The Secret Alliance of the Lion Alpha and the Betrayed Luna

I pushed open the carved stone door to Alpha Axtons study, planning to surprise him with a warm midday feast. What I found instead knocked the breath from my chest.

My matemy legally bonded Alphahad Vanya Redmist pinned against his obsidian desk, their mouths fused together, his claws tangled in her midnight hair. Scrolls and territorial maps littered the ground like fallen leaves.

They sprang apart at the echo of my boots across the granite floor. Vanya swiped her mouth with the back of her hand, tugging her tunic back into place, never once meeting my eyes.

Isolde Axton moved toward me, his Alpha mark glowing faintly at his throat, his mantle of authority crooked. This isnt what it looks like

I lifted a hand. My Moonbond ring shimmered under the lanternlight, mocking me. Dont talk.

Please, love. Just let me speak

Weve been together for five years, I said, my voice far steadier than the storm inside me. Five years of a sacred matebond, and this is what it meant to you?

Vanya clutched her tablet of runes and headed toward the exit. I should leave.

No, I snapped, the word cracking like a command-sigil. It seems this den suits you better than it ever suited me.

Axton shoved a hand through his disheveled hair. That isnt right. Youre my bonded mate

Your mate? A bitter laugh spilled out of me. Is that what you call this? Because from here I stand, I look like a deluded she-wolf.

It was one lapse. One weak moment

Spare me. The food basket slipped from my numb fingers. I dont want your explanations. I dont want anything from you.

The life Id built in this kingdomfar from the shadows of my bloodlinefell apart in a breath. Every vow, every shared dawn, every whispered promise in the moonlightlies.

Isolde, dont walk out like this

How should I walk out, Axton? With your command? Your blessing? I slid the Moonbond ring off my claw-marked finger, the metal still warm.

Here. Offer it to someone who still buys your fantasies.

The ring struck his desk with a sharp clang, echoing through the chamber. Axton looked at the ring, the panic on his face hardening into something colder, sharper. The charming fa?ade I once fell for peeled away like rotted bark.

Do you know, Isolde? He straightened his mantle and smoothed his tunic. Maybe this is overdue.

My heart seized. Huh?

Lets stop pretending, Isolde. He leaned against the desk with crossed arms. I sought you out for a reason. An heiress of the Rustpire Pack? Who wouldnt chase that prize? And you practically handed yourself overeager to flee your packs ancient wealth and their expectations.

Each word sliced like a blade dipped in frost. The room spun as five years of memories cracked apart, replaced by calculation.

You abandoned everything to run away with me. How poetic. His smirk deepened. But now? Im the Alpha of my own kingdom. I have choices.

His gaze drifted to Vanya, who stood taller, a sly smile curling her lips. Better choices.

I gripped the doorframe, grounding myself. You bonded with me for the Rustpire inheritance?

Your packs fortune was enticing. Even if you pretend it doesnt matter.

He scoffed. Trying to live like a common pack wolf. What a waste.

A twisted laugh burned my throat. He had no clue what being a Rustpire truly meant.

Not the wealth.

The power.

The ancient moon-magic that ran through our blood like molten silver.

Theres nothing I never gave you, I whispered.

No. His eyes turned glacial. You trapped me in a dull life, a tiny den, pretending you're normal. Vanya, at least, embraces ambition and understands pack politics.

We faced everything together. My voice cracked. Five years. A life was built side by side. The pup

The memory of that freezing healers chamber cut through me. The decision Axton insisted was for the pack. The sterile stone. The way he held my hand as we severed the life growing inside me.

Axtons laugh tore through the room like shattered bone.

The pup? That was just strategy.

He leaned back, loosening his mantle. A child mightve softened your pack. Mightve opened their vaults. But when your elders didnt budge He shrugged nonchalantly. Why keep it, then?

My knees nearly gave out. I dug my nails deeper into the stone frame.

And besides He shot Vanya a wicked smirk. That was the night I met this spark. Remember that tavern near the healers hall?

Vanyas red-painted lips curved. Oh, very clearly.

While you were unconscious from the procedure, Axton continued, Vanya and I had quite the celebration in my inn chamber. Didnt we?

The world tilted. That nightwhile I lay drugged and grieving over our pup

You bedded your assistant? The words stung my tongue. On the same day I

Best night Ive had. He winked at Vanya. No offense, mate. Some she-wolves actually know what an Alpha needs.

Tears pricked my eyesI wiped them away, refusing to let them see the fracture. The Rustpire in me stirreda power Id buried these past five years.

I want a dissolution of our bond. My voice was steel. Tomorrow.

Axton barked a laugh, smug and loud. Tomorrow? Even for you, thats bold.

I have connections. It can be done as soon as possible. I lifted my chin. And rest easyI wont demand a single lunar coin.

No compensation? His brows rose. Interesting. I expected a fight.

I dont need the scraps of an unfaithful Alpha. My lip curled. Keep your hoard. Youll need it to maintain your new pet.

Vanyas cheeks flushed. Careful how you talk

Or what? I snapped. Youll bed my mate? Ahalready checked that box.

Axton strode around the desk, settling into his high-backed Alpha chair. Perfect. This simplifies everything.

He tugged Vanya closer, their fingers intertwining. We can begin shaping our future, right, love?

Absolutely. Vanyas grin flashed fang. Ive always wanted a high-ranking post.

And youll have it. Axton stroked her wrist. Along with everything Isolde never appreciated.

I watched themtwo vipers coiled around each other, convinced theyd claimed victory. How tragically mistaken they were.

I slammed the Alpha carved stone doors study behind me, the sound echoing through the empty stone corridor as I fled. My breaths came fast, my claws half-extended. Hands trembling, I dug through my satchel for my moon-stone communicator.

Five years. Five years avoiding this number, avoiding my lineage, avoiding the wolf I truly was.

The contact still glowed on the screen: Father.

My thumb trembled. Everything Id escaping frommy birthright, my power, my place in the Rustpire Dominionit all pulled me back here.

Before I could hesitate, I tapped the call rune. The hollow ring echoed through the silent underground parking caverns beneath Axtons territory.

One ring. Two. Three

Isolde? My fathers voicedeep, rough, unmistakably Alphahit me like a physical strike.

Father, I The word lodged in my throat. Tears spilled freely. Im sorry. I made a huge mistake. I wrong about everything.

Silence followed, thick with five years of distance.

I want to come back to the manor, I breathed. I realize I should be who I was meant to be. A Rustpire Luna. The Alpha Ronins daughter. The heir of the Rustpire.

Isolde

I know I escaped. I know I wounded the pack. But I understand now. I understand the bloodline, our name, our magic.

I gripped the communicator. I will start from the scratch. I will study everything. Every single thing I should know.

Isolde, do you know where you are now?

Lower city in my mates tower. Axtons territory.

Dont go anywhere. His tone hardened, the command of a High Alpha layered with lunar steel. Im transporting an escort.

***

A sleek black moon-carriage rolled to a stop fifteen minutes later, propelled by silent enchantments.

The moon-carriage door opened, and someone popped his head out he was Calder, getting older now, with silver hair at his temples, but smiling the same warm smile hed given me since puphood.

Little Wolf of Rustpire, he said, straightening his mantle. Welcome home.

My throat tightened. Calder. Youre still with the pack.

Where else should I belong? Theyre waiting for you.

He held the carriage door open with a familiar, reverent gesture.

I slid inside the enchanted leather interior. The scentpine resin, polished steel, and old magicflooded me with memories.

As we sped away from Axtons tower, the city lights blurred like streaks of starlight through the windows. Every mile carried me closer to the life I had abandoned.

The Rustpire Manor rose behind its iron-wolf gates, towering like a fortress carved from moonstone. Calder stopped before the grand steps where two figures waited. My parents.

I jumped out, my knees weakened halfway up the staircase.

Fathers expression was indescribableAlpha mask firmly in placebut his eyes burned with something softer. Between pain and relief. Suddenly mother ran so fast towards me.

Isolde! She rushed down, velvet robes trailing behind her. She wrapped me in her arms, smelling of winter roses and home. My little wolf, you came back.

I hid my face in her trembling shoulder. Im sorry, Mother. I truly am.

As pulling me back, she cupped my cheeks. Now youre here. Thats enough.

I ascended the remaining steps toward Father. His face unreadable, carved from stone. Five years of silence stretched between us like an entire kingdom.

Then his features softened. The hard Alpha lines eased, his eyes crinkled, and a smilerare, realbroke through.

He pulled me into a firm embrace, his familiar scent of ironwood and storm magic surrounding me. The pat on my back felt like absolution.

Took you long enough, Isolde. His voice was still gruff, still protective, still his.

He kept an arm around me as we entered the strongholds grand hall. Moon-crystal chandeliers cast shimmering patterns across the marble floor. Nothing had changed.

Do you realize, Isolde? Father said as he guided me toward his study, our kind doesnt treat legacy lightly. Its blood. Its magic. Its destiny.

His hand tightened on my shoulder. No wolf escapes it. Never truly. My father taught me this, and so did my grandfather to him.

I know. I finally do. The words came easier as we reached the study. Mother settled beside me on the plush fur-lined couch, her hand finding mine.

Tell us everything, Father said, lowering himself into his ironwood chair. In past five years

I inhaled shakily. I wanted a normal wolfs life. And Axton seemed perfect. Strong, charming. So we decided to bounded under the Moon Oath, started a life together, until life slapped me with hard truth.

What happened that change your mind? Mother asked gently.

Everything. My voice trembled. Hes been bedding his Beta assistant for months. And thats not even the worst I swallowed. Two years ago, when I became pregnant he pushed me into ending the pregnancy. Said it wasnt the right choice. And all along, he was already betraying me.

Father surged to his feet, fury rippling off him like crackling magic. He pulled out his communicator. That mongrel! Ill have him and that she-wolf erased from the map by dawn.

No. I rose, shoulders squared, something ancient awakening inside me. I left the Rustpire Pack for him. That was my choice. My big mistake.

My voice sharpened like a blade. So Ill handle this myself. And this time A cold smile curved my lips. Ill deal with them as Isolde Rustpire. Not Isolde of Axtons pack.

Father paused. Looked at me. And something shiftedrecognition, pride, acceptance of the heir standing before him. He lowered the communicator.

Sounds make sense. He nodded once, deliberate. This is your battle. But keep in mind

I know. I lifted my chin, the Rustpire legacy settling on my shoulders like armor. A Rustpire always finishes what they start.

How has the pack been? Whats happening in the territory? I leaned back on the fur-lined couch, ready to hear everything Id missed.

Mother and Father exchanged a sharp, heavy look. The air in the den seemed to chill.

What? My gaze flicked between them. What happened?

Fathers jaw tensed. He strode to the rune-etched drink cabinet and poured himself a measure of ember-whiskey. The Wintermoon Pack.

My heart dropped. The Wintermoons had been our oldest rival clan. What about them?

Theyve risen in strength, Mother said tightly. Far more than before.

How? Last time I was here, they were barely holding their borders

Sorenna Wintermoon bonded with Alaric Rageclaw six moons ago. Father downed the drink in one swallow. The Rageclaw Clan supports them now.

Color drained from my face. The Rageclaws dominated half the New Lycan. Youre telling me they merged?

Not just merged. Mothers fingers twisted her moon-pearl necklace. Theyre united. One force. And theyre setting their sights on us, Isolde. All the signs point to it.

Alaric isnt just brawn, Father added, placing the empty glass down with a sharp thud. Hes tactical and genius. And Sorenna He exhaled. Shes more ruthless than her father ever dreamed of being. Together, theyre dangerous.

I leaned forward, pulse quickening. How serious is it?

Theyve already claimed the Molthaven Teritory, Mother whispered. Three of our oldest allied packs have pledged loyalty to them. Were losing land. Wolves. Influence...

Moon above. I dragged a hand through my hair. The Molthaven Pack had stood untouched for decades. If they fell Why did you never call me? Tell me things were collapsing?

We wanted you to have peace, Mother said softly. After what happened with She stopped, not want me hearing his name.

You had walked in a different direction, Father murmured, refilling his glass with slower, steadier movements. You sought your own life. Who were we to drag you back?

I breathed hard. Im still part of the pack.

Of course, you are, Father said, pride flickering in his eyes. Thats why I knew youd return when the time was right. Rustpire blood doesnt fade.

Your father had a strong believe, Mother added, shooting him a look filled with years of unspoken tension. Said if you were meant to come home, youd walk back on your own.

And here you are. Father lifted his glass slightly. Just as I expected.

Their words settled over me like a heavy cloak. Theyd stood by and watched our territory crumblepiece by pieceyet still chose to shield me from the truth.

I didnt leave because I didnt want to part of the Rustpire anymore, I whispered. I ran away because I thought I ran into the better life I wanted.

We know, Mother said, squeezing my hand. We understand.

How do I help? The offer left my lips before my mind could catch up. Five years running from this world and here I was stepping straight back into its jaws.

Mother and Father traded another quiet look. One that made my stomach knot.

What? I straightened. Just say it to me.

Mother drummed her fingers against her knee. There is one possibility. Her voice barely carried. But after everything withafter everything youve endured we didnt want to ask.

What is it? My chest tightened. Stop treating me like Im fragile. Im not.

Father stood, pacing to the tall window overlooking our moonlit lands. A mating alliance.

The words hit like a blow. What?

An arranged bond, he clarified, turning back. There are still powerful clans not aligned with the Rageclaw-Wintermoon union. Clans who might stand with usif given the right incentive.

You want me to bond with one of them? My throat felt dry. After what I had just been through?

Thats why we hesitated, Mother said, her voice trembling. You deserve more than being bartered.

But with the right alliance, Father said firmly, we could counter their strength. Maybe surpass it.

I stood, legs unsteady. Years ago, Id sworn Id never let the pack decide my life again. But this wasnt about romance or freedom. This was about survival and the whole pack.

Who? I managed.

Marcellus Ashenfell, Father said quietly.

My knees nearly buckled. I gripped the couch to steady myself. The Lion-wolf of the Northern Territories? You cant be serious.

The same Alpha theyd once planned to bond me with. The reason I ran. The reason I found Axton. The reason I thought I could break free. I used to think being handed over like a bargaining chip made me shiver.

He remains unpaired, Father said. And so his influence has grown more.

My nails dug into my palms. The irony of it all stungrunning from an arranged mate only to circle right back to him.

I walked to the window, pressing my forehead to the cool glass.

Five years ago, I wanted love. I believed in it.

Now?

My heart ached with the fresh wound of betrayal. Love had only destroyed me.

Isolde, if you dont want it, you dont have to, Mother whispered. Well find another path.

But how?

The merged Wintermoon-Rageclaw force was tightening around us.

Our land, our allies, our futureeverything on the verge of collapse.

What did I have left to lose?

My dreams? Already shattered. My heart? Already broken.

But my pack? They were worth any sacrifice.

Ill do it. The words tasted like iron.

Isolde Mother started.

No. I turned to them. Im not that frightened girl anymore. If this is what it takes to save the Rustpire, then Ill bond with Marcellus Ashenfell.

I lay in my childhood den, surrounded by the familiar scents of cedarwood and moon lilies that once meant safety. The enchanted silk pelts whispered against my skin as I stared at the carved ceiling, tracing the same lunar sigils Id memorized as a pup.

Everything felt different nowsharper, more defined. Agreeing to bond with Marcellus no longer felt like surrender. After Axtons betrayal, it felt like reclaiming my power.

My moonstone communicator pulsed. Axtons name glowed red. My stomach tightened, but I answered.

Enjoying your little pity party? His voice was thick with ale. Or did you already find some stray wolf to rut with?

The disgust rose like poison. This was the male Id abandoned my birth-pack for? The one I thought cherished me?

Where I roam is no longer your concern. My tone was ice. We meet tomorrow before the Elders. Dont be late.

I cut the link before he could snarl another word and immediately contacted our packs legal envoy.

Isolde Rustpire speaking, I said evenly. I need the separation bond prepared at once. Yes, I know the hour. They must be ready with first light. Make it done as soon as possible.

When the call ended, I let the communicator fall to the bedside table. Moonlight spilled through the window, casting shifting shadows across the den. For the first time since learning the truth, a strange calm settled into my bones.

***

By dawn, I pulled my obsidian-black moon-carriage into the Council Halls stone courtyard. Through the tinted warded glass, I spotted Axtonand Vanya. His hand rested on the dip of her back as she giggled. The silver charm Id once gifted himthe one infused with my auranow shone on her wrist.

I stepped out, my rune-etched heels striking the stone. Axtons head looked up. His smirk faltered, then forced itself back. Vanya stopped laughing.

Well, look who crawled back. His nostrils flared. Ran to your Alpha father the moment life outside your precious territory got tough? Pathetic, Isolde.

I adjusted my enchanted satchel and met his gaze. You know whats pathetic, Axton? A male who had to claw after his own assistant because he couldnt stand being outmatched in rank, strength, or mind.

I flicked my eyes to Vanya. Enjoy the leftovers, Vanya. Just rememberhe betrayed the last female too.

Both of them paled. I walked past without another glance, pushing open the heavy warded doors.

I settled across from the Pack Envoy while Axton and Vanya slunk into the chamber. The rite progressed quicklyseals exchanged, bonds dissolved.

My envoy had prepared every clause perfectly. Axton had no room to challenge anything.

Well, thats done. Axton leaned back, unfastening his collar. Youll miss me when Im gone, Isolde. While Im living my true life with Vanya, youll be alone in that cold ancestral manor of yours.

I gathered my documents, sliding them into my case.

The only thing Ill miss, I said smoothly, is the five years I wasted believing you were worthy.

You ungrateful shrew. His lips curled. I gave you a normal wolfs lifefar from your packs twisted ways. You ought to thank me.

Thank you? I laughed, sharp as a blade. For what? For the forced moon-purging you tricked me into? Or for rutting with your assistant on our sacred nesting furs?

His hand liftedanimalistic reflexbut before he could strike, I caught his wrist mid-air. My fingers pressed into the nerve points my uncle, War-Alpha Draeven, had taught me. Axtons face contorted in pain.

Lay a hand on me, I whispered, voice low and feral, and youll learn what it truly means to cross a Rustpire wolf. They wont even find all the pieces.

I released him, watching him stumble. Vanya clung to his arm, trembling. Only now did she understand the danger shed stepped into.

Youre just like those savage she-wolves, Axton half shouted at me.

No, Axton. I straightened my blazer. Im worse. Im a Rustpire she-wolf scorned.

I slid into the back of my moon-carriage. The leather was cool beneath me. Calder, my driver, met my eyes through the mirror and simply nodded. He knew.

The carriage pulled away, leaving Axton and his weak new mate behind. From now on, Axtons betrayal and disloyalty would be repaidnot with words. But with blood, as pack law demanded.

The day passed in a haze of pack meetings and war-council discussions. Father paced his command den, the scent of burning wolfsbane cigar drifting around him as he spoke about the latest movement from the Ashenfell Pack.

Their influence grows by the moon, he said, tapping ash into a carved moonstone tray. Marcellus isnt like his father. Hes sharper and more strategic. A union with him strengthens both our bloodlines.

That night, I sank into my nesting furs, my mind heavy. The enchanted silk wraps curled around me as I reached for my moon-communicator. A notification glowed across the screen. From an unknown number.

My breath halted. [I heard what happened today. You handled yourself well. A true Rustpire. Marcellus]

My fingers hovered, but before I replied, another message appeared:

[I keep eyes across the territories, Isolde. Your ex-mate made a grave mistake. One hell regret beneath the moon.]

A shiver ran down my spinenot fear, but recognition. Power. The world Id tried to escape.

Another message, [Rest well. Well speak of our future soon. And Isolde that strength you showed today? Perfect.]

I stared at the screen. He wasnt just sending words. He was staking a claimquiet, calculated, undeniable. And somehow it didnt scare me anymore. It felt like returning to my packs true scent.

***

The communicator vibrated against my cheek, waking me. The same unknown number flashed again. Marcellus.

Good morning, Isolde. His voice was deep and warm, like dark timber under moonlight.

Good morning. I sat up, brushing hair from my face.

Sleep well?

Better than I expected, I murmured, fingers tracing the silk furs. Your messages were interesting.

A low chuckle rumbled through the line. I meant every word. By the way, whats your plan for today? Id like to meet if you dint mind.

The question lingered. Logic told me to refuse, but something else tuggedan instinctual pull.

Isolde? he murmured. Youre thinking too hard.

Yes. The word slipped out. Well, I have no plans for today.

Perfect. Check your communicator in five minutes.

I rushed through my morning routine, still breathless. After a quick shower, wrapped in a towel, I finally saved his number.

Right on cue, a message arrived, [Moonbrew Pavilion. Eleventh bell. I look forward to seeing you, Isolde]

***

I pushed open the carved doors of Moonbrew Pavilion. Cool enchanted air brushed my face. Crystal lights shimmered overhead, illuminating polished obsidian floors.

A server in midnight-black attire approached. Luna Rustpire? He bowed slightly. Your table awaits.

We wove through moonlit tables toward a secluded alcovethe Alpha section. I sat in a plush velvet chair, scanning the room. Old habits: always map your exits.

The door opened. The air shifted.

A male entered with the quiet authority of an Alpha born. Tall, broad-shouldered, wrapped in a charcoal battlecoat tailored to precision.

Without trying, he commanded the entire space. His dark eyes found mine. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips as he crossed the room.

Isolde. His voice was exactly as his messagesrich, deep, magnetic. He extended his hand. I placed my hand in his.

Warm. Firm. A subtle spark shot up my arm.

Its good to finally meet you, he murmured, brushing his thumb over my knuckles before releasing my hand.

I inhaled, steadying myself. About five years ago Im sorry I refused you.

Marcellus leaned back, expression softening. Dont be. That rejection forged who I am today.

My brows lifted. What do you mean?

It pushed me to rise. To become someone worthy. He folded his hands. And I know why you turned away. The Axton matter isnt exactly hidden.

My mouth dried. Heat crept up my neck. He knew. The power plays, the threats, all of it.

You I bit my lips hard. You know everything?

Isolde, I make it my business to know the landscape of our world. His eyes held mine. Including why youre considering bonding again.

I pushed my chair back, hands trembling. If you know all that, then I wont waste your time. I dont want you thinking Im using

A low, full laugh cut me off. Marcellus shook his head.

What makes you laugh?

You. He wiped a tear. Im navigating ten steps beforehand, and youre worried about how I feel?

What are you talking about? I gripped the chair.

He gestured calmly. Sit. Lets speak properly.

I lowered myself back into the seat. A server appeared with a bottle of lunar wine, but Marcellus waved him away.

Ill accept the union, he said, voice dropping to a private growl meant only for me. An alliance between our families strengthens every territory. And I give you my oathI will protect the Rustpire line with everything I possess.

My breath caught. So easily? It couldnt be. There must be something.

But He leaned forward, eyes dark and intense. I want something in return.

Of course. There were always stringsterritory, power, dominance.

What do you want? My voice stayed firm.

Marcellus tapped one finger against the table, the only sign of tension. Sunlight filtered in through enchanted glass, casting sharp shadows along his jaw.

Well? I pressed. Whats your price?

A slow smile curved his lips, I wont ask for much. Fall in love with me.

What? The word burst from me. My glass trembled in my hand.

You heard me. His gaze held mine. Steady. Fierce. I want your real love, Isolde. Not just a pact between packs.

My mind reeled. Of all the demandsa territory claim, sovereignty rights, blood-oathsthis wasnt even close.

I dont understand, I whispered. You could ask for anything. Why this?

Because I know youve settled for someone you didnt deserve. He reached across the table, stilling my fidgeting hand.

Warm. Certain.

You cant order someone to fall in love. Love doesnt work like that. I breathed.

Im not asking for instant devotion.

His thumb brushed circles over my wrist. Im asking for a chance. Real moments. Real honesty. No power games. No politics. Just us. Getting to know each other

And if it doesnt happen?

Then at least we tried for something real.

His eyes softened. Arent you tired of unions built only on advantage?

His words hit with the force of truth. Five years with Axton had hollowed me out. And now here was Marcellus, asking for the one thing I thought Id lost the ability to feel.

So, whats your call? he murmured, giving my hand a gentle squeeze, will you give us a real chance?

I looked at Marcelluss hand resting over mine, my pulse thundering like distant war drums at his unexpected binding offer.

Before I could speak, my moonstone communicator vibrated. A glowing rune from my father pulsed on the screen.

Wintermoon Pack just breached the harbor territory.

My breath snagged. The Wintermoon wolves had been testing our borders for moons, but striking our maritime routes?

That was an open challenge to our Crescentblood Domain.

Is there something wrong? Marcelluss tone sharpened instantly, the charming fa?ade dropping as the Alpha in him surfaced.

I slid my hand away, steadying my thoughts. Wintermoon wolves are stirring trouble near the tidal docks.

His jaw tensed, the air around him shifting with barely restrained power. Sorennas doing. Shes grown bold since binding herself to Rageclaw.

How do you even know about that?

As I said, I make it my duty to know what happens across the northern packs.

He flicked his fingers, signaling the tavern attendant. We should leave. Those moon-bound shipments matter to my clan as much as yours now.

I arched a brow. I havent agreed to anything yet.

Soon you will. He stood and extended his hand again. Because without you even realize, right now you need someone who understands this realm. Someone who knows how to keep Sorenna in line without igniting a full-pack war.

Another rune buzzed onto my screen. Two of our warriors were down.

Fine. I took his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. But this doesnt mean Im agreeing to your romantic nonsense.

Lets just see. His eyes gleamed with wolfish confidence as we strode out of the tavern. First, lets remind the Wintermoon Pack what happens when they trespass on what belongs to the Crescentblood and Ashenfell.

The weight of my enchanted blade pressed against my thigh as we hurried toward his obsidian-runed moon-carriage.

Maybe he was right having someone who understood this life, who didnt require a gentler version of who I truly was might be exactly what I needed.

But love? That could wait.

For now, we had a message to deliver.

Marcelluss shadow-forged vehicle roared down the stone pathways of New Lycan, weaving with supernatural precision. My claws nearly punched through the handle from gripping too hard.

The southern entry will be guarded, I said, pulling up the docks territorial wards on my screen. We need another approach.

I know one. Marcellus swung sharply, tires screeching like angry spirits. Used it centuries ago when the Moon Council sniffed around my shipments.

Your shipments?

Lets just say the Ashenfell Alpha line has roots everywhere. His grin flashed dangerously. Including the docks youre worrying about.

We rolled into a narrow gap between two abandoned forge-houses. The salty wind carried hints of incoming storm-magic as he killed the engine. Through the iron fence, shadows shifted Wintermoon wolves.

Four in sight, I murmured, checking my crescent-forged pistol. Probably more hidden.

Six. Marcellus drew his own weapon. Two perched on the roof. Amateurs silhouette sharp against the moonlight.

I studied him under the dark sky. The playful Alpha Prince was gone, replaced by a lethal predator whose movements whispered war.

Youve done this a lot.

More than I care to recount. He checked his magazine. Stay close. Well slip through the maintenance burrow.

I can take care of myself.

I believe you could. His fingers brushed my arm. But we fight stronger together, dont we?

The maintenance tunnel was pitch-black, reeking of rust and old ocean magic. Our footsteps echoed despite soft pads on our boots. At the far end, voices drifted through the vent Wintermoon wolves arguing.

Theyre trying to pry the moon-locked container open, I whispered.

Not much longer. Marcellus pressed to the wall and gestured. Ladies first.

I rolled my eyes and stepped forward anyway. The cold metal of my weapon steadied my nerves as I advanced. Whatever was inside that container, Sorenna wanted it badly enough to risk a territorial war.

I crouched behind stacked crates. Marcelluss breath warmed the back of my neck as he leaned close. The container strained under the wolves attempts to open it.

We need some distraction, I murmured.

Marcelluss hand glided briefly over my waist as he reached into his jacket. Already ahead of you. He held up a tiny rune-device. Ill throw to your count to three.

He slipped past me in the shadows, threw the device, and three heartbeats later a blinding flare and thunderous crack shattered the night.

Shouts erupted. In the chaos, Marcellus caught my hand, pulling me toward the container. His touch sent sparks through me, but I forced myself to stay focused.

Stood in front of me, I said, slipping free to examine the lock. Still intact.

Marcellus stood behind me, back pressed to mine, a solid, reassuring presence. I opened my communicator to call reinforcements.

Watch out your back!

I spun at his warning. A Wintermoon wolf lunged through the smoke. Before I could react, Marcellus yanked me aside, his arm wrapping around my waist. The attackers blade slashed where I had been standing.

We moved like two wolves in one soul synchronized. He circled right, I circled left. The thug lunged again. I dropped low, sweeping his legs, while Marcellus struck him unconscious.

Smooth, I said.

His hand lingered on my back. We work well together.

Heavy footsteps approached. Marcellus pulled me into the shadows, his body shielding mine. My heart pounded not only from the fight. His scent was intoxicating: cedar, ozone, and the wild.

Your warriors are two minutes out, he whispered near my ear. Think we can last that long?

I faced his face, and it made our lips inches apart. Pretty sure.

***

My muscles remembered everything years of brutal training disguised as education.

While other Alpha daughters learned harp and courtly graces, I learned from retired Shadow Wolves, rogue champions and underground fighters who knew every vicious trick.

A wolf charged me with a blade. I grabbed his wrist, twisted, and flipped him. He hit the ground hard.

Marcellus let out a low whistle. Damn.

You should see me when Im not annoyed. I blocked a punch and jabbed my elbow into another wolfs ribs.

Two more emerged military-trained wolves by their stance. Marcellus and I pressed back-to-back, breathing in sync.

Seven oclock, he muttered.

I caught a glint to my left. Weapon!

We dove behind a container as shots rang out, bullets sparking off metal. The sharp cracks echoed across the dark water. I checked my ammo.

How many rounds? Marcellus asked.

Thirteen. One in the Chamber. I peeked. Theyre pinning us.

More gunfire closer. They were flanking. A shadow darted left.

We split, I said. Draw their aim.

Marcellus grabbed my arm. A suicide?

Trust me. I met his eyes. My father didnt spend a fortune training me to cower.

Before he could argue, I rolled toward the next crate. Bullets struck the ground behind me. I came up firing, forcing one gunman into cover.

Then A shotgun racked directly behind my head.

Stay right there, a strange voice ordered.