LOGINThorne's POVIt was the day to announce my decision. Before this day, I had sent a letter to Ravenfur Pack addressing Finn on what this decision would entail with a limited time to respond. It was unknown to Alaric, and by the time he found out, he would be really pissed, but I didn't care about his reaction. Everything I was going to do from now on was going to be in my daughter's favor. At the end of the day, he might even have me to thank, but only if he turned out to be genuine.Before me today, stood Alaric and my precious daughter Samantha. The elders, my generals, and other officials were all present to hear my decision. My Beta was beside me; he knew already, but it was to be a secret until this moment.I could sense the tension in the room between my daughter and Alaric, though Alaric seemed to be the more anxious of the two.The purpose of the day was announced by my beta and soon the meeting commenced. The issue of concern was raised, and Alaric repeated his desire for an
Samantha's POV"He doesn't know boundaries," Alaric said, pacing angrily about the room. He had been seething since we got into my room. Was he really intending to fight the Lycan King? I was glad I dragged him out sooner, but then Alpha Thorne didn't do anything to stop me. Walking out on him, wasn't that supposed to seem disrespectful? I shook my head. I was starting to think that I was really getting some preferential treatment here."I guess he's too curious, as he said," I said, and Alaric's disappointed gaze made me realize how unserious I was in seeing Alpha Thorne as a threat. I only had a tour with him; why was I starting to get comfortable?"Curious?" Alaric said, scoffing. "I think he might be attracted to you, seeing that he specifically asked that you come along. Maybe he's into those in the medical field, which makes me question him even more. What if he's behind all this?" Alaric kept making assumptions, but his fears were valid. I just didn't share in that dread."I do
Thorne's POV She had her head bent, avoiding my gaze as was demanded of protocol."Alpha, you called for me," she spoke, and I could sense the fear in her voice. I didn't want her to fear me. I wanted her to get comfortable and feel at home as soon as possible."Yes, look up," I said, wishing to see her face, the face I had been deprived of for many years. I couldn't still believe it. I had a daughter, and she was standing right in front of me.Samantha raised her head. I got even more excited that I didn't care about protocols and left my seat a second time just to be close to her. I see her tremble; she was scared of me. If only she knew who she was."How was your night?" I asked. Her expression immediately clouded with confusion, like she couldn't believe what she was hearing."Good," she spoke softly. I nodded, beaming a smile that confused her more."I had them make a very special meal for you this morning. Did you enjoy it?" She gives a single nod. I knew this felt weird to her
Thorne's POVIt had been years since my mate abandoned me. I had sent scouts to comb every scrub of packs they infiltrated. Packs were usually cautious of any other pack entering their kingdom, and knowing no one accepted rogues anymore, what pack could she possibly be in? My men had to move secretly into packs but they couldn't find her, not even a scent; even my best trackers all failed. I had gone myself in search of her, since she was my mate, her scent should be stronger to me, yet nothing.I had grieved her absence like she were gone for good, but I refused to believe she was dead. I didn't want to believe she really abandoned me. That was absurd; Irene loved me with all her heart and betrayed her own people just to be with me.When Irene started showing signs of mental illness, I got her the best doctors I could, even down to the academy at Arcana Hills, and yet each time she got better, her symptoms returned worse than before. She said she kept having visions, ones that felt
Samantha''s POV"Huh?" I muttered raising my head to catch the curious gaze of alpha Thorne. His eyes looked like a ticking clock compelling me to give a response immediately. "Parents. You do have them, right? Don't lie." I was taken aback. How did he know I was tempted to?"I don't have any," I said. He let out a deep breath and relaxed, but he looked unsettled."What do you mean? Everyone has parents.""I had a mother, but—""You don't have to say anything," Alaric interrupted. He shook his head at me and looked at Thorne. "It’s too personal. Can we change the topic?""What was your mother’s name?" Thorne asked, ignoring Alaric entirely."Celeste... Celeste Phillip. Her last name is from my stepfather," I answered quickly, sensing the rising tension. I touched Alaric’s thigh under the table, silently begging him to stay calm.Thorne sat up, looking even more interested. "So, you don't know your father?""Never met him," I said.He let out a deep sigh. Why did he seem relieved hear
Samantha's POV"He was sitting on silver thorns, Alaric," I said the moment the escorts left us. Alaric had insisted on seeing my room after they had led him to his room first. Luckily, it was in the same floor."I know. I saw it too," Alaric said, worry etched on his face as he rubbed his temple. I was worried, too. Finn had given us weapons made of Lycan’s Bane and silver, but Alpha Thorne had already grown resistant to silver. What if the Lycan’s Bane wasn't strong enough to actually kill him?Alaric turned to me, looking concerned as he saw the look on my face. He placed his hands on my shoulders, peering deep into my eyes. "Let’s remain calm and watch what move he takes," he said and I nodded. I was more worried about him because I had agreed to this, to coming here while he fought against it, and I hoped I wasn't wrong. "I’ll protect you no matter what it takes," he assured me, his gaze softening.I placed my hands over his. "We’ll protect each other."He let out a small smile.







