(Audrey's POV)When I returned to the Wolf Medical Center, Elder Shadowcrest was already asleep. Her breathing was steady, her face peaceful despite the silver poisoning that was slowly claiming her life.I adjusted her blanket, making sure she was comfortable for the night. The pack healer approached quietly, clipboard in hand."She's been resting well," he informed me in a hushed tone. "Her vital signs are stable for now.""Thank you," I whispered. "Please call me immediately if there's any change in her condition."After leaving detailed instructions with the healer about her care, I headed out to my car. The emotional weight of the day—from Arthur's dinner to Florian's territory den to my grandmother's diagnosis—left me utterly drained. I decided to check into a territory hotel for the night rather than make the long drive back to Central Territory.The hotel was simple but clean. I collapsed onto the bed without even changing, staring at the ceiling as my mind raced with wor
(Audrey's POV)The hallway outside Florian's territory den seemed to crackle with unspoken tension. Cassandra Stormhowl blinked rapidly at my direct question about already having each other's pack contact information, her perfectly manicured eyebrows rising in feigned surprise."Added? When did I add you? No way!" She laughed, the sound a bit too high-pitched to be natural.I maintained my pleasant smile, pressing gently. "Ah? You didn't?"Her eyes darted toward Florian's study behind me, as if seeking silent permission or confirmation. Something must have passed between them, because her expression suddenly transformed, enlightenment dawning on her features."Oh, right!" Cassandra touched her forehead dramatically with her palm. "My memory these days... Pregnancy brain, you know?"I nodded politely, though I strongly suspected she wasn't pregnant at all. This was clearly some kind of act."I was actually hoping to discuss Florian's leg pain with you further," she continued smoo
(Audrey's POV)"I remember," Florian said, his tone suddenly serious as he contemplated my question about Emma Shadowcrest's fake Serena.His golden eyes held mine steadily, all traces of mockery gone. "She told the Pack Council at the time that only Emma Shadowcrest and her mother had instructed her to impersonate Serena."I continued working on his calf muscles, feeling the tension beneath my fingertips. The injury was worse than he was letting on."They couldn't extract any additional information," he continued, "and since they couldn't keep her detained indefinitely, they released her." His gaze sharpened. "Why do you ask?"I looked up from my massage, meeting his curious stare. "I saw her yesterday."His eyebrows lifted slightly, the only indication of his surprise."Last year, didn't Alpha Luna Riverwind suddenly announce she had a daughter?" I asked, my fingers still working the knots in his muscles. "Guess who that daughter is?"Florian's eyes narrowed. "Is it her?""Y
(Audrey's POV)"You're not even going to lie?" Arthur asked, his voice tight with disbelief as I gathered my things.I couldn't help but laugh. The irony was too perfect."What's the point? I've heard too many lies from you before." I met his gaze directly. "Your half-sister needed you. 'She ran away from the pack territory, I need to find her.' 'She broke her mate bond, I'm worried she might do something rash.' 'She was injured by silver, I need to check on her.'"Arthur's face darkened with each example I listed. His fingers tightened around his glass, knuckles turning white."Eventually, you stopped bothering with excuses and simply said: 'I need to see her.'" I continued, my voice eerily calm. "You always claimed you couldn't ignore your sister. And if I complained even slightly, I was being petty. If I tried to stop you, it would be unforgivable."The territory den restaurant suddenly felt too warm, too suffocating. Arthur's jaw clenched tightly as my words hit their mark. S
(Audrey's POV)"One month at most." Healer Reed's words hung in the air like a death sentence.I felt my knees weaken beneath me. "There must be something else we can try," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Some rare healing herb, some experimental treatment..."Healer Reed's eyes held genuine compassion as he shook his head. "I've treated similar cases throughout my career, Ms. Winter. The silver has reached her vital organs. At this stage, we can only manage her comfort."Arthur's hand found my shoulder, offering silent support. I hadn't even noticed him move closer."Thank you for your honesty, Healer Reed," I managed, fighting to keep my voice steady. "And thank you for coming all this way."The older wolf inclined his head respectfully. "I wish I could offer better news. But know that I didn't come just for professional reasons." He glanced at Arthur. "This young Alpha has been quite persistent. He's been trying to convince me to return from Western Territories fo
(Audrey's POV)I sat stiffly in my chair, aware of the tension crackling through the air of the private dining room. Alpha Luna Riverwind maintained her elegant composure, seemingly oblivious to the silent war happening between her daughter and me."More venison, Audrey?" Luna Riverwind offered, gesturing to the server to bring another plate."Thank you," I replied politely, my gaze inevitably drifting back to Lyra.The young she-wolf sitting across from me was unmistakably the same person who had impersonated Serena Shadowcrest two years ago. The same wolf who had nearly destroyed my life. Yet here she sat, poised and privileged, as if she hadn't committed one of the most serious pack crimes possible - identity theft."Mother," Lyra spoke up, her voice carrying that practiced sweetness that immediately put me on edge. "I've been thinking more about the inter-pack business program."Luna Riverwind sighed softly. "Lyra, we've discussed this.""I'm just curious about it," Lyra per
(Lucas's POV)I watched as Arthur Moonstone stared into his drink, his face a mask of regret. It was almost painful to witness—the mighty Alpha reduced to this by a she-wolf who no longer wanted him."She doesn't love you anymore? So what?" I challenged him, leaning forward across the table. "Relationships aren't built on convenient feelings, Arthur. They're forged through persistence."Arthur's eyes flashed darkly. "You make it sound so simple.""It is simple," I insisted, swirling my venison beer. "You're an Alpha. Take what you want."Arthur's jaw tightened. "Is there any way to salvage what we had?"I considered his question, running through possibilities. "You could play the sympathy card. She's always had a soft heart.""That won't work," Arthur cut me off immediately. "Not with Audrey. She'd see through it instantly."I shrugged, taking another swig of my beer. "Then take a harder approach. Remind her what she's giving up—the status, the protection, the resources of bein
(Audrey's POV)Rain tapped against the car window, creating an ever-shifting pattern of droplets that distorted the world beyond. I sat in silence, watching the streetlights blur into golden smears across the glass."When will the healing herbs specialist arrive in Central Territory?" I asked, keeping my voice light, casual.Arthur's fingers tapped against the steering wheel. "In two days. I've arranged for private territory transport to take him directly to the Wolf Medical Center when he arrives."I nodded, grateful for his efficiency even as I felt the weight of our shared history pressing down on us. "Thank you. I should get back to my car now.""I'll walk you there," he said, his tone making it clear this wasn't a suggestion."That's not necessary," I protested weakly. "It's pouring rain."Arthur was already reaching into the back seat. "I have a weather cloak."Without waiting for my response, he grabbed the cloak from the passenger seat and stepped out of the car. I sigh
(Audrey's POV)The air seemed to still for a moment. Florian's golden eyes bored into me, focused and intense, like a predator watching its prey."When did this happen?" His voice was controlled, but I detected a slight tremor underneath."Yesterday," I answered truthfully, my hands still working on his tense calf muscle.His laugh caught me off guard—sharp, sarcastic, cutting through the room like a silver blade."How convenient," he said, pulling his leg away from my touch. "The mate bond with Arthur Moonstone fails after two years of desperate reconciliation attempts, so you crawl back to your backup plan?"The accusation hit me like a physical blow. I stood up quickly, nearly stumbling backward."That's not what happened at all!" My voice rose defensively. "You have no idea what I've been through."Florian's eyes hardened, his jaw tightening. He wheeled himself backward slightly, creating more distance between us."How is the leg feeling now?" he asked abruptly, changing t