**(Lucian's POV)**Alpha Evergreen's luxury SUV pulled up just as we were leaving. His timing was too perfect to be coincidence.He stepped out and looked straight at Madam Evelyn Foster. "Is Elara Rivers your daughter?"Madam Evelyn guided Elara toward their SUV. "None of your business."Alpha Evergreen just smiled without saying a word.I took Elara's paw. "Go back to the Foster Pack territory with your mother. I have things to handle here.""Are you sure?" Elara asked."I need to reclaim what's mine," I said. "Thorne Pack Enterprises was my grandfather's and mother's legacy. I won't let Victor destroy it."Alpha Evergreen's presence meant I couldn't leave now. He was here to assess our situation."I understand," Elara said. "I'll wait for you at the Foster den."Her trust made my chest warm. I wanted to brag about my intelligent mate on the pack network.Simon Foster approached. "Do you need help?""I can handle it," I said, patting his shoulder. "I'll see you at the Fos
**(Elara's POV)**Madam Evergreen's fury radiated like silver fire as she stepped protectively in front of me. Her elegant composure had transformed into something fierce and maternal that made my heart flutter with unexpected warmth."How dare you?" she snarled at Seraphina Thorne, her voice cutting through the gathering's shocked silence. "You unpresentable mistress, what gives you the right to act so imperiously within this pack hierarchy?"Seraphina's face went white as moonlight. "I beg your pardon—""You heard me correctly," Madam Evergreen continued, her dominant aura flaring impressively. "A she-wolf who clawed her way into the Thorne Pack through questionable means has no business insulting her betters."Madeline Bell quickly stepped forward, clearly sensing the dangerous shift in pack dynamics. "Madam Evergreen, perhaps we should remember that Alpha Evergreen has invested significantly in our territory project with Damon."The subtle reminder of financial leverage force
**(God's POV)**The Thorne Pack territory buzzed with the energy of Victor Thorne's naming day celebration. Luxury SUVs lined the ceremonial grounds as prominent Alphas from hunting territories and entertainment packs arrived in their finest ceremonial robes.Despite the grandeur, an undercurrent of tension flowed through the gathering. Everyone knew the Thorne Pack's decline since Lucian Thorne's departure. Once the dominant force in Ocean City's territory negotiations, they now struggled against the formidable Apex Holdings.Victor stood near the main den entrance, greeting guests with strained politeness. His weathered face showed the stress of recent months."The Silverwood Pack sends their regards," Alpha Marcus announced, presenting a ceremonial hunting blade."Grateful for your presence," Victor replied, though his eyes kept scanning for one particular wolf.Seraphina Thorne glided beside him, her expression carefully neutral. "Still hoping Lucian will show?""He's our on
**(Lucian's POV)**The territory alert chimed at dawn, jolting me from peaceful sleep beside Elara. Her soft breathing remained steady as I carefully untangled myself from our shared sleeping furs.I kissed her forehead gently. "Sleep, little doe. I'll handle this."The persistent chiming continued as I padded to the front entrance. Who dared disturb us at this ungodly hour?I opened the door to chaos. Dozens of service wolves flooded my living area, carrying massive bouquets of moonflowers, forest lilies, and exotic blooms I couldn't even name."Delivery for Miss Elara Rivers!" the lead wolf announced cheerfully.My dominant aura flared involuntarily. "Who ordered this?""Anonymous sender, sir. Premium hunting lodge arrangement."Elara appeared behind me, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Her expression transformed to wonder as she saw the floral invasion."Lucian, did you do this?" she breathed, moving toward a particularly stunning arrangement of silver moonflowers."No," I sai
**(God's POV)**The Bell family territory was chaos. Madeline Bell stood in the courtyard as a luxury SUV arrived. Pack guardians dragged Veronica Hayes from the vehicle."You idiot!" Madeline screamed. "You're going to ruin me, ruin the Bell family, and ruin yourself!"She rushed forward and slapped Veronica hard. The sound echoed through the territory."I can't believe my own pack sister destroyed me!" Madeline hit her again and again. "After everything I've done!"Veronica stumbled backward, blood on her lip. "What right do you have to hit me? What good are you?"Madeline kicked Veronica in the stomach. She fell to the ground."You deserve to cross into the eternal hunting grounds!" Madeline screamed, kicking repeatedly. "I'm ruined! What good does that do you?!""You act so high and mighty because you're Damon's mate!" Veronica gasped. "You looked down on me, trampled me!""You deserve this! You deserve what you're getting!"Madeline grabbed a moonwood stick from the gard
**(God's POV)**Pack reporters swarmed the gathering entrance. Camera flashes lit up the hunting den like silver lightning."There's Veronica Hayes!" a journalist shouted.Veronica walked through the crowd with her head high. Whispers followed her, but she didn't care."Miss Hayes, what brings you here tonight?" A reporter thrust his device at her face."What are you doing here, Veronica?" Madeline Bell's voice cut through the noise. She pushed through the crowd, face twisted with anger."Are you moon-touched? This isn't for territory-less omegas."Veronica's eyes glittered dangerously. "Do you think you're the only one who represents the Hayes pack's dignity?"The reporters pressed closer, smelling drama."You have no right," Madeline snarled. "Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of."Veronica reached into her hunting pouch. "I have something the pack will find interesting."She pulled out a recording device. "A conversation between Madeline Bell and the Wolf Bloodline