Chapter 162

10:38 D Chapter 10: Theo “And you’re sure she’s loyal?” I asked Briggs as we stood at the edge of the training field.

“Grady says so, and her and her family’s background checks came back clean,” Briggs said. “She’s a fourth–generation Greytooth warrior, although her family goes back even farther. Top of her class. Gets along with the others. She seemed quite ambitious when I spoke to her. She also looks young enough to fit the part.”

・

I nodded. I removed my watch and handed it to Briggs. Ducking through the fencing, I walked to the middle of the field.

“Maggie Walton,” I called.

She turned and shot to attention with a salute. I waved her to me.

“How long have you been at it out here today?” I asked. She was still out of breath from her last match.

“About two hours, Alpha,” she replied.

“You’re going spar with me,” I told her, stepping back to a starting point. “No shifting, no holds barred.”

She looked surprised for a moment but quickly took her stance.

I watched her movements as we squared off, waiting to draw her in for the first move. She swung her leg out for a low strike to the knee. I dodged, but she was a step ahead, using her momentum to spin into an elbow strike to my ribs.

Impressive.

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10.38 She made contact but I grabbed her arm, moving to twist it behind her back. A palm strike to my forearm allowed her to pull from my grip. We stepped away from each other, squaring off again. I pushed harder, testing her limits.

She was fatigued and quickly started to make mistakes, but her recovery was still solid. She fought hard. I didn’t feel the need to keep pushing, so I ended the fight with a shoulder flip, pinning her to the ground.

“Well done,” I panted. I helped her to her feet. “Get yourself cleaned up and meet me in my office at the packhouse in an hour. In plain clothes.”

“Yes, Alpha,” she replied, working hard to mask the range of emotions she was feeling.

My lips twitched at her reaction. She was perfect.

I headed out of the field back to Briggs.

“Contact the school and get her paperwork started,” I said. “And get her set up with a room in our wing. I want to keep her close.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Briggs replied. “Are you briefing her today?”

“Yes,” I replied, climbing into my car. “The sooner she’s in place, the better.”

We headed back to the packhouse and Maggie arrived five minutes early. She came into my office and stood at attention before my desk. I looked her over. She wore black jeans and a T–shirt. She still appeared militant. We would have to address that.

Otherwise, I was pleased with the selection.

“At ease,” I told her. “Please, have a seat.” She did as she was told. “I 21 21%

10:38 have a job for you, Ms. Walton.”

“A job, Alpha?” she asked.

“Yes, but before we go over the details, I need to ensure you understand how important this position is,” I said firmly. “I need to know that you are dedicated to this pack, Ms. Walton.”

“Of course, Alpha,” she rushed. “It’s been my dream to serve under the ranking families my whole life.”

“That’s good to know,” I said. “But wanting a position for the prestige isn’t the same as believing in what you are doing. So, I give you free reign to address any problems you have with me or our ranking members.”

“I’m not sure what you mean, Alpha,” she said slowly and sincerely.

“Do you have any problem with me or my Luna?” I asked. “Are there any rumors that have raised any concern? Are there any politics I have practiced that you don’t agree with?”

“I think there will always be something we don’t agree on, sir,” she said candidly. “However, I don’t know of anything worth noting.

I believe your father is a strong, fair Alpha and that you will be the same.”

“And my Luna?” I pressed.

She took a minute to think about her response. “Honestly, I don’t know her, Alpha,” she said plainly. “I believe you are referring to the rumors regarding her being the sister of the woman you were previously partnered with. I am aware of them, but I don’t deal in rumors. I do, however, have one friend who met her briefly during the packhouse attack. She said she was impressive and quite lovely. So, no, I have no inherent issues with our Luna.”

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10:39 D I grinned. “I’m glad you feel that way,” I said, leaning forward on the desk. “Because I want you to be her personal bodyguard.”

Maggie’s jaw dropped slightly, but she regained composure before she spoke again.

“Alpha, with all due respect, there must be more senior warriors who should fill this position.”

“Luna Ayla will be attending the university,” I told her. “She’s not used to having constant security, but recent events have made it a requirement. Truthfully, I don’t want a host of males drawing more attention to her any more than she does. But she needs around–the- clock protection. At least for the time being. So, I thought it would be easier on her if her bodyguard appeared to just be another student.‘

“I see,” Maggie said. “Does that mean she isn’t going to know I’m there?”

“No, of course not,” I insisted. “You’ll have some time to spend with her before you begin your assignment. She’ll be fully aware of your presence. There will be another team and campus security that will also be keeping an eye on her. They will be less visible, but she knows they will be there.”

“Understood,” Maggie replied.

“Good,” I said. “You will be moving here as well. This is a full–time commitment, Ms. Walton, not just for when she is at school. I want you with her whenever I’m not around. Are we clear?”

“Yes, Alpha,” she confirmed.

“Alright. You can go back and start packing up,” I said. “I’ll call you with more details by the end of the day.”

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10.39 D Chapter 10. Theo Maggie stood and saluted. Her expression was stoic but with a glint in her eyes that I recognized.

Yes, she and Ayla would get along just fine.

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