“Perhaps Silverclaw would be honored to take on the responsibility,” Mason said smoothly, though his tone carried the faintest challenge.
Derek smirked, leaned back in his chair. “Moonstone has always been known for hosting grand events. It would be a shame to deny them the opportunity.”
The words were polite, but the subtext was clear. Neither wanted to concede power to the other, not even in something as trivial as hosting a ball.
An older Luna sighed, her voice carrying across the room. “Bickering like this at an Alpha Council meeting?” she said, making no effort to hide the fact that she thought it was both distasteful and disgraceful. “You’re acting like spoiled children while smaller packs suffer the consequences of your fued.”
Her mate, an experienced Alpha with graying temples, nodded in agreement. “Instead of fighting, why don’t you both host? The constant division between your packs is tearing the
werewolf world apart. Lately, rogue groups have taken advantage of this rift, even causing the downfall of a small pack.” The Alphas and Lunas around him nodded their heads. “It’s time to set aside your rivalry.”
The elder’s eyes gleamed with interest at the suggestion. “An intriguing proposal. A joint effort would signal unity.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Mason tensed beside me, his distaste evident. But Derek’s expression was unreadable, his gaze flicking toward me just for a
second before he spoke.
“If the Council believes it to be the best course of action…so be it.”
Mason exhaled slowly, clearly displeased but unable to refuse the decision. The vote was held, and despite the tension, the motion passed–by the slimmest of margins. Two volatile Alphas who disliked each other forced to work together? It was either brilliant…or
reckless.
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Chapter 11
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I gently touched Mason’s arm, grounding him. “It’s not the worst outcome,” I said, trying to be optimistic.
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. “We’ll see.”
Before I could say more, my phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen–Aiden.
My heart softened as I stepped away to answer. “Mommy, when are you coming home?” Aiden’s sweet voice made the weight in my chest ease slightly.
“Soon, sweetie. Did you eat dinner?”
“Uh–huh! Logan made spaghetti, but he put green stuff in the sauce.” Aiden’s voice dipped into a dramatic whisper, “I tried to pick it out, but he caught me.”
I laughed quietly. “Logan’s just looking out for you. Be good, okay? I’ll be home soon.”
“Okay! Love you, Mommy!”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
I hung up, exhaling slowly. Talking to Aiden always reminded me of what truly mattered.
But as I turned to leave, my path was suddenly blocked.
Cassandra.
She looked angry, her arms crossed over her chest. “I may not know how you’re somehow still alive, but I do know what you’re doing here,” she said. “Though I’m surprised they let
you in.”
I sighed.
“Excuse me,” I said, suddenly weary beyond measure. I tried to step past her. There was a staircase just beyond her that led to our assigned rooms. If I could just get by her…
But she stepped in front of me, blocking my path once again.
“This is the Alpha Council,” she said sharply. “It’s not a place for rogues.”
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I wanted to say something nasty back to her, but I’d been raised to treat everyone with respect and decorum. I wouldn’t sink to her level.
Instead, I tried to step around her again.
This time, she reached out, quick as a snake, and grabbed my wrist, twisting it backwards.
I hissed in pain, and she yanked me closer to her so that she could whisper fiercely in my ear. “You’ll never get Derek back. Never!”
I looked at her coldly, her face only inches from mine. “I want nothing to do with Derek,” I said, my voice measured and calm. “Or you.“.
a
The look that came over her face was one of fury, a manic impulse that she couldn’t tame.
She twisted the wrist she was still holding and shoved me, hard.
The edge of the staircase was right behind me.
The world tilted. I felt the moment my balance gave out, the pull of gravity as I stumbled
backward-
But before I could fall, strong arms caught me by the waist.
A sharp breath escaped me as I found myself pressed against a solid chest. The scent that
enveloped me was achingly familiar–cedarwood, leather, something dark and rich
beneath it.
I knew who it was before I even looked up.
Derek.
D
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