Chapter 82: Territorial Dominance

Chapter 82: Territorial Dominance.

(Elena ckwood’s POV)

Patricia insisted that Nathan Sterling stay for lunch, her eyes bright with hope. “Please, Nathan. It’s the least. I can do after you helped us.”

Nathan epted graciously, his amber beyes /bwarm. “Td be honored, Mrs. ckthorne.”

Patricia bustled into the ckthorne Family Kitchen, humming softly. I could tell she was giving Nathan and

me space while keeping her ears open for our conversation.

The silence stretched between us bas /bwe sat in the ckthorne Family Hall. Nathan’s presence felt different now, charged with unspoken intentions.

Nathan noticed my distracted state and leaned forward. “Elena, if your rtives cause trouble again, you can always turn to me.”

His words carried weight beyond simple friendship. I felt uneasy, wondering if I was overthin

this was a veiled confession.

“I appreciate your help,” I said carefully, avoiding his intense gaze.

nings or if

Nathan sensed my difort and fell silent. Had he scared her? He wondered if his feelings were too

obvious.

Just then, my phone vibrated. Marcus ckwood’s name shed on the screen.

I immediately hung up, my heart racing. Momentster, the doorbell rang, filling me with dread.

Patricia emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands bon /bher apron. Nathan quickly intercepted her.

“Let me answer that,” he offeredb, /bhis protective instincts kicking in.

Nathan opened the door to find Marcus standing there. The two Alphas locked eyes, territorial tension

crackling between them like electricity.

Marcus’s golden eyes held dangerous amusement. “Nathan Sterling. How convenient to find you here.”

“Marcus,” Nathan retorted with equal sharpness. “Always a pleasure.”

Marcus shifted his attention to me, then to Patricia. “Mother–inw, why so formal? Elena and I haven’t severed our mate bond yet.”

I quickly intervened, panic rising in my chest. “Marcus, what’s the purpose of your visit?”

He smiled coldly. “Do I need a reason to visit my mate? Or are you too busy seeking a new partner?”

Nathan stepped forward, his voice cutting. “Perhaps you should grant Elena a proper separation so you can be with Sophia Rivers.”

Marcus’s expression turned murderous. He grabbed Nathan’s cor, his Alpha dominance bring /bdangerously.

“Don’t test me, Sterling. Marcus growled, his wolf barely contained.

Chanter 82 Tentonal Dol

“Stop!” I rushed between them, my hands pushing against Marcus’s chest. “Both of you, stop this!”

Marcus released Nathan, his movements controlled but threatening. “I heard about the corrupt official’s injuries. Will you visit him, Elena?”

Nathan dismissed it with a wave. “He brought it upon himself.”

Marcus’s smile turned predatory. “Interesting. He had quite a lot to say about schemes to frame me. About. Heidi Cross escaping the investigation.”

The implications left me puzzled. What was Marcus hinting at?

Nathan maintained hisposure, though I caught a flicker of something in his eyes. ‘Evidence, Marcus. Do you have any?”

“I have all the evidence I need,” Marcus asserted, his voice deadly calm. “Are you ready to face it?”

bMarcus /bapproached me, his presence overwhelming. “My mate doesn’t need your care, Sterling.”

Nathan recognized defeat when he saw it. I’ll take my leave then.”

Patricia tried to stop bhim/b. “Nathan, please don’t-

But Marcus’s intimidating Alpha presence silenced her protests. Nathan left without another w

Soon after, Amber Stone arrived with four Elite Guards and two Estate Caregivers. They filed into our modest bhome /blike an invasion force.

“Mrs. ckthorne, Luna Elena, Amber greeted us professionally.

Marcus exined to Patricia, his tone deceptively gentle. Tm worried about leaving you alone. These caregivers are for your safety”

Patricia looked more concerned than grateful. “That’s very kind, but-”

Marcus noticed my indifferent expression, his jovial mask slipping. The lunch was ruined before it began.

“We’re leaving,” he announced, his hand closing around my arm.

I couldn’t even have lunch with my mother. The caregivers were already settling in, making themselves at

home.

In Marcus’s luxury vehicle, I remained silent, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. The Northern Territory looked different through the tinted ss.

Marcus’s annoyance was palpable. “Did I interrupt byour /bgood time with Nathanb?/b*

I turned to face him, my voice sharp. “Were you happy when I interrupted you with Sophia?”

Marcus forced me to meet his gaze, his grip firm on my chin. “We’re still mated, Elena. Don’t forget that.”

“When will we sever the mate bond?” I asked desperately.

“Im not in a hurry,” he replied with infuriating calm.

“You’re toying with me,” I used, anger ring in my chest.

The events of the day suddenly clicked Into ce. “Did byou /borchestrate this? Force me into a corner?”

Marcus initially denied it, then embraced the idea with cruel satisfaction. “If that’s what it takes. I can involve the entire ckthorne Pack if necessary.

Chapter 82 Triterial Dhe

Desperation wed at my throat. T’m sorry. What do you want me to do?”

Marcus studied my face, slightly appeased by my submission. “Anything?”

I nodded reluctantly, knowing I had no choice.

“Professor Andrew Kelly will be in the Northern Territory for an academic exchange,” he said casually. “Would you like to attend?b” /b

I was fully aware of Professor Andrew Kelly’s prestige. This was maniption at its finest.

“Yes,” I agreed quietly, bcalcting /bin my head. I needed his signature on the separation papers within twenty days.

Back at Moonhaven Estate Great Hall, I followed Marcus inside like a shadow, Catherine Hayes greeted us

warmly

“Wee home, Alpha, Luna”

Marcus stopped abruptly, causing me to bbump /binto his solid back. He turned to look at me, seeing my demurepliance.

Something stirred in his golden eyes, a desire to tease me further.

Catherine sensed the charged atmosphere and excused herself quickly. “I’ll bprepare /brefreshments.

After Catherine left, I felt ufortable under Marcus’s intense scrutiny. I tried to retreat to my chambers, but his voice stopped me cold.

“I haven’t had lunch.”

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