The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE] (STILL EDITING)

Chapter 11

It was just past 10 when I made it to my porch, the street lamps casting soft golden light across the yard. I reached for the door, muscles aching, brain buzzing—

"Ellie."

I turned.

Alpha Brian. Luna Audrey.
And Jacob.

I bowed immediately. "Alpha. Luna. Jacob."

Alpha Brian's gaze was firm, but not harsh. "Where were you today? I didn't see you after morning training."

I opened my mouth—but Jacob beat me to it.

"She was helping me train."

My eyes snapped to him.

What the hell are you doing?

Luna Audrey blinked in surprise. "You were what?"

Even Alpha Brian raised a brow, glancing between the two of us.

Jacob didn't waver. "I asked her to help. I've been... off. Since returning. I'm not at full strength. My instincts, my shift—they're unstable. Ellie's the best fighter here, and she agreed to help."

My heart thudded. I hadn't expected him to say all that.

Alpha Brian sighed, rubbing his temples. "And you couldn't come to me with this?"

"I didn't want to worry you," Jacob said honestly. "And to be real, Dad... you would've picked Ellie anyway."

Alpha Brian gave a tired chuckle. "You're not wrong."

Luna Audrey touched her son's arm gently. "Still, sweetheart—you talk to us. Especially about something like this."

"I will next time. Promise."

Then Alpha Brian's attention shifted back to me, his expression softening. "You've already got too much on your shoulders, Ellie. You should've said no."

"I didn't mind," I said carefully. "It helped both of us."

He studied me for a beat longer—like he was trying to read between the lines—but nodded.

Then, gently: "Jacob returned hours ago. Where were you after that?"

"In the library," I said.

"In training gear?"

"Yes. I went straight there. Didn't change."

He was listening to my heartbeat. I knew it. But I wasn't lying.

Luna Audrey stepped in, her voice warm. "Brian, enough. Let her be. She looks exhausted."

She gave me a soft smile—the kind that made something behind my ribs tighten.

"You've always pushed yourself too hard, Ellie. Please... get some rest."

"Thank you, Luna," I said, meaning it.

They let me go without another word. I turned away, walking quickly, only allowing myself to breathe once I shut the door behind me.

It was nearly midnight when the knock came. Sharp. Measured. Like whoever was on the other side wasn't in a rush — just patient enough to wait.

I'd just finished drying off from the shower, jeans halfway up my legs. I froze for a second, senses flaring before the scent hit me.

Pinecones. Firewood.

Jacob.

I muttered something under my breath, yanked my robe around me, and made my way to the door.