(Vivian's POV)The Blood Moon gathering was in full swing. The sleek modern venue vibrated with energy as pack members mingled freely, their inhibitions lowered by the wolfsbane-infused drinks circulating on silver trays.I leaned against the wall, watching the spectacle unfold. Unlike normal alcohol, which barely affected werewolves, wolfsbane-infused drinks blurred pack hierarchies and loosened tongues. It was dangerous territory—especially in a room full of Blood Moon operatives.Clara stood at the center of it all, her auburn hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. She laughed at something one of the male operatives said, touching his arm lightly. Her natural grace and charm drew admiring glances from across the room.I sighed, retreating further into my quiet corner. The form-fitting white dress Emma had insisted I wear now felt like a mistake. It drew too much attention—attention I neither wanted nor needed."Well, well! Look who decided to party after all!"I turned
(Vivian's POV)The weight of Sylvan's arm around my waist sent conflicting signals through my body. My traitorous wolf Phoebe practically purred at his protective gesture, while my rational mind screamed to pull away.Kevin Bane seemed completely unfazed by Sylvan's arrival. If anything, his amber eyes gleamed with heightened interest at the tension between us."Alpha Thorne," Kevin acknowledged with a respectful nod that didn't match the boldness in his eyes. "I was just reminiscing with your lovely mate about our encounter in the Northern Territory."Sylvan's fingers tightened imperceptibly at my waist. "Were you?"Kevin's smile widened. "That winter patrol, remember? The night of the meteor shower at High Moon Ridge."I stiffened. The memory of that passionate night was private, meant only for Sylvan and me. What exactly had Kevin seen?"Your mate has a very distinctive scent," Kevin continued, his eyes sliding appreciatively over me. "Even through layers of winter clothing,
(Vivian's POV)The tension in the air was palpable as I stepped between Emma and Ruby. Their heated argument had escalated to the point where other Blood Moon members were starting to take notice, their curious glances making my skin crawl."I would've knocked your wolf teeth straight out if you weren't still healing from that eye injury," Emma snarled, her fists clenched at her sides.Ruby smirked, unimpressed by the threat. "You're all bark and no bite, Rivers. Always have been."I placed a firm hand on each of their shoulders. "Both of you, be quiet for a moment."They whipped their heads toward me simultaneously, their previous animosity momentarily forgotten as they shared an amused glance."Look who's playing peacemaker," Ruby said with a snort. "The healer thinks she can stop a fight."Emma, despite our friendship, nodded in agreement. "No offense, Viv, but you couldn't win a fight against either of us. You're a healer, not a warrior."The casual dismissal stung more tha
(Vivian's POV)"I want the Northern Wolf Pack Territorial Cottage," I said firmly, my voice steadier than I expected.Sylvan looked up from the dissolution paperwork spread across the dining table, his ice-blue eyes narrowing slightly. The morning light streaming through the windows cast harsh shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw."The northern cottage?" he repeated, setting down his pen. "That's your request?"I nodded, keeping my expression neutral despite the nervous flutter in my chest. "Yes. As part of our mate bond dissolution."Sylvan leaned back in his chair, studying me with that calculating gaze I'd grown to resent. His rain-forest scent filled the space between us, a constant reminder of what I was giving up."The northern cottage has significant memorial value to you, doesn't it?" he asked, his tone deceptively casual. "Is that why you want it?"I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let him see how much the question affected me. "I've
(Sylvan's POV)I slammed the door of my office at Blood Moon headquarters. The Northern Pack Alpha had just signed over his hunting grounds to us—another victory."Have the contracts for the Sterling Pack merger been finalized?" I asked Marcus as he entered with documents."Yes, Alpha. The Sterling Pack territories will be under Blood Moon control by next week.""And the human connections?""Three mafia families have requested meetings. They're interested in our security services in the northern territories."A smirk tugged at my lips. "Arrange the meetings."In just two weeks since leaving the villa—since that night with Vivian—I'd thrown myself into expanding Blood Moon's influence. The pack forums were buzzing with speculation about our sudden aggressive expansion."The Thorn Pack border dispute also needs your attention," Marcus added, sliding another folder across my desk.I frowned. "Why is this coming to me?""Alpha Jonathan specifically requested your involvement. He
(Vivian's POV)Four days at the Pack Alliance Therapy Session had left me mentally drained but professionally fulfilled. The Neutral Zone conference had been an excellent opportunity to showcase my healing techniques to other pack healers."Hurry up, Bennett!" Jennifer Walsh called from inside the vehicle. "We're already running late!"I jogged the last few steps to the bus, by the time I climbed aboard, only one seat remained—the front passenger seat next to the driver."Sorry about that," the driver said with an apologetic smile. "Dr. Thompson and Ms. Walsh insisted on taking the back seats.""It's fine," I replied, settling into the leather seat.The driver, a beta wolf with sandy brown hair and eager eyes, extended his hand. "Mark Stevens, at your service. Pack transportation division."I shook his hand briefly. "Vivian Bennett.""Oh, I know who you are," Mark said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "Everyone knows the Head Healer of the Thorn Pack Medical Center."
(Vivian's POV)Sylvan stared down at me from the top of the stairs, his ice-blue eyes widening with surprise. The familiar rain-forest scent that had haunted my dreams for years filled the space between us."Vivian?" His voice was rough, whether from sleep or shock, I couldn't tell.I gripped the doorframe, steadying myself as the room seemed to tilt. The wolfsbane whiskey from dinner was clearly affecting my judgment more than I'd realized."What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face. "I could ask you the same question. Sneaking around in the middle of the night... not very proper behavior for the Head Healer of the Pack Medical Center."His teasing tone grated on my already raw nerves. I opened my mouth to question his presence when a chilling thought struck me. The pictures on the pack forum—Clara in her ski outfit with the Northern Territory cabin visible in the background. Her caption about her
(Vivian's POV)The heat of Sylvan's touch spread through my body like wildfire. His hands roamed beneath my blouse, sending shivers along my spine. My rational mind was drowning in sensation, forgetting why this was a bad idea.The doorbell rang again, more insistent this time."Sylvan? Are you in there?" A familiar female voice called from outside. "I brought dinner from the lodge since you left so suddenly!"Clara Redcliff.Her voice was like ice water down my back. I froze, my hands still in Sylvan's hair. Phoebe whimpered and retreated within me, hiding from the humiliation washing over me.I pushed against Sylvan's chest, all desire gone. "Let me go. Now."His eyes remained dark with want, but he loosened his grip. I scrambled off the sofa, fixing my rumpled clothes with trembling hands."You said there was no one else here," I accused, barely whispering."There isn't," he replied, fixing his hair. "I didn't invite her."The doorbell rang again. "Sylvan? I know you're in
(Sylvan's POV)The morning sky hung heavy with clouds, matching my darkening mood. I straightened my tie and checked my watch—still twenty minutes before Marcus was due to arrive. Running the Blood Moon organization required precision and punctuality, traits I excelled at in every aspect of my life.Except when it came to Vivian.I stepped outside earlier than necessary, preferring the bite of cold air to the suffocating silence of my empty home. Logan stirred restlessly beneath my skin, already sensing my irritation.When the black SUV pulled up, Marcus looked surprised to find me waiting outside."You're early, Alpha," he remarked, opening the door for me.I slid into the backseat, my ice-blue eyes fixed on the dismal landscape beyond the window. "Let's go."Marcus started the engine but hesitated before pulling away. "Is everything alright, sir?"I let out a humorless laugh. "Other she-wolves are made of water, but Vivian is made of ice."Marcus wisely remained silent, know
(Vivian's POV)The air was cool as Emma and I walked back to my apartment at Moonstone Ridge. The sky had turned a deep indigo, with the first stars beginning to appear above the territory borders."So let me get this straight," Emma said, breaking our momentary silence. "Sylvan Thorne is the mysterious benefactor who's paying for Anna's moon sickness treatment?"I nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions even saying it aloud. "Yes. And he's been getting Anna to deliver flowers to me.""Using a sick pup as his messenger?" Emma's eyebrows shot up. "That's... actually kind of sweet and manipulative at the same time.""That's Sylvan in a nutshell," I replied with a small smile I couldn't quite suppress.Emma stopped walking and turned to face me, her expression serious. "Why am I just hearing about this now? When did all this happen?"I shrugged, suddenly feeling defensive. "It's been a lot to process.""We've nearly completed a full moon cycle of drama and you're just telling me
(Vivian's POV)Sylvan's tall frame stood in front of me in the staircase, my back pressed against the cold concrete wall as he leaned closer."Just one kiss, little white wolf," he murmured, his ice-blue eyes darkening with intent.His words jolted something in me, breaking the spell momentarily."Which white wolf exactly?" I asked, my voice sharper than intended.Sylvan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What?""Which white wolf are you referring to?" I pressed, my heart hammering against my ribs. "I'm not the only one, you know."His brows furrowed in genuine confusion. "What are you talking about?""Clara Redcliff," I said, the name itself leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "Her wolf has white markings too. I heard the packmates discussing it."Understanding dawned on his face, followed quickly by exasperation. His rain-forest scent intensified, washing over me in waves."You can't be serious," he said, shaking his head. "I don't care what color Clara's wolf is. She coul
(Vivian's POV)I lingered outside Anna's treatment room, unable to tear myself away from the scene unfolding inside. Through the small window, I could see Sylvan sitting comfortably in the chair beside her bed. His tall frame looked almost comically large next to her thin one."But why don't you give the flowers to Healer Bennett yourself?" Anna asked, her voice stronger today than it had been in weeks.Sylvan leaned back in his chair, his rain-forest scent likely filling the small room. "Because she wouldn't accept them from me."Anna frowned, her small wolf flickering briefly beneath her pale skin. "Why not? The flowers are pretty.""It's... complicated," Sylvan replied, his ice-blue eyes softening in a way I rarely saw. "Adult wolves sometimes have disagreements.""Is it because of her mate?" Anna asked innocently.I froze. How did Anna know about my mate situation?Sylvan's eyebrows rose slightly. "What do you know about her mate?"Anna leaned forward conspiratorially. "I
(Vivian's POV)I walked through the Pack Medical Center's corridors, my mind still buzzing with questions about the anonymous benefactor. The hallways seemed brighter somehow, filled with an energy that had been missing for weeks.When I reached the silver poisoning recovery ward, I heard Marie's voice before I saw her. She was animated, her usual weariness replaced by excitement as she spoke to the elderly wolf in the next bed."...and they've arranged for specialists from the Northern Pack! Can you imagine? My Anna might have more time now."I paused in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt her moment of joy. Marie had spent so many moons in quiet despair. This change was beautiful to witness.She noticed me and her face lit up even more. "Healer Bennett! I was just telling everyone about our miracle.""I see that," I smiled, approaching her bedside to check her vital signs. Her wolf was stronger today, stirring more visibly beneath her skin."The new treatment begins next wee
(Vivian's POV)The elevator doors closed with a soft chime, trapping me with Sylvan. His rain-forest scent filled the small space, making me press against the opposite wall."Good morning, little white wolf," he said, his ice-blue eyes watching me.I stared at the metal doors, refusing to look at him. Phoebe remained quiet within me."Giving me the silent treatment again?" Sylvan asked. "Very mature."The numbers on the display panel moved slowly. I counted each floor we passed."I could pick you up after your shift today," he offered, moving closer. "Take you home."I couldn't help my sarcastic response. "Oh? Are you finally taking me to the pack council office so we can end our partnership?"To my surprise, Sylvan's expression became serious. "Yes. I'll take you there today after work."I turned to face him, caught off guard. "You will?""Absolutely," he nodded, checking his watch. "I can be here at six."Something wasn't right. Then it hit me. "Today is the fourth day aft
(Nathan's POV)I still remember the first time I saw Vivian Bennett. It was during the Eastern Alliance negotiations, five years ago.My father had just passed leadership of the Sterling Pack to me. As my first official act as Alpha, I traveled to Thorn Pack territory to renew our hunting agreements.The formal negotiations had ended for the day. Most wolves were gathered in the main hall. I needed fresh air to clear my head, so I slipped out into the moonlit gardens.That's when I saw her.She stood alone in the medical herb garden, bathed in silver moonlight. Her movements were graceful as she gathered herbs, placing each one carefully in a small basket.I wasn't the only one who noticed her. Several visiting wolves paused their conversations to watch. There was something mesmerizing about her focused dedication, completely unaware of the attention she drew."Who is she?" one of the Northern Pack emissaries whispered beside me.Before I could respond, another wolf answered: "
(Vivian's POV)The cool night air hit my face as I pushed through the door of The Moonlight Bar. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and frustration. How could Sylvan create such a scene? And Ruby—why would she blurt out Nathan's feelings like that?I'd barely made it ten steps when a strong hand caught my wrist. I didn't need to turn to know who it was. His rain-forest scent enveloped me immediately."Vivian, wait." Sylvan's voice was low, almost pleading.I spun around, pulling my arm from his grip. "Haven't you caused enough drama for one night?"His ice-blue eyes were intense in the moonlight. "We need to talk about what just happened in there.""What's there to talk about?" I snapped. "You completely embarrassed Nathan for no reason."Sylvan's jaw tightened. "No reason? He's been pursuing my mate behind my back.""He hasn't been pursuing me! And even if he had feelings, he never acted on them." I crossed my arms tightly. "You didn't need to humiliate him in front of everyo
(Vivian's POV)The blue liquid of my moon-lily martini spread quickly across Sylvan's dark jeans, soaking through the expensive fabric. A hush fell over our table as everyone stared, first at the growing wet spot, then at my empty glass still tilted in my hand.I should have felt embarrassed. Or apologetic. Instead, a strange satisfaction warmed my chest.Emma's jaw dropped so far I thought it might hit the table. Ruby froze with her own drink halfway to her mouth. Nathan's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and what looked almost like admiration.I finally dared to look at Sylvan directly. His ice-blue eyes were surprisingly calm as he surveyed the damage. The faint hint of a smirk played at the corner of his mouth."Well," he said, reaching for a napkin, "if you wanted to buy me a drink, little white wolf, there are more conventional methods."His casual response was more infuriating than anger would have been. I had literally poured alcohol in his lap, and he was making joke