! I can't swim! My pups need me!" Leah screamed, struggling against the waves. Without a second thought, Alan plunged in after her, swimming straight toward her side. ---- I stood frozen, numb as everything unfolded before me. Even now, his first instinct was to save her. Out of nowhere, Jack hoisted me from the water. He held me tight and whispered, "I've got you. Don't be afraid." When I woke up in the hospital, Jack was sitting by my bedside, his eyes red and tired. The sound of a fierce argument drifted in from outside the door. "Step aside! I have to see her!"" Leah trailed behind Alan, holding one pup close while the other cried out in the nanny's arms. "Please, sweetheart, don't-" Leah pleaded. Alan pushed her aside sharply. "Silence!" "Let them in," I murmured. ---- Alan hurried to my bedside. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" I stared at him, my eyes hollow and distant. "T'm sorry... and you are?"