Alpha Xander's Undoing Chasing my Unknown Mate Back novel Chapter 138

Imperial 138 Summary

Rory returns to Snow Pack after a long journey, feeling the familiar yet changed atmosphere of the place. As she approaches the valley, memories and emotions stir within her, marking a significant transformation from the uncertain girl she once was to a strong woman who has survived trials and carries the power of Zerina. Her companion, Xander, supports her quietly, sharing a moment of light teasing as they near the pack houses.

Upon arrival, Rory is greeted warmly by her father, Alpha Steele, whose embrace breaks through the emotional walls she had built. His mixture of tenderness and authority reflects the complex relationship they share. Xander is introduced formally, earning the Alpha’s cautious approval as he pledges to take care of Rory. The transition from father to leader is seamless, highlighting the dual roles each character plays within the pack.

Inside the house, the warmth and familiarity of home bring back childhood memories, and the dinner conversation reveals the ongoing lives and challenges of those Rory cares about. The interaction between Rory, her father, and Xander is natural and filled with mutual respect, hinting at the responsibilities and future leadership roles that await them. There is a sense of acceptance and hope as Rory’s father acknowledges her remarkable growth and the path ahead.

Later, under the starry night sky, Rory and Xander share an intimate moment reflecting on her return and new identity. Xander reassures her of his unwavering support and affection, emphasizing their bond as husband and partner. Their playful and tender exchange underscores the strength of their relationship and their readiness to face the future together. Rory finds comfort in this connection, feeling at home not just in place but in herself and with Xander by her side.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below

Rory

The journey to Snow Park always seemed to stretch on far longer than any map could suggest. Perhaps it was the way the air transformed as we neared—growing crisper, cooler, infused with the sharp scent of pine and frost, even though spring was already waning. Maybe it was because every time I returned, a flicker of my seventeen-year-old self stirred deep inside, just beneath my ribs. Or maybe it was simply that I was stepping back into a life I had once believed lost forever.

As soon as we crested the ridge that overlooked the main valley, I came to a halt.

Smoke curled lazily from the chimneys of the pack houses. In the distant yard, wolves moved with practiced agility, weaving between the snow-dusted trees. Nearby, children’s laughter rang out, sharp and bright, as they played by the old well. Everything appeared unchanged, yet there was an undeniable difference in the air.

Because for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t returning as the Wolfless girl—the uncertain shadow of myself I used to be.

This time, I came back as someone who had endured Solstice, who had faced the door and survived the trials of Durnham. I carried Zerina within me—not as chaos incarnate, but as a force of balance—and I had fought relentlessly to reclaim the bonds that had been ripped away.

Beside me, Xander’s hand tightened around mine.

“You’re holding your breath,” he observed quietly.

“No, I’m not,” I replied quickly—only to realize moments later that I was.

He smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. “Want me to carry you the rest of the way? I’m sure your father would get a kick out of that.”

I bumped him gently with my shoulder. “If you want to start a war before dinner, be my guest.”

Together, we made our way down the slope, the frost crunching beneath our boots as we approached the familiar pack houses. Before I could even gather my thoughts or find the words to say, the front door swung open.

There he was—my father.

Alpha Steele stood tall and broad, his hair streaked with gray at the temples, his eyes the same steady green as mine but carrying a calm I had never quite felt in myself. For a brief moment, he looked at me as if unsure whether I was real. Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward and pulled me into a tight embrace, squeezing me so fiercely that all the words I had prepared vanished.

“Rory,” he murmured, his voice rough and raw. “Welcome home.”

—

My throat tightened, and I inhaled deeply—the scent of pine, smoke, and that unmistakable clean winter air unique to Snow Pack. Something inside me loosened, a release that the Academy had never been able to grant.

“I’m okay,” I whispered into his shoulder.

He pulled back just enough to cup my face in his hands, studying me with a tenderness I hadn’t expected. “I know you are,” he said softly. “But I needed to see it for myself.”

His gaze shifted to Xander, and the change was almost comical. One moment, he was a teary-eyed father; the next, he was the Alpha, commanding and resolute.

“Stanford,” he said, extending his hand.

“Sir,” Xander replied, standing straighter as if addressing a general. “Thank you for having us.”

My father scrutinized him for a long moment. “Take care of my daughter.”

“Always,” Xander answered without hesitation.

A flicker of approval passed through my father’s eyes before he stepped aside to welcome us inside.

—

The warmth inside the house enveloped me immediately—the crackling fire in the hearth, the rich aroma of stew simmering on the stove, the familiar layout of the kitchen untouched by time. Memories flooded back all at once: nights spent poring over books at this very table, my father patiently teaching me the intricacies of the dean blade, the quiet rituals that had shaped my childhood.

Dinner unfolded in a way that felt surprisingly natural. My father asked about the Academy, about Vallin’s new role as headmaster, and even about Dhara and Castor’s “impossible relationship,” though he smiled the whole time he mentioned it. He inquired about Xander’s efforts to rebuild Azure Crest, and Xander answered candidly, sharing the pressures and responsibilities, as well as how the new pack councils were adapting.

Every so often, I felt Xander’s leg brush against mine beneath the table—a subtle reminder that even in this house filled with old memories, he was firmly my present.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify