Chapter 22
DEREK
I stared at the file in front of me, flipping through the neatly arranged pages with growing astonishment. Elena had compiled an incredibly detailed plan for the Alpha Ball— everything from the venue layout to the sequence of events was accounted for. The seating arrangements were particularly well thought out, placing packs that shared borders next to each other to ease tensions. It was a simple yet strategic move that would minimize conflicts and encourage diplomacy.
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Most young Lunas struggled with these finer details, often overwhelmed by the enormity of organizing an event of this scale. But Elena had thought of everything. Contingency plans labeled A through D were laid out for different potential scenarios, from weather issues to security concerns. It was the kind of planning I had come to expect only from seasoned Lunas who had been leading packs for years.
I hadn’t given her enough credit.
Closing the folder, I ran a hand down my face. There was no point in delaying this any longer. I needed to talk to her.
Making my way out to the hotel foyer, I spotted her sitting stiffly on one of the plush chairs, her arms crossed as she gazed out the large windows. When I approached, she turned, her expression unreadable.
“Elena,” I said. “Come back inside.”
She let out a slow exhale. “Are you done wasting my time?”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to remain calm. “I’m very sorry I was late. It was unavoidable. But I’ve looked through your plans, and I have to say, I’m impressed.”
She hesitated, eyes narrowing as if searching for deception. Finally, she nodded. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
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I walked beside her as we returned to the meeting table. This time, I pulled out her chair, offering a small courtesy. She eyed me warily before sitting.
Cassandra, Joe, and Caroline were still there, their expressions ranging from mild annoyance to outright hostility. Elena ignored them and turned to the plans.
“The Alpha Council wants this Ball to be more than just the annual formal event we’re all used to,” she began, her tone all business. “They want it to serve as a large–scale
networking event. Right now, two major packs are at odds, and it’s making it difficult for wolves to find their mates.”
I chuffed a small laugh. The two major packs she was talking about were Silverclaw and
Moonstone.
She gave me a rare wry smile and flipped to another page, revealing an elegant sketch of the playhouse that was near the amphitheater. “I suggest adding a second, smaller ball. For those looking for a second–chance at love, or for those who have yet to meet their mates.”
She cleared her throat, leaning forward. I could feel how excited she was about her idea.
“I think it should be a masquerade ball,” she went on. “This will allow people to mingle
without knowing who everyone else is. Without the pressure of their past relationships.
The anonymity will encourage interaction without preconceived biases.”
I sat back, impressed.
But Cassandra snorted. “Probably just another excuse for rogues like her to mingle amongst respectable packs.”
I was growing annoyed. I turned to her. “Cassandra, do you have any suggestions for the
event?”
She blinked. “Of course,” she said, straightening in her seat. “The Ball should be about tradition. A celebration of unity.”
I folded my arms. “Alright. Walk me through the basic structure.”
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Cassandra hesitated, her confidence fading. “Well… there will be speeches, the opening dance, and… um… other important traditions.”
Elena tilted her head. “Which traditions specifically?”
Cassandra’s silence stretched.
Caroline grew defensive. “Stop trying to embarrass her, Elena.”
Elena didn’t even flinch. “Caroline, do you really want to discuss past embarrassments? Or should we talk about the lesson Cassandra learned at the Alpha Council?”
Cassandra visibly stiffened, her hands curling into fists.
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Elena sighed, turning back to me. “It looked like a painful rash. The kind caused by Acontium medication used to treat chronic silver wounds.”
She turned back to Cassandra. “How is your arm, feeling Cassandra? Still bothering you?” Elena looked back at me. “Maybe she should get it checked out.”
Cassandra’s face paled.
I thought back to all those years ago, when we were just kids. I’d looked up from where I laid in a pool of my own blood, Cassandra staggering over to me, a painful–looking gash in
her arm. My savior.
My voice dropped. “Elena, I’ll let you handle this part of the planning, but I’d be careful making accusations. Cassandra’s injury was—
Before I could finish, Mason appeared as if out of nowhere. I wondered if Elena had
mindlinked with him and asked him to come to her rescue.
“Not interested in your love story,” he cut in, placing a hand on Elena’s shoulder. “You about ready to go?” he asked her.
“More than ready,” she said, standing. “Good day, Derek,” she said formally.
He led her away then, and I watched her, Erebus grumbling something to me that I didn’t
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want to hear.
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ELENA
Aiden sat on the carpeted floor, his tongue sticking out slightly as he focused on his drawing. I looked up from the planning files that had become my constant companions,
smiling warmly at him. I watched as he sketched with careful strokes.
The mantle clock ticked softly, the sound homey and comforting. I was so glad I’d been
able to raise him here in this house, even if I didn’t remember much about growing up here, myself.
“What are you working on?” I asked.
“A family portrait,” he said, holding it up for me to see.
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It was a simple drawing–me, him, and… a scribbled figure in the background, messy and
indistinct. My heart clenched.
“Who’s that?” I asked gently.
Aiden’s smile faltered. “Nobody,” he said sadly.
I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.
After a moment, he set his crayons down. “Mom, why am I different from the other kids?”
I took a steadying breath. This had come up before, but I’d always been able to distract him, talk about other things. But he was getting older, and I knew this wasn’t a conversation I
could put off forever.
“Different how?” I asked.
“Their dads pick them up. They talk about them. I don’t even know what mine is like.”
I felt like the air had been sucked from the room. My heart was breaking.
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Aiden looked down at his drawing. “I saw someone the other day,” he murmured. “And for a second…I thought maybe…”
He stopped himself, shaking his head.
My pulse quickened. “Who did you see?”
Before he could answer, my phone rang. Derek’s name flashed across the screen.
I looked to the heavens. The Moon Goddess’s timing, I thought wryly, was impeccable.
I allowed myself a long exhale before answering. “What is it?”
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“You need to confirm the final changes to the schedule,” he said. His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it.
“I’ll take care of it.” My voice was neutral.
“Elena, about earlier…Cassandra-”
Goddess, I could not do this right now. “Derek-” I sighed unhappily.
There was a sharp crack in front of me. When I looked up, Aiden had sprung to his feet.
The water glass he’d been drinking from had tipped over on the table where he’d been working and had splashed all over his picture.
Mommy!” his voice rang out in alarm.
stiffened. On the other end of the phone, Derek went silent.
“Who’s talking?”
Without another word, I ended the call, my heart hammering in my chest.
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