CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA OF THE SOUTH

f teacups filled the quiet sitting area. The breeze rustled the pine bra

r tea, she stated, "We received a

brow raised. "Wha

"Lucien is coming. In per

. "Lucien? The

ual. Alphas don't make these tri

"I thought we had a neutral

eyes. "But Lucien... he doesn't make neut

ned. "Is Fat

voice was low, but firm. "I've seen what Silv

before Beth reached out and

hey arrive. Listen more than you speak. A

ou think this visit could

"that change is coming. And Luci

---

and the air was charged with anticipation. Elders and civilians gathered to watch

ssion of SilverMoon's warriors, dressed in silver and dark blue, commanded by Al

ir catching the light. He approached with a

said in a silky voice.

ly gripped

resilient as ever", his eyes

d just slightly. "Re

es came to an end, but Crystal couldn't help but feel t

ry gesture calculated. He was just as charismatic as Beth had said

ve been underutilized," he began, unfolding a map. "By collaborating, we can expand commerce, benefiting both our packs."

ure. Shared patrols, mutual

Mara exchanged a glance wi

our proposal," De

al approached Derek. "You d

en's charm masks ambition.

ceClaw after SilverMoon pack had left. Like a storm brewing

ers as the most prestigious members of the pack assembled. Crystal was standing at the rear of the room, stari

ike it. Even though Lucien smiled as he left, h

that I've known Lucien, I've never witnessed hi

ncern. "We've heard his offer; joint patrols, shared profits, expansion of

tly what SilverMoon is pursuing, I'm not re

at her daughter thoughtfully. "We must ex

eel it. Everyone was obviously skeptical of Lucie

etermined tone. And we'll be ready for anything. However, we must pla

ounding silence was more dangerous than the noise. Her head was full of questions. What did Lucien

d, walking carefully through the snow, the crisp air stinging at her skin. In contrast

engrossed in her thoughts. She looked up and saw Logan approaching h

ft as he asked,

ed. "The visit... I'm not sure. There see

coat pockets. "I get it. Don't let it consume you though.

ing his face for any clue as to his thou

ing softer. "I believe you're jus

felt uncertain; they stood together for a long time, the

. You're always busy, always somewhere else"

ved closer, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'

that something was wrong. She had to have faith th

-----

Next

the uneasiness that had taken hold of he

hmic sound of battle would help her focus, and she was met by

erent; he was more reckless and intense. "Logan!" Crystal called, her voice echoing across

al? Yo

d, "I should be asking you that." "

ed tightly at her. Just staying sh

s face. "What's going on, Logan? Lately, y

back, and his eyes fell to the floor. "It's nothing," he answered finally, his voic

hat something was about to shift , and sh