Chapter 27

The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silvery shadows on the ground. Olivia kept her gaze ahead, her thoughts racing. The evening had been unexpectedly pleasant, far removed from the tension she had anticipated. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to maintain her distance from Asher.

When they reached the edge of the forest path leading to her home, Olivia abruptly stopped walking. Asher paused besides her, looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"There’s no need for you to walk me all the way home," Olivia said, her voice firm but gentle. "I can go on my own from here."

Asher frowned, a trace of worry clouding his features. "It’s late, Olivia. I’d feel better if I saw you home safely."

Olivia shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I’m a wolf, Asher. I can defend myself against any human who might cross my path."

"I know you can," Asher replied, his voice tender. "But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to make sure you’re safe."

Olivia’s eyes met his, and for a brief moment, the tension between them eased. But she couldn’t allow herself to be swayed.

"I appreciate it," she said quietly, "but I’ll be fine."

Asher hesitated, his gaze lingering on her. Then, in a swift movement, he closed the distance between them. His hand cupped her cheek, and before she could react, he leant in and kissed her. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun, but the warmth lingered, spreading through her like wildfire.

Olivia’s breath caught, and she stared at him, her heart pounding. Asher pulled back, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. His eyes held a mixture of longing and resignation, as if he knew this was as close as he could get to her for now.

"Goodnight Olivia," he murmured. "I will find you again."

Without waiting for a response, Asher turned and walked away, leaving Olivia standing there, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She watched him disappear into the shadows, her hand unconsciously reaching up to touch the spot where his lips had brushed against her skin.

For a moment, she stood there, trying to steady her racing heart. The kiss had been unexpected, yet it wasn’t unexpected. But it also complicated things, stirring up feelings she wasn’t ready to confront.

***

Luna Camilla’s day had been going smoothly, or as smoothly as it could in the midst of all the preparations. The looming mating ceremony for her son, Asher. But when an Omega knocked on her office door and informed her that Alpha Cassius was requesting an urgent meeting, irritation prickled beneath her composed exterior.

She took a moment to smooth her dress and mentally prepare herself before she allowed Cassius into her office. He was ambitious, and while their packs had maintained a cordial relationship over the years, there was always a sense that Cassius was playing a long game, with every move calculated.

As Cassius entered, Camilla didn’t bother with pleasantries. "What do you want, Cassius?" she asked, her tone clipped as she took her seat behind the large oak desk. Her sharp gaze fixed on him.

Cassius gave her a tight smile as he settled into the chair opposite her. "I won’t waste your time, Luna Camilla," he began, his voice smooth but laced with a hint of something darker. "Are you aware of Asher’s whereabouts?"

Camilla raised an eyebrow, her irritation flaring. "Of course I am. He’s my son. He’s in Wolf Creek busy with work, and we speak every day."

Cassius’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a gleam in his eyes that made Camilla’s instincts sharpen. "Busy with work, you say? Or is he trying to postpone the mating ceremony?"

Camilla’s patience was wearing thin. She straightened in her chair, her expression hardening. "I’ve promised Thelia as Asher’s mate, and I don’t break my promises, Cassius. The ceremony will happen as plOliviad."

Cassius leant back in his chair, studying her with an unreadable expression. "I’m sure you intend to keep your word, but you should be careful, Luna. Letting him wander too much might not be wise. What if he finds his true mate before the ceremony? There are others out there, stronger ones. If certain secrets were to be revealed, it could jeopardise his position as the future Alpha King."

A cold chill ran through Camilla, though she didn’t let it show on her face. Cassius’s words were like a thinly veiled threat, a reminder that the political landscape waseacherous as ever. She had worked tirelessly to ensure Asher’s future, making deals, forming alliances, and managing secrets that were best left buried.

But now, Cassius was hinting at something more, something that could unravel everything she had built. The mention of a secret that could endanger Asher’s claim to the throne was not something she could ignore.

Still, she kept her expression neutral, refusing to give Cassius the satisfaction of seeing her unsettled. "I’m not concerned, Cassius," she replied, her voice steady. "Asher knows his duty, and he knows what’s at stake. The mating ceremony will take place, and nothing will stop that."

Cassius studied her for a moment longer, his eyes searching for any sign of weakness. When he found none, he gave a slight nod. "I’m sure you’re right, Luna. But do keep a close eye on him. The future of our packs depends on it."

"Is that a warning ?"

She asked, raising an eyebrow in response to Cassius’s cryptic statement.

Cassius chuckled, shaking his head. "Consider it friendly advice," he replied before turning to leave the room. Luna watched him go, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.

Camilla rose from her chair, her resolve hardening. She wouldn’t let anything jeopardise her son’s future. Not Cassius, not some potential mate, and certainly not a secret that should have remained buried. She had come too far to let it all slip through her fingers now.

Without wasting another moment, she reached for the small silver bell on her desk and gave it a sharp ring. Within seconds, the door to her office opened, and her most trusted aide, Marcus, stepped inside.

"You called, Luna?" Marcus asked, his voice low and respectful.

Camilla stopped pacing and turned to face him, her expression serious. "Yes, Marcus. I need you to find out what Asher has been up to in Alaska. I’ve been told that he’s handling pack business, but I’m beginning to suspect there’s more to it."

Marcus nodded. "Consider it done, Luna. I’ll get started right away," he assured her before turning to leave the room and carry out his orders.