(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)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
(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 sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nostrils as I finished bandaging the young wolf's arm. Being head healer at the Pack Medical Center meant my days were filled with everything from minor scrapes to life-threatening emergencies."All done, Tommy. Next time, maybe don't challenge the older pups to a climbing contest," I said with a gentle smile.The young boy nodded sheepishly before scampering off. I sighed, removing my latex gloves when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Emma's name flashed on the screen."Hey Em, what's up?" I answered."Viv! Have you heard? He's back!" Emma's voice practically vibrated through the phone.My heart skipped a beat. There was only one "he" that Emma would refer to with such excitement. My mate. My husband. The man I hadn't seen in over three years."Sylvan is back in the territory?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite the sudden flutter in my chest."You didn't know? It's all over the pack forums and human media! Even the
(Vivian's POV)Morning light filtered through the curtains, warming my face and pulling me from sleep. I reached across the large bed instinctively, my hand finding nothing but cold sheets where Sylvan should have been.Sighing, I slid out of bed. 7:30 a.m --earlier than I usually get up for my shift at the medical center. I threw on my robe, then walked to the living room.There he was.Sylvan sat on our leather couch, already dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. His dark hair was neatly combed back, emphasizing the sharp angles of his face. His fingers moved rapidly across his laptop keyboard, his focus complete until I stepped into the room.Those ice-blue eyes flickered toward me briefly, taking in my disheveled appearance before returning to his screen."Where's Martha?" he asked without preamble, his deep voice filling the quiet morning air.I crossed my arms over my chest. "I gave her a vacation.""A vacation?" Now he looked up properly, his expression question
(Vivian's POV)Elizabeth's cold eyes remained fixed on me after her lengthy criticism of my decision to dismiss Martha. The silence stretched between us, heavy and uncomfortable."So, Vivian," she finally said, her voice deceptively gentle. "Have you considered what I asked of you earlier?"I stiffened, my hands clasping tightly in my lap. I knew exactly what she was referring to. For the past six months, Elizabeth had been dropping hints about my mating bond with Sylvan."I'm not sure what you mean," I replied, although we both knew I was stalling.Her perfect eyebrows arched slightly. "Don't play dumb, dear. It doesn't suit you."She leaned forward, her expensive perfume wafting toward me."I've made my position clear from the beginning," Elizabeth continued. "This mating between you and my son was a mistake.""With Sylvan's return, perhaps it's time to consider what would benefit you both," she suggested, her tone almost sympathetic if you didn't know better. "A severance of
(Vivian's POV)The tension in the car was suffocating. Sylvan sat beside me, his attention fixed on his phone, seemingly oblivious to my presence.Phoebe stirred restlessly within me. "Talk to him," she urged. "Break the ice."For once, I decided to listen to my wolf. Taking a deep breath, I turned slightly toward Sylvan."I was thinking," I began hesitantly, "our mating anniversary is coming up in a few weeks."Sylvan's fingers paused over his phone screen, though he didn't look up."I thought perhaps we could—"His phone suddenly rang, cutting me off mid-sentence. Without hesitation, he answered."Thorne," he said sharply, his voice all business. His expression changed as he listened, becoming more alert, more focused."I'll be there in twenty," he said before ending the call.Before I could process what was happening, he was tapping on the partition separating us from James, our driver."Pull over," he commanded.The car slowed and came to a stop at the side of a deserte
(Vivian's POV)James shifted uncomfortably on our doorstep, his gaze darting everywhere except my face."James, please," I pressed, lowering my voice so Martha couldn't hear from the kitchen. "I'm his mate. I deserve to know where he's staying."James gave an awkward chuckle that did nothing to ease the tension. "Miss Vivian, Mr. Sylvan is just busy with Blood Moon business. That's all I can really say.""I don't believe that's all you know," I said, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. "He's been gone for four days without a word."James shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His discomfort was palpable, caught between loyalty to Sylvan and sympathy for me."I'm sorry, Miss Vivian. The Blood Moon operations are... complicated. Mr. Sylvan has many responsibilities.""More important than contacting his mate?" The words came out sharper than I intended.James winced. He had been with the Thorne family for years and had always been kind to me. I shouldn't be put
(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