**(Caleb's POV)**Rachel Woods stood rigid beside me, her eyes blazing as she stared down Amanda Reed."He has a she-wolf now," Rachel said coldly. "You should preserve your dignity and leave."I took Rachel's paw in mine, squeezing gently. Her fingers trembled with rage, but she squeezed back.Amanda's eyes filled with tears. "Caleb... do you truly have no feelings for me? Did our years together mean nothing?"Her voice broke. I felt an old pang in my chest but remained silent."This is moral blackmail," Rachel snapped. "You abandoned him years ago. You don't get to demand his loyalty now.""You don't understand!" Amanda cried. "Caleb never asked why I left! He never wanted the truth!"She turned to me directly. "I was forced to leave you. They made me sever our bond. I had no choice!"I looked at her in surprise. This was the first time she'd hinted at being coerced.Rachel tugged my arm, giving me a sharp look that said she didn't want me hearing Amanda's excuses."Regard
**(Caleb's POV)**I drove frantically through Ocean City territory, my heart racing. Rachel had vanished, and I had no idea where to find her.After searching everywhere I could think of, I pulled up to her estate. Daniel stood guard at the entrance, his face grim."Has she returned?" I asked, jumping out of my SUV.Daniel shook his head. "Alpha Woods hasn't come back. She left two hours ago, driving fast."I cursed and ran my hands through my hair. Emma's return had destroyed everything. Now I might lose Rachel forever."Any idea where she'd go?" I pressed.Daniel's expression stayed neutral. "Alpha Woods keeps secrets. But when upset, she visits places that remind her of better times."I nodded and got back in my vehicle. For thirty minutes, I searched everywhere. The café where we first talked. The park where I saved her from rogues. The shopping district she loved.Nothing. No sign of her anywhere.Leaning against my SUV, I realized how little I knew about Rachel Woods. W
**(Diana's POV)**Harold Foster was relaxing on the sofa in his loungewear, reviewing pack territory reports spread across the coffee table. The documents detailed hunting rights allocations and territorial boundaries—the kind of mundane pack business that made him feel important.I had just finished my moonlight herb treatment and felt utterly drained. The session always left me feeling vulnerable and dependent, which I knew Harold appreciated. I leaned tiredly against his shoulder, letting my weight rest against him."You look exhausted," Harold murmured, his hand automatically moving to stroke my hair. "The treatment was intense today?""Mmmm," I sighed softly, nuzzling closer to his warmth. "But it's worth it to stay beautiful for you."This complete devotion was exactly what Harold craved. Unlike Madam Evelyn Foster, who was too assertive and constantly overshadowed him within the pack hierarchy, I made him feel accomplished. I made him feel like the dominant Alpha he believe
**(Caleb's POV)**I looked at Rachel Woods. For a moment, I thought she cared about me. But the feeling passed quickly."Rachel, are you serious about being with me?"Maybe Emma Parker's return made her panic."Caleb, tomorrow morning bring your pack papers. Come with me to the Pack Registry Office." Her voice was urgent.I frowned and touched her forehead. "Your wolf is moon-touched. Let's go back."Rachel grabbed my wrist. "I'm serious. We can form a pack bond secretly. It doesn't matter if you don't want anyone to know."She could do anything, apparently.I stared at her, confused. "Why don't you just tell me what your wolf wants?"I would try to satisfy her."If I don't form another pack bond, the Woods family will pressure me. I need a wolf that's easy to control." She looked up at me. "Does your wolf dare to register a pack bond with mine?"I saw panic in her eyes. Real fear. I rarely saw Rachel this scared.After a long silence, I spoke quietly. "Yes."Since it was
**(Elara's POV)**Miranda Vance scoffed loudly. "If you're so close to Apex Holdings' Alpha, call him and prove it!"I glanced at Madam Evergreen calmly. "I don't know him personally, but Lucian does. I can ask him to check if you want."Lucian had taken me to that private Northern Ridge territory before it opened to the public. That meant they had a good relationship.Miranda laughed harshly. "Lucian Thorne? If Apex's Alpha really knew him, would he let Lucian get kicked out? He would have helped!"Other she-wolves joined in eagerly."Exactly! Alphas only care about hunting rights. What does Lucian have now?""They probably won't even answer his calls!"Someone joked, "Still, with Lucian's looks, I'd support him even if he's not an Alpha anymore."Selena Vance looked disgusted. The joking she-wolf snapped back, "You're just a fake Foster daughter! Madeline Bell is the real one. You're nothing!"Miranda added, "Right! You two are the same - both tried to steal rich identities
**(Elara's POV)**I hugged Rachel Woods' arm tight. My heart filled with love for this bold friend who defended me.The high-status she-wolves stepped back. They knew Rachel's wild reputation. No one wanted to cross the Woods family.Madeline Bell moved forward with fake concern. "Rachel, aren't you being too harsh? These are respected pack members."Rachel spun around, eyes blazing. "Miss Dramatic, why aren't you in entertainment instead of politics? You've got the acting skills."She waved at Madeline's perfect face. "All that fake sweetness - you're wasted here."Madeline took a breath, holding back her anger.Rachel's boldness gave me courage. "We're not pack sisters. Don't make it sound nice."But anxiety hit me hard. I hid behind Rachel's shoulder fast.Madeline's eyes filled with fake tears. "Elara, I invited you because I thought we were close. I care about you."A she-wolf beside Madeline laughed. "What sisterhood? She's a silver-contaminated omega from the Rivers pa