Lucien.
I read through the letter one final time before folding it neatly.
There were no mistakes. Every word carried the weight it needed to. It was only when I made sure everything was perfect, did I melt the wax, press my seal into it, and set it aside.
Done.
My hands dropped to my sides as I leaned back into my chair. That letter was the last of its kind for the day, which meant my duties—at least on paper—were complete.
My gaze drifted to the window.
The sky beyond it was a dull gray, heavy with clouds. I had lost track of time again. That, too, had become a habit of mine now.
A low growl came from my stomach, reminding me I had skipped yet another meal. I exhaled slowly. Whenever work piled up, eating became an option. Kael—or someone else—usually intervened before it got this bad. They helped me in whatever ways they possibly could
However, when it came to replying to letters or documents related to other packs, I had no choice but to do it myself.
Lately, letters warning of rogue activity had increased. Neighboring packs reported sightings beyond their borders—disorganized, desperate wolves driven by hunger and instability roamed in search of chaos. Everlone, however, remained secure. I had confirmed that myself more than once.
Still, caution was never wasted.
I would increase patrols along the borders. Extend them farther out. I would send out my strongest patrol squad to deal with any threats that came too close to town.
I would keep my pack safe.
"My Alpha?"
The familiar voice came from beyond the door—along with a scent that made my wolf instantly stir.
Grilled deer.
I straightened instinctively, settling into the posture expected of me. Calm. Controlled. Untouchable.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly. Camille peeked inside, her long ginger hair slipping over her shoulder as she smiled excitedly.
"Good evening, My Alpha."
"Camille."
I hoped—briefly—that she would only hand me the food and leave without all the cute act. I didn't have the energy to indulge her tonight.
"Ta-da!" She stepped fully inside, lifting the basket slightly. "I brought you dinner. I figured you hadn't eaten."
I managed a small smile. It seemed to satisfy her.
Because as soon as I did ,she beamed and moved quickly towards my desk, laying everything out with care—grilled deer, still warm, fresh bread, fruits, and a bottle of wine.
My wolf growled in approval.
"Thank you," I said honestly. "I appreciate it."
Her smile softened. "I just want to take care of you… the way you take care of the pack."
I nodded. Nothing more.
The silence stretched uncomfortably. I shifted, cleared my throat and gave all the subtle hints that I needed her absence.
She ignored the signs.
I guess I need to be more explicit.
I opened my mouth, ready to excuse her, then—
Knock. Knock.
"Alpha?"
Kael's voice was salvation, breaking the awkwardness in an instant.
"Come in."
He entered immediately, eyes flicking between Camille and me with barely concealed amusement.
"Good evening," he greeted.
"Good evening, Beta," Camille replied, dipping her head courteously. She turned back to me. "I'll leave you to your meal then, My Alpha."
"Yes. Thank you," I said quickly.
She exited at last.
Kael found himself a seat and got comfortable. He intently stared at the door, which I guessed was an act of listening to Maria's departing footsteps. His excellent hearing was his pride after all.
I poured a glass of wine and drained it in one go. Then I tore into the meat and shoved it into my mouth, the rich, smoky flavor numbed my fatigue immediately.
"A man's heart is won through his stomach," Kael recited, looking at all else but my face. "Considering how long she has been feeding you, how close do you think your heart is to being surrendered?"
I ignored him.
He knew better.
Camille's feelings were no secret. Everyone knew how she was dying to have me.Truthfully, the rumors surrounding her were irritating at best—especially the one about her rejecting her fated mate for me.
That wasn't true.
I had told her not once…or twice, but severally that she and I could never be a thing. And that is why no matter how many women in the pack I slept with, she was never one of them.
I had done nothing to give her hope, if anything, I did everything to make her give up on me. Soon, she would have no choice but to do so. I just hoped her heart would be strong enough to accept that I had found my mate when that time came.
"She looked good tonight," Kael added.
"She always looks the same," I replied flatly.
He laughed. "Fair."
I set the bread down. "How did training go?"
I tried to change topics…or, I wanted to hear about her—my mate.
Kael's amusement faded. "Insightful."
I looked up. "Insightful?" I echoed. That wasn't what I expected to hear.
"Very."
"Kael."
He met my gaze. "The Luna is… interesting." He finally said something worth my while.
My wolf stirred at the sentence.
"Did something happen?"
"She's unharmed," he said quickly. "But there was an incident."
I went still.
My eyes narrowed. And I lowered the piece of meat that I was about to put in my mouth. "Speak," I commanded, leaving no room for negotiation.
Without meaning to, my pheromones started to leak at the thought of Amara being in danger.
Kael shrunk, visibly submitting. "There was a little disagreement," he began. "Elder Yva's grandson tried to strike her."
The room darkened.
My claws slid free before I could stop them. My wolf surged, furious, demanding blood. If I had been a second late,it would have torn out of my skin. But I composed myself just in time and retracted the claws.
Calm down. I told it.
She is safe.
Kael's head bowed. His wolf felt mine—and cowered.
"What brought about the disagreement? Did she provoke him?" I asked tightly, trying to be the rational Alpha I was known for.
Kael shook his head.
And when he shook his head for an answer, my restraint cracked. "Without cause?"
Kael was silent. That answered my question.
"But," he said suddenly. "Seraphina, intervened."
I was on my feet in an instant, gripping his collar and lifting him just enough for his heels to scrape the floor.
"You stood by and did nothing?"
"Lucien—"
"Answer me!"
My eyes turned black. It took everything out of me to hold my wolf back.
"My curiosity delayed me," he admitted. "But I would not have let it go further."
I released him with a sharp shove and turned away, breathing slowly.
"She is my mate," I said quietly. "Your future Luna."
"I know," he replied immediately. "My loyalty is hers," he uttered without hesitation.
"And yet you allowed disrespect."
"There won't be a second time."
I sighed. I knew he meant every word. He was only blinded by his curiosity to learn more about his future Luna.
I didn't blame him. I was equally curious about her. But unlike him, I couldn't carelessly approach her as he could.
That made me a little jealous.
"So," I said at last. "Was your curiosity satisfied?"
"Yes," he answered after a pause. "She's inexperienced, like all newly awakened. But she is different. She isn't entirely instinctive. She feels deeply. She is quite dauntless too—even in fear she still moves forward."
I closed my eyes briefly.
"She doesn't know how strong she is yet," Kael continued. "But she will soon enough. She your mate after all."
My wolf growled, pleased.
Mine.