Chapter Ten : Threats and Ultimatums NATHAN Death came for me . Its cold grip dragged me under , suffocating and relentless , no matter how desperately I clawed to hold on . In those final moments , I let go , resigned to the inevitable but then something yanked me back . A searing light cut through the darkness , the excruciating pain that had enveloped me dissolved into nothingness . The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was her . Her gaze had been full of worry then soft , exhausted . Now , those same eyes sparked with fury as she glared at me , her voice sharp and unyielding . What is the meaning of this , Nathan ? Why did you give the order that I am not permitted to leave your territory ? I don t 45 11:38 1/6 Chapter Ten : Threats and Ultimatums have time for this I have a pack to get back to . Her audacity grated on me , but I kept my voice level , even as my wolf growled restlessly inside . Pushing myself upright , despite the dull ache that still lingered in my body , I met her anger with calm precision . First of all , watch your tone when you speak to me , I said , my irritation barely concealed . Second , you re not leaving until we address the very important fact that I apparently have a son . Her scoff was immediate , her arms crossing over her chest . Oh , so now you believe hes yours ? Two days ago , you were so eager to accuse me of cheating . Its not an accusation if its true , I bit back . And for the record , I didn t give that order because I enjoy having you here . The sooner you re gone , the better . You re highly irritating . 45 % 11:38 2/6 484 Chapter Ten : Threats and Ultimatums Her mouth opened , a sharp retort undoubtedly forming , but then she seemed to think better of it . Shaking her head , she exhaled sharply , her frustration evident . Im not doing this with you , Nathan . Daniel is my son . I never planned on telling you , but now that you know , heres how this will work : I ll allow you to see him once a month on my terms , in my territory . I scoffed , the laugh bitter in my throat . Your territory ? The same one crumbling under your so called leadership ? The same one he was kidnapped from ? Tell me , Nicole , whos to say it wont happen again ? For a split second , fear flickered in her eyes . She couldnt hide it not from me . But just as quickly , her anger returned , sharper than before . I ll double my defenses if I have to , she snapped . None of this would ve happened if you hadnt refused my alliance and 50 % 11:38 3/6 11:38 Chapter Ten Threats and Ultimatums blacklisted me in the first place ! I am leaving , Nathan . Im taking my son with me , and that s final . She turned to leave , but my wolf growled , louder this time . It demanded action , and I knew it was right . Letting her walk away wasnt an option not when danger still lurked , not when I couldnt trust her to keep Daniel safe . Whoever is behind this wont stop , I said , my voice steady but edged with warning . She paused , though she didnt turn to face me . I pressed on . Deep down , you know it . They didnt just target Daniel they framed me for it . They wanted you to come here . This entire trap was set for one of us , if not both . Finally , she turned , her expression unreadable as I continued . Someone is declaring war . And I promise you they 11 pay for it . Her silence stretched between us , heavy with tension . I forced myself to say the 50 % 11:38 4/6 487 Chapter Ten . Threats and Ultimatums words I knew she needed to hear , even though they tasted bitter in my mouth . Ill give you what you wanted before . Ill align with you . Ill help stabilize your faction , track down whoever s behind killings , and end it . In exchange , you 11 cooperate with me and well work together to take whoever thinks they can come after my son and get away with it . She studied me , her eyes searching mine for a long moment before narrowing . I dont trust you . And I definitely don t like you . Good , I said coolly . The feeling s mutual . Her glare deepened . I dont need your help . Ill figure things out on my own- and Ill decide when and if you get to see my son . Besides , shouldnt you consult your Luna before making such important decisions ? The jab was a calculated one , but I ignored it . My wolf , however , bristled at the thought 50 % 11:38 5/6 Chapter Ten : Threats and Ultimatums of her taking Daniel away . I let out a long breath , my tone hardening . Im trying to play nice , Nicole . Ill give you three days to decide . But make no mistake Daniel is my son . My blood . And I command the most powerful faction in the realm . I let the silence stretch for emphasis before delivering the final blow . If you dont agree to my terms , Ill take him from you . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!