**(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
**(James's POV)**The Neutral Territory Hunting Den stank of cheap moonberry wine. I sat alone, drowning my fury in alcohol. Elara's defiance. The traffic violation. Madeline's lies. Everything was falling apart.A she-wolf with bleached fur slid into my booth uninvited. "Mind if I join you, handsome?""Yes, I do mind. Get lost."She pouted but retreated when my dominant aura flared.I stood to leave. This place was beneath me anyway.A massive drunk wolf blocked my path. He held a broken bottle like a weapon. "You think you're better than us? Fancy Alpha looking down on territory-less wolves?"My claws extended. After today's humiliation, this fool was exactly what I needed."Move aside," I warned."Or what?" He stepped closer. "Daddy's hunting rights won't help you here."A bright flash interrupted us. Someone was recording with their communication device."Stop filming!" the drunk wolf roared, spinning toward a young she-wolf near the bar. "I'll give you something worth r
**(Harold's POV)**I stared at Elara, seeing Madam Evelyn Foster from decades ago. Back then, my mate had been gentle and timid, just like this trembling she-wolf before me.Now Madam Evelyn could tear me apart with words alone. What happened to my gentle mate?"Take the box, Elara," I said, my voice softer. "Your grandmother left it for you."She shook her head, pressing closer to Lucian. "I don't want anything from your pack.""It's not from me. It belonged to your grandmother. She said it should go to her first granddaughter."Madam Evelyn's voice cut sharp. "Harold, why didn't you give this to Madeline when she posed as our daughter? You wanted to keep it."My anger flared. "I knew Madeline wasn't my daughter! I needed time to investigate."Everyone rolled their eyes. Simon Foster leaned against the doorframe, shaking his head at my obvious lies."Sure, Harold," Simon muttered. "Very convenient timing."Madam Evelyn looked at Elara gently. "Take the box, dear. It's yours.