Third Person's POVGermain's lips tightened, his face a mask of displeasure.His usual guise of affability was gone, replaced by a sullen expression.Maya quickly tried to smooth things over, "This isn't your father's handwriting! Someone must have forged it. Why would he dissolve his mating bond with your mother?"Her eyes darted accusingly at Paisley as she spoke. "You're the one who produced the proof, aren't you? What grudge do you hold against the Blue Abyss Pack? Forging a document to upset her and drive her to illness."Paisley shot back coldly, "You don't even know who I am. When the Blue Abyss pack approached ours for a mating bond, Germain and I had never met. How could I forge his handwriting?""Speaking of forging, Maya, you're always by Germain's side. You're more likely to have written this under his name, hoping Sidney would die sooner," Adelaide added.Germain and Maya's gazes snapped toward Paisley.Germain's eyes flickered with surprise—this was Paisley?Maya's eyes
Third Person's POVAdelaide felt her moon mark flare with silver-blue sparks. Her cedar pheromones, icy and sharp, targeted Crispin. "Nothing! If you truly cared, why not visit her yourself?"Her pupils slit like ice under candlelight, her Alpha aura from the Shadowfang Pack causing the crystal chandelier to tremble and shed dust.Crispin's wolf ears trembled in fear as he glanced at Germain for help—only to see his father's indifferent, bristling gray fur and his dragon musk pheromones laced with suppressed decay."I... couldn't get away from the academy," Crispin stammered, embarrassed."Is that so?" Adelaide's claws dug unconsciously into the armrest. "Was the entire Blue Abyss Pack too busy to send more than two omegas to care for her?"Her aura made Liz's hot cocoa bubble. "Without Doctor Digby's help, how long could she live on wolf blood at the convalescent center?"Liz's pheromones swirled under her skirt. She stood up, brushing against Carla's shoulder. Her mint pheromones ca
Third Person's POVAs they neared the capital, Adelaide murmured, "Sidney told me Madison and Germain are in cahoots. Germain's been recruiting many werewolf warriors in Fairfax County, funded by Madison and Maya.""Never expected that," Lance frowned.Who would have thought that someone who seemed incompetent and couldn't manage his own household would harbor such grand ambitions?By the time they returned to the capital, it was already on Christmas' Eve.The streets were brimming with festive cheer, every household adorned with decorations and fireworks, celebrating the holiday season.Yet Sidney had passed away quietly, her death causing not a ripple in the Blue Abyss Pack.For the Germain family had arrived in the capital, and Germain was likely still unaware.Upon returning to the Blackthorn Pack, Adelaide learned the Germain family was visiting and Priscilla was receiving them in the parlor.Paisley, upon hearing this, her crimson emblem beneath her leather coat blazed furiously
Third Person's POVSidney gripped Adelaide's wrist tightly, glancing outside, her breathing labored.The ashen wolf fur at the back of her neck brushed against the silver bracelet on Adelaide's wrist. Cedar pheromones mixed with a shuddering tone, "Listen to me, Germain's no good. He and Madison have been scheming secretly for years."Adelaide's moon mark blazed hot at the nape of her neck. Silver-blue blood beads welled from her elongated claws."What?" she gasped.Her pupils slit like ice in the candlelight. The Alpha presence of the Shadowfang Pack surged, frost spreading across the carpet. The hot cocoa Paisley brought in trembled and rippled.Adelaide swiftly dismissed everyone and posted Paisley on guard.Paisley stood at the door, her ears flattened from the Alpha aura."Sidney, what do you mean?" Adelaide pressed.Sidney's head sagged. Her sulfur pheromones reeked of fear. "For years, he's been secretly recruiting private forces in Blue Ridge State, funded by Madison and Maya.
Third Person's POVThe next day, Lance and Tommy braved the snow to arrive.Though male visitors were usually restricted, the manager made an exception for Lance to see Sidney.Seeing Lance's snow-covered journey, Adelaide's pent-up emotions nearly overflowed, tears streaming down her face.Lance gently wiped her tears, cupping her face in his hands. "Let's go see her," he said softly.As Lance led Adelaide in, Sidney's tears of joy showed she hadn't mistaken the genuine affection in Lance's eyes.She had feared he'd reject Adelaide for her second mating, but seeing his tender gaze, she finally felt relieved.Lance spoke softly, "Sidney, rest easy. I'll always treat Adelaide well."Overwhelmed with joy, Sidney couldn't stop crying.Lance's visit was like a ray of light. She had felt she owed Airela's spirit an apology, but now, seeing Adelaide thriving in her second mating bond, she could face Airela in peace.Her improved mood even boosted her appetite. That day, she finished an enti
Third Person's POVArnold tried to console Adelaide, "The medication and injections are easing her discomfort. At least until the end, she won't suffer as much."As a doctor, she'd witnessed many patients pass away. Sidney's case filled her with regret and a sense of injustice.How unfortunate could one be—to be abandoned by her mate and daughters?Her birth pack couldn't help either, stationed far away and unable to visit her even in winter.Usually, when someone with ill intent meets a bad end, people might say they deserved it. But Sidney, kind-hearted and full of good deeds, shouldn't have ended up like this."Paisley, you head back to the capital tomorrow. I'll stay here with Sidney," Adelaide said, wiping her tears."I can't let her be without family by her side."Paisley, a loyal friend, replied, "I'll stay with you. As for Avery, Greenwood has guest rooms for male visitors. He can stay there.""Christmas is coming. The center will be cold and lonely. You'll suffer here," Adela